Severn Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Even the safest pedestrians can fall victim to a negligent driver in Severn. Accidents between cars and pedestrians often result in devastating injuries.

However, you can recover compensation for your injuries with the help of our pedestrian accident lawyers. Causes for pedestrian accidents abound. Fortunately, you can recover a wide range of damages through a lawsuit. This includes your medical expenses and other financial and emotional harms you suffered.

For a free case consultation with our pedestrian accident attorneys, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (443) 339-8368 today.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Severn

There are numerous causes of pedestrian accidents in Severn. While a pedestrian accident can leave you with significant damages, our pedestrian accident attorneys can help you recover compensation. How your injuries occurred will play an important role in the legal strategies used in your case. The following are a few of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Severn:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is incredibly dangerous because an accident can occur if a driver takes their eyes off the road for even a second. It is also illegal in Severn. For instance, texting while driving has become a significant problem. If a driver hits a pedestrian while texting, our pedestrian accident attorneys can help you file a lawsuit for the damages you suffered as a result of the crash. All drivers are responsible for driving carefully and not becoming distracted while behind the wheel.

Disobeying Traffic Signals

Pedestrian accidents are often caused when drivers disobey traffic signals or fail to yield at a stop sign or crossing. Drivers should always stop at traffic lights and follow other signs that tell them when to yield the right of way to pedestrians. Pedestrians are especially exposed to danger if they walk at night when visibility is poor, or there are no streetlights nearby. The most important thing pedestrians can do to protect themselves from being injured or killed by a negligent driver is to obey traffic signals and pay attention to their surroundings.

Speeding

Speeding is another common cause of pedestrian accidents in Severn. Drivers who speed may not see pedestrians in time to stop before hitting them. In many cases, a driver’s vehicle will usually be traveling too fast for them to stop safely, increasing the risk of serious injury or even death.

Improper Turns

Another common cause of pedestrian accidents in Severn is improper turns. When turning on red lights or stop signs, drivers should always yield to pedestrians with the right-of-way. If a driver fails to yield, they can easily strike a pedestrian before seeing them and cause devastating injuries. However, pedestrians should also never jaywalk across busy streets as it can negatively affect your ability to recover compensation later.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

Driving under the influence (DUI) is another major cause of pedestrian accidents in Severn and throughout Maryland. Driving under the influence of alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time while driving. If a driver is intoxicated behind the wheel, they can cause a deadly accident as they might not even react before striking a pedestrian.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Severn

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are all too common in Severn and throughout Maryland. The Maryland Department of Transportation reports that there were a total of 2,514 pedestrians injured in vehicle accidents in Maryland in 2021. Of those accidents, 125 resulted in pedestrian fatalities.

In Anne Arundel, where Severn is located, 180 pedestrians were involved in vehicle accidents, with a five-year average of 219 pedestrians struck. While fatalities are fortunately low, about ten pedestrians are killed each year. Most of these accidents occur at crosswalks, road shoulders, and parking lots. However, pedestrians should remain vigilant as an accident can occur almost anywhere.

How Fault is Determined in a Severn Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit

Pedestrian accident lawsuits can be complex cases. Sometimes, there is very little evidence to show liability, and cases can come down to the pedestrian’s word versus the driver’s. This can present a significant challenge to recovering compensation if you share any blame for causing your accident. Maryland is one of the few states still employing a “pure comparative negligence” standard. Under this rule, a plaintiff is barred from recovering compensation if they contributed to their injuries at all. If you are found even 1% at fault for your accident, you will not be awarded compensation for your injuries.

For instance, if you cross the street somewhere besides a crosswalk, known as “jaywalking,” you might be denied compensation. Thus, it is as important to follow the rules of the road when you are a pedestrian.

Damages You Can Claim for a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Severn

When a pedestrian is hit by a car in Severn, they are entitled to compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. First, you can recover compensation for all medical bills related to your injuries. These costs can include doctor visits and treatments, prescriptions, physical therapy, and more. The amount will vary based on the severity of your injuries, but it is important that you keep track of all expenses related to your treatment so that you can prove them in court if necessary.

If your injuries prevent you from working for an extended period of time or permanently, then you can also claim lost wages in a lawsuit. Lost wages are calculated based on how much money you would have made had you not been injured and what kind of work you do. Victims can also recover any future loss of income due to a loss of future earning capacity. This typically means that a pedestrian’s injuries were so severe that they prevented them from performing the same work they used to do.

While this is not technically a monetary amount, pain and suffering damages are often awarded in pedestrian accidents because they reflect the emotional toll caused by being injured by someone else’s negligence. This refers to your physical pain and the emotional distress resulting from the accident. In most cases, it is difficult to put an exact monetary value on pain and suffering, but it can be substantial depending on the severity of your injuries.