Pedestrians face many dangers when walking or working along the edge of a road. Indeed, each year, there are nearly 3,500 Maryland pedestrian accidents. Of those, roughly 92% result in either injury or death to the pedestrian. Not surprisingly, these figures show that pedestrian accidents are among the most dangerous type of Maryland car accidents.
To be sure, drivers and pedestrians share the duty to prevent Maryland pedestrian accidents. And each must behave safely and predictably. However, ultimately, many of the pedestrian accidents that occur on Maryland roads are the result of negligent drivers who are either not paying attention or consciously make a poor decision. Maryland law requires motorists follow all traffic laws and posted signs when driving, and yield to pedestrians when appropriate. When drivers fail to live up to this duty, they put pedestrians at risk.
Those who work along the road’s shoulder, such as utility workers, law enforcement, construction workers, and other city workers, are at unusually high risk. The state’s “Move Over Law,” attempts to reduce the number of Maryland roadside accidents by requiring motorists to change lanes to avoid certain vehicles on the side of the road. The state’s move over law applies mostly to government workers such as police officers, firefighters, hazmat workers, ambulances, and emergency rescue vehicles. There is a similar law requiring motorists to move over for bicyclists and scooters.
The Move Over law can help some accident victims recover for their injuries because it helps to create the standard of care to which motorists are held. The Move Over Law, however, does not protect many employees who frequently find themselves working on the shoulder of the road. For example, construction workers and utility workers are not covered. These individuals are often the ones who are at the most considerable risk.
Recently, a truck accident claimed the life of a construction worker. According to a local news report, the accident occurred during the daylight hours during times of clear visibility. Evidently, a pick-up truck struck the side of a tractor-trailer that was pulled alongside the road unloading a bulldozer. After crashing into the trailer, the pick-up truck flipped and skidded along the highway. The driver of the pick-up truck was thrown from the vehicle, as it collided with a construction worker. The construction worker was killed in the collision. The driver of the pick-up truck was seriously injured and was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Roadside Accident?
If you or someone that you love has recently been injured in a Maryland roadside car accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. At the Maryland personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC, we represent injury victims and their families in all types of injury claims, including Maryland truck accidents. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, call 800-654-1949. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.