A person on foot has almost no protection against a moving car. When a driver fails to yield, the walker pays the price. If a car hit you while you were walking in Maryland, a pedestrian accident lawyer can help you seek money for your injuries. Castro Law Group has stood up for injured people across Maryland since 1993.

Pedestrian crashes often cause severe harm. Common injuries include broken bones, head and brain injuries, spinal damage, and internal injuries. These injuries can mean long hospital stays and months of recovery. Some victims cannot return to work for a long time. The costs add up fast.

Maryland law protects people in crosswalks. Under Maryland Code, Transportation Section 21-502, a driver must come to a stop for a pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk or at an intersection. A driver also may not pass another car that has stopped for a walker. When a driver breaks these rules and causes a crash, that driver can be held responsible.

Fault matters a great deal in Maryland. The state follows a strict rule called contributory negligence. If you are found even one percent at fault for the crash, you may recover nothing. The Maryland high court confirmed this rule in Coleman v. Soccer Association of Columbia in 2013. Insurance companies know this rule and often try to blame the pedestrian. You can read more about Maryland’s contributory negligence rule and why it makes early legal help so important.

Many people worry they cannot recover because they were not in a crosswalk. Crossing against the rules can hurt your claim under the contributory negligence rule. But it does not always end your case. The driver’s speed, distraction, or last clear chance to avoid you can still matter. Do not assume you have no claim before a lawyer reviews the facts.

A pedestrian accident lawyer builds your case the right way. We gather the police report, find video and witnesses, and work with doctors who explain your injuries. We deal with the insurance company so you can focus on healing. Our team handles these claims on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.

You may be able to recover several kinds of damages. These include medical bills, lost wages, future care, and pain and suffering. If a loved one died in a pedestrian crash, your family may have a wrongful death claim. A pedestrian case can also overlap with car accident claims when more than one driver is involved.

There are steps you can take to protect your claim. Get medical care right away, even if you feel fine at first. Keep your medical records and bills. Write down what you remember about the crash. Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before you talk with a lawyer.

Time limits apply. Under Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings Section 5-101, you usually have three years from the date of the crash to file a claim. Evidence fades fast, so it is smart to call soon after the accident.

Castro Law Group works from our office at 11701 Central Avenue, Suite 200, in Waldorf. We hold a 4.9-star Google rating. We help injured pedestrians in Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel counties, and in Washington, DC.

If a car hit you or someone you love, call Castro Law Group at (301) 870-1200 to talk with a pedestrian accident lawyer about your personal injury cases. We will review what happened and explain your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is at fault in a Maryland pedestrian accident?

Under Maryland Code, Transportation Section 21-502, a driver must stop for a pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk or at an intersection. When a driver breaks these rules and causes a crash, that driver can be held responsible.

How does contributory negligence affect my pedestrian case?

Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you are found even one percent at fault for the crash, you may recover nothing. The Maryland high court confirmed this rule in Coleman v. Soccer Association of Columbia in 2013.

What if I wasn’t in a crosswalk when a car hit me?

You may still have a claim. Crossing against the rules can hurt your claim under the contributory negligence rule. But it does not always end your case. The driver’s speed, distraction, or last clear chance to avoid you can still matter. Let a lawyer review the facts first.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Maryland?

Under Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings Section 5-101, you usually have three years from the date of the crash to file a claim. Evidence fades fast, so it is smart to call soon.

Do you take pedestrian accident cases in Washington DC?

Yes. We help injured pedestrians in Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel counties, and in Washington, DC. Call (301) 870-1200 to discuss your case.