CHARLES COUNTY, MD (July 3, 2025) – A pedestrian was struck and killed while attempting to cross Route 210 in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
The crash occurred around 12:30 a.m. on northbound Maryland Route 210, north of Maryland Route 225 in Bryans Road. The deceased pedestrian has been identified as Kory Branson, 45, of Bryans Road, Maryland.
Maryland State Police troopers from the La Plata Barrack responded to the scene. According to preliminary investigation, Branson was attempting to cross Maryland Route 210 when he was struck by a Chevrolet Tahoe. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Charles County emergency medical services personnel.
The driver of the Chevrolet Tahoe remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities. No charges are being filed at this time.
Maryland Route 210 was closed for more than two hours for the crash investigation. Assistance on scene was provided by deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and personnel from the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration.
Maryland Route 210, also known as Indian Head Highway, is a major thoroughfare connecting Charles County to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The highway carries heavy traffic volumes and high speeds, making pedestrian crossings particularly dangerous, especially during nighttime hours when visibility is reduced.
Recent statistics show that pedestrian fatalities have increased significantly across Maryland, with nighttime crashes accounting for a disproportionate number of deaths. Factors contributing to these tragedies include inadequate lighting, lack of designated crosswalks, and the high-speed nature of highways like Route 210.
When pedestrians are struck by vehicles, determining liability involves examining multiple factors including driver negligence, pedestrian behavior, road conditions, and infrastructure design. Even when pedestrians are not using designated crosswalks, drivers still have a duty to exercise reasonable care and maintain proper lookout.
Driver Responsibilities: Motorists must maintain appropriate speeds for conditions, remain alert for pedestrians, and take evasive action when possible to avoid collisions.
Infrastructure Liability: Government entities may bear responsibility when inadequate lighting, missing crosswalks, or poor road design contribute to pedestrian accidents.
Comparative Negligence: Maryland follows a contributory negligence standard, which can significantly impact recovery in pedestrian cases.
Immediate Medical Attention: Pedestrian injuries are often severe and require immediate medical evaluation, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent.
Document the Scene: If possible, photograph the accident location, vehicle damage, and any relevant road conditions or signage.
Witness Information: Obtain contact information from witnesses who observed the accident.
Police Report: Ensure law enforcement responds and files an official report documenting the incident.
Legal Consultation: Contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney promptly, as evidence can disappear quickly and insurance companies may attempt to minimize claims.
Pedestrian accident victims or their families may recover damages including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in fatal cases, wrongful death damages. These cases often involve significant compensation due to the severe nature of pedestrian injuries.
Insurance coverage typically includes the driver’s liability insurance, and in some cases, the pedestrian’s own auto insurance may provide additional coverage through uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits.
If you or a loved one was involved in a pedestrian accident in Charles County, Maryland, the experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long Law can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in Maryland. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Regan Zambri Long as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.
Disclaimer: All information in this post is informational and is not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.