Pedestrian Accident Settlements in Maryland
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Maryland, understanding how the state's personal injury laws affect your claim is essential. Maryland follows the contributory negligence system, and you have 3 years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit.
Pedestrian Accident Settlement Range in Maryland
Nationally, pedestrian accident settlements range from $10,000 to $300,000. In Maryland, settlement values are influenced by the state's fault rules, damage caps, and local jury tendencies.
Low
$10,000
Estimated
$45,000
High
$300,000
How Maryland Law Affects Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
Maryland retains the harsh contributory negligence doctrine, meaning any fault on the plaintiff's part — even 1% — bars recovery entirely. The state caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases (currently around $890,000, adjusted annually). Despite the contributory negligence rule, Maryland's proximity to Baltimore and Washington D.C. fuels a robust personal injury litigation market.
Under Maryland's contributory negligence system, your settlement may be affected if you share any responsibility for the accident. As a contributory negligence state, if you are found even 1% at fault, you may be completely barred from recovering compensation.
Factors Affecting Pedestrian Accident Claims in Maryland
- ✓Driver speed and impairment at time of accident
- ✓Whether pedestrian was in a crosswalk or crosswalk area
- ✓Traffic signals and right-of-way compliance
- ✓Visibility and lighting conditions
- ✓Severity of orthopedic and neurological injuries
- ✓Hit-and-run status and uninsured motorist coverage
- ✓Victim's comparative fault
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Relevant Maryland Statutes
- •Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 (statute of limitations)
- •Harrison v. Montgomery Cnty. Bd. of Educ. (contributory negligence doctrine)
- •Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-2A-09 (med mal non-economic cap)
Pedestrian Accident Claims in Maryland Cities
If your pedestrian accident occurred in Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring, Waldorf, or anywhere else in Maryland, the same state laws apply. Local court systems and jury pools can also influence settlement outcomes.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed personal injury attorney in your state.