Pedestrian Accidents

Upper Marlboro Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Pedestrian Accidents in Prince George’s County

Pedestrians have virtually zero protection against the immense size and weight of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, meaning they are at risk of severe bodily injury and death when they are struck by careless or reckless drivers. As a result, motorists have a responsibility to yield the right of way to pedestrians whenever possible.

If you or someone you love was hit by a negligent motorist, you could be entitled to financial compensation—and Farmer & Klopfer can help. Our Upper Marlboro pedestrian accident attorneys have been fighting on behalf of victims of negligence since 1978. We have a long track record of success and have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients, providing them with the means to heal and move forward with their lives.


Find out how our legal team can help you seek the justice you deserve; call (240) 245-2229 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.


Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way?

Maryland law requires motorists to yield to pedestrians whenever possible to avoid a collision. Drivers of all types of motor vehicles should always be aware of pedestrians and take the necessary precautions—such as leaving adequate space between vehicles and pedestrians—to avoid causing serious injury or harm.

By law, motorists must yield the right of way to pedestrians in the following situations:

  • When a pedestrian is crossing a roadway in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, including at intersections where traffic control devices are in use
  • When another vehicle has stopped to let a pedestrian cross (motorists may not pass vehicles stopped for pedestrians)
  • When turning right on a red light, right or left or green light, at a stop sign, or anywhere else where traffic control devices are in use

Motorists are also prohibited from blocking crosswalks and must exercise “due care” when driving near pedestrians, especially those who appear confused, disorientated, intoxicated, lost, or impaired.

That being said, there are certain times when pedestrians do not have the right of way and, instead, are required by law to yield to vehicles. Specifically, any time a pedestrian crosses a roadway outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, they must yield to oncoming traffic. This includes when crossing a street between adjacent intersections with traffic control devices, such as stop signs, red lights, and yield signs.

Pedestrians should also use marked crosswalks when they are available—failing to do so constitutes “jaywalking” and comes with various fines—as well as sidewalks and designated pedestrian crossings, such as bridges or tunnels. Maryland law also requires pedestrians to obey all traffic control devices, including red lights and “do not walk/wait” signals, and prohibits pedestrians from crossing intersections diagonally unless there are signs explicitly permitting diagonal crossings.


To request a free consultation with a member of our team, call (240) 245-2229 or contact us online.

Why Hire a Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

Getting back on your feet after a pedestrian accident can be extremely difficult. However, an experienced attorney can help you fight for fair compensation for your losses, or damages, including your medical bills, lost wages, lost earning ability, pain and suffering, and future expenses, among others.

Most importantly, your attorney can handle the legal details of your recovery while you focus on healing and moving forward with your life. At Farmer & Klopfer, we are ready to assist you with every aspect of your case, providing the personalized attention and legal support you deserve. Our Upper Marlboro pedestrian accident lawyers are known for their aggressive approach, as well as their proven record of success in even the toughest and most complex of claims. To date, we have secured millions of dollars on behalf of our clients, and we are ready to fight for you, too.


To request a free consultation with a member of our team, call (240) 245-2229 or contact us online.

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Read our 5-Star Reviews
  • A winning team of confident, knowledgeable and successful attorneys

    “I am so pleased with the staff at the James F. Farmer firm. They are true professionals, ready and willing to fight on your behalf. When you retain their services, you are joining a winning team of confident, knowledgeable, and successful attorneys, like Mr. Melvin Allen, who helped me. Thank you!!!”

  • Truly cared about my case and how the accident affected me.

    “I have used James Farmer office for two accidents I have been in; both times they were exceptional.”

  • Thorough and attentive to my case from the beginning

    “From the initial consultation, I knew I needed James Farmer and his team on my side. He was thorough and attentive to my case from the beginning, prior to even hiring his firm. Once I officially hired his firm, he and his colleague Mr. Melvin Allen moved to strategically place me in the best position possible. They supported me throughout the process by making sure I understood what was happening and I felt extremely grateful to have them on my side! Long story short, my case was successfully completed with a favorable outcome! An outcome I couldn’t even imagine was possible but Mr. Allen’s expertise, strategy, and courtroom presence made it all possible! My wife and I are forever grateful and will always look to this firm on any future needs and you should, too!”

  • Nothing short of miraculous

    “Mr. Farmer and his associates go the EXTRA mile for all their clients! It's nice to feel safe at the hands of your attorney and get a great outcome! Every experience I've personally had, as well as watched, has been nothing short of miraculous!! Farmer and staff are who you want on your side!!!”

  • He got me the best possible sentencing I've could have asked for.

    “I've had several lawyers over the last decade and James Farmer has been the absolute best.”

Common Injuries Resulting from Pedestrian Accidents

It is no surprise that pedestrian-vehicle collisions frequently result in catastrophic injuries and deaths. Pedestrians are simply no match for large, multi-ton vehicles traveling at even relatively low speeds.

Some of the most common pedestrian accident-related injuries include:

  • Broken bones/fractures
  • Serious cuts, scrapes, and abrasions
  • Road rash/friction burns
  • Head injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Accidental amputation/loss of limb

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

If you were hit by a negligent motorist and you have not yet sought medical attention, do so immediately. Even if you believe that you were only minorly injured, it is important that you see a medical professional who can diagnose any underlying injuries you may have and begin treatment. You should also report the incident to the police as soon as possible if a police officer did not arrive on the scene (if a police officer did come out to the scene of the accident, they will have filed a report on your behalf).

These injuries nearly always require emergency medical attention, as well as extensive treatment and ongoing care. In some cases, victims may need lifelong medical care as a result of their injuries.

If you were able to obtain any evidence from the accident—such as the driver’s contact and insurance information, statements from nearby witnesses, or pictures of your injuries—be sure to hang on to it. You should also write down everything you can remember about the accident right away. Over time, memories can fade, and evidence may be lost. It is a good idea to document what happened as soon as possible so that you don’t forget any details of the accident.

It is also a good idea to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney if you or someone you love was hit by a car or another vehicle. Often, insurance companies dispute or deny valid claims; you could face numerous challenges when it comes to recovering the compensation you are owed. An attorney will be able to step in and handle all communication with the insurance company. They will also be able to work with accident reconstructionists and other experts to gather evidence from the accident and build a powerful case on your behalf. If necessary, your attorney can even represent you and your rights at trial.

We encourage you to reach out to Farmer & Klopfer as soon as possible. Do not speak to the insurance company, make any written or oral statements, or sign anything the insurance adjuster gives you without first talking to a lawyer. We offer free initial consultations and do not collect any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

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  • Committed to Improvement

    We take pride in learning the latest strategies for maximizing damages, preparing our clients for trial & mounting an effective case.

  • A Record of Results

    Our firm has won tens of millions of dollars in financial compensation for individuals & their families.

  • Renowned in Our Field
    We are well-regarded in the legal community & are even known & respected among insurance companies.
  • Fearless Advocacy
    We are not afraid to confront negligent medical professionals, hospitals, nursing homes or their insurance companies.
  • Valuable Insight
    We know how to skillfully navigate government bureaucracies to help our clients obtain workers’ compensation benefits.

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