Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accidents cause thousands of injuries and deaths every year in Minnesota. Driver inattention or distraction and failure to yield right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks are among the most common causes of such accidents. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol often factors into the accident, as well.

Whatever the cause, the injuries can be catastrophic. The human body is just no match for a car or truck, and even a low-speed impact can cause massive injury. Depending on the speed of the impact, victims typically either break their wrists instinctively trying to fend off the car, have their knees broken by the front bumper, or are thrown over the hood of the car by the impact and strike the pavement. Tragically, the victims are often young.

Insurance companies will usually blame pedestrians for accidents, claiming that the injured party “darted out” in front of traffic, leaving their driver with insufficient time to react. They will often try to get the injured party to pay for the damage to bumper of their insured’s car. If you or a loved one were struck by a car or truck, it is imperative that you seek legal advice immediately to make sure that your rights are protected. Causation and liability — who caused the accident — are often disputed, and it is important to have the facts investigated promptly. Even if the pedestrian was partially at fault in causing the accident, it may still be possible to pursue a claim for damages.