Prince George’s County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer — What Are Your Rights?
If you were hit by a car while walking in Prince George’s County, you need a dedicated pedestrian accident lawyer Prince Georges County. Maryland’s contributory negligence law is unforgiving—if you are found even 1% at fault, you recover nothing. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled pedestrian hit by car claims across the county, from Upper Marlboro to College Park.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Law in Maryland
In Maryland, pedestrian accidents are governed by state traffic laws and the legal principle of negligence. A driver who fails to exercise reasonable care, such as by speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield at a crosswalk, can be held liable for injuries they cause. However, Maryland is one of only a handful of states that follows the strict rule of contributory negligence. This means if you, as the pedestrian, are found to have contributed in any way to the accident—even 1% at fault—you are completely barred from recovering any financial compensation from the driver. This makes proving the other party’s full fault absolutely critical.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, see Md. Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings Art. § 5-101. For court-specific procedures in Prince George’s County, visit the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County website.
The Local Legal Process for a Pedestrian Hit by Car Claim
handling a pedestrian hit by car claim in Prince George’s County requires immediate and strategic action due to Maryland’s harsh contributory negligence rule. Evidence from the scene—photos, witness statements, and police reports—is paramount. Claims are typically filed in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County for amounts up to $30,000, or in the Circuit Court for larger claims. The court is located at 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro.
- Seek Medical Attention & Preserve Evidence: Your health is the priority. Also, photograph the scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, and any relevant traffic signs or signals.
- Report the Accident: Ensure a police report is filed. Obtain the report number and the responding officer’s name.
- Consult a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: Contact an attorney before speaking with any insurance adjusters. They will seek statements to use against you.
- Investigation & Demand: Your lawyer will gather all evidence, including traffic camera footage, witness interviews, and accident reconstruction if needed, to build a fault-free case before making a demand.
- Litigation if Necessary: If a fair settlement isn’t offered, your attorney will file a lawsuit in the appropriate Prince George’s County court before the 3-year statute of limitations expires.
Potential Consequences and Compensation
In Prince George’s County, a pedestrian accident can lead to severe injuries with long-term consequences, while Maryland’s contributory negligence law poses a significant legal barrier to recovery.
| Injury Type | Common Causes | Potential Impacts | Compensation Sought |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fractures & Head Trauma | Direct impact with vehicle | Long-term disability, cognitive issues | Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering |
| Spinal Cord Injuries | Being thrown onto pavement | Paralysis, chronic pain, mobility loss | Lifetime care costs, home modifications |
| Internal Organ Damage | Blunt force trauma | Organ failure, surgical interventions | Emergency surgery costs, ongoing treatment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of a pedestrian accident claim in a contributory negligence state and deploy immediate resources to investigate and build the strongest possible case for our clients in Prince George’s County.
Documented Case Results
While specific Prince George’s County pedestrian accident results are part of our confidential client records, our firm’s approach has secured favorable outcomes in similar injury matters across Maryland. For example, our team has successfully argued for the dismissal of contributory negligence defenses in cases where driver fault was clear, skilled to settlements that cover our clients’ medical expenses and losses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Prince George’s County
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, and Hyattsville. We are accessible via I-495, I-95, and Route 301. 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for a pedestrian accident in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
3 years from the date of injury under Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. Art. § 5-101. Maryland also follows contributory negligence (1% fault = no recovery). Claims at District Court of MD for Prince George’s County (14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Is Maryland a contributory negligence state for pedestrian accidents?
Yes. Maryland follows contributory negligence — even 1% pedestrian fault bars ALL recovery. This is one of the strictest rules in the nation. Evidence preservation from day one is critical. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Why do I need a lawyer for a pedestrian hit by car claim?
It depends. Given Maryland’s contributory negligence law, insurance companies will immediately look for any reason to assign you partial fault. A pedestrian accident lawyer Prince Georges County can conduct a thorough investigation, secure crucial evidence like traffic camera footage, and negotiate aggressively to overcome these tactics and protect your right to full compensation.
What should I do immediately after a crosswalk accident in Prince George’s County?
First, seek medical attention. Then, if possible, document the scene with photos, get contact information from witnesses, and ensure a police report is filed. Do not discuss fault or give a detailed statement to the other driver’s insurance company before consulting a crosswalk accident lawyer Prince George’s County.
How is fault determined in a pedestrian accident case?
Fault is determined by investigating traffic laws, witness accounts, police reports, and physical evidence. Key factors include who had the right-of-way, traffic signal status, vehicle speed, and pedestrian actions. In Maryland, the pedestrian must be found 0% at fault to recover damages.
Related Practice Areas: If you were injured in a car accident in Prince George’s County, our attorneys can also help. For other legal needs, see our pages for criminal defense and DUI defense in Prince George’s County.
More Locations: We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Montgomery County and Howard County. For a full overview of our Maryland practice, visit our Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your pedestrian accident case in Prince George’s County.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.