Can a Pedestrian Be at Fault for an Accident?

Car accidents cause countless injuries every year. They are even more likely to cause severe injury or even death when an accident involves a pedestrian. Some of our nation’s most deadly accidents take place in parking lots and at crosswalks. You may be under the impression that the driver is always at fault in pedestrian accidents. Today, we’d like to share a few examples of when pedestrians might be found at fault in the state of Maryland.

Walking Without Legal Access

In urban areas, there are generally sidewalks lining the streets to accommodate pedestrians. But there are plenty of areas where it is not safe for individuals to walk, and there are laws in place to prevent them from doing so. The most noteworthy example is our nation’s highways.

You should not walk along a highway unless it is an emergency. Doing so puts you at an increased risk of an accident. When a pedestrian engaging in this activity is injured, the law might not be on their side.

Jaywalking

Pedestrians may not cross the road wherever and whenever they please. Crosswalks and traffic signals are in place to provide pedestrians with safe opportunities for passage. Failure to observe these regulations is referred to as ‘jaywalking.’

There is a reason you can be fined for jaywalking in the state of Maryland: it’s dangerous. These laws are in place to prevent pedestrians from injury while engaging in such reckless behavior. When jaywalkers are involved in an accident, they might be found at fault.

Here, we will define ‘jaywalking’ broadly to include all instances in which pedestrians unlawfully cross the road. Here are some noteworthy examples:

Crossing without a crosswalk
Failing to yield to ‘do not walk’ signal
Crossing in between intersections

Jaywalking occurs so frequently in our area that most people don’t think twice about it. Still, we should recognize it for the dangerous behavior that it is, and do our best to avoid it.

Other Considerations

There are certainly instances where pedestrians are clearly at fault for an accident. But it is not always cut-and-dry. Sometimes, the law may find that responsibility is shared between parties. If you’ve been involved in such an accident and suspect that the pedestrian may be at fault, contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Contact The Snyder Law Group Today

The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, for more information and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.