Do Baltimore Maryland Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way?
Maryland drivers should always drive responsibly and do what they can to protect both Baltimore pedestrians and other cars and their passengers. If an injury does occur, determining if a pedestrian had the right-of-way will likely depend on if the crosswalk was designated, marked, or unmarked.
A pedestrian has the right-of way when they are observing traffic signals. If there is no signal or the signals are broken, a driver still is required to stop when a pedestrian is within a crosswalk on the side of the road the vehicle is moving on. After a Maryland pedestrian accident, discuss your situation with a Baltimore personal injury attorney.
Types of Pedestrian Injuries
When a person is in a pedestrian accident, a variety of injuries can result. Some of the most common injuries that are the reasons for filing personal injury claims include:
- Bumps, cuts, and bruises
- Internal injuries
- Scratches, sprains and strains
- Pulled and torn muscles
- Bone fractures and lacerations
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Death
Every situation is unique. For example, if there is a laceration from broken glass it could require a stitch or two. In other more severe accidents, a laceration could cause disfiguration and long-term physical damage.
When walking across a street, on a crosswalk, and following the traffic signals, a pedestrian has the right-of-way and the car driver would be liable if an accident were to happen. In Maryland, possible penalties to drivers who violate rules are fines, from $80-$500, and a point on the driver’s license.
It is required by Maryland law that a vehicle comes to a complete stop when an individual is crossing within a marked crosswalk. The pedestrians need to move carefully, if they walk suddenly and abruptly into traffic, it can make it difficult for a vehicle to yield.
What About If There Is No Crosswalk?
It is possible the car has the right-of-way if there is no crosswalk. In these situations if there is an alternate way for individuals to cross a road, either a bridge or a tunnel, pedestrians should use those alternatives instead of walking across a street without a crosswalk.
Walking within a space designed for cars is also a situation where the drivers have the right-of-way. If there are sidewalks, pedestrians should use them. When there are no sidewalks, pedestrians should stick to the shoulder of the road as much as possible.
Even within a crosswalk, pedestrians need to stay aware to protect themselves. Looking both ways when crossing a road and avoiding the urge to text or look at a device while walking is always advisable. If an accident does happen and injuries result, see a doctor to assess injuries and contact a Baltimore personal injury attorney.
Were you hurt in a Maryland pedestrian accident? Reach out to the legal team at Iamele & Iamele, LLP. If you had the right-of-way compensation is likely possible. It is the responsibility of both drivers and walkers to keep roads safe. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
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