Getting hit by a car while walking in Frederick frequently leads to serious injuries. The resulting medical expenses, lost wages, and related losses can put an immense financial strain on victims as they recover. If someone else is responsible for the collision that hurt you, Trollinger Law LLC can help.
Our firmās pedestrian accident lawyers understand the pain and financial burdens an unexpected injury can cause. Having strong legal representation can make the process of pursuing compensation less stressful. We can help you navigate the challenges that often arise in pedestrian accident claims, including liability disputes that may affect your ability to recover compensation under Marylandās harsh negligence laws.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Frederick bring years of experience, one-on-one legal representation, and strong advocacy to our clients. With an exclusive focus on injury cases and millions recovered for Maryland residents, Trollinger Law LLC has the knowledge, resources, and track record to keep your case moving forward.
Call or contact us today to arrange a free consultation with a Frederick pedestrian accident lawyer.
Why Frederick Roads Are So Dangerous for Pedestrians
Pedestrians have no barrier to shield them from direct contact with a vehicle or the pavement when an accident strikes, making them vulnerable to severe injuries and death. According to data from the Maryland Department of Transportation, 92 percent of pedestrian-involved collisions in one recent year resulted in injury or death.
Nearly a third of all Maryland pedestrian accidents occur in metro DC communities like Frederick, whose attractive downtowns and arts and entertainment districts encourage foot traffic but also expose pedestrians to risk. While safety efforts have improved in some areas, fatal pedestrian collisions have continued to rise in recent years.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents happen for many reasons, but driver negligence plays a big role. Careless actions like these can leave pedestrians with life-changing injuries:
- Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or adjusting navigation systems
- Speeding, especially in downtown areas, neighborhoods, and near intersections
- Failure to yield at crosswalks, stop signs, or traffic signals
- Impaired driving involving alcohol, drugs, or certain medications
- Poor visibility, including nighttime driving or failure to use headlights
- Unsafe turns, where drivers fail to check for people crossing the road
- Aggressive driving, including tailgating, sudden lane changes, or running red lights
Legal Steps After a Pedestrian Accident in Frederick, MD
The steps you take after a pedestrian accident in Frederick can affect both your health and your claim against the at-fault party. If possible, try to do the following right away:
- Call 911 to request police and emergency responders to the accident scene.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you think your injuries seem minor.
- Obtain the at-fault driverās information, including their name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information.
- Take photos and video of the crash scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Gather contact information from any witnesses.
- Keep records of your medical bills, missed work, and accident-related expenses.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer in Frederick who can explain your legal rights and discuss your options.
Why You Need a Frederick Pedestrian Lawyer to Help With Your Claim
After a pedestrian accident, victims are often left dealing with medical treatment, lost income, insurance calls, and uncertainty about what comes next. The right legal support can take these burdens off your shoulders and shield you from legal tactics that seek to undermine your potential compensation.
In Maryland, your ability to recover compensation in a pedestrian accident case hinges on your ability to prove the other driver acted negligently. Negligence is the failure to act with reasonable care to avoid harming others. Under the stateās contributory negligence rule, a pedestrian accident victim can only recover compensation if they can prove the other party is 100 percent responsible for the incident.
The contributory negligence rule is one reason many injury victims choose to consult an attorney before pursuing a Maryland pedestrian accident claim. If an injured person is found even one percent at fault, they may be barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often use this strict standard to shift blame onto accident victims. A personal injury lawyer in Frederick can investigate the crash and build an evidence-backed argument challenging any liability disputes.
Types of Compensation in Pedestrian Accident Cases
You can seek compensation for a wide range of losses stemming from your pedestrian accident injuries, including:
- Medical bills
- Future medical treatment
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you suffered permanent injuries, your claim can also account for long-term physical limitations and anticipated care needs. Trollinger Law LLC will thoroughly evaluate the ongoing impact of the accident on your life when placing a value on your case and argue for full and fair compensation on your behalf.
Statute of Limitations in Maryland Pedestrian Accident Cases
Maryland law generally requires the filing of pedestrian accident lawsuits within three years of the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can prevent you from seeking compensation through the court system, so itās important to act quickly and work with a Frederick personal injury lawyer to ensure timely legal action.
Some exceptions could shorten or extend the deadline for your case. For example, claims against government entities have shorter notification deadlines ranging from 180 days to one year, depending on the agency you plan to sue. But if the accident victim is a minor, they have up until their 21st birthday to file a claim against the responsible party. Other exceptions apply, so check with an experienced attorney about the statute of limitations for your pedestrian accident claim.
Why Choose Trollinger Law LLC for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
When you turn to Trollinger Law LLC, our pedestrian accident lawyers in Frederick can take over the legal work so you can focus on your recovery. Weāll investigate the incident, gather critical evidence, interview eyewitnesses, and identify all potential sources of insurance coverage.
We also manage all communications with the insurance company and push back if they try to blame you or minimize your injuries. Insurers are out to protect their profits, not to pay you what you deserve. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we can prepare your case for court.
Trollinger Law LLC has received recognition by Inc. 5000, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, among other professional organizations. But we are most heartened by the feedback we get from the injured clients we serve. As one satisfied client wrote about their experience with us:
āPost my accident, I was almost gripped by the memory and trauma of it. The team at Trollinger Law that included Mr. Trollinger, Laura, and Darra was very supportive in pursuing our case. Regular conversations with them kept me satisfied that the situation was being taken care of and I could keep my focus on healing while everything on the legal side was being taken care of. I would like to thank the team at Trolinger Law for being one of the strong pillars of support in the journey after the accident.ā
ā Shikha A.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation With a Frederick Pedestrian Accident Attorney
The last thing you need after a pedestrian accident is to haggle with insurance companies for a fair settlement. Trollinger Law LLC can do all the legal legwork and fight for you. Contact us today for a free initial consultation with a Frederick pedestrian accident lawyer.
