Being highly congested, the Baltimore area presents certain challenges for pedestrian in order to attempt to avoid accidents. Drivers speed more than ever, distraction is everywhere, and pedestrians are frequently jaywalking. Suppose you or your loved one has a close call with a speeding vehicle. In that case, an experienced Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyer will help injured pedestrians to pursue monetary compensation for the medical bills and expenses, lost wages for the time away from work, pain and suffering, property damage, loss of benefits, mental anguish, loss of future earning capacity, anxiety, loss of consortium, and other forms of damages.
We are here to conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, collect all the necessary evidence, and initiate communication with the insurance company. You will need support for various legal issues, so having a well-qualified Baltimore pedestrian injury lawyer will pursue maximum compensation for their clients. To learn everything about your legal rights and about the compensation you may be eligible to receive, reach out to Dubo Law today and arrange a free case review.
Baltimore Pedestrian Injury Attorney: Outstanding Legal Services
As a pedestrian accident lawyer in Baltimore, we are up-to-date on the latest legal trends and skills to build the strongest possible claim. Combining the knowledge with strong experience and skills can greatly increase the odds that your claim or lawsuit will be successful. We are here to be focused on the legal matter while you recover from your injuries:
Proving fault
Drivers and pedestrians share responsibility for their safety. However, Maryland is one of a few states that still uses a the contributory negligence doctrine. Under this rule, if a pedestrian bears any amount of fault for an accident, they cannot file a liability claim against the other at-fault party. We need to prove that you did nothing wrong at the time of the accident. Videos from traffic or surveillance cameras can be really helpful if they exist. If not, we will thoroughly investigate the accident to determine what really happened. Many individuals, businesses, and government entities can be held responsible for the accident, including the driver, the driver’s employer, mechanic, the driver’s vehicle manufacturer, and or even tThe City of Baltimore.
Decide on your next move
The aftermath of the pedestrian accident can sometimes be overwhelming, so many victims are not sure what to do next. A skillful Baltimore pedestrian injury accident lawyer will take care of all the paperwork, the statute of limitation, collect all the evidence to support your claim, speak to witnesses to obtain testimonies, consult with field experts for you, and decide with you when its time to settle, and when to sue. We will also make sure you meet all the deadlines.
Communication with the insurance company
One of the most important jobs is to initiate communication with the insurance company after taking your case. Insurance companies may try to manipulate the accident’s circumstances to avoid payment of financial compensation. We are here to negotiate a fair settlement to which you may be entitled, considering your medical expenses, lost earning capacity, lost wages, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and many other factors. With our team of pedestrian accident attorneys by your side, your chances of a fair settlement will be better, and you can have peace of mind knowing we are looking out for your best interests.
Maryland Pedestrian Laws
Lacking safety measures like the metal frame of the car, airbags or even helmets, pedestrians are at an increased risk of being severely injured in accidents. Drivers and pedestrians share responsibility for their safety, so both of them must follow several Maryland crosswalk laws to ensure pedestrian safety:
Laws for Motorists
- Motorists must come to a complete stop before a pedestrian crossing in a crosswalk.
- Vehicles must yield the right of the way to pedestrians in crosswalks when stopped at a red light.
- When stopping at red lights, drivers must stop at the clearly marked stop line or before entering the crosswalk.
- It is not permitted to pass another vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians in an unmarked or marked crosswalk.
- Vehicles turning left or right on a green light must yield the right of way to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Drivers are responsible for exercising due care and proper precaution to avoid hitting pedestrians (for example, warn them with a horn).
- Drivers must drive at a reduced, appropriate speed when pedestrians are in special danger.
Laws for Pedestrians
- Pedestrians facing a red traffic signal or raised hand signal cannot enter the roadway.
- Pedestrians are not permitted to cross diagonally through an intersection unless a traffic control device allows them to do so.
- When crossing the street anywhere other than in a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, pedestrians should yield the right of way to vehicles.
- Pedestrians must use sidewalks when they are provided. If not, they should walk on the left shoulder or side of the road facing traffic.
- Pedestrians can only cross the road in the marked crosswalk at intersections with traffic control signals.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
There are several safety tips for pedestrians that need to be followed to ensure their own safety:
- Obey traffic signs and signals, be predictable.
- Do not run across the street.
- Always look left, right, and left again before you start crossing the street.
- Whenever possible, try to cross the road at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians.
- Always use sidewalks or walk-facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible (if there is no sidewalk).
- Never assume that drivers see you, be visible, especially at night. It is crucial to wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials during the night.
- Do not use smartphones or headphones while crossing the street.
- Pay attention to vehicles exiting or entering the driveways or going back in parking lots.
- Avoid using drugs or alcohol while walking, as they may impair your judgment.
Determining the Liability in Pedestrian Accidents in Baltimore
Pedestrians are not always 100% responsible for an accident; some blame usually falls to the driver. In the cases where they share the liability, Maryland uses a contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, if a plaintiff was only 1% at fault for the accident, they may receive nothing.
However, the last clear chance doctrine provides a potential ‘lifeline’ to Plaintiffs who are deemed to be contributorily negligent for their injuries. A negligent Plaintiff must prove that, between the plaintiff and the defendant, the defendant was the one who had the last fresh opportunity to avoid the collision and injuring the plaintiff. This is a very complicated legal principle and applies based on the facts of the particular case.
