Maryland Accident Law Blog
On a typical day, pedestrians share the roads with drivers and bikers and use designated traffic signals to safely get around. Pedestrians face a unique risk as they are commuting, a risk that involves vehicles that weigh on average, around 4,156 pounds. In the summer, this risk may increase due to various factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 7,000 pedestrians were killed in crashes involving motor vehicles in 2020. That equates to about one death every 75 minutes. Further, the CDC reports that one in six people who died in crashes in 2020 were pedestrians.
Pedestrian accidents tend to increase in the summer, as more people find themselves out walking to enjoy the nicer weather. In addition, drivers and pedestrians alike may find that there is increased construction occurring during the summer, which may force pedestrians to maneuver away from sidewalks and closer to oncoming traffic. As summer kicks off, it is important to think ahead about steps pedestrians can take to keep themselves as safe as possible.
How Can Pedestrians Stay Safe?
As a pedestrian, it is important to take certain steps to ensure your safety. This includes wearing a reflective vest when walking at night to increase visibility, crossing streets at designated crosswalks, walking on a sidewalk or path instead of the road, avoiding the use of electronic devices including cell phones and earbuds, and avoiding walking if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek any medical attention that may be needed. If possible, it is also important to get the contact information and insurance information of the driver involved in the crash and to get contact information from any witnesses.
In a recent news report, a 22-year-old pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle in Ocean City, Maryland. The pedestrian was in the street and not in a marked crosswalk when a vehicle struck the victim as it was traveling northbound on Coastal Highway. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. Alcohol was not determined to be a factor for the driver.
For families who have lost a loved one after a vehicle accident, it can be devastating and difficult to navigate the next steps, including a possible wrongful death suit. Connect with a lawyer today if you or a loved one have been seriously injured as a result of a vehicle accident.
Have You or a Loved One Suffered Injuries after a Vehicle-Involved Accident in Maryland?
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed in a vehicle-involved accident in Maryland, contact Lebowitz & Mzhen today to work with skilled personal injury lawyers. The Maryland car accident attorneys at our office have years of experience handling complicated personal injury cases and assisting victims and their loved ones as they seek to recover damages for their injuries and pain and suffering. Our attorneys maintain an active practice and are up-to-date on the relevant legal landscape that impacts Maryland accident claims. Call today for a free initial consultation at 800-654-1949.