Drivers in Maryland must stay alert for pedestrians. When pedestrians cross the street within a crosswalk, drivers must stop and let them cross. This is abundantly clear by yellow signs displaying a large, red stop sign. Unfortunately, our Maryland pedestrian accident lawyers deal frequently with these types of accidents. Often, drivers are texting or otherwise distracted by something else on the road or in their car, unconcerned with their surroundings. Then, it is the pedestrian who is left seriously injured.
Drivers may think that because pedestrians do not pose a threat to them the way another motor vehicle does, they do not need to be as careful. However, pedestrians do not have any of the safety technology cars have. They are left unguarded and rely solely on drivers’ judgment for their protection. You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured as a pedestrian by a motor vehicle.
Just to let you know, the law in Maryland requires that drivers stop for pedestrians when they are walking within a crosswalk. But it. Does not stop there. Drivers must always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk, even when the light for the driver is green. Some less well-known laws in Maryland include the prohibition against blocking a crosswalk with your vehicle. Moreover, drivers may not pass another car that has stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Even if the pedestrian has passed the driver’s path and the coast appears straightforward, it is prohibited.
But unfortunately, not all the laws in Maryland favor pedestrians. So, you’ll need to contact a Maryland pedestrian accident lawyer for the laws that apply to your unique facts. One such law in Maryland that is unfavorable to pedestrians is in §21-503 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. § 21-503(a) requires that a pedestrian crossing at any point other than in a marked crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching on the roadway. While this aids traffic flow, it can endanger pedestrians and permit a contributory negligence defense for a driver if you, the pedestrian, sue the driver. There are other provisions under §21-503 which also favor drivers.
While some laws in Maryland favor drivers, under §21-504(a) of the Code, drivers are nonetheless required to exercise due care to avoid collisions with pedestrians. You may be entitled to compensation if the driver does not exercise due care. But again, you must be wary of a contributory negligence defense and always be careful when crossing a street.
When a pedestrian is stuck in a motor vehicle, the extent of the injuries can be significant. Of course, pedestrians do not have as much protection as someone in a motor vehicle. But pedestrians have even less protection than most cyclists, who should wear helmets and, hopefully, other forms of protection. Injuries arise from being struck and thrown into the air, knocked over the hood of the vehicle, or pushed forward and into another object. This can lead to disfiguring and debilitating injury. The most common injuries we have seen are broken bones, bruised and disfigured faces, broken teeth, internal bleeding, protruding bones, road rash, shards of glass stuck, permanent scarring, and many more gruesome injuries.
There are many ways a Maryland pedestrian accident lawyer can help you when you are injured due to someone else’s negligence. The first thing you will receive is peace of mind. When you go through a life-altering experience, it can only help to have a seasoned attorney fighting on your side. Our lawyers simplify the process, spelling out precisely what needs to be done so you can receive the compensation you are entitled to based on your injuries.
One of the most frustrating things that can happen after you are in an accident is the driver’s insurance company gives you a lowball offer. They know what your case is worth based on plenty of experience. They know what to offer you to get you to go away. We will not let the insurance companies take advantage of you. Call today so you can focus on your recovery.
If you have been hit by a car or truck, contact a Gelb & Gelb Maryland personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. Our trusted team has provided legal representation to Marylanders for nearly 70 years. We are excited to speak with you.