The death of a loved one in a pedestrian accident is an unimaginable tragedy that no family should have to endure. Amidst your grief, you face medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of their income and support. While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, filing a pedestrian wrongful death claim can provide a sense of justice and much-needed financial relief.
At Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum, our Maryland fatal accident lawyers understand the challenges families face after losing someone in a pedestrian accident. We're here to guide you through the legal process of pursuing a wrongful death claim, allowing you to focus on honoring your loved one's memory. Here’s what's involved in these cases and how our experienced attorneys can help.
Determining Liability in Fatal Pedestrian Accidents
Establishing fault is a crucial part of any wrongful death claim. In pedestrian wrongful death cases, liability often falls on the driver who struck the victim. However, multiple parties may share responsibility in certain situations. Some common scenarios include:
- Distracted driving. If the driver was texting, using a smartphone app, eating, or engaging in any other activity that took their attention away from the road, they could be liable for the resulting accident.
- Speeding. Drivers who exceed the posted speed limit or drive too fast for weather or road conditions have less time to react to pedestrians, increasing the risk of fatal collisions.
- Failure to yield. Motorists who don't yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or when turning at intersections can be found at fault for any accidents they cause.
- Impaired driving. Intoxicated drivers have slower reflexes and impaired judgment, making them more likely to strike pedestrians.
- Defective vehicle parts. The manufacturer may share liability if a vehicle defect, such as faulty brakes, contributes to the accident.
- Dangerous road conditions. In some cases, poorly maintained roads, inadequate lighting, or missing signage can cause pedestrian accidents. Government entities responsible for road maintenance may be partly liable.
Our Maryland fatal accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one's pedestrian accident to identify all potentially liable parties.
Evidence to Support a Maryland Wrongful Death Claim
Substantial evidence is essential for proving liability and showing the full extent of your losses in a pedestrian wrongful death case. Our legal team will gather and preserve key evidence, which may include:
- A police report. The official accident report can provide valuable information about the circumstances of the crash, any citations issued, and the officer's initial assessment of fault.
- Witness statements. Testimony from eyewitnesses who saw the accident can help corroborate your version of events and provide insight into the driver's actions.
- Video footage. Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses or dashcam footage from other vehicles may have captured the accident, offering clear evidence of fault.
- Medical records. Documentation of your loved one's injuries and treatment can illustrate the severity of the accident and link their death to the collision.
- Expert testimony. We may consult with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and financial professionals to establish liability and calculate the full extent of your damages.
Damages Available in Maryland Pedestrian Wrongful Death Claims
In a successful pedestrian wrongful death claim, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses. Any medical bills related to your loved one's treatment after the accident and before their death may be part of your settlement or court verdict.
- Funeral and burial costs. Expenses associated with laying your loved one to rest, including the cost of the funeral service, casket or urn, and burial plot, may be included in your recovery.
- Lost income and benefits: The financial support your loved one would have provided had they lived, including future expected earnings, benefits, and retirement contributions, is an essential part of your recovery.
- Loss of services. The value of household services, childcare, and other contributions your loved one made to the family should not be overlooked when valuing your claim.
- Pain and suffering. Compensation for the intangible but profound loss of love, guidance, and emotional support may be challenging to quantify, but it is a critical part of your settlement or verdict.
Compassionate Legal Guidance When You Need It Most
At Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum, we understand that no amount of financial compensation can end the pain of losing a loved one in a fatal pedestrian accident. However, a wrongful death claim can provide a sense of accountability and justice while easing the financial burden on your family during this difficult time.
If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident in Maryland, don't try to navigate the legal process alone. Our experienced Maryland fatal accident lawyers can assess your case and explain your options for seeking the compensation your family needs and deserves.