Proving negligence has four necessary elements of the personal injury lawsuit:
- Duty: Duty is a relationship between the victim and the defender recognized by the judge or jury in a court of law. Drivers must ensure the safety of pedestrians.
- Breach: A breach of duty is established if the defendant’s conduct is found reasonably negligent towards the victim. The victim must prove that the driver breached the duty by acting recklessly or negligently.
- Causation: The breach of duty caused by the defendant must be the direct causation for the accident; this way, the defendant’s actions are connected to the accident.
- Damages: The proof of damages is the concluding element of an injury claim. The victim needs to prove that the defendant’s negligent act caused the injuries.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Baltimore
In an accident where a vehicle hits a pedestrian, it is almost always the unshielded pedestrian who suffers the most serious injuries. Suppose any road users, including motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, fail to obey traffic rules. In that case, the consequence is often a serious accident with pedestrians that are most likely to suffer injuries.
Negligence can arise from several different factors, so the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Baltimore include:
- Speeding,
- Fail to obey traffic signs,
- Texting or using a cellphone,
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
- Walking on the wrong side of the road (when there are no sidewalks),
- Fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians,
- Improper street layout due to municipal negligence,
- Jaywalking.
Third-Party Responsibility for Pedestrian Accidents
Negligent drivers and sometimes pedestrians are indeed the leading cause of pedestrian accidents. However, sometimes a third party might be responsible for the accident:
- Vehicle manufacturers (for example, defective braking system),
- Passengers in the car that distract the driver,
- Public agencies responsible for defective roadways,
- Vehicle owners entrusting the car to a driver they know (or should know) is incompetent,
- An owner of a car who knowingly allows someone considered ‘at risk’ to drive the vehicle, for example, letting an intoxicated person operate the vehicle.
Damages Available in Pedestrian Auto Accidents
A well-qualified Baltimore pedestrian accident attorney will try to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries, including:
- Medical expenses and bills,
- Lost income and benefits,
- Property damage,
- Pain and suffering,
- Permanent impairments and disabilities,
- Loss of enjoyment of life,
- Mental anguish,
- Depression,
- Loss of consortium,
- Compensation for wrongful death,
- And many more.
Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Baltimore: Why Choose Dubo Law?
LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE
Being a licensed attorney since 2002, Neil has gained extensive experience in litigation generally and personal injury litigation specifically. This ensured his membership in several prestigious lawyer organizations.
REPRESENTED INSURANCE COMPANIES
Neil represented and defended insurance companies for the first ten years of his career. Knowing exactly how they operate, their tricks and ploys do not work with him. His clients will certainly benefit from that knowledge.
PROMPT RESOLUTION
Here at Dubo Law, we are proud to say that we do not take more cases than we know we can handle fairly. We will strive to receive the maximum for your claim and receive it quickly.
NO FEE UNLESS WE RECOVER FOR YOU
A contingency fee arrangement means there is no risk to you because we do not receive any fee unless we win the case for you. We will do all the work to get you the compensation you deserve.
RESULTS
His results speak for themselves, so Neil has helped recover millions of dollars for victims of car accidents and other personal injury claims throughout his career.
PERSONAL ATTENTION
Being extremely client-friendly and attentive, Neil has developed a reputation as hard-working and aggressive. You will deal with Neil directly, so every question or concern you may have will be addressed directly by an attorney. Your satisfaction is paramount.
Dedicated Baltimore Pedestrian Accident Attorney
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“Neil Dubovsky is one of the best personal injury attorneys I know in their area. Very responsive, hands on and VERY PERSONABLE. If there were more than 5 stars on google I would give him more!Highly Reputable & has an outstanding Law Firm. When it doubt contact Dubo Law!”
“I was referred to Dubo Law and straightaway contacted by Mr. Neil and he was very transparent about everything, he left no questions unanswered and no Stones Unturned. I could ask any questions and if he didn’t know the answer he was able to refer me to someone who did. He lighten the burdens of my mind when it came to legal matters. I will keep him on my speed dial for any legal matter I may have. Dubo Law you’re the best!”
“We were in a car crash and immediately called Neil for his expert opinion/advice about our options. He was immediately responsive, listened to our concerns, and provided thoughtful answers. He was readily available for any questions or concerns that we had. He made us feel safe with using him as our injury lawyer. His level of expertise and knowledge along with his personality was a perfect fit for us. We would definitely recommend Neil.”
Pedestrian Hit by Car in Baltimore: Call Dubo Law
If you are a pedestrian hit by a car in Baltimore, do not hesitate to contact Dubo Law, as we are focused on obtaining fair compensation for our injured clients. Call us at (443) 275-6345, and we will discuss your case and potential for recovery. Dealing with the insurance companies may be extremely stressful, especially if the driver or the insurance company is difficult. Pedestrian accident attorneys of Dubo Law will fight to get you the full compensation you deserve, so you can focus on getting better.
Contact Us for Your Free Case Review!
Address
9515 Deereco Rd, Suite 704
Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093
Phone
(443) 275-6345
Texting number
(443) 870-4329
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
COVID-19 Update
Your health and safety are important to us. Please be advised that we are open for business during COVID-19 quarantines. All consultations will be conducted either via video chat, phone, or email.
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