Pedestrians trust that when they step onto a crosswalk or sidewalk, drivers will follow traffic laws and keep them safe. But the reality is far from ideal. Every year, pedestrians in Baltimore suffer life-changing injuries due to reckless drivers, distracted motorists, and poorly maintained roadways. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you need experienced legal representation to fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we have dedicated our careers to standing up for injured pedestrians. As a trusted accident law firm in Baltimore, MD, we understand the complexities of pedestrian accident claims and know how to hold negligent drivers accountable. When your life has been disrupted by an unexpected accident, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
The Rising Danger for Pedestrians in Baltimore
Pedestrian accidents in Baltimore have become an alarming concern. According to data from the Maryland Department of Transportation, pedestrian fatalities in the state have steadily increased, with Baltimore accounting for a significant percentage of these tragic incidents. In 2023, Maryland reported over 3,000 pedestrian-involved crashes, resulting in hundreds of serious injuries and fatalities.
The city’s high foot traffic and distracted driving and speeding create a hazardous environment for pedestrians. Certain areas, such as busy intersections near the Inner Harbor, downtown Baltimore, and school zones, are dangerous. These accidents often leave victims with severe injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even permanent disabilities.
If you have been injured while walking in Baltimore, our pedestrian accident attorneys in Baltimore are ready to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Maryland Laws Protecting Pedestrians
Maryland law protects pedestrians, but drivers often fail to follow the rules. Under Maryland Transportation Code § 21-502, drivers must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Failure to yield the right of way can result in hefty fines and points on a driver’s record.
Additionally, Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that if a pedestrian is found even 1% at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering damages. Insurance companies often try to use this rule to deny claims, arguing that the pedestrian was partially responsible for the accident.
That’s why having an experienced Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyer on your side is critical. We know how to counter these tactics and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Many pedestrian accidents are preventable and occur due to negligence. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using their phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions often fail to see pedestrians crossing the road.
- Speeding – High-speed crashes involving pedestrians are often fatal due to the force of impact.
- Failure to Yield – Many drivers ignore crosswalks or fail to stop at intersections where pedestrians have the right of way.
- Drunk Driving – Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment, leading to devastating pedestrian accidents.
- Poor Road Conditions: Missing crosswalk signs, broken traffic signals, and poorly lit streets can all contribute to pedestrian accidents.
Regardless of the cause, if a negligent driver injured you, our accident law firm in Baltimore, MD, is here to hold them accountable.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Baltimore
The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle, taking the proper steps can protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention – Not all injuries appear immediately. You may feel fine right after an accident; however, that does not mean you were not injured. Get checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
- Call the Police – A police report can be crucial evidence when filing a claim. Make sure officers document the scene.
- Gather Evidence – Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the vehicle involved, if possible. Get contact information from witnesses.
- Do Not Speak to Insurance Companies – Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim. Speak with a Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyer before providing any statements.
- Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Baltimore – The sooner you have legal representation, the stronger your case will be.
How We Can Help You Recover Compensation
At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we understand the devastating financial and emotional toll of a pedestrian accident. We aggressively pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- Lost wages – If you are unable to work due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident
- Permanent disability – If your injuries result in long-term impairment or require lifelong medical care
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, we can help you seek justice and financial support for your family
We thoroughly investigate each case, gather strong evidence, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. We are fully prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement is not offered.
Why Choose Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law?
Not all personal injury law firms have the experience and dedication to handle pedestrian accident cases successfully. Here’s why our clients trust us:
- Decades of Experience – We have successfully handled numerous pedestrian accident cases in Baltimore.
- Proven Results – Our attorneys have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for injured pedestrians.
- Personalized Attention – We treat every client like family, ensuring you receive the personalized legal support you need.
- No Upfront Fees – We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Our Baltimore accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Baltimore
1. What should I do if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
If you were injured in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident, you should immediately report the incident to the police. Maryland law requires drivers to remain at the scene of an accident, and leaving is a criminal offense. If the driver is not found, you may be able to file a claim through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you have auto insurance. Our Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyers can help explore all possible options for compensation.
2. Can I still file a claim if I wasn’t in a crosswalk when I was hit?
Maryland follows strict contributory negligence laws, meaning that you may not be eligible for compensation if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident. However, every case is unique. Drivers still have a duty to remain aware and avoid hitting pedestrians. You may still have a valid claim if the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Baltimore can evaluate the specifics of your case.
3. How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Maryland?
Maryland law sets a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. You may lose your right to seek compensation if you miss this deadline. There are some exceptions, so it’s best to consult a Baltimore accident lawyer as soon as possible.
4. What if I was injured while walking in a parking lot?
Pedestrian accidents don’t only happen at intersections. Many injuries occur in parking lots due to careless drivers, distracted backing, or poor lighting. If a driver hit you in a parking lot or hazardous conditions contributed to your accident, you may have a claim against the driver or the property owner. Our accident law firm in Baltimore, MD, can help determine liability.
5. How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident attorney in Baltimore?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. Our legal fees are only collected if we win your case. This allows injured pedestrians to get high-quality legal representation without worrying about legal costs.
If you have more questions about your case, contact Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law for a free consultation today.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
Pedestrian accidents can change lives instantly, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we are committed to helping injured pedestrians in Baltimore get justice.
Call us today for a free consultation. Let us take on the legal battle while you focus on healing.
