Most people are aware of the potential dangers of driving a car. Accidents happen frequently throughout the US. Others might feel safer as a pedestrian, assuming that not being in a vehicle is a way to avoid accidents while on the road. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian injuries and fatalities remain high. In 2021, 7,388 pedestrians were killed. That’s a 13% increase from 2020. And more than 60,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide.
As a pedestrian, what should you do if you were hit by a car while walking? Where should you turn?
I Was Hit By a Car. What Do I Do?
The first thing to do, which might be the hardest, is remain calm. Hopefully, someone is there to call the police and ambulance for you. If not, try doing it yourself. Moving after being hit by a vehicle could cause further damage, so stay still until the medical professionals arrive. After all, your body was hit by a car! Here are additional steps to take or have someone do for you:
- Ask the driver of the vehicle that hit you to stay on the scene and write down all of their information, such as name, contact number, make and model of car, insurance information, etc.
- Make sure to get the contact information of any witnesses, too. If you are not physically able to get this information, ask that everyone stay there until the police report is complete.
- Have bystanders take pictures of the scene. It’s important to have images of the location of the accident, the vehicle(s) involved, and your injuries on record.
- Seek medical attention right away.
Keep in mind that even if you don’t have physical injuries to note, you could have internal damage. Go to the hospital and get a thorough examination. Ensure everything is well documented, including a list of your injuries, how you got them, the recommended course of treatment, and how long it will take to recover.
Seek the Help of Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Once you’ve sought medical attention, you should seek legal representation. Contact the skilled pedestrian accident attorneys at Zirkin & Schmerling right away. You can reach them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for a free consultation by calling 410-753-4611. Their many years of experience working with pedestrian accidents in Maryland will give you peace of mind that your case is in the right hands.
Liability in Pedestrian Accidents in Maryland
Maryland is one of the few states that still follows contributory negligence laws. If you, the pedestrian, are even 1% at fault for not obeying Maryland’s right-of-way rules, you are not eligible to receive any compensation from the vehicle’s driver.
This is why working with an attorney in these situations is crucial. An experienced attorney at Zirkin & Schmerling can help gather evidence and other helpful information to prove the other party’s fault so you get the compensation you deserve.
What Damages Can I Recover with My Claim?
There are two categories of damages that you can recover if you were hit by a car while walking – monetary and non-monetary. A list of damages you may receive compensation for is listed below:
- Past and future medical bills
- Loss of past and future wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional therapy
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment or disability
- Pain and suffering
In the case of a pedestrian fatality, the family of the deceased could file a wrongful death claim.
Contact Zirkin & Schmerling Today!
Due to the many nuances of a pedestrian accident in Maryland, it is in your best interest to work with a lawyer with the credentials to handle your case thoroughly. Zirkin & Schmerling Law will walk you through every step of the process. While you are recovering from your injuries, you can rest assured that Zirkin and Schmerling Law is working tirelessly to get you the maximum recovery..
Contact us today by calling 410-753-4611 or reaching us online for a free consultation.