Hagerstown, MD Pedestrian Accident Attorney

For the most part, people do not think of themselves as “pedestrians.” They are simply going to do what they are doing, and that is the end of it. That can change, however, the moment they are struck by a car, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle. In that instant, a pedestrian may be shocked, confused, frustrated, and brimming with questions. “Am I ok?” “How did this happen?” “Should I file a lawsuit?” These thoughts and more may cross a pedestrian’s mind once they become the victim of a motor vehicle accident. As medical bills start to pile up and long-term treatment begins, the thought of filing a lawsuit may be more and more at the forefront of the victim’s thoughts.

That is where we come in. We have experience representing many plaintiffs who were injured by motor vehicles when they were just going about their day. We know how difficult and frustrating the experience can be, which is why we are dedicated to fighting hard for you in court to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.

For a totally free review of your case, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras’s pedestrian accident lawyers at (410) 694-7291.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents to Happen in Hagerstown, MD?

Pedestrian accidents can happen for many reasons. It is an important part of your pedestrian lawsuit for our lawyers to determine the exact cause of your accident. Doing so allows us to sue the correct parties and make sure that the defendant can be found liable and made to pay you damages.

Distracted Drivers

Distracted driving is the cause of motor vehicle accidents of all kinds. There are a myriad of ways that drivers can get distracted. Texting, playing phone games, making phonecalls, and simply getting engrossed in a conversation with someone else in the vehicle can distract a driver for long enough to get in an accident.

Drivers can also get distracted in areas where there are more likely to be pedestrians. For example, some drivers may mentally “check out” when pulling into or out of a shopping center. Since there are many pedestrians present there, they could end up being hit by a driver who is not paying attention when they really should be.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is incredibly dangerous. Accordingly, it is criminalized in every state. Intoxication inhibits a driver’s ability to make sound decisions and make decisions quickly. Because of this, they may not be able to react to a pedestrian they otherwise would be able to avoid, and drunk drivers may drive in a way that is way too aggressive, causing an accident.

Tired Driving

Tired driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving for all of the same reasons. Excessive fatigue or lack of sleep can make people sluggish and slow to react. This can lead to drivers hitting pedestrians.

Traffic Violations

Drivers are perfectly capable of hitting pedestrians when they violate traffic rules. Basic traffic obligations like following speed limits, stopping at stop signs, and stopping at red lights exist in part to make sure that drivers do not hit pedestrians. When motorists ignore these rules, they increase the risk of pedestrians getting injured.

Defective Vehicles

Sometimes, a car will hit a pedestrian despite the driver’s best efforts. In those cases, it may be because the vehicle is defective. In law, something being defective means that it has a problem that will hurt someone when the product is used how it is intended to be used. For example, if a car’s brakes are not properly maintained or installed correctly, the car may not stop even if the driver slams down on the brake pedal, and a pedestrian could get injured.

In these cases, it may be a good idea to have our pedestrian accident lawyers look into the company that designed the vehicle that hit you, as well as anybody who worked on the vehicle after it left the factory floor.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Hagerstown, MD

Per Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. Art., § 5-101, plaintiffs have three years from when they get injured to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Maryland. This law is called a statute of limitations, sometimes also called a limitation on actions. These laws essentially set a timer on how long you have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit. After the “statutory period” of three years runs out, courts cannot hear your case or award you any damages, even if there is conclusive proof that the defendant caused your injuries.

Statutes of limitation primarily exist to make sure that cases are brought in a timely fashion when the facts are still fresh in the minds of everyone involved. Over time, details may get confused, lost, or changed entirely. Second, they allow people to move on with their lives without the impending specter of a lawsuit hanging over their heads.

Damages in Hagerstown, MD Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits

When you sue someone in court, you are asking the court to award you damages. Damages generally refer to financial compensation you get when you win a case, although it can also refer to things the defendant is compelled to do by the court.

One of the main damages you can claim is for medical costs and expenses. Injuries sustained in car accidents can be very expensive to treat, so you can make the defendant cover that if you sue them in court. Additionally, you can get paid for intangible things like pain and mental anguish. These things are somewhat trickier to prove than the cost of medical care, so you should have our pedestrian accident lawyers explain their worth.

Talk with A Hagerstown, MD Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

Our pedestrian accident lawyers are just a phone call away when you reach out to Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.