Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Maryland
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users in our community. Those on foot are seriously disadvantaged when involved in motor vehicle accidents. This is because pedestrians have no protection from the violent impact of a collision. The body of the vehicle shields motorists and passengers from the effects of a crash, but pedestrians are not so lucky. When an accident happens between a vehicle and a pedestrian, the pedestrian is likely to suffer injuries or die. According to statistics, in 2021, 91% of pedestrian-involved accidents in Maryland resulted in injury or death. Maryland drivers are involved in about 3,000 pedestrian accidents every year. Understanding the cause of pedestrian accidents can help people play a part in reducing these accidents and ensure people know when they can hold drivers liable and seek compensation after a pedestrian accident.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Maryland
Pedestrian accidents occur due to various reasons. However, most pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence. When a Maryland pedestrian accident occurs due to the negligence of a driver, the injured pedestrian or the deceased pedestrian’s family can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim against the driver and seek justice and compensation. Below, we share some of the common negligent behaviors that cause pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one was involved in a pedestrian accident due to one or a combination of two or more of these behaviors, contact an attorney as soon as possible for legal guidance.
- Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents in Maryland. Despite Maryland law prohibiting the use of handheld devices when driving, talking on the phone and texting while driving remain huge problems in the state. Other distracted driving behaviors that cause pedestrian accidents in Maryland include eating/drinking while driving, using GPS or navigation systems while driving, and grooming while driving.
- Speeding
Speeding is another common cause of pedestrian accidents in Maryland. Driving above the speed limit significantly reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected events, such as a pedestrian stepping onto the road. Speeding reduces how much time a driver has to make decisions and increases stopping distance. Speeding also makes it harder to maintain control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents. At higher speeds, the force of impact is much greater, resulting in more severe injuries or death.
- Impaired Driving
Drugs and alcohol can impair a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and ability to operate their car safely. Impaired drivers can cause serious accidents if they fail to notice pedestrians or misjudge distances.
- Failure To Yield
In Maryland, pedestrians have the right of way in marked crosswalks, meaning drivers must stop and allow pedestrians to cross at marked crosswalks. Accidents can happen when drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks. Such accidents often happen when a driver is in a rush or inattentive.
If a pedestrian happens because of any of the above behaviors or other negligent behaviors not discussed here, the injured party or the deceased party’s family can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim against the driver.
Contact a Towson Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you’ve suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, our experienced Towson pedestrian accident lawyers at Hardball Law can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Our lawyers serve Towson, Baltimore, and the whole of Maryland.
Source:
zerodeathsmd.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/FFY23_Ped_ProgramAreaBrief-Data_Final.pdf
