Maryland Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Pedestrian accidents can lead to severe, life-changing injuries. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Maryland, you deserve an advocate who can help you navigate the legal complexities and secure the compensation you need. Rowe Weinstein & Sohn is a dedicated team of Maryland pedestrian accident attorneys with extensive experience helping accident victims recover from the devastating effects of pedestrian accidents.

At Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, we understand the traumatic impact of pedestrian accidents on your life, health, and financial stability. Our legal team is here to provide the guidance and aggressive representation needed to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.

Many factors can influence the outcome of a pedestrian accident claim in Maryland. These include the severity of injuries sustained, driver negligence, and specific local traffic laws. Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side ensures that these factors are thoroughly examined and leveraged to your benefit. Our firm's commitment to personalized attention means we focus on the unique circumstances of your injury and tailor our approach accordingly.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a pedestrian accident in Maryland? Don’t wait to seek the legal support you deserve. Call Rowe Weinstein & Sohn today at (888) 482-3882 or contact us online for a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you need!

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Maryland

Pedestrian accidents often occur due to driver negligence. Here are some of the most common causes we encounter in Maryland pedestrian accident cases:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or other distractions can lead drivers to fail to notice pedestrians in time, often resulting in severe collisions.
• Speeding: When drivers exceed the speed limit, their ability to react to pedestrians diminishes, leading to accidents that could have been avoided if the driver had adhered to speed restrictions.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers are often required to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks or intersections. Ignoring these rules can lead to severe and sometimes fatal, pedestrian accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment significantly reduces a driver’s judgment and reaction time, making them a danger to everyone on the road, including pedestrians.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, or fog can impair a driver’s vision, increasing the chances of a pedestrian accident. Drivers are expected to adjust their driving to account for adverse weather, but unfortunately, not all drivers do.
• Poorly Marked Crosswalks or Intersection Issues: When crosswalks or intersections are not marked or lack appropriate signage, drivers may not be aware of pedestrian zones, increasing the risk of an accident.

Understanding these causes allows our team to build comprehensive strategies to demonstrate negligence in pedestrian accident claims. We craft solid arguments that hold negligent parties accountable by analyzing black box data, obtaining eyewitness accounts, and utilizing accident reconstruction. This thorough approach can significantly strengthen your claim and improve the chances of receiving compensation.

Maryland Pedestrian Laws and Your Rights

Pedestrians have specific rights and responsibilities on Maryland roadways. Here are a few essential pedestrian laws in Maryland:

• Right-of-Way at Crosswalks: Maryland law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks and intersections without traffic signals. When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, drivers must stop to allow them to cross safely.
• Obeying Traffic Signals: Pedestrians are required to obey traffic signals. This means waiting for a walk signal at intersections where they are available and crossing only when it is safe.
• Sidewalk Use: Where sidewalks are provided, Maryland law requires pedestrians to use them rather than walking in the roadway. However, if no sidewalk is available, pedestrians are advised to walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
• Prohibition of Jaywalking: Jaywalking, or crossing streets outside designated crosswalks, is illegal in Maryland. Pedestrians who jaywalk can be considered partially responsible for an accident if it occurs.

Understanding these laws is crucial for pedestrians and drivers to prevent accidents and ensure road safety. Pedestrian right-of-way does not absolve them of the responsibility to remain vigilant and cautious. Our firm emphasizes educating clients about these laws to empower them in their claims and everyday lives.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents

Due to the vulnerability of pedestrians, accidents can lead to a wide range of serious injuries, including:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and other head injuries are common in pedestrian accidents, often resulting in long-term cognitive and physical challenges.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, severely impacting a victim’s quality of life and independence.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Broken bones, fractures, and dislocations are often seen in pedestrian accidents, requiring surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery times.
• Internal Injuries: The impact of a vehicle collision can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs, which may not be immediately apparent but require urgent medical attention.
• Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts, bruises, and ligament injuries may also occur and can lead to infections, scarring, and ongoing pain.

The recovery process for these injuries can be long and arduous, often involving significant medical treatments and rehabilitation. Timely medical intervention is crucial, not just for health reasons but also to document injury severity for legal proceedings. Our team meticulously gathers medical records and works with health professionals to comprehensively depict the injuries suffered.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident 

Experiencing a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. Knowing the necessary steps to protect your rights and seek compensation is essential. First, ensure your safety by moving out of harm’s way. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help. Document the scene by taking photos and collecting contact information from witnesses.

