Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Baltimore

Walking should be safe for everyone, but too often, Maryland drivers put pedestrians at risk by behaving carelessly or even recklessly while behind the wheel.

When drivers fail to exercise proper caution, the consequences for pedestrians can be devastating.

Given their direct exposure to the full force of such a collision, pedestrians often suffer severe, life-altering injuries that require extensive medical treatment, result in lost wages, and cause immense physical and emotional pain.

At Greenberg Law Offices, our Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyers understand the challenges pedestrians face after serious accidents.

Since 1966, our firm has dedicated itself to fighting for the rights of injury victims throughout Baltimore and Maryland. As skilled negotiators and aggressive litigators, we will approach your case with a willingness to go to trial and do whatever it takes to maximize your recovery.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian hit by a car, contact Greenberg Law Offices today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your case.

What Our Client Say

“I have had fantastic success with Larry Greenberg over the last decade. He is very reachable, locally well-connected and known, and actually litigates creatively rather than simply re-stating facts as I had experienced previously with different counsel. Larry is also genuinely concerned with arriving at the best possible results for his clients. I would not go anywhere else.”

-RS

Do I Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

If you got hit by a car while walking in Baltimore, a pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

You may be dealing with significant medical expenses and lost income, to say nothing of the physical pain and emotional trauma that result from many pedestrian accidents.

You shouldn’t have to fight for justice on your own. An attorney who knows your rights and understands the legal system can advocate for you while you focus on healing.

Why Choose Greenberg Law Offices for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim?

When you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Here’s what working with a Baltimore pedestrian accident attorney from Greenberg Law Offices can offer:

• More than 60 years of experience across three generations in handling complex personal injury cases in Baltimore and across Maryland
• Compassionate and seasoned support staff who are as committed to top-quality service as our lawyers
• A sterling reputation among the judges, defense lawyers, and insurance companies standing between you and fair compensation
• Strong relationships with expert witnesses in fields like accident reconstruction, medicine, and accounting
• Recognition from such outlets as Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, America’s Top 100 LLC, and AVVO
• A “Preeminent Lawyers” rating from Martindale-Hubbell

Life after a severe accident is difficult. Our pedestrian accident law firm can make it a little easier for you.

We’re prepared to investigate the accident to prove who’s to blame, then work with experts to calculate the fair value of your claim.

Next, we’ll send demand letters to liable parties and their insurers, negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement. If they won’t offer one, we won’t hesitate to take them to court.

Throughout this process, we’ll keep you informed about your progress and empower you to make critical decisions for your future. What’s more, we won’t charge you a fee unless we win your case first.

Reach out to us today and let’s talk about what we can do for you.

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

The moments following a pedestrian accident are critical, both for your health and for any future pedestrian accident claim you may file.

The following are the essential steps to take:

• Call the Police – An official police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence you will need. It may include the officer’s assessment of fault.
• Gather Information – If possible, collect the driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance details. Also, get contact information from any witnesses.
• Avoid Making Statements – Do not apologize or make statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Simply exchange the necessary information with the driver.
• Document the Scene – Take photos of the accident location, your injuries, the vehicle involved, traffic signals, crosswalks, and any other relevant details.
• Seek Medical Attention – Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. A medical evaluation creates documentation of your injuries that will be crucial for your case.
• Do Not Accept Early Settlement Offers – Insurance companies often make quick, low settlement offers to avoid paying what your claim is truly worth.

Finally, contact Greenberg Law Offices to speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Baltimore as soon as possible. Early legal intervention can help preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident requires a thorough investigation. Potentially liable parties include the following:

• Drivers – The driver who hit you may be liable if they were negligent, such as by speeding, running a red light, driving while distracted, or failing to yield as required.
• Vehicle Owners – If the driver was operating someone else’s vehicle with permission, the owner may share liability in certain circumstances.
• Employers – If the driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer might be responsible through vicarious liability.
• Government Entities – If poor road design, malfunctioning traffic signals, or inadequate crosswalk markings contributed to your accident, a government entity might bear some responsibility.
• Vehicle Manufacturers – The manufacturer could be liable if a vehicle defect contributed to the accident.

At Greenberg Law Offices, our experienced attorneys conduct exhaustive investigations to identify all potentially liable parties in your pedestrian accident case.

What Compensation Can I Recover for a Pedestrian Accident?

Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including the following:

If the at-fault driver engaged in particularly egregious conduct, such as drunk driving, you could also be entitled to punitive damages. Rather than compensate you for specific harm you suffered, these are meant to punish the driver for their shocking behavior.

