Perry Hall, MD Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

When drivers do not yield to pedestrians, serious accidents may occur, and pedestrians might be gravely injured. If you find yourself in such a situation, contact a lawyer about taking legal action for damages.

Pedestrian accidents are common wherever pedestrians and vehicle traffic cross paths. Parking areas, crosswalks, and even sidewalks are prime locations for collisions. If you are struck by a moving vehicle, talk to an attorney about how to get fair monetary compensation. You may find an insurance claim helpful, or perhaps a lawsuit is necessary to recover the full spectrum of your damages. Keep in mind that there are deadlines to take legal action. The statute of limitations on personal injury claims in Maryland is only 3 years, and you will need to check with the insurance company about the deadline to submit a claim. When we file your claim, we need to spell out your damages and what we believe they are worth. Your medical expenses, psychological distress, lost income from missing work, and other losses must be considered.

To get a confidential case review free of charge from our pedestrian accident lawyers, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.

Common Ways for Pedestrian Accidents to Happen in Perry Hall, MD

Pedestrian collisions can happen almost anywhere people on foot cross paths with moving vehicles. One of the most common areas for these kinds of accidents is parking areas like lots and garages. Drivers in these areas tend to let their guard down because they are not on the highway and driving slower. However, parking lots are often full of pedestrians walking to and from their cars. If drivers are not careful, they can hit pedestrians. Even at a slower speed, the impact can seriously hurt someone.

Although vehicles are not usually allowed on sidewalks, pedestrians might still be hit by negligent drivers in these places. This sometimes happens because drivers are speeding and lose control of their car or swerve to avoid something else on the road, like a pothole or an animal. They might swerve right up onto a sidewalk and hit someone. Alternatively, the driver might be intoxicated and run up on a busy sidewalk before they realize what’s happening.

Crosswalks are prime locations for pedestrian accidents, especially when they span a wide, busy street or highway. A speeding driver who is not paying attention might plow through pedestrians trying to cross the street. These kinds of accidents can be extremely severe, even deadly.

How to Obtain Financial Compensation for a Perry Hall, MD Pedestrian Accident

Financial compensation should cover the various costs, losses, and injuries surrounding your accident. Where this compensation comes from may vary, but the careless driver who struck you is usually responsible for payment in one way or another. Our pedestrian accident attorneys can assist you in filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve.

Insurance Claims

Maryland is a fault-based state for car insurance claims. This means that people injured in car accidents should file third-party claims with the other driver’s auto insurance. When doing so, you must present evidence to the insurance company that their customer is at fault for the crash.

Even though an injured pedestrian was not behind the wheel of a vehicle, they are still eligible to file auto insurance claims. As long as a car was involved, auto insurance should be available. If the other driver is uninsured, you might rely on your own auto insurance. You might have a policy covering accidents with uninsured motorists or something like MedPay that helps cover hospital bills.

Lawsuits

Many pedestrians injured by negligent drivers choose to file lawsuits. While a lawsuit might be more time-consuming than an insurance claim, it is often worth the time and effort. Often, lawsuits provide for a greater range of damages, and compensation is not limited like an insurance policy. You can claim damages often unavailable through insurance, like damages for non-economic injuries like pain and suffering.

Many injured pedestrians prefer lawsuits to insurance claims because they believe the courts are more fair than insurance companies. Courts are interested only in finding the truth. Insurance companies, on the other hand, are interested in protecting their bottom line.

An lawyer can help you prepare a formal complaint to begin your lawsuit. You will need evidence, information about your damages, and details about exactly how the accident occurred and why the defendant should be held liable. This can take time to prepare, so you should contact an attorney sooner rather than later.

Your Deadline to File A Claim for a Pedestrian Accident in Perry Hall, MD

If you are injured in a pedestrian collision, you have limited time to take legal action. Many injured pedestrians take a few weeks or even months to recover from their injuries before even speaking to an attorney, and precious time might be lost. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to start exploring legal options and maximize your time to prepare your case.

The insurance deadline may vary based on the insurance company you file a claim with. If you are filing an insurance claim with your own insurance provider, check your policy with a lawyer. Often, insurance policies may include details about deadlines. Sometimes, a hard deadline, such as 30 or 60 days, is imposed. Other times, a less concrete deadline is imposed. For example, your policy might state that you must file a claim “in a timely manner” or “as soon as possible.”

Personal injury lawsuits have a much stricter deadline imposed by law. According to Md. Code Ct.s and Jud. Proc. Art. § 5-101, a plaintiff has only 3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury case in court. The clock starts ticking on the day of the accident, so time is of the essence.

For Help Now, Speak to Our Perry Hall, MD Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

To get a confidential case review free of charge from our pedestrian accident lawyers, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.