Skip to Content
Maryland Pedestrian Accidents Are Rising
Thomas Pyles | Category: Pedestrian Accidents | February 15, 2024
When a car accident involves a car striking a pedestrian, the pedestrian will almost certainly suffer severe injuries or even be killed. Statistics compiled by the Maryland Department of Transportation since 2016 demonstrate that pedestrian accidents across the state are on the rise and were at their highest in 2023. If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you rebuild your life and get the compensation you deserve.
Pedestrian Accidents Have a High Fatality Rate
It isn’t surprising, but it is worth emphasizing that pedestrians are far more likely to be killed in traffic accidents than drivers. The Department of Transportation states that pedestrian accidents account for less than 3% of total accidents but represent almost 23% of traffic fatalities across the state. To put it another way, nearly one out of every four people killed in fatal traffic accidents are pedestrians.
Fatal Pedestrian Accidents Are on the Rise Across the State of Maryland
Here are the statistics regarding the number of pedestrian accidents across the state of Maryland:
- 2016 – 107 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2017 – 110 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2018 – 130 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2019 – 122 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2020 – 129 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2021 – 126 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2022 – 130 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2023 – 156 pedestrian accident fatalities
As you can see, there was a significant increase in the number of pedestrian accident fatalities in 2018. There was a slight decline in the year after that, but 2023 saw a record number of fatalities with 156. Let’s hope that the number of pedestrian fatalities sees a decline in 2024.
County Statistics for Pedestrian Accidents Are Also Troubling
The good news is that the number of fatal pedestrian accidents does not necessarily mirror the statewide trend. That said, some of these statistics may surprise you.
Fatal Pedestrian Accidents for Charles County
For residents of Waldorf and Charles County, you may be relieved to hear that the highest number of pedestrian fatalities occurred in 2017 with 218. However, the number remains high at 20 despite the fact that there was a decline in 2023:
- 2016 – 26 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2017 – 28 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2018 – 18 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2019 – 18 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2020 – 25 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2021 – 17 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2022 – 23 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2023 – 20 pedestrian accident fatalities
Fatal Pedestrian Accidents for St. Mary’s County
St. Mary’s County has comparable statistics to Charles County:
- 2016 – 12 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2017 – 16 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2018 – 14 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2019 – 15 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2020 – 14 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2021 – 17 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2022 – 8 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2023 – 13 pedestrian accident fatalities
Residents of Leonardtown and the neighboring areas saw a steep decline in 2022 and then an increase in 2023. Thankfully, there have been fewer fatalities than their high of 17, despite the increase.
Fatal Pedestrian Accidents for Prince George’s County
Our clients in Laurel will probably not be surprised to hear that traffic fatalities remain high. However, you may be surprised to learn that Prince George’s County has the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in the state of Maryland every year.
- 2016 – 107 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2017 – 92 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2018 – 99 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2019 – 99 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2020 – 107 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2021 – 120 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2022 – 117 pedestrian accident fatalities
- 2023 – 120 pedestrian accident fatalities
Since 2016, they were at their lowest in 2017 with 92, but in 2023 matched the high of 120 that was seen in 2021.
What to Do if You Have Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, chances are you were not able to do much at the scene of the accident. Here are some steps you can take in the days following your accident:
- Seek follow-up treatment with your doctor, especially if you experience any new symptoms, your symptoms get worse, or you do not seem to be healing.
- Contact the driver’s insurance company to ensure that they are aware of the claim.
- Get a copy of the police report.
- Contact and obtain statements from any witnesses.
Taking action following your accident can seem overwhelming, particularly when you are dealing with severe injuries. A personal injury can handle all of these steps so that you can focus on your injury.
Contact The Law Office of Thomas E. Pyles Today
We have over 30 years of experience helping injured pedestrians get the compensation they need to put their accidents behind them. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today at 301-705-5006.