Many people do not have cars and choose to walk from place to place. Walking is convenient in busy areas where parking is limited. It’s also a good source of exercise.
However, being a pedestrian comes with dangers. Motorists are not always looking out for pedestrians on the roadways. Drivers often cause serious pedestrian accidents. Driver error is the most common cause of these crashes.
Still, there are situations in which pedestrians are to blame. In these cases, even if victims are 1% at fault, they cannot recover compensation. This is under Maryland’s contributory negligence laws, so the rules are strict.
Still, the law favors pedestrians. Drivers should not simply run over them if they are in the road and not in a crosswalk. Drivers should always yield to them.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you need legal help. You’re dealing with serious injuries, so make sure you get the compensation you need to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
The Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyer at Furman | Honick Law is ready to take on your case.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are caused by the following:
- Distracted driving. Distractions are more common nowadays, with drivers glued to their smartphones. Actions such as reading, eating, drinking, using the navigation system, and tending to children and passengers is distracting, causing pedestrian crashes.
- Intoxication leads to decreased coordination and judgment. But it’s not just motorists who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A large percentage of pedestrians try to get around on foot while intoxicated, making them more likely to get hit by a car.
- Poor visibility. One of the main reasons why motorists hit pedestrians is simply because they didn’t see them. Weather conditions, poor headlight use, and road conditions (such as curves) make pedestrians harder to see.
- Jaywalking occurs when a pedestrian crosses a street outside of a crosswalk. Pedestrians must yield to drivers when crossing a street outside a crosswalk. If they fail to do so and get hit, they likely will not receive any compensation.
- Dark clothing. Wearing dark clothing at night is a recipe for disaster for a pedestrian. It’s hard enough for motorists to see pedestrians. Pedestrians need to do their part to make themselves more visible. This means wearing light clothing and carrying a flashlight. It’s also a good idea to avoid poorly lit roads.
Common Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents
When motor vehicles strike pedestrians at high speeds, the results devastate lives. Our Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyer regularly represents injured pedestrians facing severe injuries demanding substantial financial compensation.
Head and Brain Trauma
Traumatic brain injuries rank among the most common injuries pedestrians suffer. These devastating injuries occur when vehicles strike pedestrians, causing their heads to hit windshields or pavement.
Our Maryland pedestrian accident lawyer sees numerous cases where TBIs lead to:
- Memory loss
- Personality changes
- Speech difficulties
- Vision problems
- Balance issues
Spinal Damage
Spinal cord injuries create life-altering consequences for injured individuals. The impact between pedestrians and motor vehicles often damages vertebrae, leading to:
- Paralysis
- Loss of sensation
- Reduced mobility
- Chronic pain
- Permanent disability
Bone Fractures
The force of car accidents shatters bones throughout the body. Many pedestrians experience:
- Skull fractures
- Broken arms and legs
- Shattered pelvis
- Fractured ribs
- Crushed vertebrae
Internal Trauma
The human body absorbs tremendous force during pedestrian accidents. Internal injuries include:
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Collapsed lungs
- Ruptured spleen
- Damaged kidneys
Soft Tissue Damage
Even at lower speeds, negligent drivers cause significant soft tissue injuries:
- Torn ligaments
- Stretched tendons
- Muscle damage
- Joint injuries
- Nerve compression
Long-Term Complications
Many injured pedestrians face ongoing challenges:
- Chronic pain
- Limited mobility
- Mental health issues
- Lost wages
- Financial strain
Recovery and Compensation for Baltimore Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident cases demand experienced legal representation to secure fair compensation. Our Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyer understands motor vehicle accidents’ devastating impact on injured pedestrians.
We fight aggressively to recover every dollar you deserve.
Medical Expenses Recovery
Medical bills pile up quickly after pedestrian accidents. Serious injuries from these accidents often require extensive treatment, from emergency medical assistance to long-term rehabilitation.
Lost Income Recovery
When motor vehicles strike pedestrians, the resulting injuries often prevent victims from working. This lost income creates significant financial strain for injured individuals and their families.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Beyond medical bills and lost wages, pedestrian accidents cause tremendous physical and emotional trauma. Our injury lawyers understand that severe injuries affect every aspect of your life.
Insurance Company Challenges
Many injured pedestrians face resistance from insurance companies after accidents. These companies often minimize injuries, dispute liability, or pressure victims into quick settlements.
Building Your Case
Success demands thorough documentation. Our accident lawyers meticulously gather evidence from the accident scene, analyze medical records, and document traffic law violations.
Personalized Legal Strategy
Every pedestrian accident case presents unique challenges. Our Maryland pedestrian accident lawyer develops a personalized approach based on your injuries, circumstances, and needs.
Free Consultation Value
Understanding your legal options starts with a free consultation. Our experienced team reviews your accident case, explains relevant pedestrian laws, and outlines potential compensation sources. We handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your injuries.
