Pasadena, MD Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Nobody goes through their day with the thought that a car could hit them at the forefront of their minds. Sure, we all know that it is a risk whenever we go across the street, meander on a sidewalk, or do other things on our feet throughout the day, but most people do not expect responsible drivers to run into them. Unfortunately, pedestrians get hit and run over by cars every single day and suffer extremely serious and expensive injuries as a result.

If you find yourself badly injured after getting hit by a car, we are here to help. Our lawyers know pedestrian accident cases inside and out, and we possess the determination, professionalism, and drive to fight effectively for the financial compensation you deserve when you are injured.

To have our pedestrian accident lawyers give you a free case review, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Pasadena, MD

After you are struck by a car, it can be hard to figure out what to do next. The surge of adrenaline and shock of the whole experience can make it tough to focus and make sense of things in the heat of the moment. Fortunately, our attorneys have put together a list of helpful tips for steps to take after a pedestrian accident to improve your case and keep you safe. Of course, some people hurt in these kinds of accidents may be too injured to take these steps, so it is ok if you did some, all, or none of these things based on the facts and circumstances of your particular situation.

Call Emergency Services

The most important thing to do after an accident is dial 911 or make sure someone else does. First responders cannot respond if they do not know that something has gone wrong and where to go. If you cannot call 911 yourself, single out an individual person to make the call instead of imploring “someone” around to do so, as telling one person to do a job in an emergency situation tends to be more effective at getting things done.

Get Medical Attention

Once first responders arrive, let them examine you and heed all their instructions. If you are taken directly to a hospital and cannot do anything else, that is ok. It is better to have your injuries treated. If you can stick around after you are examined, there are other things you can do right after you are hit.

Even if first responders say you are “ok” to stick around, it is a good idea to get a follow-up medical examination after your accident. Some injuries may not be apparent until a couple of days later because of adrenaline or other factors, so getting a second check-up is always a good idea.

Obtain Information

Provided you can stick around after you are injured, you should try to get as much information as you can. Your first port of call should probably be getting the name, insurance information, license plate number, and other details about the driver who hit you, as they will doubtless be a defendant in your case.

Additionally, it is a good idea to take a lot of photos and videos of the accident and surrounding area, as they can help our lawyers build a case for you and may able to even be used as evidence. Moreover, talking to eyewitnesses and recording their statements can also be beneficial to your case, as they may be able to testify in court to support your case.

Call Our Attorneys

Finally, it is crucial that you get a lawyer working on your case as quickly as you can after you are injured. In Maryland, there is a law called a statute of limitations that limits how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit of any kind. Per Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. Art., § 5-101, you must file your personal injury lawsuit within three years of when you are injured. Failing that, courts will not hear your case, and you will not be able to be awarded any damages, no matter how egregious the would-be defendant’s conduct.

Three years can feel like a long time, but when one takes into account focusing on recovery and having attorneys gather evidence before filing, that time can fly by. It is better to file early than roll the dice on being able to go to court at all.

Who Can You Sue in a Pasadena, MD Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?

When you file your lawsuit, you want to be very particular about who you choose to sue. This is because the only parties you can get damages from are those that actually caused your injuries. You want to sue those parties you suspect of having a hand in your accident – and no one else.

First, you will probably want to sue the driver who hit you, as they are most directly responsible for the accident in most circumstances. You can show that a driver is liable for your injuries through evidence of them speeding, driving while drunk, or other negligent acts behind the wheel.

In some instances, you may be able to sue a driver’s employer. For example, if a pizza delivery driver struck you on the way to make a delivery, the company they work for could be liable for your conduct.

Finally, there are some cases where a defective car causes a pedestrian accident, even with the driver doing everything right. In those instances, filing against the designer or manufacturer of the vehicle makes the most sense.

Talk to Our Pasadena, MD Pedestrian Accident Lawyers About Your Case Today

Rice, Murtha & Psoras has pedestrian accident lawyers standing by to help you with your case when you call (410) 694-7291.