Charles County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrians have no protection when struck by a car. Even at low speeds, a collision can cause broken bones, spinal cord damage, or permanent disabilities. When drivers ignore crosswalks, fail to yield, or speed through intersections, innocent people suffer. If you or a loved one was hit by a vehicle, you have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto pedestrians to avoid paying claims. Maryland’s contributory negligence law makes legal representation essential. If they prove you were even one percent at fault, you could lose your ability to recover damages. Foran & Foran, P.A. has extensive experience handling pedestrian accident cases in Charles County, ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Walking along the shoulder of Leonardtown Road or crossing St. Charles Parkway should not carry a serious risk of injury or death. Yet for many residents of Charles County, simply being on foot near traffic leads to life-changing harm. Drivers who fail to yield, check blind spots, or obey speed limits put pedestrians in immediate danger. When that happens, you have the right to pursue legal action. A Charles County pedestrian accident lawyer can help you seek the compensation needed to move forward.

According to data from Zero Deaths Maryland, the state has seen an average of 2,682 pedestrian injuries per year over five years. Among the 2,710 total pedestrian crashes annually, more than 2,300 resulted in injuries, and an average of 133 were fatal. Nearly one in five incidents occurred on a Maryland Route, with an additional 21 percent on county roads and 13.5 percent in parking lots. Another 24.7 percent occurred in locations classified as “unknown,” many of which are suspected hit-and-runs. In Charles County specifically, there is a five-year average of 40 pedestrian-involved crashes annually, a striking number given the county’s size and population.

Most pedestrian accidents in Charles County happen where drivers least expect—or pay attention to—foot traffic. Parking lots outside stores, wide suburban intersections, and local roads with minimal signage are all frequent sites. Crashes often occur at night or during poor weather, but lack of visibility alone doesn’t cause injury—driver inattention does.

Speeding remains one of the most dangerous behaviors linked to these crashes. Even when pedestrians use marked crosswalks or sidewalks, drivers who exceed posted limits reduce their ability to stop in time. Turning vehicles at intersections poses a significant hazard when drivers fail to check for foot traffic before accelerating.

Distracted driving, especially texting or GPS use, is a constant factor. In many Charles County neighborhoods, drivers treat residential streets as shortcuts and fail to slow down near playgrounds, schools, and public buildings. In these areas, crashes involving children are tragically common.

Fault in pedestrian cases is not always as clear-cut as it may seem. While drivers must yield, insurers often attempt to shift blame by claiming the pedestrian crossing against the light or stepping into traffic without warning. A pedestrian injury attorney in Charles County will investigate video footage, witness statements, and crash reports to build a complete picture of what actually occurred.

If you were hit by a commercial vehicle or work truck, you may also have a claim against the driver’s employer. These cases often intersect with truck accident claims where additional parties may be involved, such as the company that owns or maintains the vehicle. When the accident occurs on the job, you may also be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, even if a third party caused the injury.

Hit-and-run cases are particularly complex, especially when the at-fault driver is never identified. In these situations, a skilled attorney may help you pursue a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage or identify possible video evidence from nearby homes or businesses. For those seriously injured in parking lots or private property, premises liability may also be a factor, particularly if poor lighting or lack of signage contributed to the crash.

The injuries caused by a pedestrian crash are rarely minor. Many victims suffer fractured limbs, spinal trauma, traumatic brain injuries, or internal bleeding. These injuries often require emergency surgery, months of rehabilitation, and permanent adjustments to your daily life.

Maryland law allows you to pursue compensation for:

• Emergency and long-term medical care;
• Lost income and reduced future earnings;
• Pain and suffering;
• Loss of enjoyment of life; and
• Assistive devices or home modifications, if required.

In fatal cases, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to recover for funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Because Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule, even a small assignment of fault to the pedestrian can prevent recovery. That’s why working with a Charles County pedestrian accident lawyer from the beginning can determine whether your claim succeeds.

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries that require dedicated legal representation. The attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. are committed to advocating for pedestrians injured due to driver negligence. Our team has extensive experience in handling pedestrian accident cases, ensuring that your rights are protected. We also handle related cases such as car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents, providing comprehensive legal support. With a contingency fee arrangement, you incur no legal fees unless we win your case. Contact Foran & Foran, P.A. at 301-441-2022 for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the legal process.