Pedestrian accidents can be devastating. It is not unusual for pedestrian accident victims to suffer life-threatening or fatal injuries. If you were fortunate enough to survive your pedestrian accident, you might have debilitating injuries and considerable expenses.
You’ve already suffered enough. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you recover maximum compensation through insurance claims or civil lawsuits. Our accident lawyers at OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers work tirelessly on your behalf.
Call 888-828-7087 for a free case evaluation.
Every person’s case is different. Your pedestrian accident attorney will carefully review both your economic and non-economic damages.
Some common types of financial and non-financial losses that you could recover in your pedestrian accident claim include:
There are two primary ways victims of pedestrian accidents may recover compensation.
The first is through the insurance company. There will be an insurance provider with whom you can file a claim in most pedestrian accident cases.
Insurance companies often only provide coverage for economic damages, such as medical expenses or property damages.
Insurance companies only pay up to the policy limit, and they might not cover your emotional damages. To cover these additional damages, you might need to file a lawsuit.
A pedestrian injury attorney can prepare your case for trial when medical expenses, lost pay, and emotional damages exceed insurance coverage.
Minnesota imposes a two-year statute of limitations, or deadline, on personal injury lawsuits.
That may seem like more than enough time to pursue your claim. Still, given the amount of time it takes to investigate, gather evidence, obtain witnesses, and handle the insurance company, two years is not very long. Your pedestrian injury lawyer should start on your case soon if you hope to get the most out of your claim.
You could pursue civil claims in a pedestrian accident even if you are partly responsible. Minnesota is a modified comparative negligence state. Shared fault does not prevent you from being awarded compensation.
However, you can only carry as much as 50% of the blame. Furthermore, your injury settlement is reduced based on your percentage of liability.
For example, you were crossing the street outside of the crosswalk when you were injured. The judge may find you to be 35% at fault for the injuries you sustained. Therefore, your injury settlement is reduced by 35%. Talk to an attorney if you have concerns that shared fault could impact your pedestrian accident lawsuit.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 82% of pedestrian traffic deaths occurred in urban settings, and 80% were in dark lighting conditions.
Despite the NHTSA’s best efforts to create a safer environment by putting resources into pedestrian safety programs, there were more than 6,200 pedestrian fatalities in traffic accidents in 2019.
Pedestrian accidents are often caused by:
When driver negligence is not the cause of your pedestrian accident injuries, there may be other parties who share the blame. Roadways, crosswalks, and lighting conditions are the responsibility of government agencies. They could be held accountable.
When defective parts or repairs cause the accident, an attorney can seek compensation from such parties as:
You can expect your pedestrian accident lawyer in Minnesota to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your case. This is the best way to determine which insurance companies to file claims with and which parties should be named accountable in your civil lawsuit.
Minnesota Law outlines specific statutes that describe the rights of pedestrians and the responsibilities of motorists when navigating busy intersections and crosswalks. Knowing these laws helps you understand the duty of care you’re owed, and when that duty is breached by a negligent driver, you could be entitled to compensation.
In general, motorists are required to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections with unmarked crosswalks.
Motorists must refrain from the following:
Additionally, pedestrians have their own responsibilities regarding their personal safety. They might be partially to blame for an accident if they perform the following actions:
Despite a pedestrian’s responsibilities, all drivers must exercise due care to avoid pedestrian accidents and give audible signals to alert pedestrians. Motorists must also take caution when a child runs into the street or an incapacitated person tries to cross the road.
When you have suffered critical injuries in a pedestrian accident, you may have the right to hold the liable party accountable for their negligence. Get help pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries when you call an experienced Minnesota pedestrian accident attorney at OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers.
For a free, no-obligation consultation, call 888-828-7087 or complete our convenient contact form to get started on your case as soon as today.
