Pedestrian injuries occur when cars and trucks collide with pedestrians crossing the road or getting in or out of a vehicle. These injuries can significantly impact a victim’s ability to work, leaving them with lost wages and medical bills. In severe cases, these accidents are fatal.

At Marks & Harrison, we have more than 100 years of experience handling pedestrian accident cases. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our Bethesda pedestrian accident lawyers and learn more about how an experienced personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation through a pedestrian accident claim.

Does Bethesda Have Laws To Protect Pedestrians?

Several pedestrian laws are in place to prevent car accidents and protect pedestrians in Bethesda and throughout the state, with the most critical laws being that motorists must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing in a crosswalk.

When a pedestrian is legally in a crosswalk, drivers must stop and wait for them to cross before proceeding. Additionally, if a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross, other cars cannot pass it. This law is in place because a stopped vehicle may block the passing vehicle’s view of the pedestrian(s), leading to a collision.

Where Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Bethesda?

Most pedestrian accidents in Bethesda occur at intersections. These are the spots where most crossings occur. These are the places where pedestrians and motorists most often come into contact.

However, pedestrian accidents may also occur along roadsides, as people get in and out of parked cars and enter and exit parking lots. Drivers should always proceed with caution when parked cars block their view, as they may not be able to see a pedestrian about to enter the roadway or walking near their vehicles.

What Are Common Causes for Bethesda Pedestrian Accidents?

Many pedestrian accidents happen due to driver negligence. This negligence could involve distracted driving, intoxicated driving, speeding, or failure to yield the right of way at an intersection.

However, a driver’s careless actions do not solely cause every pedestrian accident in Bethesda. Sometimes, other factors can contribute to the incident, such as poor road or weather conditions.

Poor road conditions may include unmarked crosswalks, missing signs, faulty traffic or crossing signals, and blind turns. Poor weather conditions include fog, rain, snow, ice, and other conditions.

Who Can Be Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in Bethesda?

In many Bethesda pedestrian accident cases, liability lies with the driver. Even when poor road or weather conditions are present, it’s still the driver’s responsibility to adjust their driving to account for those conditions.

However, if poor road conditions contributed to the accident, the government agency or private company responsible for maintaining the road could also be liable.

Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule that generally bars injured parties from recovering compensation in a personal injury lawsuit if they even slightly caused the accident that harmed them. Because of this rule, it’s in your best interest to hire an attorney and direct all questions from the motorist’s insurance company to them.

What Evidence Could Prove the Driver Was At Fault for the Accident?

Proving the driver who struck you was at fault for the accident involves gathering several types of evidence, including:

  • Accident scene photographs, such as those showing skid marks on the road or relevant traffic signs and signals
  • Eyewitness statements from other motorists or pedestrians who saw the collision
  • Traffic camera footage showing how the accident occurred, which may be available if the accident happened at an intersection
  • Testimony from expert witnesses, including crash reconstruction professionals or civil engineers, if road conditions were a contributing factor

How Can a Bethesda Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Me With My Case?

A Bethesda pedestrian accident lawyer at Marks & Harrison can help with your case by handling it from start to finish while you recover from your injuries. Your lawyer will meet with you to get your side of the story, investigate the incident to identify the at-fault party, and gather supporting evidence. They will also send a demand letter to the driver’s insurance company, negotiate for a fair settlement, provide general legal advice, and keep you up-to-date on your case’s status.

The best way to maximize your compensation is to hire a skilled lawyer and let them handle your claim for you.

What Injuries Happen in Bethesda Pedestrian Accidents?

Bethesda pedestrian accidents can result in a broad range of injuries, from severe and life-threatening brain injuries to minor bumps and bruises. Some of the most common injuries that these accidents cause are:

  • Traumatic brain injuries caused by heavy blows to the head
  • Spinal cord injuries caused by the impact with the vehicle or the pavement
  • Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs
  • Soft tissue injuries affecting the muscles, tendons, and ligaments
  • Road rash from sliding across the road surface during or after the collision.

What Compensation Could You Recover in a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

The compensation available to you through a pedestrian accident claim depends on the extent and severity of your injuries. In general, you may be able to recover compensation for:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  • Permanent disability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of enjoyment of life.

Typically, the at-fault driver’s insurance company pays the compensation you receive following a pedestrian accident.

Does Maryland Have a Time Limit for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?

Under Maryland’s statute of limitations, pedestrian accident victims have three years from their injury date to file lawsuits against the drivers responsible for harming them. You must file your lawsuit within this deadline to prevent the courts from barring you from seeking the money you need. For this reason, you should consult an attorney as soon as possible and start the personal injury claim process.

Contact a Bethesda Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near You

If you suffered injuries in a Bethesda pedestrian accident, contact Marks & Harrison today for a free consultation with a highly experienced personal injury lawyer. We have a proven track record of success and represent clients in personal injury cases throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC. Our legal team of 32 personal injury attorneys and more than 130 support staff members will be ready to assist with your case and pursue fair compensation for the serious injuries and losses you have suffered.