Hagerstown Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable class of road users and are at risk of severe injury or death in any collision with an automobile. Maryland sees about 3,000 pedestrian crashes every year, often resulting in a catastrophic or fatal injury. While pedestrian accidents only make up about 3% of all traffic crashes, they account for nearly a quarter of all fatalities. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of pedestrian accidents are concentrated in metropolitan areas, where bustling streets and high-traffic areas mix with pedestrian zones. At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, our Hagerstown pedestrian accident attorneys are committed to helping victims of pedestrian accidents seek justice and secure the compensation they deserve. Call us today at 800-827-2667 to discuss your case.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Hagerstown
Pedestrian accidents occur for various reasons, many of which stem from driver negligence. Common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, using GPS, or other distractions can lead drivers to miss pedestrians in crosswalks or intersections.
- Failure to Yield: Maryland law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, but this rule is often ignored. An especially risky maneuver occurs when drivers recklessly swerve around a car that has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross.
- Speeding: High speeds reduce reaction times, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Additionally, the likelihood of a fatality or severe injury goes up considerably as speed increases.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time, putting pedestrians at significant risk.
- Poor Visibility: Accidents frequently occur at night or during adverse weather conditions when pedestrians are harder to see.
Pedestrians can also face risks due to defective traffic signals, poorly marked crosswalks, or other infrastructure issues due to negligent road design and maintenance on the part of city planners and responsible government agencies.
Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries, given the vulnerability of those on foot. Some of the most severe and unfortunately common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, broken bones and fractures, internal organ damage, and severe lacerations and abrasions. These injuries can lead to extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and significant financial burdens.
Maryland Pedestrian Accident Laws
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning that if a pedestrian is found even slightly at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation. This makes it crucial to work with an experienced attorney who can build a strong case proving the driver’s liability and who understands how to deal with allegations of contributory negligence.
Drivers in Maryland are required to exercise reasonable care to avoid hitting pedestrians, especially in crosswalks and other areas where pedestrians are expected. Violations of traffic laws, such as speeding or failing to yield, can strengthen a pedestrian accident claim. Important pedestrian safety laws in Maryland include:
- Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and stay stopped until they have crossed to the other half of the roadway or exited the roadway
- Do not pass a vehicle that has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross
- Yield the right-of-way when turning to pedestrians in a crosswalk
- Do not stop inside of a crosswalk
How Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Hagerstown, our dedicated personal injury attorneys are here to assist. We provide compassionate yet aggressive representation, ensuring that negligent parties are held accountable. We conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to determine liability, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to establish fault. Our team works to determine the full extent of your financial losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We take on the task of negotiating with insurers on your behalf with skill and expertise. Insurance companies often try to shift liability or minimize payouts. We fight to ensure you receive fair compensation. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to pursue justice.
Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses (current and future), lost income and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, rehabilitation costs, and more. In cases of wrongful death, surviving family members may also be eligible for damages related to funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
Contact a Hagerstown Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
Pedestrian accidents can have life-altering consequences; ensure you have qualified and dedicated legal counsel to protect your rights and ensure the success of your claim. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP are here to guide you every step of the way. We proudly serve pedestrian accident victims and their families in Hagerstown. Contact us today at 800-827-2667 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
