Pedestrian Accidents in Baltimore Increasing, and More Personal-Injury Lawyer News

Pedestrians and bicyclists are traditionally the most vulnerable commuters on our roads. Nationwide, pedestrians represent 14 percent of the total number of traffic deaths each year, whereas cyclists represent 2 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

These accidents predominantly take place in urban areas, and they seem to be increasing throughout the country. This is certainly true for Baltimore.

The Baltimore Sun reports that there were 420 car accidents involving pedestrians in the area last year. Out of those accidents, 22 resulted in the death of a pedestrian or cyclist. Authorities say those numbers are the highest they’ve seen in five years, and unless we do something to curb the trend, we’ll likely see more deaths in 2014.

The Number of Fatal Pedestrian Accidents This Year Is Quickly Rising

So far in 2014, we’ve seen 11 pedestrian deaths in Baltimore alone. In all of 2012, only 14 people died in pedestrian accidents.

County officials say the number of serious injuries is also on the rise. There are many factors that may play a role in these accidents.

One of the more plausible explanations is that more drivers are using smartphones behind the wheel. As such, it’s important for pedestrians to make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the road, even if they have the right of way.

If you’ve suffered a serious injury in a car accident with a distracted driver, a personal-injury lawyer from our firm can help you seek compensation through a civil lawsuit. At DuBoff & Associates, Chartered, we have more than 50 years of combined experience helping Maryland residents navigate the legal system. To schedule a free case evaluation with a personal-injury attorney in Baltimore, visit us at DuBoffLawGroup.com, or call our office at 301-495-3131.

Bicyclist Killed in Car Accident During Cross-County Benefit Ride

CBS News reports that Jamie Roberts of Baltimore decided to spend 70 days riding across the country to raise money for cancer research. During the 4,000-mile ride, the driver of a truck lost control of his vehicle and ran into the group of cyclists.

One of the riders suffered serious injuries that were non-life threatening. Roberts, on the other hand, died at the scene of the accident.

The group decided to suspend the ride for two days to grieve the loss of Roberts. However, Robert’s family is encouraging them to finish the ride.

The NHTSA reports that fatal cyclist accidents are becoming more common in the United States. Between 2011 and 2012, the number of fatal crashes increased by 6.4 percent.

If you’ve been involved in a serious car accident with a negligent driver, don’t hesitate to call us. The sooner you sit down with a personal-injury lawyer from our firm, the faster we can build a case that supports your claim. To arrange a free initial consultation, we encourage you to call us today at 301-495-3131.