Pedestrian accidents cannot only cause significant injuries but also death to those who are involved. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) recently released a report suggesting pedestrian fatalities in the United States were at a 30-year high in 2019. When a pedestrian accident causes death, it is important for the loved ones of these victims to recover the compensation they are owed. If your loved one died in a pedestrian accident, it is critical that you contact an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney for assistance.
What are the Facts of the Report?
The report by GHSA, titled “Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State,” contains preliminary data from the highway traffic safety offices in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The data for 2019 showed that the year held the highest amount of pedestrian deaths in the country since the year 1988. It also showed a 5% increase in deaths from the previous year, resulting in 6,590 pedestrian accident deaths in 2019. Most personal injury accidents are due to negligence, as seen in the results of the report. It states that the accidents in 2019 happened due to unsafe road crossings, distracted or impaired driving, and large SUVs and trucks on the road.
What Do I Do if I am Involved in a Pedestrian Accident?
After a pedestrian accident occurs, it is important to implement certain steps in order to secure evidence for a future claim. This can include the following:
- Call the necessary emergency services (police and an ambulance)
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses to the incident
- Take pictures and videos of the scene of the accident
- Obtain medical documentation after receiving treatment
- Retain the services of a skilled personal injury attorney to recover additional evidence for a case
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
If a person is injured or dies in a pedestrian accident, it is important to be aware that legal action can be taken in order to pursue compensation for the damages. In doing so, victims or their loved ones should not wait too long, as there is a statute of limitations in place. This is a deadline that must be met in order to file a claim.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you love was injured in a personal injury accident and wish to speak with an experienced attorney, contact Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates today.
