Severna Park Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Suffering injuries in a Severna Park pedestrian accident can have a profound impact on a victim’s life. In many cases, victims require ongoing medical care for their injuries, causing them to rack up extensive medical bills.

Fortunately, you are entitled to recover compensation for the damages another person caused you. Pedestrian accident lawsuits can be complex, but you can take a few steps that can greatly increase your chances of being compensated later. Our firm can them investigate your case to gather further evidence to prove your damages.

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

Steps to Take After Getting Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Severna Park

While proving a pedestrian accident case can be challenging, you can take several steps that will help you recover compensation for your injuries. Our pedestrian accident lawyers will be able to pick up where you left off, ensuring you have the best chance of getting justice for the harm you have suffered. Importantly, always call the police and get medical treatment after a pedestrian accident. If your injuries allow, you should also gather evidence while still on the scene.

Call the Police

The first thing you should do after a pedestrian accident in Severna Park is to call the police. Even if the other driver stopped to render aid, you would want to make sure the police investigate your accident so that a police report can be made in your case. The police will note any observations they make and issue a ticket if the facts clearly show the driver was at fault for causing the accident. Your police report will serve as a valuable source of information and can help lead to other evidence. For instance, witnesses to your accident that spoke to the police can be identified later in your report.

Get the Driver’s Information

If possible, get the driver’s information. Be sure to get their name, address, phone number, and insurance information. If possible, take pictures of their car and license plate with your phone so you have proof later on. If the driver does not seem willing or is outright hostile to your requests for information, do not force the situation. This is why you call the police. They will obtain this information, which will be included in the police report. Our team can help you get a copy of the report once it has become available.

Of course, you might not be able to get the other driver’s information if you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident. Sometimes, a driver will panic after hitting a pedestrian and flee the scene. In other cases, drivers do not want to take responsibility for their actions or are already in trouble with the law and cannot afford to be stopped by the police. While identifying a hit-and-run driver can be difficult, our team can work with law enforcement to investigate your case and get justice for your injuries. Even knowing the make and model of the vehicle that hit you can be helpful in finding the driver.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

It is best to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of your accident. Much of the evidence at the scene might not be preserved later for trial, but photos can be used as evidence when physical evidence cannot be produced. Take pictures of any damage to the vehicle that hit you or your property. For instance, if there are skid marks on the pavement where one vehicle stopped after hitting you or debris around, take pictures of those, as they can greatly support your case if other evidence is lacking.

Also, be sure to note your surroundings, if possible. Nearby businesses or residences might have security cameras that captured footage of your accident. If the camera owner is contacted quickly, obtaining a copy of the footage might be possible before it is erased.

Get Medical Treatment Immediately

Next, get medical treatment immediately after a pedestrian accident by going directly to an emergency room. Even if you feel like nothing is wrong with you, it is better to be safe than sorry, especially since many injuries do not manifest until hours or even days after an accident. Your medical records will detail the extent of your injuries, the future treatment needed, and the cause of your injuries. This will be valuable evidence later to show the impact of your injuries and the financial losses suffered as a result of your accident.

Speak to an Attorney

If you were injured by another person while walking around Severna Park, then you can file a lawsuit against them for compensation for all of your losses and damages suffered due to their negligence or recklessness. This includes compensation for damages like lost wages, medical bills, and lost future earning potential if you cannot work due to injuries sustained in the accident. Our firm can assist you with this process by negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf and filing suit, if necessary.

Where Pedestrian Accidents Commonly Happen in Severna Park

Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem, and they can happen anywhere. Pedestrians should always be aware of their surroundings and take safety precautions when crossing the street or walking near traffic in Severna Park. For instance, parking garages are dark and often have multiple levels and ramps. They can be confusing for pedestrians, especially those who are unfamiliar with the area. Parking garages often have poor signage, which makes it difficult to find directions around them. This makes parking garages very dangerous for pedestrians.

Crosswalks are meant to protect pedestrians from being hit by cars while crossing the street at intersections or mid-block crosswalks. However, many drivers do not obey stop signs at crosswalks or slow down when approaching one, which can result in an accident if a pedestrian steps out into traffic thinking that there is no danger because it is in a designated crosswalk area.

Most people think of sidewalks as safe places for pedestrians to walk without fear of being hit by a car, but this is not always true. Pedestrians can be hit by careless drivers as they pass through an entrance or an exit that cuts across a sidewalk. In other cases, a driver might lose control of their vehicle and jump the curb onto the sidewalk. These accidents can be devastating if a pedestrian does not have time to react before being struck.