Pedestrians are always a vulnerable group of people when it comes to being hit by vehicles. In fact, pedestrians make up a third of all the victims of car accidents. Pedestrian accidents happen more than any other type of accident. According to a study, more than half of all pedestrian accidents in the United States are caused by driver distraction.
At Blank Kim Injury Law, we understand that being involved in a pedestrian accident is a traumatic experience. Our pedestrian accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of Maryland pedestrian accident laws. Our legal team will thoroughly review the circumstances of your pedestrian accident to determine if you have a claim. Whether you were hit by a motor vehicle because of a distracted driver, or a bus or truck ran a red light and hit you, we will help you obtain justice.
Local medical centers that treat injuries resulting from a pedestrian accident:
Pedestrians are often injured in accidents caused by cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians themselves. Injuries sustained by pedestrians include broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, and death.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths increased by 8% between 2009 and 2010. This was due to an increase in traffic fatalities overall. This means that more people were killed in car crashes than died walking across streets.
Here are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents:
Pedestrians account for nearly half of all traffic fatalities each year. This makes pedestrian safety one of the most pressing issues facing our society today. In order to prevent pedestrian accidents, it is essential to understand who is at the greatest risk for these types of collisions.
Here are the top groups of pedestrians who are most vulnerable to pedestrian accidents:
Children under the age of 12 years old are particularly susceptible to pedestrian accidents due to their small size and lack of awareness of their surroundings. They often walk without paying attention to traffic signals or crosswalks and may be distracted by toys, games, or other items. It is estimated that approximately 1,000 children die every year in pedestrian crashes.
Teenagers between 13 and 18 years old are also prone to pedestrian accidents due to inexperience and poor judgment. Many teenagers drive cars without licenses, and many teens don't yet fully comprehend the dangers of driving. Teenage drivers are three times more likely to cause a fatal crash than adults.
Older adults are also at greater risk for pedestrian accidents. As people age, their vision, hearing, reflexes, and coordination decrease. This means older adults are more likely to fail to see approaching vehicles, hear sirens, or react quickly enough to avoid an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 50 percent of pedestrian deaths occur among those 65 years of age and older.
People with disabilities are also at increased risk for pedestrian accidents. These individuals tend to rely heavily on others for assistance and may not be aware of their surroundings. They are also unable to detect hazards such as potholes or uneven pavement until too late. There were over 2 million injuries related to pedestrian accidents in 2016 alone. Of those, over 500,000 involved people with disabilities.
Pedestrians are often victims of car accidents, especially those involving drunk drivers. If you were involved in such an accident, here are some things you should do after the crash.
After a pedestrian accident, you may find yourself feeling confused and overwhelmed. Here are some tips to follow after the crash.
#1. Call 911 Immediately
#2. Get Medical Attention
#3. Take Photos
#4. Contact Insurance Company
#5. File a Claim With the Police Department
#6. Seek Legal Advice
Pedestrians are often injured in accidents involving motor vehicles. If you were involved in an accident with a pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
In order to recover these damages, you must prove negligence on the part of the driver. Negligence means that the driver was negligent in his driving habits or failed to act properly under the circumstances.
A pedestrian has the same rights as a passenger in a car. This means that they should receive the same level of compensation as passengers in cars. However, there are certain exceptions.
In Maryland, pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries or death. Pedestrians have no form of protection from vehicles, and motorists do not always yield the right of way.
At Blank Kim Injury Law, our pedestrian accident attorneys can evaluate your case and determine if you have a claim. Our team has experience representing pedestrians, bicyclists, and others who have been injured in pedestrian accidents. Our firm has handled thousands of pedestrian accident cases. Whether you were hit by a driver who did not yield the right of way, or you were struck by a motorist who did not see you, we have the skill to pursue your claim. Contact us today for a free case evaluation if you were injured in a pedestrian accident.
