Clinton, MD Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Most people do not identify as “pedestrians,” but that is what most individuals are for the majority of their day. You are a pedestrian when you cross the street, walk through a parking lot, or travel anywhere on foot. Unfortunately, countless pedestrians become the victims of accidents every day. Injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident can take months to recover from, and the cost of that recovery can quickly add up to an amount that is simply too much to bear.

If you were involved in an accident as a pedestrian, our lawyers can help. We have dedicated our legal careers to representing injured plaintiffs. We have the experience, drive, and passion for justice to give you the best legal representation possible after you get injured in a pedestrian accident.

The pedestrian accident attorneys from Rice, Murtha & Psoras are ready to help you out when you call us at (410) 694-7291.

Injuries Sustained in Clinton, MD Pedestrian Accidents

The most common way that pedestrians are injured is when they are hit by a car or other motor vehicle. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to getting injured when motor vehicle accidents happen. Simply put, cars, buses, vans, and other motor vehicles have many safety features in their design to keep occupants safe. Pedestrians, obviously, do not have built-in safety features and, therefore, are much more likely to get hurt when accidents happen.

Broken Bones

Fractures are very common in accidents involving pedestrians. The force of getting hit by a car, even at slow or moderate speed, can easily break limbs or other bones. While all fractures will require a fairly lengthy recovery, some more serious injuries, like compound fractures, may require emergency treatment like surgery or antibiotic cocktails to deal with potential infection.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is the result of a hard blow to the head that pierces the skull or otherwise damages the brain. TBIs should be taken seriously, as even a “less serious” one, like a concussion, can have nasty side effects like memory loss, sensitivity to light and sound, and irritability.

More severe traumatic brain injuries can have life-altering consequences like losing the ability to speak or use fine motor skills. Some traumatic brain injuries are severe enough to result in an untimely death due to complications.

Cutting and Puncturing Wounds

When you think of a pedestrian getting hit by a car, a nasty cut or puncturing wound is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. However, the reality is that broken glass and bits of warped metal from the vehicle, as well as whatever a pedestrian lands on or is pushed into during the accident, can do some serious damage.

Cuts can leave unsightly scars from the numerous stitches required to have them heal properly. However, puncture wounds are, by and large, much more dangerous, as they tend to result in greater blood loss and are more likely to hit something vital.

Bruising

Bruising is the result of blood vessels getting crushed underneath the skin. This is what causes the red, blue, and purple discoloration on the surface that people associate with bruising. While bruises can be very painful and unpleasant, they will often heal on their own. However, bruising over a large area after a pedestrian accident can be an indication that there are much more serious things, like internal bleeding, going on that need immediate medical attention.

Mental Trauma

Not all injuries a pedestrian sustained in an accident will be physical. It is important to remember the mental toll that a scary experience, like getting hit by an oncoming vehicle, can have on somebody. Many victims of pedestrian accidents may have recurring nightmares or be fearful of certain activities like crossing the street, even without a formal diagnosis of a condition like post-traumatic stress disorder. If you are experiencing anxiety or stress related to the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, you should see a medical professional for a formal diagnosis because that will make it easier to collect damages in a lawsuit.

What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Clinton, MD?

There are some things that you can do after a pedestrian accident that can improve your chances of success in court. That being said, do not worry if you are not able to do some of these things, as the circumstances of your particular accident may have made it an impossibility.

Get Medical Attention

The most important thing after being involved in a pedestrian accident is to make sure you are safe. To that end, it is imperative that you get medical attention right away. Even if you do not think you were badly hurt, some injuries may take time to manifest, so make sure that first responders examine you regardless of your perceived condition.

Collect Information

If you are able to stick around near where the accident happened, it is important that you collect as much information as possible. Take photos, record videos, and talk to any people who may have witnessed the accident firsthand. Be sure to record their statements, as they may be able to be used as witnesses in your case.

Other Ways Pedestrians Can Get Injured in Clinton, MD

While the vast majority of pedestrian accident cases will involve car accidents, that is not the only way that pedestrians can get hurt. For example, a pedestrian could get injured by debris from a construction site with inadequate safety precautions. You should not feel dissuaded from speaking with our pedestrian accident lawyers if you were injured in circumstances other than a car accident.

Talk to a Clinton, MD Pedestrian Accident Lawyer About Your Case

Rice, Murtha & Psoras can be reached at (410) 694-7291 to go over your case with one of our pedestrian accident lawyers.