Maryland is a pedestrian-friendly state in most areas. Unfortunately, even when pedestrian infrastructure is in place, negligent drivers still cause accidents in Waldorf, MD. If you or a family member were injured in an accident with a vehicle, you need skilled legal counsel to pursue an injury claim.
Our Waldorf pedestrian accident lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers have helped clients recover millions of dollars in trial verdicts and settlements for over 30 years. We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Our legal team has decades of combined experience in personal injury matters, so we are equipped to handle the most challenging injury and accident cases.
Contact our law office in Waldorf, Maryland, at (301) 932-9997 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Waldorf pedestrian accident attorneys. We take cases on a contingency fee basis, so it does not cost you anything upfront to have a legal team on your side.
How Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Can After a Pedestrian Accident in Waldorf
You did not deserve to be injured by a negligent driver. You were following pedestrian laws when a careless driver hit you. As a result, you suffered severe injuries and monetary losses. You need an experienced legal team to fight for your right to compensation. You need the legal team of Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers.
When you hire our top-rated Waldorf personal injury lawyers, you can trust we will:
- Thoroughly investigate your pedestrian accident to determine how it happened
- Gather evidence proving causation, fault, and liability
- Work with leading expert witnesses in their fields as necessary
- Identify all parties who could be responsible for your damages
- Analyze your damages to determine how much your case is worth
- Defend you against accusations of blame and contributory fault
- Negotiate insurance settlements based on your damages
- File a lawsuit and take your case to trial if necessary
Our Waldorf personal injury attorneys are recognized for their legal services on a national level. They have received awards and recognition from prestigious legal organizations, including Lawyers of Distinction, the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys, Expertise.com, and The National Trial Lawyers. Our lawyers have top ratings with Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and Super Lawyers.
Contact our law office in Waldorf, MD, to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Waldorf pedestrian accident lawyer. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case.
Overview of Pedestrian Accidents in Maryland
There are about 3,000 pedestrian accidents each year in Maryland. According to the Maryland Highway Safety Office, an average of 125 pedestrians die in crashes with motor vehicles each year. Even though pedestrian accidents account for a small percentage of statewide crashes (3% in 2021), about a quarter of the people killed in car accidents are pedestrians.
Speed is a significant factor in pedestrian deaths. The likelihood of dying in a pedestrian accident is about 10% when the vehicle is traveling at 20 mph. However, the risk of death in a pedestrian accident increases to 80% when the car travels at 40 mph.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Waldorf, MD
Negligence is one of the most common causes of pedestrian-involved car accidents.
Examples of negligent behavior that can lead to a pedestrian accident include:
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Road rage and aggressive driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
Other factors could contribute to the cause of an accident. Malfunctioning vehicles and traffic lights could be to blame. Poorly designed intersections and crosswalks could contribute to the cause of the crash.
If other parties contribute to your accident, they could be liable for damages. Our attorneys thoroughly analyze the evidence in your case to identify all parties who contributed to the cause of your pedestrian accident. We pursue all liable parties to increase the funds available for your claim.
Proving Liability for a Waldorf Pedestrian Accident
Accident victims have the burden of proving the legal requirements for their claim to recover compensation for damages.
Negligence-based claims have four basic legal elements:
- Duty of Care – The person driving the vehicle had a legal duty to use reasonable care to avoid causing someone to be injured, such as following traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty – The person breached their duty of care through their actions or inactions. For example, the driver ran a red light, striking a pedestrian.
- Causation – The person’s actions were a proximate and direct cause of the accident. In other words, the driver would not have struck the pedestrian if they had not run the red light.
- Damages – The pedestrian suffered harm and injuries because of the accident.
Our lawyers gather evidence proving the elements to build a solid case establishing liability. Evidence in a pedestrian accident may include eyewitness testimony and physical evidence from the accident scene. We may also discover a video of the accident from traffic cameras or other sources. If necessary, we work with experts to obtain additional evidence, including accident reconstructionists.
Pedestrian Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries
A pedestrian has no protection from the impact of a car during an accident. The person’s body receives the full force of the impact. Therefore, pedestrians often suffer catastrophic and life-threatening injuries when they are struck by a motor vehicle.
Common injuries sustained by pedestrians include:
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal organ injury
- Soft tissue injuries
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Crushed, fractured, and broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Crushing injuries
- Neck injuries and whiplash
- Back injuries
- Severe scarring and disfigurement
Prompt medical treatment is required after a pedestrian accident. Even with immediate medical care, the pedestrian may not survive their injuries. If so, the family may have a wrongful death claim.
When pedestrians survive, they often develop permanent impairments and disabilities. Documenting your injuries and damages is crucial to receiving compensation for all your losses.
How Much Is My Pedestrian Accident Worth in Waldorf, MD?
Injured victims can seek compensation for their injuries and suffering. They can also seek reimbursement for financial losses and expenses.
Examples of economic and non-economic damages in a pedestrian accident case include:
- Past and future medical bills and expense
- Disabilities and permanent impairments
- Lost wages, salaries, and benefits
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages
- Nursing and/or personal care
The amount you receive for a pedestrian accident claim depends on many factors. For instance, the severity of your injuries can impact how much your damages are worth. The evidence you have proving fault and liability is another factor. Strong evidence proving your claim increases the chance of receiving maximum compensation.
Our injury lawyers analyze all factors in your case. We work to maximize how much your case is worth to increase the amount of money you receive for your damages.
How Does Maryland’s Contributory Fault Law Impact My Pedestrian Accident Case?
Maryland contributory negligence law bars you from recovering damages if you are partially to blame for causing your injuries. Therefore, if the defense can prove you were 1% at fault for the pedestrian accident, they are not responsible for your injuries or financial losses.
It is crucial that you do not admit fault or say anything that could be twisted to imply you were partially at fault. Insurance adjusters may ask you to provide a recorded statement. They may ask questions on a recorded line.
It is best to speak with an attorney before discussing your claim with the insurance company or other parties. Allowing your attorney to handle the matter is in your best interest.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits in Maryland?
The Maryland statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit for a pedestrian accident. In most pedestrian accidents, there is a three-year deadline to file a lawsuit. A judge can dismiss your lawsuit if you file it after the deadline.
Exceptions to the filing deadlines can shorten or lengthen the time to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit. It is best to seek prompt legal advice to avoid losing your right to pursue your claim in court.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Maryland?
Our attorneys take cases on a contingency fee basis. We do not charge you an upfront retainer fee when you hire our law firm. Instead, we receive our attorney’s fees only after winning your case. Therefore, you do not need to worry about paying an attorney to help you with a pedestrian accident claim until you receive compensation for your damages.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Careless drivers can turn your world upside down. You deserve to be compensated fairly when a negligent driver causes you harm in Waldorf, MD. Call Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review with our Waldorf pedestrian accident lawyers to discuss your legal options for a pedestrian accident claim.