When a pedestrian gets hit by a car in Greenbelt, the consequences can be devastating. Pedestrians have no protection from vehicle impact. This means injuries from pedestrian accidents are often severe and life-altering. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Greenbelt, Maryland, CHASENBOSCOLO can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our experienced Greenbelt pedestrian accident lawyer understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on victims and their families.
We work with you every step of the way to build a strong case and hold the responsible driver accountable. Call (301) 220-0050 or contact our Greenbelt personal injury lawyers online today for a free consultation.
Why Choose CHASENBOSCOLO for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
CHASENBOSCOLO has represented injured pedestrians throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. for nearly 40 years. Our legal team includes over 100 attorneys with extensive trial experience. Many of our attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for legal excellence and ethical standards. We have recovered over $1.1 billion for our clients since 1986. Our attorneys have settled or won cases valued at $1 million or more.
Our Commitment to You
What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized client service. We understand that every pedestrian accident case is unique. We tailor our approach to your specific situation. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide guidance.
You Pay Nothing Unless You Win
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Your recovery is our priority. We fight aggressively to help you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Visit our results page to see how we have helped other injured pedestrians. Our testimonials showcase the real experiences of clients we’ve represented. Learn about our no-fee guarantee and how we protect your interests.
How Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Greenbelt
Pedestrian accidents in Greenbelt occur in many different settings, through both accidents and negligence.
Common Accident Scenarios
Some of the most common scenarios include:
- Crosswalk accidents: Drivers fail to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks or ignore traffic signals
- Parking lot collisions: Drivers back out of parking spaces or turn without checking for pedestrians
- Residential street accidents: Drivers speed through neighborhoods or fail to see pedestrians on quiet streets
- Hit-and-run incidents: Drivers flee the scene without providing information or assistance
- School zone accidents: Drivers exceed speed limits near schools or fail to stop for crossing guards
These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that require immediate legal attention.
Driver Negligence Factors
Most pedestrian accidents result from driver negligence. Common negligent behaviors include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Driving under the influence
- Ignoring traffic signals
When a driver acts negligently and causes a pedestrian accident, that driver is responsible for the injuries and damages they cause.
Our Greenland car accident attorneys understand how to prove driver negligence in these cases. We also handle motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and other vehicle-related injuries. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, we can help you recover compensation.
Proving Liability in Pedestrian Accident Claims
Proving liability in a pedestrian accident case requires gathering evidence. You must demonstrate that the driver’s negligence caused your injuries. Our attorneys investigate thoroughly to build a compelling case on your behalf.
We collect evidence from multiple sources:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Accident scene photographs
- Medical records
Accident Reconstruction
We also work with accident reconstruction experts. These professionals analyze the collision and determine how it occurred. Medical records document the extent of your injuries and the treatment you received. Our brain injury attorneys are particularly experienced in evaluating serious injuries from pedestrian collisions. We also handle cases involving spinal cord injuries and catastrophic injuries.
Contributory Negligence Standard
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence standard. This means that if you are found to have any degree of fault for the accident—even 1%—you cannot recover any compensation. This is why it’s critical to have an experienced attorney. We effectively argue that the driver bears full responsibility. We demonstrate that you did not contribute to the accident in any way. Understanding Maryland’s negligence laws is essential to protecting your rights. Our wrongful death attorneys also handle cases where pedestrian accidents result in fatalities.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries. These injuries require extensive medical care. You can recover compensation for all medical expenses related to your accident.
Medical Expenses and Ongoing Treatment
Compensation for all medical expenses related to your accident, including:
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Ongoing medical care
If your injuries require future medical treatment, we include those anticipated costs in your claim. For severe injuries, we work with medical experts to calculate lifetime care costs. Our experience with spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, and brain injuries helps us accurately value these claims. We also handle construction accidents and premises liability cases.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost wages. This includes income you lost while recovering from your injuries.
Permanent Injuries
If your injuries are permanent, they may affect your ability to earn income in the future. You can also recover compensation for lost earning capacity. This is particularly important if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job. You may be forced to accept lower-paying work due to your injuries. We calculate these damages carefully to ensure you receive full compensation. Our workers’ compensation attorneys understand how to value lost earning capacity in complex cases.
Pain and Suffering Compensation
Beyond economic damages, you can recover compensation for pain and suffering. This includes:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Other non-economic damages
The amount of pain and suffering compensation depends on the severity of your injuries. It also depends on how they affect your daily life. Our attorneys have successfully recovered substantial pain and suffering awards in Maryland pedestrian accident cases. We also handle slip and fall and premises liability claims.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after a pedestrian accident can strengthen your case. First, seek medical attention right away. Do this even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries don’t appear immediately. Medical records create important documentation of your condition.
