Auto accidents involving pedestrians are often devastating, as pedestrians have little in the way of protection from moving motor vehicles. Unfortunately, these accidents are far from rare. In fact, some studies suggest that hundreds of pedestrians die each year in the state of Maryland. If you were injured as a pedestrian or your loved one lost their life in a pedestrian accident, the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz is here to help you fight for the justice you deserve. Continue reading and reach out to a knowledgeable Anne Arundel and Howard County personal injury lawyer from our firm to learn more.
How is liability determined after a pedestrian accident?
Just as motorists are required to obey the rules and regulations of the road, pedestrians must do so as well. This means that pedestrians must pay attention to traffic signs and crosswalk signals, and only cross the road at appropriate places. Jaywalking is both unsafe and illegal, and pedestrians must avoid this behavior at all costs.
Further, if a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle while they were ignoring the rules of the road, such as by crossing when the signal clearly said not to, they will be found to be contributorily negligent and may not recover compensation in a personal injury claim.
On the other hand, if a pedestrian who was compliant with the rules of the road was struck by a careless motorist, they should qualify for compensation. Common examples of driver negligence that we see lead to pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, driving while intoxicated, driving while fatigued, speeding through intersections, driving while using a hand-held device, and more. A pedestrian seeking compensation shouldn’t proceed without a competent personal injury attorney in their corner.
How can an attorney help me?
Personal injury lawyers not only know how and where to look for valuable evidence, but they also understand how to deal with insurance companies, which, perhaps unsurprisingly, constantly look to lowball those who’ve been hurt. With an attorney on your side, you stand a far greater chance of working out a favorable settlement with the other party’s insurance company, and, in the event that the insurance company fails to offer an adequate settlement, your attorney can take your case to trial to fight for a favorable verdict on your behalf.
The Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz has fought for countless individuals who’ve been harmed due to the negligence of others over the years, and we are here to fight for you as well. If you need a strong legal team in your corner, simply contact us today.
