The number of
pedestrians injured in Maryland increased again in 2017. From 2013 through 2017, the number of pedestrians injured in traffic accidents increased each year. During 2017, 3,515 people were injured in pedestrian-auto accidents. In that same year, 111 people died in pedestrian-auto accidents.
Being involved in a Maryland pedestrian accident can cause severe bodily injury and emotional trauma. Depending on the facts and circumstances, the pedestrian might be entitled to recover compensation for injuries and damages. However, the insurance company for the driver may deny liability for the injury claim.
Therefore, it is important to seek the advice of a Baltimore pedestrian accident attorney. An attorney can conduct a pedestrian auto accident investigation to determine the cause of the accident, identify the liable party, and secure evidence to prove fault.
Investigating a Maryland Pedestrian Auto Accident
When investigating a pedestrian accident, our Baltimore pedestrian accident attorneys review a variety of evidence to determine the cause of the crash. Determining cause is one of the first steps when investigating any vehicle-related accident. Evidence and factors we review include:
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Digital evidence, including videos, photographs, call logs, text messages, and activity data
- Environmental factors, such as the weather at the time of the accident or whether the placement of foliage could have contributed to the cause of the accident
- Human factors, including drunk driving, speeding, drugged driving, lack of visibility, and distracted driving
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Eyewitness statements, which can be very useful in determining cause and fault
In some cases, we may need to employ an accident reconstructionist to recreate the accident. The reconstructionist uses several factors, including throw distance, skid marks, location of initial impact, vehicle resting location, damage to the vehicle, impact debris, injury analysis, and other evidence to determine what caused the initial impact.
Once cause is determined, the evidence also helps identify the responsible party. In most pedestrian accidents, the driver was the person who caused the collision.
However, the insurance company for the driver might allege that the pedestrian is to blame or partially to blame for the crash. While many people believe a pedestrian accident is a “slam dunk” personal injury claim, that is not always the case. Insurance companies aggressively fight these cases because the damages may be significant.
Therefore, you should not assume that the insurance company for the other driver will simply pay you the full value of your claim. The company may deny your claim or decrease the value of your claim based on “evidence” you contributed to the cause of the crash. A Baltimore pedestrian accident attorney can help you disprove the “evidence” the insurance company alleges demonstrates you were partially to blame for your injuries.
Don’t Give Away Part of Your Compensation Because You Fail to Consult with an Attorney
It is in your best interest to consult with a Baltimore injury lawyer before you accept a settlement for injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident. In most cases, the injuries in a pedestrian accident are one-sided. In other words, the pedestrian suffers injuries while the driver is unharmed. Common injuries in a pedestrian accident include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Back and neck injuries
- Amputations
- Scar and disfigurement
The damages can be substantial, which means the compensation for damages could be substantial. However, if you cannot prove the driver caused your injuries because of negligence, you will not recover money for your damages. Therefore, a thorough pedestrian auto accident investigation is required so that you can receive compensation for your:
- Medical bills, including hospitalizations, surgeries, medical equipment, physical therapy, and medications
- Loss of income, including future lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Permanent disability, including scarring and disfigurement
Coping with the physical, financial, and emotional issues after a pedestrian accident can be challenging. However, with the help of the experienced personal injury lawyers of Pinder Plotkin, you can receive the compensation you deserve so that you can continue to heal and recover after an accident that was not your fault.
Contact Our Baltimore Pedestrian Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
Contact Pinder Plotkin LLC by calling
410-525-5337 to schedule your
free consultation with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer. Learn more about the steps you should take right now to protect your right to recover full compensation for your injuries.
The information provided in this website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject. The information contained in this blog is also subject to change and should not be relied upon. Contact the Pinder Plotkin Legal Team for a FREE consultation.
