Silver Spring is one of the most pedestrian-friendly areas in Montgomery County. Unfortunately, due to the negligence of automobile drivers, pedestrian collisions still frequently occur. The injuries that victims of pedestrian collisions suffer are horrific and often cause permanent disabilities.
A Silver Spring, Maryland pedestrian injury attorney could be the only hope that a victim has to receive the compensation they deserve. At Portner & Shure, P.A., our attorneys can work with you to build a winning case and get you the compensation you deserve.
For a free consultation regarding your Silver Spring pedestrian accident case, call us at or contact us online.
Laws Regarding Pedestrian Claims
The State of Maryland has several laws governing how automobile drivers operate their vehicles. When an automobile driver approaches a crosswalk or intersection, they are required to stop if a pedestrian is present. Drivers must also obey traffic signals and stop signs.
Maryland also imposes certain restrictions on pedestrians. Specifically, pedestrians are only permitted to cross at crosswalks and are not permitted to enter a crosswalk when a “do not walk” signal is displayed.
Litigating a Pedestrian Accident Case
To win a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland, a victim must prove their case by a preponderance of the evidence, i.e., 51%. In a pedestrian case, the pedestrian must prove that an automobile driver committed an act of negligence that resulted in the pedestrian suffering an injury. Meeting this burden can sometimes be difficult as Maryland law provides several legal defenses.
Defenses in Pedestrian Injury Cases
Maryland allows a civil defendant to raise the defense of contributory negligence. This defense can defeat a victim’s case if a civil defendant proves that a victim committed a negligent act and that their negligence contributed to their injuries. Maryland also allows a civil defendant to raise the defense of assumption of risk. This defense can also defeat a victim’s case if a civil defendant proves that a victim had knowledge of a risk of potential harm, appreciated the risk, and voluntarily undertook an action despite the risk. Insurance companies use these defenses to try to shift blame onto a victim.
Injuries & Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Victims of pedestrian collisions often suffer severe and painful injuries such as:
- Back injuries
- Broken ribs
- Concussion
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Victims of pedestrian collisions usually require lifesaving medical care such as emergency medical treatment. To fully recover, victims often require rehabilitative care. Following this treatment, victims of pedestrian collisions find themselves deeply in debt because of their medical care. Victims can seek compensation for their medical care and injuries. Maryland law allows victims to seek compensation for the cost of their medical care, lost income, and for their pain and suffering.
Why Hire Portner & Shure, P.A.?
Insurance companies vigorously defend pedestrian accident cases. They retain aggressive defense attorneys that utilize every available defense to defeat a pedestrian injury lawsuit. Effective advocacy by a Silver Spring, Maryland pedestrian injury attorney can be hugely beneficial. The attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. have spent 30 years obtaining favorable results for their clients. Insurance companies know we are. Their attorneys know of our reputation and skills in the courtroom. Let us use our skills for your benefit
Portner & Shure, P.A. receives no fee unless our client obtains a settlement or judgment in court. We speak English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese). To schedule a free consultation regarding your Silver Spring pedestrian accident case, dial or contact us online.
