Parkville, MD Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrians get hit by cars all too often. Drivers who are careless in varied ways can easily get into an accident that seriously hurts someone who was just going about their day. Emergency medical treatment for severe bleeding, broken bones, and other injuries can be incredibly expensive, and the cost of medical care can continue to rise when one takes into account potential long-term care – which could be for the rest of the victim’s life.

If you got injured by a negligent driver while crossing the street, walking through a parking lot, or just going about your day-to-day activities, we can help. Our attorneys have the professionalism, drive, and legal experience to get you the results you need after a serious motor vehicle accident.

To get a totally obligation-free analysis of your claim from our team of pedestrian accident attorneys, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Parkville, MD

Cars hit pedestrians for many different reasons. Collaborating with our pedestrian accident attorneys to work out what exactly caused your accident is actually a very important part of building your case. In court, you will only be able to get damages from parties you can prove caused your injuries, so suing a party that did not cause your injuries is more or less a waste of time. The exact causes of your accident will depend on the circumstances surrounding it.

Distracted Driving

Perhaps the most common reason that pedestrians get struck by cars is that the driver was not paying attention. Texting, talking on the phone or to a passenger, or otherwise becoming engrossed in an electronic device can diver a motorist’s attention in a crucial moment and lead to a pedestrian getting hurt.

Speeding

Every state has speed limits on its roads and highways, indicating the maximum safe speed at which to travel on a given stretch of road. This is in part because when drivers speed, it becomes much more difficult for them to react to changing situations on the road around them. A speeding driver can easily fail to notice a pedestrian or be unable to stop their vehicle in time to avoid hitting them.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is another illegal activity that is extremely dangerous to pedestrians. Intoxication has many effects, including more aggressive behavior, less thought-out decision-making, and more sluggish reaction times. None of those attributes are desirable in a motorist. In fact, they are outright dangerous. Sadly, many pedestrians hit by drunk drivers are killed, so you may be filing a wrongful death lawsuit in those cases.

Vehicle Defects

Many pedestrian accidents are caused by an error made by a driver. However, there are other accidents that are at least partially caused by problems with the car involved. A car with problems that lead to accidents is said to be “defective.” When you are injured by a defective vehicle, you can file what is called a product liability lawsuit against the party responsible for the defect.

Some defects are deeply rooted in a vehicle’s design. These problems will be present even in a car that is made exactly to specifications. Examples of these kinds of defects include a lack of common vehicle safety features or the positioning of a gas tank in such a way that its contents are likely to ignite on impact. When you are injured by design defects, you can file a lawsuit against the party who designed the vehicle involved in your accident.

Other defects are the result of a mistake made somewhere in the manufacturing process. Mistakes like incorrectly installing brakes, using substandard materials like weak vehicle frames, or improper electrical wiring can all result in pedestrian accidents, even if the driver does everything right. A mistake made in a repair shop can lead to an accident for similar reasons.

For manufacturing problems, you should sue the repair shop or factory that worked on your vehicle. Sometimes, this will be the same entity that designed the car, but that is not always the case.

Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, uneven roads, defective guardrails, and other road hazards can also lead to pedestrian accidents. You can certainly sue the driver in these kinds of accidents, but you may also be able to file a claim against whoever is responsible for maintaining that area of the road. Usually, this is a government entity of some kind, and there are special rules for suing the government. Accordingly, you should discuss that prospect with our attorneys sooner rather than later.

Damages in Parkville, MD Pedestrian Accident Cases

When you take someone to court because they injured you, you are looking to get damages from them in the form of financial compensation. When you ask for damages, you need to explain what you are basing them on. Things like medical bills and other expenses can factor into damages, but you can also obtain damages for less tangible things like pain and suffering.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Parkville, MD?

If you are thinking about filing a lawsuit after a car hit you, it is important that you act quickly. A law called the statute of limitations puts a time limit on how long you have to file your claim. Per Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. Art., § 5-101, you must file your claim within three years of the time you are injured, or you cannot recover any damages. This may seem like a long time, but many things like physical recovery and planning your case can get in the way of filing, so it is better to start the process sooner rather than later.

Contact our Parkville, MD Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

Do not hesitate to contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras’s pedestrian accident lawyers by calling us at (410) 694-7291.