A pedestrian accident does not just hurt your body. It shakes your sense of safety, drains your bank account, and leaves you wondering how you are going to manage what comes next. Our Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyers take that weight off your shoulders, so you can put your full attention on healing.
At Tyroler Leonard Injury Law, we have spent years standing up for injured walkers across the Twin Cities, from busy corridors like Hennepin Avenue to neighborhood crosswalks near the Chain of Lakes. We listen first, explain everything in plain language, and build cases that hold careless drivers accountable.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a vehicle, call our Minneapolis office at (952) 567-2488 for a free consultation.
While you focus on getting better, let our Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers fight for the compensation you deserve.
Table of contents
- How Can Our Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Help You?
- Common Causes of Minneapolis Pedestrian Accidents
- What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
- Minnesota Pedestrian Right of Way Laws
- How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
- What Should You Do If a Driver's Insurance Company Calls You?
- Why Choose Tyroler Leonard Injury Law for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
- FAQs about Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Claims
- Contact Our Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
How Can Our Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Help You?
Our Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyers handle every part of your claim so you can focus on healing. From the first phone call, we take on the insurance companies, the paperwork, and the legal strategy, while keeping you informed every step of the way.
Pedestrian injuries are often catastrophic because the human body has no protection against the weight and speed of a vehicle. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and long-term rehabilitation are common outcomes. We work to make sure every cost connected to your injuries is accounted for in your claim.
Attorneys Isaac Tyroler and Rachel Sperling Leonard bring 62 years of combined experience to pedestrian accident cases. Our team has recovered more than $75 million in settlements and awards for injured clients, and we bring that same drive and attention to every new case we accept.
How We Handle Pedestrian Accident Claims
When you hire us, we get to work right away on the following:
- Investigating the crash, including reviewing police reports, gathering witness statements, and securing traffic camera footage from intersections like Lake Street or Washington Avenue
- Working with medical providers to understand the full scope of your injuries and future care needs
- Calculating damages, including medical bills, lost wages, future earning capacity, and pain and suffering
- Negotiating with insurance companies so you do not have to deal with adjusters who are trying to minimize your claim
- Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
We handle every detail, so you can put your energy into recuperating from your injuries and getting your life back on track.
Common Causes of Minneapolis Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian crashes in Minneapolis happen for many reasons, but most come down to driver negligence. Drivers who fail to yield, run red lights, or speed through residential streets put walkers at serious risk every single day.
Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of pedestrian injuries. A driver looking at a phone for even two seconds can travel the length of a city block without ever seeing the person in the crosswalk. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety tracks distracted driving as a serious and ongoing safety concern across the state.
Failing to yield at crosswalks is another major factor, especially in busy areas like Uptown, Dinkytown, and downtown, where foot traffic is constant. Drivers turning right on red or making left turns across intersections often focus on other vehicles, while completely missing the person in the crosswalk.
Impaired driving, speeding, and running red lights also play a role in many serious pedestrian crashes. A driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs has slower reaction times, and a speeding driver in a neighborhood near schools, parks, or the Chain of Lakes has far less time to stop when a person steps off the curb.
Even low-speed crashes in driveways and parking lots, where drivers back up without checking for people on foot, can cause significant injuries.
No matter how the crash happened, we work to identify every party who may share responsibility, so you have the best chance at full recovery.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
Minnesota is a no-fault state, which shapes how compensation works after a pedestrian accident. Under the no-fault system, your own auto insurance policy provides personal injury protection benefits that cover initial medical bills and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash.
Even though you were on foot, the Minnesota No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act extends these benefits to pedestrians hit by vehicles.
No-fault benefits help in the short term, but they do not cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, or the full cost of a serious long-term injury. To recover those non-economic damages, you must step outside the no-fault system and bring a personal injury lawsuit against the at fault driver. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether your injuries meet the threshold to step outside the no-fault system and pursue full compensation.
Meeting Minnesota's Tort Thresholds
To file a lawsuit and pursue non-economic damages, your injuries must meet at least one of the following tort thresholds:
- Medical expenses of $4,000 or more for reasonable medical treatment, not including diagnostic tests like X-rays and MRIs
- Disability that lasts 60 days or longer, meaning you are unable to perform your normal daily activities for at least 60 days
- Permanent injury, such as nerve damage, scarring, or loss of function that will not fully heal
- Permanent disfigurement, including visible scarring or other lasting changes to your appearance
- Death caused by the accident
Pedestrian injuries are often severe enough to meet one or more of these thresholds, given the lack of protection between a person on foot and a vehicle. Our team reviews your medical records and works with your doctors to clearly document how your injuries qualify, so we can move forward with a full claim.
Types of Damages You May Recover in a Lawsuit
Once you step outside the no-fault system, you can pursue a broader range of damages from the at-fault driver, including:
- Medical expenses beyond what no-fault covers, including future surgeries, ongoing therapy, and long-term care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your injuries keep you from working or limit the work you can do going forward
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the crash
- Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries prevent you from doing the activities that once brought you joy
- Property damage for personal items damaged in the collision
Every case is different, and we take the time to fully understand how your life has changed before putting a value on your claim.