Getting Help
Contact our Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyer today. We help injured pedestrians navigate the legal system while seeking maximum compensation from negligent drivers and insurance companies.
Documentation Matters
Gather essential evidence after the accident:
- Medical assistance records
- Accident scene photos
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Case numbers
- Visible clothing details
Right of Way Rights
Maryland pedestrians have specific rights. Drivers must follow traffic laws and pedestrian signals. Our Maryland pedestrian accident lawyer protects these rights through aggressive representation.
Don’t let other vehicles’ insurance companies minimize your injuries. Our injury lawyers fight for injured individuals, securing compensation that addresses immediate needs and long-term consequences.
Why You Need a Baltimore Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Motor vehicle accidents devastate pedestrians. The aftermath leaves injured pedestrians facing mounting medical bills while insurance companies pressure them toward quick settlements.
Our Maryland pedestrian accident lawyer protects your rights throughout this challenging time.
Expert Navigation Through Complex Laws
Maryland pedestrian laws create unique challenges for injured individuals. The legal system treats pedestrian accident cases differently from standard car accidents. Our accident lawyers understand these complex traffic laws.
We know how right-of-way rules affect your case. Our experienced team helps pedestrians avoid mistakes that might damage their claims.
Protection Against Insurance Tactics
Insurance companies minimize pedestrian accident cases. They offer low settlements before injured pedestrians understand their medical expenses. Our injury lawyers stop these predatory practices.
We shield you from pressure from the insurance company while building strong evidence for fair compensation.
Documentation of Serious Injuries
Pedestrian accidents produce severe injuries that demand extensive documentation.
Our Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyer works with medical providers to prove:
- Traumatic brain injuries impact your future
- Spinal cord injuries require long-term care
- Internal injuries demand ongoing treatment
- Most common injuries lead to lasting effects
Financial Recovery Maximization
Our experienced team calculates all losses from your pedestrian accident case. We pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills from emergency treatment
- Lost wages during recovery
- Future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain suffering
- Lost income opportunities
- Family support needs
Evidence Collection
The accident scene tells your story. Our Maryland pedestrian accident lawyer gathers crucial evidence:
- Traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Marked crosswalks conditions
- Pedestrian signals status
- Poor visibility factors
- Visible clothing details
Fighting Contributory Negligence
Maryland law blocks compensation for injured pedestrians who share even 1% fault. Our accident lawyers protect you from false blame. We prove negligent drivers caused your injuries through:
- Distracted driving evidence
- High speeds documentation
- Traffic laws violations
- At-fault driver actions
Medical Treatment Coordination
Your recovery matters most. Our personal injury lawyers help coordinate your medical assistance needs. We ensure your medical records document every injury.
This thorough approach strengthens your case while supporting your recovery.
Contingency Fee Representation
Many injured individuals avoid seeking legal representation due to financial strain. Our law offices eliminate this barrier. We handle pedestrian accident cases through contingency fee agreements.
You pay nothing unless we secure financial compensation for your injuries.
Experienced Legal Team
Our Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyer provides personalized attention to every case. We offer:
- Free consultation meetings
- Direct communication access
- Regular case updates
- Experienced team support
- Legal options explanation
- Personalized approach planning
Proven Results Record
Our accident lawyers secure substantial settlements for injured pedestrians. We understand how pedestrian accident cases affect lives. This knowledge drives our aggressive pursuit of fair compensation from negligent drivers.
Take action today. Schedule your free consultation with our Maryland pedestrian accident lawyer. Let our experienced team protect your rights while you focus on recovery.
Your pedestrian accident case deserves dedicated legal representation focused on securing maximum compensation for your injuries.
Remember: The legal system favors represented parties. Our Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyer ensures your voice reaches decision-makers. Trust our personal injury lawyers to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Pedestrian Safety in Baltimore
Our Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyer knows the perilous safety challenges pedestrians face.
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, pedestrian accidents remain a critical safety concern throughout Baltimore.
Understanding the Risk
The Baltimore Department of Transportation’s data shows that pedestrians face heightened risks at:
- Signalized intersections
- Multi-lane roadways
- High-traffic commercial areas
- Areas without dedicated crosswalks
- Locations with limited visibility
When Accidents Happen
Transportation safety data identifies several high-risk periods:
- Rush hour commute times
- Early evening hours
- Weekend nights
- Adverse weather conditions
- Low-light situations
Safety Initiatives
Baltimore’s commitment to pedestrian safety includes:
- Vision Zero initiatives
- Improved crosswalk markings
- Traffic calming measures
- Enhanced street lighting
- Pedestrian countdown signals
Contact Furman | Honick Law Today
Pedestrians have nothing to protect them in the event of an accident. As a result, they suffer from catastrophic injuries. Many of these crashes result in fatality.
Were you injured in a pedestrian crash? Was your loved one killed? Get compensation and justice with help from the experienced and aggressive Baltimore personal injury lawyers at Furman | Honick Law.
Call (410) 844-6000 or fill out the online form to schedule a free consultation.