Being injured as a pedestrian while crossing the street can be a frightening and disorienting experience. You may be dealing with pain, medical bills, and lost wages. What do you do next? Below is a guide that provides a starting point for navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian accident, your first priority is your health and safety. If you are injured, seek immediate medical attention. Even if you don't feel immediate pain, it's important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
If possible, gather information at the scene of the accident:
- Contact information of the driver and any witnesses
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
- Police report: Contact the police and ensure a report is filed.
Maryland Pedestrian Laws and Your Rights
Pedestrians have rights under Maryland law. Drivers are obligated to exercise reasonable care to avoid hitting pedestrians. This includes yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks and obeying traffic signals. Understanding your rights as a pedestrian is important to pursuing a successful claim.
Contributory Negligence and Pedestrian Accidents
Maryland follows the doctrine of contributory negligence. This can significantly impact pedestrian accident claims. If you are found to be even partially at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This is why having a skilled attorney on your side is crucial.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
The severity of these injuries can lead to extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term disability.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries
If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Other damages
Why You Need a Maryland Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Navigating the legal complexities of a pedestrian accident claim can be challenging. A skilled personal injury attorney can:
- Investigate the accident
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Represent you in court if necessary
Burnett Injury Group: Fighting for Pedestrian Accident Victims
At Burnett Injury Group, we are dedicated to representing victims of pedestrian accidents in Maryland. We are committed to fighting for our client’s rights to fair compensation.
Contact Burnett Injury Group today for a FREE consultation. We can discuss your case, explain your legal options, and answer your questions. We serve clients throughout Maryland, including Annapolis.