Minnesota Pedestrian Right of Way Laws
Drivers in Minnesota are legally required to yield to pedestrians in many situations, and understanding these rules can strengthen your claim. State law gives pedestrians the right of way at marked and unmarked crosswalks, and drivers who fail to yield can be held responsible for the harm they cause.
The Minnesota pedestrian right-of-way statute sets out clear duties for drivers when people are walking in or near crosswalks. Even when a pedestrian crosses outside a marked crosswalk, drivers still have a duty to use reasonable care and avoid hitting people on foot.
How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
You generally have 6 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Minnesota. Acting quickly is still the smart move because evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies start building their defense within days.
For pedestrian accidents that happen across the border in Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for personal injury claim is 3 years. If you were hit by a vehicle in either state, reach out to our team as soon as possible, so we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.
What Should You Do If a Driver's Insurance Company Calls You?
Be very careful, and consider speaking with us before giving any recorded statement. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that may seem friendly, but their goal is to reduce or deny your claim.
Common tactics include asking you to describe your injuries before you have seen all your doctors, requesting access to your full medical history, and offering a quick settlement that may seem helpful, but is often a fraction of what your case is actually worth. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back for more money later.
Our Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyers handle all communication with insurance companies, so you do not have to worry about saying something that could hurt your case. We know the tactics, we know the law, and we know how to push back.
Why Choose Tyroler Leonard Injury Law for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
Choosing the right legal team after a serious pedestrian injury can shape the outcome of your case and your recovery. We believe what sets us apart is the way we treat our clients, combined with the results we have achieved over the years.
Here is what you can expect when you work with us:
- Quick communication. When you reach out, you will get a fast response. Urgent concerns do not wait for business hours, and neither do we.
- Diligent representation. We are not afraid to take on big insurance companies and their legal teams. We push hard for the compensation our clients deserve, even in the most complex cases.
- A collaborative approach. Your goals matter. We keep you informed, listen to your concerns, and make decisions together throughout the life of your case.
We also handle cases throughout Minnesota and are licensed in Wisconsin, so if your accident happened in either state, we can help. From the moment you call us at (952) 567-2488, you will know that your case is in capable, caring hands.
Serving Spanish-Speaking Clients in Minneapolis
We are proud to serve Spanish-speaking clients across Minneapolis and the surrounding communities. Language should never be a barrier to getting strong legal representation after a serious injury, and our team is committed to making sure every client fully understands their case from start to finish.
If Spanish is your first language, you can speak with us comfortably and confidently, and we will explain every step in clear, plain terms. We want every client, no matter their background, to feel heard and respected throughout the legal process.
FAQs about Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Claims
Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from pedestrian accident clients in Minneapolis.
Who pays my medical bills after a pedestrian accident in Minneapolis?
In Minnesota, your own auto insurance policy may cover initial medical bills through no-fault personal injury protection benefits, even if you were on foot when the crash happened. If you do not have your own policy, the driver's no-fault coverage may apply. Additional compensation from the at fault driver's liability insurance may be available for damages beyond what no fault covers.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Yes, in many cases you can. Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you may still recover damages as long as you were not more at fault than the driver. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not automatically barred from a claim.
What if the driver who hit me left the scene?
Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common, and you may still have options. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation when the at fault driver cannot be identified or located. Our team can help investigate the crash, work with law enforcement, and pursue every available source of recovery.
How much does it cost to hire your Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyers?
We handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you, so there is no financial risk in reaching out to discuss your case.
What if I was hit while crossing outside of a crosswalk?
You may still have a strong claim. Drivers in Minnesota have a duty to use reasonable care to avoid hitting pedestrians, even when someone is not in a marked crosswalk. The specific facts of your case will determine fault, and we can review the details to help you understand your options.
How long will my pedestrian accident case take to resolve?
Every case is different, and timelines depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate fairly, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in months, while others take a year or more. We work as efficiently as possible while making sure you get the full compensation you deserve.
Should I post about my accident on social media?
It is best to avoid posting about your accident, injuries, or daily activities while your case is open. Insurance companies often review social media to find anything they can use to dispute your claim. A photo or comment taken out of context can become a problem, so the safest choice is to stay quiet online until your case is resolved.
Contact Our Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
If you or someone you love has been hit by a vehicle in Minneapolis, do not wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner we get involved, the more we can do to protect evidence, deal with insurance companies, and build the strongest possible case for full compensation.
Call Tyroler Leonard Injury Law today at (952) 567-2488 for a free, no obligation consultation. Our Minneapolis office is located at 5353 Wayzata Blvd #410, Minneapolis, MN 55416.
Our Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and stand by your side every step of the way. You focus on healing, and we will focus on everything else.