Pedestrian Accidents

The harm that can result from a pedestrian being struck by a motor vehicle is typically severe and devastating. The injury lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers, have represented residents of Baltimore and other Maryland communities in numerous accident claims for over 20 years. Our team of experienced professionals knows what it takes to investigate a collision and build a case against a careless driver who caused a pedestrian’s injuries.

Pedestrian injuries almost always occur as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Whether it involves a car, truck, or motorcycle, a victim generally must establish that the driver responsible for his or her harm acted negligently. In a negligence action, a plaintiff must prove four elements. The first element is duty, which requires an injured individual to establish that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care. The duty of care requires every driver to operate his or her motor vehicle with the same ordinary care and skill that a reasonably prudent motorist would use in a similar situation. Next, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached that duty, and that the defendant’s breach was the direct cause of the victim’s injuries.

One of the most common causes of pedestrian injury accidents is distracted driving. In today’s technologically driven world, people frequently use their cell phones while driving by talking, texting, or even reading emails. Other causes include mechanical issues, like brake failures, or governmental liability, such as when a municipality designs an intersection poorly by failing to provide enough protections for pedestrians crossing the roadway.

After establishing duty, breach, and causation, a victim must show that he or she incurred damages as a result of the defendant’s breach. Some common examples of damages for a pedestrian accident are medical expenses and lost wages. Since the injuries that can occur from being struck by a moving vehicle are severe, victims often require a substantial period of time to recover before they are able to return to work. A negligent defendant usually must compensate an injured pedestrian for these lost wages.

In some situations, the injuries are so severe that the individual is unable to return to his or her occupation in the same capacity. If this results in the victim being forced to obtain a lower wage or salary, the defendant may also be liable for the plaintiff’s loss of future income. Sadly, many pedestrian accidents result in the victim’s death. In such a case, the surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim to recover for the loss of their loved one.

At Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the stressful and emotional time that your family is going through after one of your loved ones has been involved in a pedestrian accident. If you or someone you love has been hurt while walking or running in Washington, D.C. or anywhere in Maryland, our dedicated personal injury and wrongful death attorneys are ready to speak with you and help you evaluate your claim. The initial phone call and consultation meeting are free, and there is no obligation. Call us now at (800) 654-1949 or contact us online today to get started.