- Our Attorneys
- Car Accidents
- Personal Injury
- Workers’ Compensation
- Medical Malpractice
- Criminal Defense
- Locations
- Contact
★★★★★ 5/5
4.9 Rating / 400+ Reviews
Maryland Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
hurt in an accident?
CONTACT HYATT & GOLDBLOOM
Trusted Maryland Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
When a motor vehicle and a pedestrian collide, the pedestrian often sustains severe and potentially life-threatening injuries. Unlike accidents involving only vehicles, even a minor collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian can lead to catastrophic harm or even death. Every pedestrian accident, regardless of its severity, is a traumatic event. If you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Maryland, you should not have to endure further hardship caused by the insurance claims process. The Maryland pedestrian accident attorneys at Hyatt & Goldbloom are dedicated to aggressively protecting your legal rights. We strive to ensure that your journey to recovery is as stress-free as possible.
Common Maryland Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrians lack the protective measures afforded to drivers in automobiles. Without a steel frame or airbag to shield them, even a minor collision can result in significant harm. Common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Dental and facial injuries
Not all injuries are immediately apparent following an accident. Furthermore, the severity of your injury may not become apparent until later. It is possible to develop complications from injuries that initially seem minor. That is why it is crucial to promptly seek medical attention after any pedestrian accident, regardless of whether you believe your injuries are minor or nonexistent. Prioritize your health and well-being by receiving the necessary medical care.
Most Common Causes of Maryland Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can arise from a multitude of factors, and it is crucial to acknowledge the distinct nature of each incident. Nevertheless, there are several prevailing causes that frequently contribute to these accidents. Some of these factors encompass:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who engage in activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies may not fully concentrate on the road, increasing the risk of colliding with pedestrians.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who fail to give pedestrians the right-of-way at crosswalks, intersections, or other designated areas can cause accidents. This negligence can stem from inattentiveness, disregarding traffic signals, or not acknowledging the presence of pedestrians.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit diminishes a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations, making it more challenging to stop in time and avoid colliding with pedestrians.
- Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination, significantly elevating the likelihood of striking a pedestrian.
- Poor Visibility: Low light conditions, such as during night-time or inclement weather, can impair a driver’s visibility of pedestrians, heightening the risk of accidents.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Drivers who disregard traffic signs, signals, or regulations may neglect to yield to pedestrians or violate their right-of-way, leading to accidents.
- Jaywalking or Improper Crossing: Pedestrians who cross the road outside designated crosswalks, against traffic signals, or without ensuring safety put themselves at a greater risk of being hit by a vehicle.
- Vehicle Blind Spots: Large vehicles like trucks, buses, or even passenger cars have blind spots where pedestrians may not be visible to the driver, increasing the likelihood of accidents when pedestrians are in those areas.
- Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate or poorly designed pedestrian infrastructure, such as the lack of sidewalks, insufficient crosswalks, or poorly placed signage, can contribute to accidents.
Maryland Pedestrian Traffic Laws That Apply To Motorists
Certain traffic laws in Maryland specifically target motorists and their interaction with pedestrians. Familiarizing oneself with these laws as a driver enhances awareness of potentially hazardous situations that can lead to pedestrian accidents.
- When approaching a crosswalk, motorists are required to stop for pedestrians. It is important to come to a complete stop whenever a pedestrian is crossing at a crosswalk, regardless of whether they are crossing in your lane or an adjacent one.
- Passing another vehicle that has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the street is prohibited. It is against the law to pass a vehicle under these circumstances, regardless of whether the pedestrian is at a crosswalk.
- Motorists must always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians when turning at a green traffic light or arrow. This rule applies whether you are turning left or right. It is crucial to always yield to pedestrians on adjacent crosswalks.
- Blocking a crosswalk is not allowed. When stopping at a stop sign or traffic light, always stop before reaching the crosswalk.
- Motorists must yield to pedestrians when turning right at a red light. It is necessary to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at the adjacent crosswalk where you intend to make a right turn.
- Driving at reduced speeds in areas that are dangerous for pedestrians is mandatory. Drivers must follow this rule in addition to adhering to posted speed limits.
