Waldorf Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Aggressively Representing Victims of Catastrophic Accidents

When a pedestrian is struck by a car, there is little chance of escaping unscathed. Car-pedestrian accidents typically result in very serious—if not fatal—injuries for the pedestrian. In the aftermath, the driver’s insurance company is likely to make things even more challenging by minimizing your claim. Our Waldorf, MD pedestrian accident lawyers will not allow them to take advantage of you.

At Farmer & Klopfer, our personal injury lawyers know how to fight these insurance companies and win. Since 1978, our team has earned a reputation for being aggressive lawyers who do what is right for our clients—and that means working diligently to get them every penny they deserve as quickly as possible.

Less than one percent of all lawyers have achieved million-dollar verdicts. Members of Farmer & Klopfer team are in this prestigious club.

For a free consultation with our attorneys, call (301) 265-2220 or submit an online contact form. If you are not able to make it to our office, we can come to you. 

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

A pedestrian accident refers to any collision or incident involving a pedestrian and a motor vehicle. Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the vast difference in size and speed between a person on foot and a motor vehicle.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers who are distracted by texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, eating, or engaging in any other activity that diverts their attention from the road are more likely to miss seeing pedestrians.
• Failure to yield: Motorists may fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, or when making turns, leading to collisions.
• Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver's ability to stop quickly and increases the severity of injuries in the event of a collision with a pedestrian.
• Driving under the influence (DUI): Impaired drivers are less likely to react in time to avoid collisions with pedestrians, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
• Failure to obey traffic signals: Drivers who run red lights or stop signs may strike pedestrians who are legally crossing the street.
• Poor visibility: Low visibility conditions such as darkness, heavy rain, fog, or glare from the sun can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially if they are not wearing reflective clothing.
• Unsafe road conditions: Cracked sidewalks, poorly lit areas, lack of crosswalks, and other hazardous road conditions can increase the likelihood of pedestrian accidents.
• Reckless driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and ignoring traffic laws can put pedestrians at risk.
• Blind spots: Large vehicles such as trucks and buses have larger blind spots, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, particularly when making turns or changing lanes.

Maryland Pedestrian Laws

Maryland law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. This means that motorists must stop and allow pedestrians to cross the street when they are in a crosswalk. Even if there is no marked crosswalk, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the street at any intersection or designated crossing point.

Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and pedestrian control signals at intersections. This includes waiting for the "walk" signal before crossing the street and refraining from crossing when the signal indicates "don't walk."

Pedestrians are generally required to use sidewalks when they are available. If there is no sidewalk, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.

Maryland law prohibits pedestrians from walking along expressways, bridges, or tunnels where pedestrian access is prohibited.

In the event of a pedestrian accident, drivers must stop and remain at the scene, render aid to injured pedestrians, and provide necessary information to law enforcement authorities.

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

In a pedestrian accident, liability, or legal responsibility, can fall on several parties based on the circumstances of the incident. Here are the main parties who may be held liable:

• Driver of the Motor Vehicle: The most common scenario involves the driver of the motor vehicle being held liable for a pedestrian accident. This could be due to actions such as speeding, distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving), running a red light or stop sign, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
• Pedestrian: In some cases, a pedestrian may be partially or wholly responsible for the accident. For example, if the pedestrian crossed the street illegally outside of a crosswalk or against a traffic signal, the pedestrian's actions may contribute to the accident. However, even if a pedestrian is partially at fault, they may still be entitled to compensation under Maryland's contributory negligence law, although the amount of compensation they receive may be reduced based on their degree of fault.
• Government Entity: In certain situations, liability may also fall on a government entity responsible for maintaining roads, sidewalks, or traffic control devices. If a pedestrian accident occurs due to a dangerous road condition, such as a pothole, inadequate lighting, or malfunctioning traffic signals, the government entity tasked with maintaining the road infrastructure may be held liable for negligence.
• Vehicle Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider: In rare cases, if a pedestrian accident is caused by a defect in the vehicle or a component of the vehicle, such as faulty brakes or steering, the manufacturer or maintenance provider may be held liable under product liability laws.
• Other Parties: Depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, other parties such as employers (if the driver was on the job at the time of the accident), property owners (if the accident occurred on private property), or third-party contractors (e.g., construction companies working near the accident site) may also be held liable.

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident can be complex and often requires a thorough investigation of the facts and evidence surrounding the incident. If you have been injured, you must consult with a qualified personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal rights and options.

Our Lawyers Get Results

Pedestrian accident cases are not easy. When pedestrians survive their injuries, they are likely to suffer major injuries, from broken bones to paralysis to brain damage. Injuries like these cause much more than pain and suffering; they lead to significant and ongoing medical expenses, as well as the need for long-term care and accommodations in the home.

At Farmer & Klopfer, we understand the concerns pedestrian accident victims and their families face, and we use our extensive experience and knowledge to fight for the maximum compensation to which our clients are entitled. Even when a case involves a hit-and-run accident, we do everything in our power to identify methods to secure compensation for victims and their families.

Contact Us Today to Learn How We Can Help

If you are suffering because of a pedestrian accident, our Waldorf pedestrian accident attorneys can help. We offer free initial consultations to potential clients, and we are available to meet with you at our law office in Waldorf, your home, or in the hospital. We handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not charge attorneys’ fees unless we win. Incidental expenses may apply.

Remember: Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without your lawyer present. Call (301) 265-2220 to talk to one of our attorneys for free about how we can handle the insurance company.