Gaithersburg Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Who Protect the Rights of the Injured
If You Were Hit By a Car, Our Attorneys Can Demand Accountability
Walking should be safe, whether it’s crossing near the Lakeforest Mall, heading to the Shady Grove Metro, or simply walking through your own neighborhood. Yet pedestrian accidents in Gaithersburg and across Montgomery County happen far too often, usually because drivers fail to yield, drive distracted, or speed through intersections. When a car strikes a pedestrian, the outcome is often catastrophic.
Victims are left with devastating injuries, long hospital stays, and the stress of lost income. Families grieving a fatal pedestrian crash must navigate medical bills, funeral expenses, and the pain of sudden loss. At Goldberg Finnegan, our Gaithersburg pedestrian accident lawyers fight for victims and their families. With more than $150 million recovered for clients, we know how to hold negligent drivers accountable and demand full compensation for those who have been harmed through no fault of their own.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents in Gaithersburg, MD
- What should I do right after being hit by a car in Gaithersburg?
- How can a Gaithersburg pedestrian accident lawyer help me?
- What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Montgomery County?
- What types of injuries happen when pedestrians are hit by cars?
- Can I recover compensation if I wasn’t in a crosswalk in Maryland?
- How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Maryland?
- What damages can I recover after a pedestrian accident?
- Who can be held responsible for a pedestrian accident in Gaithersburg?
- How do lawyers prove fault in pedestrian accident cases?
- What should I avoid saying after being hit by a car?
- How do hit-and-run pedestrian accident claims work in Maryland?
- What should I know about pedestrian accidents involving children?
- What role does distracted driving play in pedestrian crashes?
- How do wrongful death claims work after a fatal pedestrian accident?
- How do I choose the best pedestrian accident lawyer in Gaithersburg?
What Should I Do Right After Being Hit by a Car in Gaithersburg?
Call 911 immediately and request emergency medical attention. Even if you feel okay, injuries such as concussions, internal bleeding, or fractures may not appear right away. Always get checked by a doctor and follow up with medical care after a pedestrian accident.
If possible, document the accident scene. Take photos of the crosswalk, roadway, and your injuries. Get the driver’s insurance and contact information and collect details from witnesses. Request a copy of the police report. Finally, avoid speaking in detail with the driver’s insurance company until you’ve talked to an attorney. They do not have your best interests at heart.
How Can a Gaithersburg Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Our attorneys handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing. We:
- Investigate the accident by reviewing reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
- Work with accident reconstructionists and medical experts to build a strong case.
- Calculate damages that cover not only current bills but also future needs, like ongoing treatment or lost earning potential.
- Negotiate with insurers and push back against attempts to downplay your injuries.
- File a lawsuit and take your case to trial if necessary.
Having an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer ensures your claim reflects the full scope of your losses.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Montgomery County?
Pedestrian crashes in Gaithersburg often stem from driver negligence, including:
- Failing to yield at crosswalks or intersections.
- Distracted driving, especially texting.
- Speeding on busy roads like MD-355 or near school zones.
- Drunk or impaired driving.
- Poorly lit or poorly maintained intersections.
Every crash is preventable. Drivers who fail to act responsibly must be held accountable.
What Types of Injuries Happen When Pedestrians Are Hit by Cars?
Because pedestrians have no protection against the force of a car, injuries are often catastrophic:
- Traumatic brain injuries, ranging from concussions to severe brain trauma.
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis or lifelong mobility issues.
- Broken bones and fractures.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Severe lacerations, disfigurement, or amputations.
These injuries can take months or years to recover from, and some cause permanent disability. Compensation is critical to help victims rebuild their lives.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Wasn’t in a Crosswalk in Maryland?
Yes, you may still have a case. Maryland law requires drivers to avoid hitting pedestrians when possible, even outside of marked crosswalks. While contributory negligence can bar recovery if you’re found even 1% at fault, drivers are still required to exercise caution. An attorney can investigate and argue liability to protect your right to compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Maryland?
In most cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the crash. Wrongful death claims also have a three-year deadline. Evidence can disappear quickly, so it’s best to involve a lawyer immediately after the accident.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, from ER visits to rehabilitation.
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability.
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of consortium in serious injury cases.
- Funeral costs in fatal crashes.
Your lawyer will work with experts to calculate both current and future damages.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident in Gaithersburg?
The at-fault driver is usually responsible, but other parties may also share liability. For example, an employer could be accountable if the driver was working at the time. In some cases, poor roadway design or malfunctioning traffic signals may make a government entity partly liable.
How Do Lawyers Prove Fault in Pedestrian Accident Cases?
We build cases using:
- Police and accident reports.
- Eyewitness statements.
- Traffic and surveillance camera footage.
- Medical records linking injuries directly to the crash.
- Expert testimony from accident reconstructionists.
This evidence helps establish negligence and secure fair compensation.
What Should I Avoid Saying After Being Hit by a Car?
Avoid apologizing, admitting fault, or minimizing your injuries. Even saying “I’m fine” can harm your case. Don’t speculate about how the crash happened. Let your lawyer handle communications with the insurance company to protect your rights.
How Do Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident Claims Work in Maryland?
If the driver flees and cannot be located, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. A lawyer can also work with law enforcement to help identify the driver using video footage and witness testimony.
What Should I Know About Pedestrian Accidents Involving Children?
Children are especially vulnerable to pedestrian accidents near schools, playgrounds, and residential areas. Drivers are required to use extra caution in areas where children are present. Injuries involving children often require long-term medical care, therapy, or special education services - all of which should be considered in a legal claim.
What Role Does Distracted Driving Play in Pedestrian Crashes?
Distraction is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Even a split-second glance at a phone or GPS can cause a driver to miss a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Proving distraction often requires reviewing phone records or video evidence.
How Do Wrongful Death Claims Work After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident?
Surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim if a loved one is killed in a pedestrian accident. Compensation may include funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and loss of companionship. These claims hold negligent drivers accountable and provide families with financial support.
How Do I Choose the Best Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Gaithersburg?
The best lawyer is one with proven results, courtroom experience, and a commitment to personal attention. At Goldberg Finnegan, we give every client the same advice we’d give a family member. With more than $150 million recovered, our team is ready to fight for you.
Contact a Gaithersburg Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Pedestrian crashes are devastating, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Goldberg Finnegan, we fight for victims in Gaithersburg, Montgomery County, and across Maryland.
Let us help you demand the justice, accountability, and financial compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free case consultation.
“Best lawyers that I have had work for me in all my dealings with lawyers. Hard-working for the benefit of the client. I would highly recommend this firm.” – Ted R., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