Maryland Traffic Laws That Apply To Pedestrians
In addition to traffic laws that apply to motorists, Maryland also has specific laws that directly govern pedestrians. These laws are designed to prioritize the safety of pedestrians on public roadways in Maryland. Moreover, pedestrian traffic laws establish a level of predictability for motorists, ensuring they know where pedestrians will be on the road. Some of the Maryland traffic laws that pertain to pedestrians include:
- Pedestrians are only permitted to cross the street at designated, marked crosswalks when they encounter intersection traffic control signals.
- When facing a red traffic signal, pedestrians are prohibited from entering the roadway.
- Pedestrians must refrain from initiating their crossing if they encounter a solid “Do Not Walk” or raised hand signal, regardless of traffic activity on the roadway.
- Diagonal crossing through an intersection is only allowed when authorized by a traffic control device.
- When crossing the street outside of marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections, pedestrians should yield the right-of-way to vehicles.
- Pedestrians are required to utilize provided sidewalks whenever available. In the absence of sidewalks, pedestrians should walk on the left shoulder or side of the road while facing traffic. Walking alongside a road with an available sidewalk is discouraged. However, if no sidewalk is present, pedestrians may walk on the left shoulder or side while facing traffic.
Complying with traffic laws as a pedestrian is crucial in minimizing the risk of accidents. However, there are instances when despite our best efforts, we cannot avoid accidents caused by someone else’s unexpected negligence.
By adhering to traffic laws and taking necessary precautions, we can significantly reduce the likelihood of pedestrian accidents. Moreover, by following Maryland’s pedestrian traffic laws, we can avoid any potential liability if an accident were to occur. Here are some precautionary measures to help prevent pedestrian accidents in the city:
- Walk with caution and maintain predictability when walking.
- Refrain from distractions and using electronic devices while walking. Focus on reaching your destination safely. Avoid looking down at your cell phone while walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street. Not only can this lead to inadvertently putting yourself in harm’s way, but it also hinders your ability to respond to dangerous situations.
- Remember, crosswalks and traffic lights do not guarantee cars will stop. The WALK signal simply indicates it is your turn to cross. Always ensure the roadway is clear before proceeding.
- Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk available, walk on the side of the road facing traffic. As a general rule, if there is no sidewalk on either side, walk on the left side of the road and stay as close to the shoulder as you can.
- Maintain a safe distance from the road and traffic while waiting for a bus.
Maryland Pedestrian Accident Statistics
As stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a pedestrian is characterized as “any person on foot, walking, running, jogging, hiking, in a wheelchair, sitting, or lying down.” Additionally, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), reported an estimated “8,984 pedestrians died in traffic or non-traffic incidents in 2021. Non-traffic incidents occur on non-traffic ways such as driveways, parking lots, or other private property.”
In Maryland, according to the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, “pedestrian fatalities comprise about 20 percent of all traffic deaths in Maryland” and “nearly 3,000 pedestrians are injured annually in Maryland.”
At various times, everyone assumes the role of a pedestrian. Whether it’s walking to work, crossing the street, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, these moments classify individuals as pedestrians. The purpose of pedestrian safety and related regulations is to safeguard all individuals who rely on their own physical movement, with or without the assistance of mobility aids, to travel from one place to another.
Statute Of Limitations For Pedestrian Accident Injury Claims
In Maryland and D.C., there is a specific time limit within which individuals injured in pedestrian accidents must file a lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. According to both Maryland and D.C. law, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim arising from a pedestrian accident is three years from the date of the accident. If a pedestrian accident victim fails to initiate a lawsuit within this three-year period, they are generally barred from pursuing a court claim for compensation related to their accident.
There are some limited circumstances in which courts may pause or extend the statute of limitations, commonly referred to as “tolling” the statute of limitations. For instance, Maryland and D.C. laws allow the tolling of the statute of limitations for minors, providing them with the opportunity to bring their claim within three years after reaching the age of 18.
Contact Our Maryland Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
At Hyatt & Goldbloom, we are dedicated to vigorously protecting the rights of our clients. With over thirty years of consistently achieving successful outcomes, we have a proven track record. If you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to contact our office and speak with a skilled Maryland pedestrian accident attorney. Taking this step can be crucial in securing the compensation you rightfully deserve. We offer free consultations conducted by experienced lawyers who specialize in Maryland pedestrian accidents.