Baltimore, Annapolis, and other Maryland cities have seen a troubling surge in pedestrian crashes in recent years. From York Road and Pulaski Highway to Route 40 and Eastern Avenue, serious collisions are happening every week — often caused by distracted, speeding, or impatient drivers.
For a person walking, even a “minor” impact from a vehicle can cause catastrophic injuries. If you or someone you love has been hit by a car while walking, the law gives you the right to seek compensation — but Maryland’s pedestrian laws and insurance system are complex, and one wrong move can cost you your case.
That’s why victims across the state turn to The Law Office of Marc J. Atas & Associates, an experienced Maryland pedestrian accident law firm with a long track record of winning results for the injured.
Step One: Get Medical Help Immediately
After a pedestrian accident, health comes first — but medical treatment also builds the foundation of your legal claim.
-
Call 911 right away.
Report the crash to police and request paramedics. The police report is crucial for liability proof later. -
Go to the hospital — even if you think you’re okay.
Many pedestrian injuries are hidden: internal bleeding, brain trauma, spinal injuries. Go to Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Shock Trauma, or your nearest ER. -
Describe all your symptoms.
Even mild pain or dizziness should be documented. If it’s not in the record, insurers may argue it didn’t exist. -
Follow through on every appointment.
Consistent treatment shows that your injuries are serious and ongoing. Missed visits give insurers an excuse to undervalue your claim. -
Keep all receipts and records.
From prescriptions to crutches and physical therapy co-pays, every cost counts toward your damages.
Understanding Pedestrian Laws in Maryland
Maryland’s laws are designed to protect pedestrians — but they also include traps that insurance companies exploit to deny claims.
1. Right-of-Way Rules
Under Maryland Transportation Article §21-502, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections without signals. Drivers also have a duty to exercise due care to avoid hitting anyone on foot, even outside crosswalks.
2. Contributory Negligence
Maryland is one of only a few states that still follows pure contributory negligence. That means if you’re found even 1% at fault, you could lose your right to compensation entirely.
Insurance adjusters know this — and they’ll look for any reason to blame the pedestrian (e.g., “you were outside the lines,” “you were wearing dark clothing”).
Our attorneys fight these arguments with evidence, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction to prove the driver’s negligence was the real cause.
3. Statute of Limitations
-
Personal injury claims: 3 years from the date of the crash.
-
Claims against the State or local government: written notice required within 1 year (or 180 days in Baltimore City).
-
Wrongful death claims: 3 years from the date of death.
If any government entity was responsible for unsafe road design or defective traffic signals, the notice deadline is critical — miss it, and your claim may be barred.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Maryland
Our investigations show that most pedestrian crashes happen because of driver negligence such as:
-
Distracted driving (texting, eating, using GPS)
-
Speeding or aggressive driving
-
Failure to yield at intersections or crosswalks
-
Running red lights or stop signs
-
Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs)
-
Unsafe backing in driveways or parking lots
-
Left-turn and right-turn crashes where drivers fail to look
Even when a pedestrian is outside a crosswalk, drivers must still exercise reasonable care. A driver’s failure to see what’s there to be seen can still make them liable.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Happen Most Often in Baltimore & Maryland
Some of the most dangerous locations for walkers include:
-
Eastern Avenue, North Avenue, and Charles Street in Baltimore City
-
Route 1 through College Park
-
U.S. 40 in Catonsville and Ellicott City
-
Route 2 (Ritchie Highway) in Glen Burnie
-
Rockville Pike in Montgomery County
-
Reisterstown Road in Baltimore County
No matter where it happened — a busy downtown crosswalk or a suburban neighborhood — Atas Law has the resources to investigate and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Typical Injuries in Pedestrian Collisions
The human body simply can’t withstand the force of a moving car or truck. Our firm regularly represents clients who’ve suffered:
-
Head and brain injuries (concussions, TBI)
-
Spinal cord and back injuries
-
Broken bones (legs, pelvis, wrists)
-
Internal bleeding and organ damage
-
Severe road rash and lacerations
-
Chronic pain and nerve damage
-
Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety)
Some victims never fully recover. That’s why our lawyers work closely with medical specialists and economists to prove the full cost of future care, lost income, and long-term suffering.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Maryland Pedestrian Case?
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:
-
All medical expenses (hospital, rehab, medication, therapy)
-
Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
-
Pain and suffering
-
Permanent disability or scarring
-
Emotional distress
-
Property damage (phone, watch, clothing, etc.)
