Walking is a simple and healthy way to get around Minneapolis. However, when people fail to follow the rules, pedestrian accidents turn an ordinary stroll into a life-altering tragedy.
Victims can sustain traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal bleeding, and more. On top of the physical toll, these incidents create overwhelming financial burdens, from emergency medical bills to long-term rehabilitation costs.
According to state data, around 225 pedestrians in Minnesota are either killed or seriously injured on the road each year. When involved in such a mishap, what are your rights? How can an accident and injury lawyer in Minnesota protect you?
Your Rights as a Pedestrian
Minnesota law recognizes that pedestrians are among the most vulnerable on the road. As such, it grants them specific rights.
For instance, pedestrians have the right to use sidewalks and designated crosswalks without interference from vehicles. Drivers must yield to them in these areas.
The law also safeguards pedestrians at intersections. Whether a crosswalk is clearly marked or not, individuals on foot generally have the right of way when crossing, and motorists must allow them to pass.
Traffic signals provide another layer of safety. Pedestrians can rely on walk signals and traffic lights, trusting others to respect them. Individuals with disabilities also have access to routes, such as curb ramps or audible crossing signals.
Minnesota law allows pedestrians to pursue compensation if someone else’s negligence harms them. Medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering? Whoever is liable should cover the costs.
Pedestrian Accidents and Faults
Determining liability in pedestrian accidents is rarely straightforward. In Minnesota, establishing fault depends on identifying whose negligence directly caused the mishap. Sometimes responsibility lies with a single party, but in other cases, multiple parties share the blame.
- The Driver: Motorists are frequently at fault. Common mistakes include distracted driving, like texting behind the wheel, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and reckless driving, such as weaving through traffic or running red lights.
- The Pedestrian: Pedestrians also have obligations. Jaywalking or assuming all cars will stop are red flags. Impairment from alcohol or drugs and distractions like staring at a phone or listening to headphones while crossing may leave you at fault, too.
- A Third Party: Dangerous road conditions, like poorly lit crosswalks or malfunctioning traffic signals, may make a local government entity responsible. Defective vehicle components point to liability on the part of a manufacturer.
The Steps Every Pedestrian Victim Must Take
Even if you were partially at fault as a pedestrian, you may still qualify for compensation if the driver also acted negligently. Generally, taking the proper steps immediately after the incident matters.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
As much as possible, step away from traffic to avoid further danger and quickly assess your condition. Call 911 yourself or ask someone nearby to do it for you.
Remember, some conditions like internal bleeding or head trauma may not show immediate symptoms, so have all injuries checked. Prompt medical treatment protects your health and provides essential documentation for your legal claim.
Step 2: Notify the Authorities
Contacting the police is essential, even when the involved parties say it is not. Officers will create an official report that outlines the facts, which can later serve as evidence for your personal injury Twin Cities case.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
Start collecting as much information as possible from the scene. Take photos or videos of your injuries, the vehicle, road conditions, and traffic signals. Speak to witnesses and ask if you could record their contact information; their testimony can support your version of events.
Step 4: Speak To an Accident and Injury Lawyer in Minnesota
Expect insurance companies to approach you with settlement offers quickly. While tempting, these offers are often far less than what your case is truly worth.
Do not accept any money or make statements without consulting an accident and injury lawyer in Minnesota. These legal professionals will evaluate your situation, handle negotiations, and fight for maximum compensation.
Should talks fail to bring a resolution, a lawyer will represent you in court. According to Minnesota’s laws, one may file a pedestrian accident lawsuit six years from the date of the accident.
Osterbauer Law Firm on Your Personal Injury Twin Cities Case
Roads are meant to serve and protect everyone. Whether you’re a driver, a cyclist, or a pedestrian, you have the right to use them. And when accidents happen and bring physical harm, emotional trauma, steep medical bills, and uncertainty about the future, Osterbauer Law Firm will stand up for you.
Our personal injury Twin Cities attorneys are ready to investigate the circumstances, determine who is at fault, and pursue what you legally deserve. We value justice as much as you do and encourage you not to wait to make a move. Call (612) 334-3434 now or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Let’s get the wheels turning together.