Even if you have no visible injuries, a medical evaluation is essential, as some symptoms might appear later. When the police arrive, provide an accurate account without admitting fault. It is crucial also to inform your insurance company about the incident. Consult a Maryland pedestrian accident lawyer to understand your legal options and receive guidance through the claims process. Having professional representation ensures you can focus on recovery while your legal team works on securing the compensation you deserve.

The Importance of Legal Representation in Pedestrian Accidents

Legal complexities often arise in pedestrian accidents— from identifying liable parties to proving negligence. A well-versed pedestrian accident attorney in Maryland helps navigate these challenges, ensuring your rights are upheld. They gather crucial evidence, consult with accident reconstruction experts, and handle communications with insurance companies focused on minimizing payouts.

Legal representation is invaluable, especially in Maryland, where comparative negligence laws may impact the compensation awarded. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Maryland will strategize to attribute fault accurately, potentially increasing your compensation. Rowe Weinstein & Sohn’s personalized legal strategies have supported numerous clients in achieving favorable outcomes, showcasing our commitment to your success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Compensation Is Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims?

Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Economic damages include all medical bills, both current and future, related to the injury. Additionally, if your injuries impact your ability to work, you may recover lost wages and compensation for diminished earning capacity.

Pain and suffering damages account for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. Other compensatory damages might cover rehabilitation costs and necessary lifestyle adjustments. Consulting with a pedestrian accident attorney at Rowe Weinstein & Sohn allows for a comprehensive evaluation of your claim, ensuring all potential damages are considered.

How Is Fault Determined in a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining fault in a pedestrian accident involves analyzing evidence like traffic surveillance, witness statements, and police reports. Maryland follows contributory negligence laws, which can complicate claims. If a pedestrian is found to be partially at fault, they may be barred from recovering damages.

An attorney's role involves piecing together the accident events to prove the driver's negligence wholly caused the crash. Expert testimonies and accident reconstruction may be necessary to establish liability accurately.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Maryland?

In Maryland, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including pedestrian accidents, is generally three years from the accident date. Missing this deadline could result in losing the right to pursue compensation.

Immediate legal consultation is advised to ensure all procedural requirements are met, and documentation of evidence is secured timely. Letting Rowe Weinstein & Sohn guide you through this process can help prevent critical delays in securing justice for your injuries.

Can I Seek Compensation if I Was Jaywalking?

While jaywalking can complicate a pedestrian accident claim in Maryland, it does not automatically negate the possibility of recovery. If driver negligence can be established as the primary cause of the accident, compensation may still be achievable.

An experienced attorney will work to build a case that emphasizes driver responsibility and mitigates contributory negligence implications. Exploring all angles of the accident enables a more favorable legal outcome.

What if the Driver Was Uninsured?

If involved in a pedestrian accident with an uninsured driver, victims may still receive compensation through their insurance policy's uninsured motorist coverage. It’s vital to revisit your policy terms to understand the scope of coverage.

Seeking legal advice helps manage inter-insurance negotiations to maximize potential compensation. Rowe Weinstein & Sohn provides guidance to explore all options that protect your rights.

How Rowe Weinstein & Sohn Can Help You

Navigating a pedestrian accident claim alone can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with physical injuries and emotional trauma. Rowe Weinstein & Sohn is here to provide comprehensive legal representation and fight for your right to compensation. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Thorough Case Investigation: We conduct an exhaustive investigation, gathering witness statements, reviewing police reports, and consulting accident reconstruction experts to establish liability.
• Handling Insurance Negotiations: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. We handle all communication with insurers, advocating for your best interests and protecting your rights.
• Litigating Your Claim: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and aggressively pursue justice.
• Contingency-Based Representation: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe us if we win your case.

Our firm's dedication goes beyond legal representation. We offer emotional support and guidance, helping you make informed decisions throughout the process. Trust in us to prioritize your wellbeing and work tirelessly to alleviate the stress of legal proceedings.

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our Maryland pedestrian accident attorneys are ready to advocate for you. Call us now to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward justice!