Reisterstown, MD Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents are a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for individuals in Reisterstown. These incidents often lead to complex legal disputes, which can make it difficult for victims to obtain the compensation they need to cover their medical expenses and other damages.

In many cases, defendants will attempt to argue that the pedestrian was at fault for the accident. However, pedestrians have the same rights as drivers when it comes to safety on the road. If a negligent driver injures you while you are walking, our team will be waiting to help you hold them accountable. Working with our experienced attorneys can help you gather evidence, assess liability, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. With the right legal support, you can increase your chances of securing the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.

For a free case review with our pedestrian accident attorneys, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.

Common Types of Injuries Pedestrians Suffer in Reisterstown, MD Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in Reisterstown can result in a wide range of injuries. Each injury type carries its own set of challenges, treatments, and potential for long-term impact on the victim’s life. Our pedestrian accident attorneys can help you understand how these injuries might impact your life and the best ways to compensate for your losses. The following are typical injuries pedestrians suffer in Reisterstown accidents:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most severe outcomes of pedestrian accidents. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage and occur when the head is either directly struck by a vehicle or hits the ground or another object during the collision.

Symptoms can be immediate or delayed, including headaches, confusion, dizziness, or even more severe cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments. TBIs can have lasting impacts on an individual’s ability to work, engage in social activities, and carry out daily tasks.

Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries in pedestrian accidents can result from a forceful impact on a vehicle or the ground. These injuries might involve damage to the spinal cord itself, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis, or they can involve damage to the vertebrae, discs, or ligaments, causing significant pain and mobility issues.

The location and severity of a spinal injury will determine the long-term prognosis, which can range from chronic pain and reduced mobility to a complete loss of function below the injury site.

Torn Muscles, Ligaments, and Tendons

The force exerted on the body in a pedestrian accident can lead to torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These types of soft tissue injuries can occur anywhere in the body but are particularly common in the legs, arms, and back as the body reacts to the impact.

Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and a significant reduction in the injured area’s function. While some soft tissue injuries can heal over time with rest and physical therapy, others might require surgical intervention to repair the damage.

Bone Fractures

Given the force of impact involved, bone fractures are a frequent result of pedestrian accidents. Common fracture sites include the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis. The nature of the fracture, whether it is simple, compound, or comminuted, will significantly affect the treatment required and the recovery time. Severe fractures might necessitate surgical intervention, including the placement of hardware to stabilize the bone, followed by extensive physical therapy.

Dental and Facial Injuries

Dental and facial injuries are also common in pedestrian accidents, particularly if the face strikes the vehicle or the ground. These injuries can range from lacerations and bruising to more severe injuries such as broken jaws, lost teeth, and eye injuries. Besides the immediate physical pain and required medical treatment, these injuries can have profound psychological effects because of their impact on the victim’s appearance.

Road Rash

Road rash is a type of injury that occurs when the skin is scraped or abraded because of sliding across the pavement following an impact or fall. While road rash might seem like a minor injury, it can be incredibly painful and can lead to serious complications if not treated properly.

In fact, road rash is prone to infection, and the severity of the injury can vary depending on the depth, size, and location of the wound. In some cases, road rash can even require skin grafting to repair the damaged tissue and reduce the risk of scarring. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention and to keep the wound clean and well-protected to prevent further complications.

Typical Places Where Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Reisterstown, MD

Pedestrian accidents can occur almost anywhere. However, some locations are more prone to pedestrian injuries than others. The following are places in Reisterstown where pedestrians should exercise extra caution to avoid being injured by another person’s negligence:

Crosswalks and Intersections

One of the most common places for pedestrian accidents in Reisterstown is at crosswalks and intersections. Despite being designated spots for pedestrians to cross, drivers might fail to yield, especially if they are distracted, speeding, or disregarding traffic signals. High-traffic intersections, particularly those without clear pedestrian signals or with poor visibility, pose significant risks.

Parking Lots and Driveways

Parking lots and driveways in shopping centers, residential areas, and business complexes are also frequent sites of pedestrian accidents. Drivers backing out or pulling into spaces might not see pedestrians walking behind or in front of their vehicles. The mix of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in these areas, often with limited visibility and no defined pathways for pedestrians, increases the likelihood of accidents.

Bus Stops and Public Transit Hubs

Areas surrounding bus stops and public transit hubs can be hazardous for pedestrians. Individuals might be crossing streets to catch a bus or walking along roads that lack sidewalks to access these transit points. The concentration of buses and cars, coupled with pedestrians trying to make their transit connections, creates a dynamic environment ripe for potential accidents.

School Zones and Residential Areas

School zones and residential neighborhoods are supposed to be safe for pedestrians, especially children. However, these areas can become dangerous during morning and afternoon hours when children are going to or leaving school. Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to obey school zone signals contribute to accidents in these otherwise quiet areas.

Commercial Districts and Main Streets

The main streets and commercial districts of Reisterstown, with their shops, restaurants, and businesses, attract a high volume of pedestrian traffic. Unfortunately, these bustling areas can also be sites of pedestrian accidents, particularly where sidewalks are narrow, crossings are poorly marked, or drivers attempt to navigate congested streets and might overlook pedestrian right-of-way.

Unmarked Crossings and Mid-Block Locations

Pedestrians sometimes choose to cross streets away from intersections or crosswalks, known as jaywalking. These mid-block crossings are particularly dangerous because drivers are not expecting pedestrian traffic and might have less time to react if someone steps onto the road suddenly. The absence of pedestrian crossing signs or signals further exacerbates the risk.

Our Reisterstown, MD Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help

Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 for a free assessment of your case with our pedestrian accident lawyers.