Silver Spring Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents are an unfortunate reality in Silver Spring. Silver Spring sits just outside of Washington, D.C., making the chances of a pedestrian accident happening higher than in other areas.

Fortunately, a skilled Silver Spring pedestrian accident lawyer can help you determine the best path to compensation. Pedestrian accidents can occur almost anywhere but are especially common at crosswalks and parking lots. However, identifying the driver that injured you is not always straightforward. Most should be willing to provide assistance after injuring a pedestrian. In some cases, though, a detailed investigation will need to be conducted to identify the driver of a hit-and-run accident.

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, our Silver Spring pedestrian accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you need from the responsible party. For a free case assessment, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.

Common Areas Where Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Silver Spring

Silver Spring is a highly walkable area with many places where pedestrians and cars are in close proximity. And considering how close to the nation’s capital it is, Silver Spring can experience some of the worst traffic Maryland has to offer, increasing the chances of a pedestrian accident occurring. However, some locations are more likely to be the scene of a serious accident than others.

Crosswalks

Silver Spring has countless crosswalks that can be perilous for pedestrians in the city. For example, downtown Silver Spring is a popular destination for entertainment and food, with access to the D.C. Metro train. However, it has several crosswalks that can confuse pedestrians and drivers alike to know who has the right of way at an intersection. Further, many crosswalks are at locations where more than two roads intersect. In many cases, pedestrians must walk across wide gulfs to cross the street.

Some drivers might get distracted by their phones or by other drivers and fail to see a pedestrian. Pedestrians injured in an accident at a crosswalk deserve compensation for their injuries.

Sidewalks

While not as common, pedestrians injured by a car on a sidewalk can suffer devasting injuries. These accidents tend to occur when the driver loses control of the car, either through negligence or a potential vehicle defect. An out-of-control driver might be unable to regain control of the car or even notice a pedestrian before it is too late. A victim could require long-term treatment for the injuries sustained in a sidewalk accident.

Parking Lots

Finally, parking lots are also common places for pedestrians to get injured by negligent drivers. When scouting for a good parking spot, many drivers let their guard down for others walking through. Unfortunately, an unsuspecting pedestrian might become the victim of a careless driver, especially if there are no sidewalks or paths in the parking lot. Our Silver Spring pedestrian accident lawyers can help you recover compensation no matter where your accident occurred.

Identifying the Driver That Caused Your Pedestrian Accident in Silver Spring

Identifying the driver after a pedestrian accident can be more challenging than initially thought. Stopping after an accident, let alone after one involving a pedestrian, is not only the right thing to do but also the law. If the driver does stop, getting their information might be relatively easy. However, things get more complicated if multiple drivers are involved in your accident, or you are the hit-and-run victim. Fortunately, our Silver Spring pedestrian accident lawyers can help you determine who to sue for your damages.

Single Car Accidents

If a single driver was responsible for your accident, they should stop to render aid to you and anyone else involved. If they did, they should hopefully be willing to provide you with their personal and insurance information. With that, you can file a lawsuit later if necessary.

However, some drivers might be hostile to you after an accident and refuse to provide their information. It could be because they are too emotional following the accident or simply do not have insurance. If this is the case, call 911 and wait for the police to arrive. The driver can say no to your questions, but they cannot refuse the police without receiving a citation. You will be able to get a copy of the police report later, which will have the driver’s information.

Multi-Car Accidents

Sometimes a driver stops abruptly, causing a chain reaction of cars colliding with one another. A nearby pedestrian could be injured if this occurs at a busy intersection or in a parking lot. Multi-car accidents can be a burden for victims attempting to recover compensation, especially if they need to deal with multiple insurance companies. In many cases, more than one driver will be at fault for your injuries. The best option is to sue each driver and have them fight over who was more to blame for injuring the pedestrian caught in the middle.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

In the most egregious cases, a driver will not stop for a pedestrian they have just struck. Either from panic or maliciousness, the driver flees the scene, leaving the pedestrian to their fate. Suppose a hit-and-run victim remembered some identifying details from the accident, like the license plate or type of car it was. In that case, it could be possible to identify the driver using resources discovered during an investigation.

Of course, a victim might have trouble recalling details following a hit-and-run accident. In that case, we can work with Silver Spring Police and other law enforcement departments to help identify the driver that injured you and bring them to justice. Our Silver Spring pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims recover compensation for the injuries these reckless drivers cause.

Our Silver Spring Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help

If you suffered a pedestrian accident, seek guidance and support from our experienced Silver Spring pedestrian accident lawyers. Contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 for a free case review.