When you come to our pedestrian accident law firm, we can determine what pedestrian accident compensation you could be entitled to based on the facts of your specific case.

Maryland Pedestrian Traffic Laws and How They Affect Your Case

Maryland pedestrian laws require drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks when they’re on the driver’s half of the road or approaching from an adjacent lane.

However, pedestrians also have duties, such as not stepping suddenly into traffic when a driver cannot reasonably yield. These rules can affect how insurers, attorneys, and courts determine fault.

Because Maryland also follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, any alleged fault on your part may put your compensation at risk.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Maryland?

The statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Maryland generally requires you to take action within three years of the accident date. However, some exceptions might shorten or extend this timeframe:

• Claims against government entities may have notice requirements of as short as one year.
• If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations may not go into effect until they turn 18.
• If the victim is mentally incapacitated, the statute might be tolled until capacity is restored.

Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to pursue compensation permanently. Additionally, crucial evidence may be lost or destroyed with the passage of time. Witness memories fade, surveillance footage may be overwritten, and physical evidence from the scene can disappear.

Because of these factors, it’s imperative to consult with a Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyer who handles cases throughout Maryland as soon as possible after your accident.

How Many Pedestrians Are Killed in Baltimore and Maryland Each Year?

Understanding the scope of the Baltimore and Maryland pedestrian safety crisis is important for prevention and awareness. According to data from the Maryland Department of Transportation:

• Maryland has averaged 124 fatal pedestrian crashes annually over the most recent five-year window.
• One out of every four people killed in Maryland traffic crashes is a pedestrian.
• In a recent year, pedestrian crashes accounted for less than 3 percent of the state’s approximately 109,000 crashes but represented nearly 23 percent of statewide fatalities.
• An alarming 91 percent of pedestrian-involved crashes reported in Maryland in a recent year resulted in injury or death.
• Ninety-two percent of pedestrian-involved crashes in Maryland occurred in the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas in recent years.
• Baltimore accounted for 31 percent of all pedestrian-involved crashes in Maryland, making it the highest concentration in the state.
• Evening hours are especially dangerous, with 50 percent of pedestrian crashes resulting in fatalities occurring between 6 p.m. and midnight.

What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Understanding the cause of your accident is crucial for establishing liability and building a strong pedestrian injury case. These accidents can occur for many reasons, but some causes are particularly common, such as the following:

• Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, personal grooming, and conversations with passengers
• Failure to yield right-of-way at intersections or crosswalks
• Speeding, which reduces reaction time
• Impaired driving that affects judgment and awareness
• Poor visibility from darkness, glare, or weather
• Left turns across pedestrian paths
• Traffic signal/crosswalk violations that go against Maryland pedestrian laws
• Improper backing out of driveways and parking spaces without checking for pedestrians

What Are Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents?

Because pedestrians lack the protection of a vehicle, their injuries tend to be severe. Common catastrophic injuries from a pedestrian accident include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
• Spinal cord injuries that may affect mobility
• Broken bones in the legs, arms, ribs, or hips
• Internal injuries that may not be obvious right away
• Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and tears
• Road rash and lacerations, which increase the potential risk of infection
• Amputations and traumatic limb loss
• Psychological trauma, including anxiety after the crash

FAQs About Pedestrian Accident Claims in Baltimore

Here are some of the most common questions our clients ask about pedestrian accident cases.

How much does a pedestrian accident lawyer cost?

Many personal injury lawyers work on contingency. This means they don’t take an upfront, out-of-pocket fee for their services. Instead, they get paid a percentage of the money they recover – and if they don’t recover compensation, they don’t get paid.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t in a marked crosswalk?

You may still be able to recover compensation, but the facts matter. Maryland’s contributory negligence rule means even a small amount of pedestrian fault may bar you from recovering compensation.

What happens if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

A hit-and-run can make the claim harder, but it doesn’t automatically leave you without legal options.

You may be able to seek compensation through uninsured motorist coverage. A lawyer can investigate and try to identify the driver.

How long does a pedestrian accident case take in Maryland?

The timeline depends on the injuries sustained, their severity, insurance issues, and whether your case settles or goes to court.

Some claims resolve in months, while cases involving severe injuries or disputed fault may take much longer.

How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, long-term limitations, and how clearly the evidence shows the driver was at fault. Every case is unique and based on the facts, rather than on generalities.

Who pays my medical bills after a pedestrian accident?

Your health insurance may pay first, and some auto policies may provide personal injury protection or medical payments coverage.

If the driver was at fault, their insurer may ultimately be responsible, but payment often comes through a settlement rather than right away.