Injured pedestrian reported following accident in Maryland

Bethesda, MD – Fox 5 News reported that a pedestrian was hit by a driver at an intersection in the city of Bethesda, Maryland [1].

Pedestrian struck by driver at busy intersection in Bethesda

In Bethesda, Maryland, a pedestrian was struck by a car in a busy intersection, prompting a response from the Montgomery County police. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Bethesda Avenue.

Upon receiving the report of the accident, officers quickly arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Their initial findings revealed that a pedestrian had been hit by a car at the intersection. Thankfully, the pedestrian’s injuries were deemed non-life-threatening.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) promptly arrived at the scene and transported the injured pedestrian to a local hospital for medical treatment. The injured individual’s condition was reported to be stable, providing some relief in light of the unfortunate incident.

Notably, the driver responsible for the accident remained at the scene, cooperating with authorities and likely assisting in the investigation. The driver’s actions in remaining present at the scene are crucial in aiding investigators as they piece together the events leading up to the collision.

As of now, the details surrounding the accident remain limited, and the incident is still under investigation. Law enforcement officials will work diligently to gather additional information, interview witnesses, and analyze any available evidence to determine the cause of the accident and any potential contributing factors.

The safety of pedestrians in busy intersections is of paramount concern, and incidents like these serve as a reminder of the need for caution and awareness on the road. As the investigation unfolds, more information may become available, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate car collision in Bethesda.

What are the differences in the laws related to a pedestrian being struck by a driver in Maryland compared to Washington DC?

Laws related to pedestrian and auto accidents can vary from one jurisdiction to another, and understanding the differences between Maryland and Washington, D.C., is important for both pedestrians and drivers in these areas. While there are some commonalities due to shared traffic safety principles, there are also notable distinctions in the laws and regulations governing pedestrian accidents in these neighboring jurisdictions.

Maryland:

Contributory Negligence: Maryland follows the contributory negligence doctrine, which means that if a pedestrian is found even slightly at fault for the accident, they may be completely barred from recovering any compensation from the driver’s insurance company. This strict rule can make it challenging for pedestrians to seek damages.
Crosswalk Rules: In Maryland, pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks. Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are in or approaching a crosswalk. However, pedestrians are expected to obey traffic signals and not suddenly enter the roadway.
Jaywalking: Jaywalking is generally illegal in Maryland. Pedestrians are required to use crosswalks or designated pedestrian pathways when available. Violators may face fines.
No-Fault Insurance: Maryland operates under a traditional tort-based insurance system, meaning that the at-fault party’s insurance typically covers damages in a pedestrian accident.

Washington, D.C.:

Comparative Negligence: Washington, D.C., follows a comparative negligence system, which is more favorable to pedestrians. Even if a pedestrian is partially at fault for an accident, they can still recover damages, though the amount may be reduced based on their level of fault.
Crosswalk Rules: Similar to Maryland, pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks in D.C. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. However, pedestrians are also expected to obey traffic signals.
Jaywalking: Jaywalking is prohibited in Washington, D.C., and pedestrians are required to use crosswalks. Violators may be subject to fines.
No-Fault Insurance: D.C. operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that injured pedestrians can turn to their own insurance policies, regardless of fault, for coverage of medical expenses. However, pedestrians can still pursue a liability claim against the at-fault driver for non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering) in certain cases.

It’s crucial for pedestrians in both Maryland and Washington, D.C., to exercise caution and follow traffic laws. While D.C.’s comparative negligence system may offer some protection to pedestrians in case of accidents, pedestrians should always prioritize their safety and adhere to traffic signals and crosswalk rules. In both jurisdictions, drivers have a responsibility to be attentive, yield to pedestrians when required, and exercise due care to prevent accidents.

These legal differences highlight the importance of being aware of the specific laws and insurance regulations in your area, as they can significantly impact the outcomes of pedestrian accidents and the process of seeking compensation or damages. Consulting with legal experts in personal injury in your jurisdiction is advisable if you’re involved in a pedestrian accident to understand your rights and options fully.

Personal injury attorneys in Maryland

Malloy Law Offices is a firm that handles car accident cases, workers compensation, slip and fall, and various other injury and accident lawsuits. They can work with clients in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.

USAttorneys.com is a legal referral service that can be reached at 800-672-3103

Firm contact info:

Malloy Law Offices, LLC

7910 Woodmont Ave #1250, Bethesda, MD 20814

(202) 931-5378

https://www.malloy-law.com/

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