If possible, gather information at the scene:
- Get the driver’s name, phone number, and address
- Get the driver’s insurance information
- Take photos of the accident scene
- Take photos of vehicle damage
- Take photos of your injuries
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Call the police and request a police report
After receiving medical treatment, contact an attorney as soon as possible. The sooner we begin investigating your case, the better. Evidence can disappear. Witness memories fade over time. An attorney can also advise you on how to handle communications with insurance companies.
We help protect your legal rights. Call (301) 220-0050 today to speak with a Greenbelt pedestrian accident lawyer. Our contact page makes it easy to reach us 24/7. We also serve clients in Waldorf and throughout Maryland.
Understanding Maryland’s Negligence Laws
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. This is one of the most plaintiff-unfavorable negligence standards in the United States. Under Maryland’s contributory negligence law, if you are found to have any degree of fault for the accident—even 1%—you cannot recover any compensation whatsoever. This is a complete bar to recovery. Your recovery is barred regardless of how minor your contribution to the accident was.
The Burden to Prove Is on You (and Your Lawyer)
Maryland is one of only five U.S. jurisdictions that maintains this strict contributory negligence standard. This means the burden falls heavily on you. You must prove that you were completely free from fault. Insurance companies know about Maryland’s contributory negligence rule. They use it as a tactic to minimize or deny claims.
What Happens If I Was Partially at Fault?
They may argue that you were partially at fault. This argument would eliminate your claim entirely. They might claim you weren’t paying attention. They might say you weren’t in a marked crosswalk. And, they might argue you were jaywalking. These tactics are designed to shift any blame to you. This would completely bar your recovery.
How Your Lawyer Works for You
An experienced pedestrian accident attorney understands these insurance company tactics. We know how to counter them effectively. We gather evidence that demonstrates the driver’s negligence. Then, we also demonstrate your complete freedom from fault. We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. We are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
Our goal is to establish that you did not contribute to the accident in any way. This is essential under Maryland’s strict contributory negligence standard. Learn more about Maryland’s negligence laws and how they affect your case. Our team of experienced attorneys can explain how these laws apply to your specific situation. We also handle bicycle accidents and dog bite cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Maryland?
In Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, established in §5–101. However, it’s important to act quickly. Evidence can disappear. Witness memories fade. Insurance companies also move faster when claims are filed promptly.
Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Don’t wait—the sooner you reach out, the better we can protect your rights. Our free consultation can help you understand your options.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
No. Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you are found to have any degree of fault for the accident—even 1%—you cannot recover any compensation. This is different from comparative negligence states. In those states, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. In Maryland, you must prove that you were completely free from fault to recover any damages. This is why it’s critical to have an experienced attorney. We effectively defend against any claims that you contributed to the accident. Our pedestrian accident attorneys specialize in proving complete driver liability. We also handle nursing home abuse and defective product cases.
What evidence do I need to prove the driver was negligent?
Evidence of driver negligence includes:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Accident scene photographs
- Vehicle damage
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals. Together, we build a comprehensive case. We demonstrate the driver’s negligence and your complete freedom from fault. We also consult with medical professionals who can testify about your injuries. Our trial experience ensures we present evidence effectively in court.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on several factors:
- The severity of your injuries
- The extent of medical treatment required
- Lost wages
- The impact on your quality of life
Cases involving permanent injuries are worth more than cases involving minor injuries. Cases involving significant lost earning capacity are also worth more. We evaluate all factors to determine the fair value of your case.
Review our case results to see the settlements and verdicts we’ve achieved for pedestrian accident victims. Our testimonials show how we’ve helped clients recover compensation.
Do I have to go to court?
Many pedestrian accident cases settle before trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience. We have successfully tried cases before juries. We will advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation. Our trial-tested attorneys are ready to fight for you in court if necessary. We understand settlement negotiations and litigation strategy.
What if the driver was uninsured?
If the driver was uninsured, you may still recover compensation. You can use your own uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage is part of your auto insurance policy. It protects you if you’re hit by an uninsured driver. We help you file a claim with your own insurance company. We negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf. Under the Maryland Insurance Code §19-509, uninsured motorist coverage is a standard protection in Maryland auto insurance policies. We also handle hit-and-run cases where the driver flees the scene. Our accident report guide can help you understand police documentation.
How long does a pedestrian accident case take?
The timeline for a pedestrian accident case varies. It depends on the complexity of the case. It also depends on whether it settles or goes to trial. Simple cases may settle within a few months. More complex cases can take a year or longer. Cases that go to trial typically take 2-3 years from the time of the accident to final resolution. We keep you informed throughout the process. Our contact team can provide more details about your specific case timeline. We also offer mediation services to help resolve disputes efficiently.
Contact CHASENBOSCOLO for Your Free Consultation
If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Greenbelt, Maryland, don’t wait to seek legal help. CHASENBOSCOLO offers a free consultation to discuss your case. We explain your legal options.
Call (301) 220-0050 or contact us online today to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions. And remember—if you don’t recover compensation, you’ll never pay any attorney’s fees.