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Pedestrian accidents can occur in various circumstances including crosswalk accidents, hit-and-run incidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving incidents, or any situation where a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle. The consequences of such accidents can be severe, often resulting in significant injuries or even fatalities.
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If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Maryland pedestrian accident, the skilled pedestrian accident lawyers at Regan Zambri Long are here to provide valuable assistance by protecting your rights and working to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a no-obligation free consultation.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a pedestrian is defined as “any person on foot, walking, running, jogging, hiking, in a wheelchair, sitting, or lying down.” Further, 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.”
For the most part, everyone is considered a pedestrian at some point. Whether someone is walking to work, crossing the street, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, they are considered pedestrians during those moments. Pedestrian safety and the laws pertaining to pedestrians are designed to protect all individuals who use their own physical movement with or without the use of a mobility aid, to get from one place to another.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian if you’re able to, move to a safe location. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation will help determine the extent of your injuries and provide necessary treatment. If you’re injured and unable to move, try to stay still and wait for medical help to arrive.
It’s important that you call the police or emergency services to report the accident. They will create an official report documenting the incident, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal purposes.
If a vehicle was involved, obtain the driver’s contact information, including their name, phone number, address, and insurance details. It’s also important to collect the names and contact information of any witnesses present at the scene. Their statements may be valuable in supporting your case.
If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene including the positions of any vehicles involved, any visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs or signals, and other relevant details. This evidence can be useful in the claims process.
Be sure to keep records of your medical treatment, including doctor’s visits, test results, and prescribed medications. Save any receipts or invoices related to medical expenses, transportation costs, or other accident-related costs. This information will help when trying to recover compensation.
This is likely an overwhelming time for you. If you’ve suffered injuries, you should be putting your energy into healing. For your wellness and for your best interests, it’s wise to seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer who specializes in pedestrian accidents.
Compensation for pedestrian accident victims aims to provide financial recovery for the damages and losses they have suffered due to the accident. Without compensation, these damages and losses may be a great burden to the accident victims and their families. A knowledgeable lawyer familiar with Maryland courts and pedestrian accidents can help you navigate your options and understand the compensation you’re entitled to.
There are five jurisdictions in the nation that recognize the contributory negligence rule. Maryland is one of them. What this means is if an injured victim is found liable for even the smallest percentage of their injuries, they may be denied any compensation for their losses.
In the case of pedestrian accidents, an example of contributory negligence is as follows: Pedestrians are obligated to adhere to traffic laws and patterns. If a pedestrian is injured as a result of not crossing at a designated location or disregarding traffic regulations, they may bear some responsibility for their injuries, potentially impacting their ability to seek full compensation. In other words, since their negligence contributed to their injuries, they may be denied compensation.
Ultimately, the purpose of PIP is to ensure that individuals involved in an accident have immediate access to medical treatment and financial support without the need to establish fault or pursue a legal claim. In Maryland, injured pedestrians who have PIP coverage may still be eligible for benefits even if they were not physically inside a motor vehicle at the time of their injuries. As long as these individuals were following the rules and regulations, such as using crosswalks or sidewalks appropriately, and they are not deemed to have contributed to their injuries, they can access PIP benefits under Maryland law.
PIP coverage varies by state, but it generally covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and sometimes even additional expenses like transportation or funeral costs.
Consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents at Regan Zambri Long is key to helping you understand the specific terms, conditions, and coverage limits of your PIP insurance.
Potential Compensation
The compensation available to pedestrian victims can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident, the extent of the injuries, and other factors. Here are some potential forms of compensation that pedestrian accident victims in Maryland may pursue:
Medical Expenses: Compensation may cover current and future medical expenses related to the accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and any necessary assistive devices.
Lost Wages: If the injuries from the pedestrian accident result in missed work or reduced earning capacity, the victim may seek compensation for lost wages and potential future income loss.
Pain and Suffering: You may be entitled to non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life, depending on the severity and impact of the injuries.
Disability and Disfigurement: If the accident causes long-term or permanent disability, disfigurement, or impairment, compensation may be available to address the physical and psychological consequences.
Property Damage: In cases where personal belongings, such as clothing, accessories, or other property, are damaged or destroyed during the accident, compensation may be sought for the cost of repair or replacement.
Wrongful Death: In tragic cases where a pedestrian loses their life in an accident, their surviving family members may be eligible to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim, including funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the negative impact the injuries have on the victim’s relationship with their spouse, including the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy.
It’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Maryland to assess the specific details of the case and determine the types and amount of compensation that may be available. They can guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies or at-fault parties, and represent your best interests to seek fair and just compensation for your injuries and losses.
At Regan Zambri Long, our dedicated team of Maryland personal injury lawyers is committed to guiding you through the complex process of obtaining the compensation you deserve. We understand the challenges you may face after an accident, and we work tirelessly to secure the maximum financial recovery for our clients. Over the years, we have successfully recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, achieving some of the largest outcomes in Maryland’s legal history. With our expertise and determination, you can trust us to advocate fiercely on your behalf and help you navigate the legal system with confidence.
The types of injuries to pedestrians are wide-ranged considering that pedestrians include walkers, joggers, skateboarders, rollerbladers, and those who use mobility aids, and also considering that harm can come to pedestrians in many different ways on many different types of terrain.
Most commonly, the following injuries are sustained by victims in a pedestrian accident:
Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a vehicle collision with a pedestrian can result in fractures and broken bones, affecting various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, hips, or ribs.
Head and Brain Injuries: Pedestrians are at risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) if their head strikes a vehicle or the ground. These injuries can range from concussions and skull fractures to more severe brain damage, often resulting in long-term consequences.
Back and Neck Injuries: Pedestrians can experience back and neck injuries, including whiplash, herniated discs, or spinal cord compression, resulting in chronic pain and mobility issues. Severe accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis and a significant impact on mobility and quality of life.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Pedestrians may suffer soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, bruises, or deep cuts, due to the force of impact or being thrown to the ground.
Internal Organ Damage: The impact of a collision can result in internal injuries, including damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, which may require immediate medical attention.
Facial Injuries: Accidents can cause facial injuries, including fractures, lacerations, or dental injuries, which may require surgical intervention and long-term rehabilitation.
Emotional Trauma: Pedestrian accidents can lead to emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
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Pedestrian accidents can occur due to various factors, and it’s important to recognize that each accident is unique. However, there are several common causes of pedestrian accidents that are often observed. Some of these causes include:
Our lawyers at Regan Zambri Long can help protect your rights, assess the strength of your case, handle communications with insurance companies, and pursue any potential compensation you may be entitled to. While monetary compensation cannot fully replace the losses experienced due to a serious injury, it plays a vital role in helping victims rebuild their lives as best as possible under the circumstances. Financial support can help cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, ongoing care, lost wages, and other damages. This compensation can alleviate the financial burden caused by the injury and provide a sense of security and stability, allowing victims to focus on their recovery and move forward with their lives.
Regan Zambri Long can help you understand your legal rights and if your circumstances are likely to result in compensation for your losses. For a free no obligation consultation to discuss your legal options, contact Regan Zambri Long today.
