Busy intersections like Dobbin Road and Broken Land Parkway in Columbia see frequent pedestrian incidents—many involving careless or distracted drivers. Whether you were crossing at a light or walking through a shopping plaza, the impact of a collision can leave you with lasting injuries.
Foran & Foran, P.A. works with pedestrians across Howard County to recover compensation for medical care, lost wages, and pain. Our attorneys also represent victims of hit-and-run incidents or crashes involving impaired drivers. To learn more about your options, contact our firm at (301) 441-2022 today.
Understanding the Risks Facing Pedestrians in Howard CountyWalking should never be dangerous—but in Howard County, pedestrians face real risks in crosswalks, parking lots, and neighborhood sidewalks. Whether someone is walking to school, jogging through a park, or crossing a busy street, one driver’s distraction or impatience can cause serious and lasting harm. A Howard County pedestrian accident lawyer can help you take legal action after being hit by a vehicle.
Local roads like MD-108, MD-175, and U.S. Route 1 have frequent foot traffic, especially near schools, shopping centers, and community hubs. These areas see a mix of drivers and pedestrians throughout the day, increasing the potential for conflict. Children, older adults, and individuals walking near public transit stops are often among the most vulnerable.
Common Scenarios That Lead to Pedestrian InjuriesDrivers have a duty to watch for people on foot, especially in designated pedestrian zones. Crashes often occur not because people are walking recklessly but because drivers are texting, speeding, or failing to yield as required by law. Understanding how and where these accidents occur helps you build a stronger claim for compensation.
School Zones and Bus StopsChildren walking to and from school are especially at risk. Many incidents happen as students cross residential streets or wait at bus stops without proper signage or crossing guards. A distracted or impatient driver who fails to stop for a school bus can cause catastrophic harm.
Parks, Playgrounds, and TrailsRecreation areas throughout Howard County—including Blandair Regional Park and Rockburn Branch Park—see heavy foot traffic. Vehicles entering or exiting nearby parking lots often don’t yield to pedestrians on trails or walking paths. Speeding within park zones or failing to check blind spots can lead to preventable injuries.
Commercial Areas and CrosswalksBusy intersections near malls, restaurants, and public transportation hubs are frequent crash sites. Even marked crosswalks can become dangerous if drivers ignore signals or try to beat a red light. When pedestrians have the right of way, drivers must stop until the person has cleared the lane.
Does Jaywalking Affect Your Case?Maryland law requires pedestrians to use crosswalks when available and to obey pedestrian signals. If someone crosses outside a designated area or against the signal, it may be considered jaywalking. While this doesn’t automatically prevent a claim, it can create additional challenges under the state’s contributory negligence rule.
Contributory negligence means that you may be barred from recovering compensation if you are found even slightly responsible for the crash. Insurance companies often try to use this to deny valid claims. Working with a Howard County pedestrian accident attorney is essential. Your attorney can present facts that show the driver still had a duty to act safely—regardless of whether you were jaywalking.
Injuries and Recovery After a Pedestrian CrashBeing hit by a car can leave victims with long-lasting physical and emotional injuries. The most common harm includes:
Recovering from these injuries often involves surgery, rehabilitation, and time away from work or school. A Howard County pedestrian accident lawyer will evaluate your case to seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and more. In tragic cases involving wrongful death, we also represent families seeking accountability.
Speak to a Howard County Pedestrian Accident Attorney TodayIf you were injured while walking in Howard County, the team at Foran & Foran, P.A. is ready to help. We’ve represented pedestrians struck in parking lots, crosswalks, and neighborhoods—and we understand how complex these cases can be, physically and emotionally. Our firm handles every process step and offers home or hospital visits when needed. Don’t wait while the insurance company investigates—call (301) 441-2022 to connect with a Howard County pedestrian accident attorney who will advocate for you.