Pedestrian Accidents Attorney in Minnesota
Walking should be one of the safest ways to get around, but unfortunately, pedestrian accidents happen far too often. If you've been injured while walking in Minnesota, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and the stress of recovering from your injuries.
These accidents can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. That's why it's helpful to have guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, Gardner Law Office, LLC is here to help. Our attorney understands the challenges that injured pedestrians face and is fully committed to advocating for your rights.
Since 2002, we have served clients across Minnesota, providing reliable legal representation and fighting for fair compensation. From Minneapolis and St. Paul to Duluth and beyond, we are here to serve pedestrian accident victims when they need it most. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often occur due to the negligence of drivers or hazardous conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, using a GPS, or otherwise not paying attention to the road are a considerable risk to pedestrians.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly and increases the severity of injuries in an accident.
Failure to yield at crosswalks: Drivers are often required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at designated crosswalks.
Driving under the influence: Impaired driving drastically increases the likelihood of a pedestrian accident.
Poor visibility: Drivers who fail to account for poor weather conditions, low lighting, or obstructed roadways may overlook nearby pedestrians.
Regardless of how your injury occurred, at Gardner Law Office, LLC, we are prepared to investigate the circumstances of your case and identify who is liable for your damages.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in an accident, as they don't have the protection of a vehicle. Injuries are often severe and can include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Head trauma caused by a collision can lead to lifelong physical and cognitive impairments.
Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine may result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting your mobility and independence.
Broken bones: Pedestrian accidents frequently lead to fractures, which may end up requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding are also common and can be life-threatening without immediate medical attention.
Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, torn ligaments, and other soft tissue injuries can cause long-term pain and reduced mobility.
If you have suffered injuries from a pedestrian accident, you deserve compensation for the lost income, medical treatment, and other damages you have endured.
How Gardner Law Office Can Help
At Gardner Law Office, LLC, we are committed to protecting your rights and helping you maximize the compensation you receive. We understand the legal complications involved in pedestrian accidents and strive to provide experienced guidance. Some of the ways our attorney can assist include:
Conducting a thorough investigation: We investigate the accident to gather evidence and establish liability. This includes interviewing witnesses, reviewing traffic camera footage, consulting with accident reconstruction experts, and analyzing police reports.
Calculating your damages: We assess all the ways the accident has affected you, both economically and non-economically, to try to make sure you are adequately compensated. This includes medical bills, lost wages, future potential earnings, pain and suffering, and any ongoing rehabilitation needs.
Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often prioritize their profits over fair payouts for victims. We advocate for your best interests in negotiations, seeking the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Filing a claim or lawsuit: If negotiations do not result in a fair resolution, we are fully prepared to file a legal claim and take your case to court, if necessary.
Providing personalized support: We treat every client like family and understand that every case is unique. We tailor our strategies to meet your specific goals and needs, providing personalized, compassionate legal service.
With our dedicated approach, you can trust that your case is in capable hands. We are committed to fighting for justice on your behalf.
Who Is Liable for Your Pedestrian Accident?
Determining liability in a pedestrian accident is necessary for building a strong case. Some potentially liable parties can include:
Negligent driver(s): If a driver was speeding, intoxicated, distracted, or otherwise acting recklessly, they may be held responsible.
Municipal entities: Poorly designed crosswalks, inadequate signage, or poorly lit streets may make a city or municipality liable.
Other third parties: A vehicle manufacturer could be at fault if defective auto parts, such as faulty brakes, played a role in the accident.
At Gardner Law Office, LLC, our attorney works diligently to identify all potentially responsible parties and hold the appropriate individual or entity accountable.
Minnesota Pedestrian Laws
Minnesota laws are in place to protect pedestrians through specific statutes and rules, including the right-of-way at most crosswalks. However, even with these laws in place, pedestrian accidents remain a serious problem. Violations of Minnesota's traffic laws or negligent driving behavior often contribute to these accidents.
Our attorney has a deep understanding of Minnesota's pedestrian laws and uses this knowledge to strengthen your case.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
Under Minnesota's statute of limitations, there is a limited time frame for filing a personal injury claim. For pedestrian accident cases, this time frame is typically six years from the date of the accident.
Delayed action can put your ability to seek compensation at risk. Therefore, it is crucial to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to meet all necessary deadlines.
Why Choose Gardner Law Office, LLC?
Since 2002, Gardner Law Office, LLC has been dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to Minnesota residents. Our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients has earned us a trusted reputation throughout the state. When you work with us, you can expect:
Compassionate service: We care about our clients and provide personalized attention, guiding you through every step of the legal process.
Strong advocacy: Our firm is not afraid to stand up to powerful insurance companies and other opposing parties to ensure that you are treated fairly.
We are here to fight for your rights. Trust us to provide the dedicated representation you deserve during this challenging time.
Pedestrian Accidents FAQ
Pedestrian accidents can raise many questions for those involved. To help you better understand your rights and the legal process, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these incidents.
What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?
It’s important to seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not show immediate symptoms. You should also report the accident to law enforcement, gather evidence such as witness contact information and photos, and avoid speaking with insurance adjusters until you've consulted an attorney.
Who can be held liable in a pedestrian accident in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, liability for a pedestrian accident can rest on the driver, the pedestrian, or even a third party, such as a local government, if unsafe road conditions played a role. Minnesota follows a comparative fault system, meaning responsibility may be shared if both parties contributed to the accident. An investigation will determine the specific fault and liability.
What types of compensation can I seek after a pedestrian accident in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, victims may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages if the at-fault party acted recklessly or intentionally. Minnesota’s no-fault insurance laws may also allow victims to access Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits regardless of who caused the accident.
Will I still have a case if I am partially at fault for the accident?
Minnesota follows a modified comparative negligence law. This means you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.