Ocean City, MD Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accidents can have severe consequences. Pedestrians lack any form of protection if they are struck by motor vehicles. Meanwhile, drivers and motor vehicle passengers have the protection of seatbelts, airbags, and their full vehicle around them. Accordingly, the more serious injuries in pedestrian accidents are typically suffered by pedestrians.
The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be difficult to endure. Pedestrian accidents can cause multiple types of damages. Furthermore, victims will likely face disputes from insurance companies if they seek compensation for their injures. The assistance of personal lawyers can benefit injured parties when building their case.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, get help recovering the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced Ocean City, MD personal injury lawyers by calling Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 for a free case review.
Common Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents in Ocean City
When a vehicle hits a pedestrian, it is very likely that the pedestrian will suffer at least minor injuries. There are two separate impacts for victims of pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians will be hit by the vehicle and then hit the ground. Accordingly, injuries associated with pedestrian accidents are often severe. The following are common types of injuries caused by pedestrian accidents in Ocean City:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Road rash
- Severe bruising
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
However, in the most severe cases, the consequences of a pedestrian accident can be fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 54,875 people were injured in pedestrian accidents across the U.S. in 2020.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Ocean City, MD
Pedestrian accidents can happen suddenly and without warning. Accordingly, it can be difficult to keep your composure after an accident. However, there are certain actions you can take that can protect your interests in a potential pedestrian accident lawsuit. You should take the following actions after suffering a pedestrian accident in Ocean City, MD:
Stay at the Scene
If possible, you should stay at the scene after a pedestrian accident. Fleeing the scene of an accident may inhibit your ability to recover damages. However, you should not remain in a dangerous area where you may be struck by another vehicle.
Call 911
The initial priority after a pedestrian accident will be tending to any medical emergencies. If anyone requires medical attention, the 911 dispatcher will be able to send emergency services.
Furthermore, a police officer should come to the scene of a pedestrian accident to draft a report. A formal police report may be beneficial when proving who was at fault for a pedestrian accident.
Exchange Information
Next, you should exchange information with other parties to a pedestrian accident. If possible, you should collect the driver’s contact information including name, address, phone number, and email. The driver’s license plate number and insurance information should also be noted after a pedestrian accident. This information may be crucial when filing your claim.
Additionally, contact information for any witnesses to a pedestrian accident should be collected. Our Ocean City, MD personal injury lawyers can use witness testimony to establish fault in a pedestrian accident lawsuit.
Document the Scene
It may also be beneficial to document the scene of a pedestrian accident. Photo documentation may help establish circumstances that contributed to an accident such as weather or road conditions. For example, if you are hit by a car, the driver might attempt to claim that the weather was foggy, so they could not see you. In this case, photos of the accident scene may prove that the weather was actually clear.
Additionally, documenting your own recollection of a pedestrian accident while your memory is fresh may be beneficial. A detailed recollection can assist our Ocean City personal injury lawyers when building your case.
Do Not Delay Treatment
Many injuries suffered because of a pedestrian accident may be clear and obvious. However, some injuries may not arise until weeks after an accident. Further, insurance companies may use a delay in treatment to complicate the settlement process. Accordingly, you should seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible after a pedestrian accident.
Insurance companies may send you to doctors who will try to minimize the value of your claim. Our Ocean City personal injury lawyers can help refer proper treatment.
If You Have Insurance, Notify Your Insurer
In many cases, victims to pedestrian accidents might not have insurance. However, if you are covered, it is important to notify your insurance company of a pedestrian accident as soon as possible. Different insurance companies can have varying deadlines for filling a claim. Waiting to notify your insurance company of a pedestrian accident could affect your ability to recover compensation if you were struck by an uninsured motorist.
Difference Between Bicycle and Pedestrian Lawsuits in Ocean City, MD
The legal analysis for pedestrian accidents will differ from accidents involving cyclists. Bicycles are technically considered vehicles, so bikers and pedestrians have different rules to follow. For example, bicyclists are required to ride on the street where pedestrians are encouraged to walk on the sidewalk. A bicyclist that is riding on a sidewalk may not be afforded the same protections as a pedestrian.
Bikers often have fewer protections and must follow the same rules as cars. Meanwhile, pedestrians are typically given the most protection under the law. Many laws in Maryland are intended to protect pedestrians from being hit by people driving in cars. Even so, recovering compensation can be difficult after a pedestrian accident. Victims can contact our Ocean City, MD personal injury lawyers for help building their claim.
Time Limits to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Ocean City, MD
Pedestrian accidents are a form of personal injury case. Therefore, plaintiffs in Ocean City have three years from the date of their injury to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit. However, evidence may become difficult to collect over time. Victims should contact our Ocean City personal injury lawyers as soon as possible after an accident so we may begin gathering evidence to support their claim.
If You Were Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Ocean City, MD, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you have been injured because of a pedestrian accident, seek assistance from experienced Ocean City personal injury lawyers by calling Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 for a free case review.