Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrians have the legal right to walk to their destinations without fear of being injured by inattentive drivers. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Milavetz Law are strong advocates for those who have been injured because of the negligence of others.
- Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Minneapolis
- How can Minneapolis pedestrians stay safe?
- Why do cars hit pedestrians?
- What types of injuries do pedestrians experience?
- You May Be Entitled to Substantial Compensation
- Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Cases
- Do I need a Minneapolis pedestrian accident attorney?
Minneapolis is one of the nation’s most pedestrian-friendly cities, boasting an extensive sidewalk network, pedestrian-oriented campaign events, and highly-visible crosswalks.
However, even the most robust safety features are no substitute for driver attention. Despite its committed efforts to enhance pedestrian safety, the City of Minneapolis reports 21 to 35 pedestrian crashes per month.
Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Minneapolis
As many as 80 percent of all pedestrian crashes over the past ten years occurred on 10 percent of the Minneapolis streets. The ten intersections with the most pedestrian collisions are listed below:
- West Broadway Ave. N at Lyndale Ave. N
- Franklin Ave. W at Nicollet Ave. S
- Lake St. W at Hennepin Ave. S
- Lake St. W at Pillsbury Ave. S
- Lake St. W at Blaisdell Ave. S
- 4th St. S at Cedar Ave. S
- Franklin Ave. E at Chicago Ave. S
- 26th St. W at Lyndale Ave. S
- 4th St. SE at Central Ave. SE
- 6th St. N at Hennepin Ave. S
How can Minneapolis pedestrians stay safe?
While you cannot control the actions of motorists, you can maximize your safety by observing the following tips:
- Cross streets only at marked crosswalks or intersections.
- Obey traffic signals.
- Make eye contact with drivers and ensure they see you.
- Make your intention to cross obvious.
- Watch for vehicles that are turning.
- Assume drivers are not watching for you.
- If there are no sidewalks, walk facing the traffic.
- Dress in colors that maximize your visibility.
- Use a flashlight at night.
- Avoid walking while drowsy or otherwise impaired.
Minnesota law gives pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks and intersections. However, pedestrians should not cross in front of approaching vehicles. Pedestrians crossing anywhere other than at an intersection must yield to motor vehicles.
Why do cars hit pedestrians?
The Minneapolis Vision Zero ten-year study revealed that motorists are at fault 62 percent of the time in pedestrian collisions. The most common causes identified by the study are:
- Driver inattention
- Speeding
- Failure to yield, especially when making left turns
What types of injuries do pedestrians experience?
Pedestrians often sustain the following injuries when hit by motor vehicles:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Pelvic injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Emotional trauma
- Fatalities
You May Be Entitled to Substantial Compensation
If you have been in a car accident while walking, your future might seem uncertain. Serious injuries may impair your ability to work and care for your own needs. You may be left with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder.
You will need significant financial resources to secure your future and manage your ongoing medical needs. You are entitled to the following types of compensation:
- Economic damages: your monetary losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages
- Noneconomic damages: nonmonetary losses such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of society
- Punitive damages: damages awarded as a punishment and deterrent against a party who caused your injuries through a deliberate disregard for your rights and safety
Insurance
If you have no-fault car insurance, your benefits may cover your expenses. If these benefits are unavailable or insufficient, you can file a claim with the driver’s liability insurance.
No-fault insurance covers economic damages. The driver’s liability insurance may cover some non-economic damages. Insurance typically does not cover punitive damages.
Insurance benefits are limited to the coverage specified by the policy. Minnesota requires drivers to carry the following minimum coverages for injuries to one person:
- No-fault insurance: $40,000 ($20,000 for medical costs)
- Liability insurance: $30,000
- Uninsured: $25,000
- Underinsured: $25,000
Personal Injury Lawsuit
A personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to cover all the damages when your injuries are serious. Economic losses can be significant when you are permanently unable to return to work. You are entitled to claim future income losses as well as the projected cost of ongoing medical care.
Living with long-term disability or chronic pain can significantly alter your quality of life, and you deserve to be well compensated.
Punitive damages are often substantial, and they are unlimited in Minnesota.
If the at-fault driver does not have sufficient assets to fairly compensate you, our personal injury attorneys may be able to identify additional negligent parties, such as an employer or vehicle part manufacturer.
Wrongful Death
If your beloved family member died in a motor vehicle accident, your family may be entitled to recover damages from insurance as well as the responsible party through a wrongful death lawsuit. Insurance may cover medical bills and funeral costs. After exhausting all insurance options, our wrongful death attorneys can help you recover the following additional compensation on behalf of your family:
- Pecuniary losses: the monetary losses that stem from the death, such as projected earnings and inheritance
- Pain and suffering of the deceased
- Loss of parental guidance
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Cases
According to Minnesota law, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within six years of the accident. Wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within three years of the date of death. No-fault insurance claims must be filed within six months. An attorney will need sufficient time to investigate your accident, negotiate with the insurance companies, and build your personal injury case before filing the claim. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident.
Do I need a Minneapolis pedestrian accident attorney?
Even if the driver’s fault is obvious, receiving fair and just compensation is not a given. Insurance companies retain expensive attorneys in hopes of minimizing compensation or escaping liability altogether.
You need a skilled legal advocate who will represent your interests. Our law firm has nearly 60 years of experience dealing with insurance companies. We specialize in leveling the playing field for everyday people by offering the highest caliber of legal representation.
We understand every pedestrian injury case is unique, and we offer each client empathy and personalized support. We help our clients restore their quality of life to the greatest extent possible. We regularly receive high praise from clients as a result of our caring and comprehensive legal advocacy.
Contact Milavetz Injury Law for Legal Assistance
We have been recognized by our peers for such designations as Minnesota Super Lawyers, Minnesota’s Top Personal Injury Lawyers, and Attorney of the Year. These honors are the results of our hard work on behalf of our wonderful, deserving clients.
We have nine personal injury law office locations throughout the Greater Minneapolis–St. Paul area. We offer free case evaluations. If you or your loved one has been injured by a negligent driver, call us today at 763-560-0000 or by filling out a form on our website to schedule your free consultation.
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