Chillum, MD Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Most individuals, as they go about their day, can be classified as a “pedestrian” for a large portion of it. Every time you walk around a shopping center, go on an errand or walk to work, you are a pedestrian for some part of that time. All that being said, people do not think of themselves as pedestrians when they are doing things. The only time that really comes to mind is if a pedestrian is injured in an accident. When pedestrians do get hurt, the injuries are often quite serious and require expensive medical care to treat properly.

If you got injured in a pedestrian accident around Chillum, we can help. Our lawyers have assisted countless plaintiffs in fighting for the justice and financial compensation they need after an accident, and we now stand ready to aid you in your endeavors.

For a zero-cost, obligation-free case review, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras’s pedestrian accident lawyers at the number (410) 694-7291.

Why Do Pedestrians Get Hurt in Chillum, MD?

When you get hurt by someone else, one of the first questions that may come to mind is, “Why?” This is natural. After all, there is very seldom a reason someone should hurt another person. Most pedestrian accidents do not happen because someone wants to hurt someone else. Instead, pedestrian accidents are the result of negligence – or carelessness. There are many ways that people can be careless and inadvertently injure pedestrians, including:

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is extremely dangerous and, accordingly, illegal in every single state. An intoxicated driver will not make good decisions, cannot react effectively to changing road conditions, and may not have full control over their actions. None of those things are good for someone behind the wheel of a car. Drunk drivers often lose control of their vehicles and seriously injure pedestrians in the process.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. A motorist engrossed in texting, a video, or other distractions can strike and injure an unsuspecting pedestrian with their vehicle when they are not paying attention.

Ignoring Traffic Rules

Many drivers choose to ignore certain traffic laws and rules, like speed limits, every day. Unfortunately, drivers who speed, run red lights and turn when they are not supposed to can end up hurting pedestrians who expect motorists to follow the rules of the road.

Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Chillum, MD

If you win your case, you will be awarded damages from the defendant. Damages are how courts reverse the course of an accident for a pedestrian. Of course, this is often not literally possible because of a plaintiff’s injuries. For that reason, financial compensation is used as the next best alternative.

Economic Damages

Part of the damages you receive will fall under the umbrella of economic damages. These damages are based on things that have their economic value relatively obviously stated. Medical bills, property damage, and lost wages fall under the category of economic damages.

Non-Economic Damages

By contrast, non-economic damages are based on more esoteric things that are not as easy to immediately value. Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress fall into this category. While it is somewhat straightforward to calculate medical expenses by adding up bills, it is harder to determine the value of, say, how much a broken bone hurts or the mental burden of getting seriously injured. For that reason, you will have to work with our pedestrian accident lawyers to value these things in your pedestrian accident lawsuit.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are different in that they are awarded based on the defendant’s actions, not your condition. Courts mete out punitive damages when defendants have acted especially badly. You have to prove more than that the defendant was merely negligent in order to get these damages.

Actions to Take after Pedestrian Accidents in Chillum, MD

There are important things you need to do after pedestrian accidents happen. These steps can help increase the effectiveness of any subsequent lawsuits you choose to file.

First, get the medical attention you need. All other steps are less important than this one. Listen to first responders and follow all their instructions. Additionally, getting follow-up care is often a good idea because many injuries will not be apparent until after a pedestrian accident.

Second, document the accident as much as you can. Take many photos and videos. Record the statements of any witnesses, and get the name, license plate number, and insurance information of the driver who injured you. Additionally, speak with any police officers who respond to the accident and be certain that you file a police report.

Finally, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. You do not have unlimited time to bring your claim. Under Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. Art., § 5-101, you only have three years to file your lawsuit. This may seem like a lot of time, but when one takes into account things like recovering from injuries and other real-life complications, that time period can easily run out faster than you think. Once that period does run out, you can no longer successfully file your claim, so it is important to get legal counsel right away.

Other Ways that Pedestrians Get Hurt in Chillum, MD

Most people think of car crashes when they hear the term “pedestrian accident.” However, there are many other ways that a pedestrian could get hurt. As an example, pedestrians walking by construction sites may get hurt by debris or other things. If you have a claim for a non-motor vehicle-related injury, you should still contact our pedestrian accident attorneys.

Chat with Our Chillum, MD Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Right Away

Rice, Murtha & Psoras’s pedestrian accident lawyers can help you with your claim when you contact us at (410) 694-7291.