Jill Kolodner | August 31, 2020 | News
A man died in a pedestrian accident around 8:30 p.m. on August 14, 2020, in Baltimore County on the Outer Loop of I-695. The crash occurred near Randallstown and Liberty Road.
Police received a call that a man was underneath a pickup truck. According to the police, two witnesses had pulled over to assist a man that stumbled into the right lane of traffic from the shoulder of the road.
A Hyundai Genesis struck the man and propelled him into another lane of traffic. A Chevrolet Silverado then hit the man. The Chevrolet struck the Hyundai pinning the victim beneath the truck.
Two More Pedestrians Killed on I-695 Within 48 Hours
The man killed on Friday evening was the third pedestrian to die in a car accident on I-695 within two days.
The day before around 4:20 Thursday morning, a person died and another person was injured in a hit-and-run accident. Maryland State Police were called regarding a disabled vehicle in the center lane of I-695 between Philadelphia Road and I-95 in Rosedale.
When troopers arrived at the scene, two pedestrians had been struck and killed. The disabled vehicle was a gray Ford Taurus.
A 17-year-old female died at the accident scene. The other victim, an 18-year-old male, was transported to Hopkins Bayview for medical care.
State police believe that a vehicle swerved around the disabled car and struck the victims. The victims were standing in front of the vehicle. The suspect, which may have been driving a dark gray Infiniti G37, G25, or Q40, fled from the accident scene.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team is investigating the accident. Anyone with information can contact the state police.
Another Pedestrian Dies on I-695
Just twelve hours later, shortly after 4:00 p.m., a man from West Virginia was hit along the side of Interstate 695 near the I-795 interchange.
According to Maryland State Police, a 49-year-old man was standing behind his Chevrolet Cobalt on the shoulder of the road. A motorist was driving erratically in a 2016 Infiniti Q70 when she hit the man on the shoulder of the road. He died at the accident scene.
The driver drove across the interstate and struck a 2017 Lexus RX300. She was transported to Shock Trauma for medical care. The driver of the Lexus was not injured in the accident.
No charges were immediately filed, but the accident remained under investigation.
Roadways Are Becoming More Dangerous for Pedestrians
According to the GHSA, 2019 was the deadliest year in three decades for pedestrians in the United States. Pedestrian fatalities increased by five percent from the previous year. It is estimated that 6,590 pedestrians died in traffic accidents in 2019.
In the past five years, an average of 105 pedestrians died each year in Maryland. During 2017, there were 3,452 crashes in Maryland involving pedestrians. Ninety-two percent of the pedestrians were injured or killed in pedestrian accidents.
Pedestrian accidents have a high fatality rate in Maryland. Twenty percent of all traffic fatalities in the state during 2017 was a pedestrian accident. DC Metro, Baltimore, and other metropolitan areas are the most dangerous areas for pedestrians.
The GHSA report found that pedestrian deaths increased by 53 percent over ten years. All other traffic deaths increased by only two percent during the same ten years.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Baltimore?
The GHSA reports that a higher number of SUVs and small trucks on the road could be a contributing factor to the increase in pedestrian deaths. Larger vehicles increase the risk of death for a pedestrian in an accident.
However, other factors may have contributed to the rise in pedestrian deaths. The need for safer roads and increases in the use of smartphones while driving are also factors.
Unsafe driving behaviors continue to be contributing factors in pedestrian accidents. Excessive speed, distracted driving, fatigued driving, DUI, and failure to obey traffic laws are all potential causes of pedestrian accidents.
When a driver strikes a pedestrian, that driver can be held liable for the pedestrian’s injuries, damages, and financial losses. Filing a pedestrian accident claim can result in substantial compensation for the pedestrian.
Family members may receive compensation by filing a wrongful death claim after a pedestrian accident that causes their loved one’s death.
Keeping Pedestrians Safe on Maryland Roads
Pedestrians and motorists need to take steps to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents in Maryland. Pedestrians and motorists need to avoid distractions. Walking or driving under the influence is dangerous.
Pedestrians can wear brightly colored clothing to increase visibility. They can also carry flashlights and walk in groups. Always follow traffic laws and watch for vehicles at intersections, even when the pedestrian has the right of way.
Motorists need to slow down in areas where pedestrians are present. When approaching an intersection, watch for pedestrians. Always stop at a crosswalk and obey all traffic signals.
Everyone working together can reduce the number of pedestrian deaths in our state.
To learn more, call our personal injury law firm at 410-837-2144 or visit our contact us page to send us an email.
Contact the Baltimore Pedestrian Accident Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore pedestrian accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyer – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
(410) 970-3080
