Unfortunately, pedestrians lack many of the protections afforded to drivers and their passengers. Fatal pedestrian accidents are distressingly common as a result, and what’s really terrible is that many of these events could have been avoided if the driver hadn’t behaved negligently. If you lost your loved one in an accident like this, you should sue to hold this negligent party accountable. A Prince George’s County pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm can help you with that.
What Causes Fatal Pedestrian Accidents?
Many things can cause fatal pedestrian accidents, but the issue is often bad behavior from drivers. Common safety issues include:
- Drivers who ignore traffic signals
- Drowsy driving
- Impaired driving, usually due to drugs or alcohol
- Aggressive driving and speeding
- Distracted driving
- Bad lighting
- Poor weather conditions
- Dangerous pedestrian infrastructure, like broken sidewalks or a lack of pedestrian signals
Other factors can contribute to a crash, but it’s necessary for a driver to adjust and share the road safely. So even if something like bad weather made the crash more likely, the driver is still likely at fault.
Can You Sue For Damages After Fatal Pedestrian Accidents?
If a driver was negligent, a family member can sue for wrongful death damages. These are meant to make up for costs like:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of your loved one’s income
- Loss of consortium or mentorship
- Pain and suffering
- Burial and funeral costs
Compensation offers should address more than the economic costs of fatal pedestrian accidents.
Who Can Sue For Wrongful Death?
It depends on where you live. If you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Virginia or Maryland, you must be a surviving spouse, parent, or child of the deceased. If none of those relatives are around, a blood relative who can show that they were impacted by the death of their loved one can file suit.
In Washington, D.C. only the executor of the deceased’s estate can file a suit. If the deceased did not have a will, you will have to wait until an executor is chosen by the courts.
What Can a Lawyer Do For Me?
You are not required to hire a lawyer when pursuing a wrongful death case, but our seasoned attorneys can do a lot to help you with your lawsuit. A lawyer can:
- Make sure that you file before the statute of limitations expires
- Help you gather evidence
- Connect you with expert witnesses
- Prepare you for testimony
- Defend your loved one from accusations of wrongdoing or fault
- Calculate fair compensation and field settlement offers
Schedule Your Consultation Today
So if you are thinking about pursuing damages after the death of a loved one, contact McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. We can schedule a free consultation and tell you more about how we have helped others after fatal pedestrian accidents. There’s no obligation, so reach out to our firm today.
