August 25, 2020. August 19, 2020. August 9, 2020. August 2, 2020. May 16, 2020. April 27, 2020. April 20, 2020. March 1, 2020. February 29, 2020. February 21, 2020. December 27, 2019. December 7, 2019. Why are these dates significant? Because on each of these days, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and killed…in Prince George’s County alone. If you live and frequently walk in and around Upper Marlboro or elsewhere in Prince George’s County, Maryland, please exercise extreme caution considering the alarming number of pedestrian accidents.
As a pedestrian, you’re entitled to the same rights as drivers, so if you or a loved one is injured as a pedestrian by a negligent driver, call the Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at The Lapidus Law Firm.
What Rights Do Pedestrians Have?
You probably already take precautions while walking, so keep that up. But it’s good to know that several laws and rights protect pedestrians in Maryland. They include:
- Drivers must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. As a pedestrian, you have the right of way in a crosswalk. By law, drivers must come to a complete stop for any pedestrian in a crosswalk. But never assume that will happen–always exercise caution and use common sense.
- Cars are prohibited from passing another vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
- If you’re crossing the street, you always have the right of way…even if a car is turning at a green light or green arrow.
- Vehicles are not allowed to stop within a crosswalk, as this makes crossing the street more dangerous for pedestrians.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians when turning on a red light.
What Happens If You’re Hit While Walking?
You might follow every pedestrian law in the book. You may err on the side of caution and be extra-vigilant when walking around in Upper Marlboro or at shopping areas like the Bowie Town Center or even as far away as National Harbor. And while doing so should significantly reduce your chances of being involved in an accident, unfortunately, there is no guarantee.
If you are hit by a vehicle, there are a few things you should do.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think you’ve sustained a serious injury, consider getting checked by a medical doctor as quickly as possible.
- Call the police immediately, and if you are too injured, ask someone to call for you.
- Obtain the names and contact information, if at all possible, for anyone who helps you.
- If you can do so, take cell phone pictures and videos of the license plate of the vehicle which hit you.
- Move as little as possible and stay stationary if you can safely do so.
- Never underestimate the impact a moving vehicle and the damage it can cause to the human body, even at low speeds. Get checked out by an EMT no matter what.
- Contact the Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at The Lapidus Law Firm to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation on Zoom.
Upper Marlboro Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Our experienced attorneys will look at your claim. If we agree to accept your case, that’s because we genuinely believe we can help get you a fair and reasonable settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company or fight your case in court if necessary.