Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Helping Pedestrians Fight for Justice
A Minneapolis pedestrian accident can change your life in an instant. You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one suffered severe injuries due to a negligent driver.
Accident victims face multiple damages, from financial hardship to a long recovery. Life changes impact their ability to work and enjoy hobbies and affect relationships.
Minnesota law allows victims of negligence to pursue civil action against those liable for their harm. Fight for the compensation you deserve with help from a Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Minneapolis Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians and motorists must use caution at intersections, busy streets, schools, and neighborhoods. Failure to use caution and care can result in a devastating accident caused by negligence.
Motorists abuse the privilege of a Minnesota driver’s license — and place pedestrians at risk for harm — when they engage in the following:
- Drunk or drugged driving: Alcohol, prescription, over-the-counter, and illegal drugs impair judgment, reduce vision, and delay driver reaction times.
- Eyes on their smartphone and not the road: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that texting behind the wheel involves all three forms of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive.
- Aggressive driving: The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that red light running, one form of aggressive driving, is at an all-time high.
- Sleep-deprived driving: No amount of coffee can help a sleepy driver with little rest or an undiscovered sleep disorder. A drowsy driver can drift onto a sidewalk in seconds.
Pedestrians have no way of predicting a driver’s behaviors or actions. It is nearly impossible to escape the impact of an out-of-control vehicle. There is no time to seek cover or to prevent a traumatic crash.
Some pedestrian accidents leave drivers facing criminal charges. Minnesota’s drunk driving laws are strict, with stiff penalties for those who choose to drink and drive.
Criminal cases, successful or not, do nothing to address your pedestrian accident damages. Civil and criminal law are two different and separate types of law. Because of this, victims can pursue personal injury claims and lawsuits against the responsible party.
All road users are responsible for using care when walking, driving, or riding a bicycle. No one should suffer severe harm due to a reckless driver. If you experienced a tragic pedestrian accident, a Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue justice.
Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Injuries
The human body is no match for an automobile. A traumatic car or truck collision with a pedestrian can cause severe and expensive injuries. From temporary to permanent harm, some pedestrians awake in a hospital discovering they may never walk again.
A dangerous driver places Minneapolis pedestrians at risk for the following severe and catastrophic injuries:
- Spinal cord injury: The spinal cord sends and receives information regarding movement and sensation with the brain. Damage to the spinal cord can result in temporary or permanent paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injury: The disruption of normal brain function can impact a victim’s ability to walk and speak and bring changes in behavior. For those with severe brain injury, the care they may require may be more care than their loved ones can provide.
- Internal injuries: The human body is good at masking pain following an accident. Internal injuries can hide behind shock, making immediate medical care crucial for survival.
- Bone fractures: Multiple bone fractures can require surgeries, physical therapy, and the need for personal care. A crushed bone may lead to amputation.
- Burns: If a truck or car ignites, a pedestrian may also experience burns. Severe burns of the third degree can require treatment at a specialized burn center.
- Road rash: Forceful impact with the pavement can make road rash possible. Some forms of road rash are so severe that they affect tendons, muscles, and bones.
Pedestrian accident victims typically face a lengthy recovery. As a part of their recovery, they must learn to adapt to a new daily routine. Life may never return to how they knew it before the accident. The split-second accident stops a victim’s life in its tracks. Such an accident is unfair, and the driver’s negligence demands accountability.
A Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyer can manage your case as you recover. The injuries you or a loved one suffered leave you in no condition to handle your case alone.
Medical costs for severe injuries can far surpass your ability to pay. Long-term and lifetime costs for your care or for that of a loved one add to your financial stress. The pursuit of compensation includes the costs of your medical care. For example, should you need to place a loved one in a skilled nursing facility, the responsible driver should pay that cost.
Your medical expenses are just one form of damages, albeit crucial. Fight now for the funds necessary to pay for quality care for injuries caused by negligence.
Pedestrian accidents leave victims with life-changing injuries. Protect your best interests and pursue compensation for your damages with help from a Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyer.
Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Injuries: Types of Damages
A Minneapolis pedestrian accident attorney can help you fight compensation that addresses all your damages. Including your complete list of damages in your claim and lawsuit is essential for pursuing litigation.
The following list includes a few examples of the types of damages lawyers typically pursue:
- Medical costs: Transport, hospital, trauma center, and physicians’ fees
- Lost income: Wages missed due to time spent in recovery
- Future earnings: Potential income if you cannot return to your job
- Pain and suffering: The overall impact of the accident on your life.
The complete list of your damages is something you can discuss with your attorney. Each pedestrian accident case is different. The damages and outcomes of each case depend on specific facts about the accident.
Negligence is never acceptable. Minnesota law allows you to pursue compensation for your damages against the negligent party. Get the help you need by contacting a Minneapolis pedestrian accident attorney today.