-
Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Maryland doesn’t cap economic damages, but it does limit non-economic damages (like pain and suffering). An experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Baltimore ensures your case is valued properly — and not shortchanged.
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crashes in Maryland
If the driver fled the scene, you still have options:
-
Report the hit-and-run immediately. Police reports are required for uninsured motorist (UM) claims.
-
Check for cameras. Many intersections, businesses, and MTA buses capture footage.
-
Your own auto policy may cover you. Even if you were walking, UM coverage applies to pedestrians.
-
No insurance? The Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF) may help if no other source is available.
Atas Law has successfully handled numerous hit-and-run claims where the driver was never found — recovering compensation through insurance and state programs.
How Atas Law Builds Strong Pedestrian Injury Cases
-
Rapid Investigation – We secure police reports, 911 calls, and video footage before it disappears.
-
Accident Reconstruction – Experts analyze speed, lighting, driver visibility, and roadway design.
-
Medical Documentation – We collect detailed records and expert opinions linking your injuries directly to the collision.
-
Witness Interviews – Immediate contact ensures testimony is preserved and consistent.
-
Aggressive Negotiation & Trial Prep – We prepare every case as if it will go before a jury — and insurance companies know it.
Our approach consistently results in higher settlements and verdicts because we never rely on the insurance company’s version of the story.
Avoid These Mistakes After a Pedestrian Accident
-
Leaving the scene without calling police
-
Waiting too long to see a doctor
-
Talking to the driver’s insurance adjuster
-
Posting details or photos on social media
-
Ignoring follow-up medical care
-
Missing the government claim notice deadline
Each of these can seriously weaken — or destroy — your case. Let your attorney handle communication while you focus on healing.
Case Example (Hypothetical)
A Baltimore schoolteacher was hit in a crosswalk on Pratt Street while walking to her car. The driver claimed the light was yellow, and the insurer argued she “should’ve waited.”
We recovered video from a nearby parking lot camera showing the driver ran a solid red light. After presenting this evidence and expert testimony, we secured a $725,000 settlement covering her medical care, surgery, and lost wages.
This is the level of investigation and persistence we bring to every case at Atas Law.
Fatal Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
Tragically, many pedestrian impacts are fatal. Families have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim for:
-
Funeral and burial expenses
-
Loss of financial support
-
Loss of companionship and guidance
-
Emotional pain and suffering
Our team helps families navigate the legal process with compassion and determination — ensuring those responsible are held fully accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Pedestrian Accidents
Q: What if I was outside a crosswalk?
A: You can still recover compensation if the driver was negligent, but Maryland’s contributory negligence rule makes evidence critical. Don’t assume you’re at fault — talk to us first.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: Most cases must be filed within 3 years, but shorter deadlines apply to government entities. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.
Q: What if the driver was uninsured or fled the scene?
A: You may still recover through your own uninsured motorist coverage or the MAIF program. We handle these claims regularly.
Q: Should I talk to the insurance adjuster?
A: No. They’re not on your side. Let us handle all communication to avoid damaging your claim.
Q: How much is my case worth?
A: Every case is different. We evaluate medical bills, lost wages, long-term care needs, and non-economic losses to determine full value.
Why Choose The Law Office of Marc J. Atas & Associates
-
Over 40 years of personal injury experience in Maryland courts
-
Thousands of clients helped across Baltimore and the state
-
No legal fees unless we win your case
-
Aggressive advocacy from investigation through trial
-
Local insight into Maryland’s courts, laws, and insurance practices
When insurance companies see Atas Law on a case, they know they’re up against experienced trial lawyers who won’t settle for less than full justice.
Areas We Serve Across Maryland
We proudly represent injured pedestrians in:
Baltimore City • Baltimore County • Anne Arundel County • Howard County • Harford County • Prince George’s County • Montgomery County • Carroll County • Cecil County • Frederick County
Whether you were hit in downtown Baltimore, Columbia, Towson, Glen Burnie, or Rockville, we’ll fight to recover every dollar you deserve.
Take Action Now — Protect Your Case and Your Future
If you were hit by a car while walking in Maryland, don’t wait. Evidence disappears, videos get erased, and the state’s strict laws can make or break your case.
Call The Law Office of Marc J. Atas & Associates today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, investigate immediately, and build the strongest possible claim for full compensation.
No Fees Unless We Win. No Excuses. Just Results.