Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable of all road users. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian accidents have risen steadily each year since 2009. In the most recent year for which data is available, more than 7,300 pedestrians were killed and over 60,500 were injured in traffic crashes. These statistics represent real people who were simply going about their daily lives when tragedy struck.
In Maryland, pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to seek compensation if another personās negligence caused their injuries. At Trollinger Law LLC, we help La Plata injury victims demand justice for everything their accidents cost them. We can guide you, too.
Call or contact us today for a free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer in La Plata.
Why You Need Our La Plata Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
After a serious pedestrian accident, your focus should be on recovery. Our La Plata pedestrian accident law firm can handle all aspects of your case so you can concentrate on healing.
Founder Matt Trollinger has spent his career representing victims navigating complex insurance systems and bureaucratic hurdles, advocating for accident victims in their personal injury claims against insurers. Our attorneys will take the time to understand your story, how the pedestrian accident has affected your life, and provide compassionate support. This personal approach allows us to build stronger cases and advocate aggressively throughout the claims process.
When youāre looking for a personal injury lawyer, credentials matter. Our legal team is recognized by Super Lawyers, the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum, and the Nationās Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Those distinctions reflect our experience, professionalism, and record of securing meaningful recoveries for our clients, while recognizing that outcomes vary case by case.
As one past client shares, “I cannot give enough positive praise for the care and attention afforded to me by Mr. Trollinger and his staff. They were incredibly responsive, empathetic, and produced positive results for me. The stress that was lifted from my shoulders through their care was immeasurable, and I am forever grateful.”
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in La Plata and Across Maryland
In La Plata and throughout Maryland, pedestrian accidents often happen in car accidents caused by driver negligence. Leading causes include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio
- Speeding
- Failure to yield at crosswalks, intersections, and in school zones
- Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Disregarding traffic signs or signals
- Reckless driving
- Poor visibility
Both motorists and pedestrians are responsible for knowing and obeying Maryland pedestrian accident laws. When someone fails to follow traffic laws, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries.
Common Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents
Because pedestrians have no protection against vehicles, even low-speed auto accidents can cause severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Can occur from impact with the ground or head contact with a vehicle or road
- Spinal cord injury: A catastrophic injury that can result in paralysis and permanent disabilities
- Broken bones: Frequently result in broken legs, arms, hips, ribs, or pelvic bones
- Internal injuries: Blunt-force trauma potentially causing internal bleeding and vital organ damage
- Soft-tissue injuries: Affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing significant pain and limited mobility
- Road rash: Contact with pavement that results in deep cuts and lacerations, exposing the body to infection, scarring, and disfigurement
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and related mental health conditions
After being struck by a car, victims should seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out hidden injuries that could cause problems later.
Determining Liability and Insurance Coverage for a La Plata Pedestrian Accident
Maryland law is harsh when it comes to determining liability for an accident. Under the stateās contributory negligence rule, being one percent at fault can bar victims from recovering compensation. Insurers may try to exploit this rule by claiming that other pedestrian errors caused the accident and injuries.
Insurance coverage depends on who caused the accident. If another driver is at fault, their auto insurance policy should apply. If the responsible driver is uninsured or fled the accident scene, you could recover compensation if you carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in Maryland.
Other potentially liable parties in pedestrian accidents include:
- Government entities
- Property owners responsible for slip-and-fall accidents on their premises
- Employers (when the at-fault driver is acting within the scope of their employment)
Establishing liability in pedestrian accident cases requires careful investigation and evidence collection. An experienced personal injury attorney can handle negotiations, build an evidence-based claim, and fight for your right to full and fair compensation throughout the legal process.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian collision, you can protect your claim in several ways. Your health is the immediate priority, so seek immediate medical attention if your injuries appear serious. If you can remain at the scene, follow these steps:
- Contact law enforcement and get a copy of the police report.
- Take photos of the crash site, your injuries, the area where the accident occurred, and any visible vehicle damage.
- Request the names and insurance information for all drivers involved.
- Collect contact information for any witnesses.
Once you leave the scene, you should:
- Make an appointment with a doctor, even if you donāt feel hurt. You could have more hidden, serious injuries than you realized. Your medical records will link those injuries to the pedestrian accident.
- Follow all treatment recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Avoid speaking with the insurance company representatives before consulting an attorney.
- Contact a pedestrian accident attorney in La Plata as soon as possible.
Compensation Available for Victims of La Plata Pedestrian Accidents
Compensation for pedestrian accident victims in La Plata can potentially include economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic damages: Cover measurable losses such as medical bills, surgeries, therapy, prescription costs, medical equipment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages: Address pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability or disfigurement, and loss of consortium for family members.
The value of a personal injury case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of medical treatment needed, your recovery time, any permanent disabilities caused by the accident, the impact on your ability to work, the available insurance coverage, and the strength of the evidence supporting liability. Your attorney can calculate an estimated value for your pedestrian accident case after reviewing the facts.
How Our La Plata Pedestrian Accident Law Firm Can Help You
Trollinger Law LLC provides comprehensive legal representation to pedestrian accident victims in La Plata and throughout Southern Maryland. When you work with us, you get personalized representation, strategic advocacy, and a team focused on achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