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Pedestrian attorneys in Minneapolis, MN, answer frequent questions.
Questions regarding a civil claim and lawsuit are understandable after a pedestrian accident. The following questions are common ones Minneapolis lawyers hear from victims of negligence. A free case consultation can answer your specific questions regarding civil action.
How do you prove driver negligence?
A Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate your accident, review the evidence, and determine negligence. Police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos help prove driver negligence and liability.
How long will my case take?
The length of your case depends upon various factors. There is no quick solution in the pursuit of fair compensation. Your lawyer can keep you informed and updated.
Are there steps I can take to help my case?
Provide your lawyer with as much information and evidence as possible. Refrain from posting about your case on social media, as an insurance company may use your post against you.
How much compensation can I expect?
Compensation is never promised, nor guaranteed. However, it is worth fighting for with help from a lawyer. Pedestrian accident victims should never settle for less than they deserve.
Can I Afford to Hire a Minneapolis Personal Injury Attorney?
Yes. At Tyroler Leonard Injury Law, we work on a contingency-fee-basis. You only pay our legal fees if and when we win your case.
A Minneapolis pedestrian accident is a serious matter that deserves a firm response. Pursuing a personal injury claim and lawsuit is too daunting for those unfamiliar with Minnesota law.
The answers to these and other questions regarding your legal options await you at Tyroler, Leonard Injury Law. A free case consultation is the first step toward possible justice and accountability for your Minneapolis pedestrian accident.
Fatal Minneapolis Pedestrian Accidents
The tragic and sudden loss of a close loved one due to a negligent driver is devastating news. Your life changes forever when you learn your loved one will never return home.
Pedestrian deaths continue to climb, with sports utility vehicles (SUVs) playing a significant role. The popularity of these particular types of cars places drivers in a higher seated position. Unfortunately, the high front-end design strikes pedestrians in the upper body, causing severe harm.
Compensation cannot fill the void left by your loss. It can, however, if successful, ease your stress as you deal with your financial issues. Household and other bills do not stop after a tragic event.
For those who lose a spouse, the loss of income can have a dire effect on their finances. A Minneapolis wrongful death lawyer helps those who lose a loved one pursue compensation for such damages as:
- Final medical expenses for their loved one
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost wages, future earnings, and inheritance
- Loss of companionship.
These are examples of economic and non-economic damages. Final medical expenses are fairly easy to understand as they relate to the costs for medical care. A loss of companionship is more difficult to describe in terms of monetary value. Hiring a wrongful death lawyer can help you convey the overall impact of your damages.
Minnesota law lists strict requirements for those who may file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you are unsure if you qualify for legal action, a free case consultation can help you learn more. The tragic loss of a close loved one can leave you in a cloud of grief. The last thing you should do is manage the intricate details of a wrongful death case alone. The decisions you make now regarding a settlement or compensation can gravely affect your financial situation forever.
Minneapolis Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents
Some drivers flee the scene of a pedestrian accident. Their reasons for doing so can vary, from not having a license to having a warrant. Fleeing from the scene of an accident is cowardly and against the law. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run pedestrian accident, you still have options.
Your own insurance company may become difficult when it comes to paying your coverage. An insurance document is a legally binding contract. Honoring the terms of your policy is something an insurance company must do during your time of need.
Unless or until a driver turns themselves in to law enforcement, you must rely upon your insurance to cover your accident damages. A Minneapolis pedestrian or car accident lawyer can help you by ensuring your insurance company adheres to the policy you purchased.
Why You Should Not Settle Your Pedestrian Accident Case Alone
A pedestrian accident creates a flurry of life changes, including medical procedures or funeral planning. Insurance companies know that accident victims and their families are most vulnerable immediately following a crash.
If an insurance company approaches you before you have a chance to hire a lawyer, do not accept their settlement offer. An initial settlement offer is typically for the least amount possible. Accepting a settlement offer closes your case. There are no do-overs or second chances if the amount is insufficient for your damages. Nothing makes an insurance adjuster happier than closing a claim quickly and protecting company profits.
Insurance companies are businesses that seek to protect profits. They may attempt to blame you or your deceased loved one for the accident. Or, they may deny your claim and try to pay nothing. High-pressure tactics by insurance companies are not fair. However, your lawyer knows how to counter these tactics and fight for the compensation you deserve. A skilled lawyer has the experience to take on insurance companies and their attorneys.
Most Minneapolis pedestrian accident suits settle out of court. There are times, however, when such a case may go before a judge and jury. Hiring a personal injury or wrongful death lawyer with trial experience is vital for protecting your best interests.
Minnesota law is challenging and not something you can learn overnight. The physical and emotional pain of your experience demands your full attention. Rest and time with those you love are a large part of your recovery. Refrain from giving in to pressure from insurance company representatives. Hire a lawyer as soon as possible and refer insurance companies to your attorney.
Pedestrian accident victims face a long recovery that leaves them no time to deal with their civil case. A Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyer can help you by managing your lawsuit.
Minnesota Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations refers to laws that govern how long victims have to file a civil lawsuit. The laws aim to prevent cases from lingering long after accidents occur. Personal injury lawsuits must reach the court within six years from the date of injury. For wrongful death lawsuits, the time is shorter, with a three-year time limit.
There are generally no options for filing your lawsuit if the statute of limitations expires. This is why it is imperative to contact a Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer needs time to build your case for compensation. Gathering evidence and preparing your case for settlement negotiations and a possible trial requires significant time.
To prove negligence, your attorney must prove four elements in your lawsuit. These include:
- Duty: The defendant owed the plaintiff a legal “duty of care” to ensure that an environment or location was safe.
- Breach: A plaintiff must show that the defendant breached this duty by doing, or failing to do, something that a reasonable person would have done in a similar situation.
- Causation: A plaintiff must show that the defendant’s actions, or inaction, caused the injuries to another person.
- Damages: Damages mean that there’s a monetary way of compensating a plaintiff for their injuries and property damage.
It takes years of experience, knowledge of Minnesota laws, and skill to manage personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Choosing the Best Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Skill, experience, and a track record of success make all the difference.
Choosing the right pedestrian accident lawyer is one of your most important decisions. Not all attorneys are created equal. Some have more experience, skill, and determination than others. Attorney Isaac Tyroler and Rachel Sperling Leonard are among the best and the brightest.
Our attorneys are compassionate with clients and understand that many have been through traumatic experiences. At the same time, they are aggressive negotiators and fierce litigators. They take each case personally and focus on getting their clients the justice they deserve.
We have experience going toe-to-toe with insurance companies to negotiate a favorable settlement or litigate a case in front of a judge and jury when necessary. We will not stop until we have achieved the best possible outcome for every client. You can read these testimonials to learn more about what our satisfied clients have to say.
Fight for Justice for Your Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Injuries
No one walks to work, exercise, or save money expecting to suffer severe and expensive harm. The devastating outcome of a pedestrian accident is one that is almost always preventable.
When another road user fails to use care by speeding through a light, texting behind the wheel, or driving drunk, innocent people suffer significant life changes. Civil laws exist to help protect those harmed by the negligence of others. A civil law attorney understands how to apply Minnesota state laws to your case. They know how to investigate accidents, read police reports, and examine accident scene photographs.
The right lawyer fiercely protects you from insurance company tactics designed to confuse you. Your Minneapolis pedestrian accident was traumatic and overwhelming enough. You do not need pressure from aggressive insurance representatives.
Having someone on your side is comforting. A Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyer has your back from start to finish of your civil case. Insurance companies have lawyers to protect their best interests. Hiring one to protect yours is a smart move. You may feel alone when it comes to matters concerning a possible civil lawsuit. Once you hire a pedestrian accident lawyer, you will feel less alone and hopeful about your case.
The injuries or loss you suffered are major life changes. It is impossible to return to life as it was before the accident. If successful, your pursuit of compensation can make adapting to your changes easier.
Contact Our Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
You may be entitled to financial compensation if you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident. This is especially true if you were injured due to someone else’s recklessness or negligence.
When it comes to the pursuit of damages for your pedestrian accident, you cannot afford not to contact an attorney. The risks you take without legal representation are not worth it. Insurance companies have years of experience fighting personal injury and wrongful death claims. They have fine-tuned their tactics and can leave you confused. Managing your case alone places you at risk for not only receiving less than you deserve, but possibly getting no compensation at all.
Your journey toward justice is just beginning. Having a lawyer by your side can comfort you and your family. The knowledge that someone is protecting your best interests allows you more time to focus on your recovery. The peace of mind afforded to you during this challenging time is priceless.
Our skilled and experienced Minneapolis personal injury attorneys at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law has helped countless clients get the justice they deserve. You don’t have to endure this alone. To learn more about how we can help, call us for a free initial consultation at 651-259-1113.
Attorney Isaac Tyroler
Attorney Isaac Tyroler has been a strong advocate for injured people his entire legal career. He has a passion for righting wrongs, and he deeply cares about representing injured clients who may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about how to navigate the legal system. He is compassionate toward clients and aggressive with insurance companies and defendants. He is on the elected Board of Governors of the Minnesota Association of Justice (MAJ), the top personal injury lawyers’ group in Minnesota. And is currently the chair of MAJ’s legislative committee. [ Attorney Bio ]
