St. Paul Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
A pedestrian accident can change your life in an instant. The lack of protection from a car, truck, or SUV can leave victims with catastrophic and expensive injuries.
Negligent actions behind the wheel cause dangerous drivers to lose control. The results are devastating and sometimes deadly for pedestrians.
If you suffered severe injuries due to a negligent driver, a St. Paul pedestrian lawyer may be able to help you. A free case consultation is an excellent place to start learning your legal options.
The damages you incur due to the reckless actions of another person are unfair. Your lawyer can hold the liable party accountable by fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of St. Paul Pedestrian Accidents
There are several reasons for pedestrian accidents — none of which are acceptable. The following are a few of the more common causes of St. Paul pedestrian accidents:
Popularity of SUVs
The high profile of SUVs is an attractive feature for buyers. But unfortunately, it is also deadly when it comes to pedestrian accidents.
An SUV sits higher, therefore striking a pedestrian higher on their body. The impact leads to more deadly injuries than lower-sitting sedans, which tend to damage lower areas.
Distracted Driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main types of distraction:
- Visual: eyes off the road
- Manual: hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: mind off driving
Cell phones and navigational devices make it easy for people to become distracted. However, other forms of distraction have no connection to technology yet are also dangerous. For example, distracted driving includes eating, applying makeup, or reaching for items while driving.
Drunk or Drugged Driving
Alcohol and drug use impairs driver judgment, vision, and reaction times. If the driver responsible for your pedestrian accident faces criminal or traffic charges, you may still pursue civil action against them.
Virtually every licensed driver knows that drunk or drugged driving is illegal and dangerous — yet far too many drivers believe they are safe behind the wheel. If the driver who struck you took a chance driving impaired, make them accountable with a civil case against them.
Aggressive Drivers
Short tempers and limited patience can lead to aggressive driving. Racing through a red light, purposely tailgating, and other dangerous actions can cause a driver to lose control and crash.
Pedestrians generally have no time to escape an out-of-control vehicle. The impact of a collision can cause multiple injuries that require a long recovery, cause a disability, or end in death.
If your walk turned tragic due to negligence, take action.
A St. Paull pedestrian accident lawyer may be able to help you.
Why Choose Us?
We stand by your side and up to insurance companies
Isaac Tyroler and Rachel Sperling Leonard put their education and experience to work for victims of negligence. They are deeply humbled yet proud of the testimonials of personal injury victims and former clients represented.
The following is a list of professional accomplishments that demonstrate the firm’s awards and recognitions:
- More than a decade of civil law experience
- Legal seminar presenter to industry peers
- Super Lawyers Rising Star Award recipient multiple times
- Admission to the Minnesota and Wisconsin Bar Associations, as well as the U.S. District Court Bar Association
Isaac and Rachel understand how a traumatic accident changes a victim’s life. The firm’s work with victims of negligence helps them to help you through such a difficult time.
Choosing the right lawyer for your case is crucial for securing the best outcome possible. If you want a lawyer who listens to you and fights for you, contact Isaac Tyroler and Rachel Sperling Leonard.
A pedestrian accident is a devastating event for victims and their families. If negligence is the reason for your or your loved one’s harm, let Isaac and Rachel get to work for you as your pedestrian injury attorney in St. Paul.
How We Can Help
Minnesota civil law is complex, challenging, and requires years of study. Therefore, hiring a pedestrian injury lawyer as soon as possible is best for pursuing a civil case.
It is not uncommon for a civil case to settle outside of court. Negotiating a fair settlement saves both sides time and money. However, settling for less than you deserve is never an option. When necessary, we take cases to trial.
Preparing for trial is something we do from day one. While our negotiation skills are top-notch, we always prepare for the unknown. Regardless of whether your case is a claim or lawsuit, we help in the following ways:
- Review police reports and witness statements
- Examine accident scene photographs and videos
- File your lawsuit with the court
- Manage communication with insurance representatives
Having a lawyer on your side can provide you with priceless peace of mind. However, the details of a legal case are too intricate to manage alone.
Common Pedestrian Injuries
Negligent drivers who strike pedestrians often escape the accident-free of serious harm. Seatbelts and airbags provide protection, while pedestrians have no protection from an out-of-control vehicle.
Pedestrians face severe injuries that can impact their life forever. Common types of severe pedestrian injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The CDC defines a TBI as a sudden bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts normal brain function. Such an injury can range from mild to severe. A severe TBI can affect a pedestrian in the following ways:
- Cognitive function: Memory and concentration
- Motor function: Balance, coordination, movement
- Sensation: Hearing, vision, taste, and touch
- Behavior and emotions: Anger, depression, and moodiness
If your loved one suffered a TBI, they may require extensive, around-the-clock care. Admission to a personal care facility is sometimes the only option. However, a skilled nursing facility is expensive, with costs reaching thousands of dollars per month.
Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord controls movement and sensation. When an injury occurs, communication with the brain can slow or stop.
Depending upon the severity of the spinal cord injury, a pedestrian may never walk again. Furthermore, this catastrophic injury is costly, with special mobility equipment and home modifications just two specific needs.
The lifetime costs of a spinal cord injury are staggering. No accident victim should pay for these costs when their injuries result from negligence.
Broken Bones
A pedestrian accident can leave you with more than a broken arm. Multiple bones may break upon the forceful impact of a motor vehicle.
How your bones break can play a significant role in your recovery period. For example, one bone broken in two places can require surgery and countless physical therapy.
Broken bones are serious injuries. Victims may require assistance with simple tasks, such as bathing and dressing. The healing process is often slow and can result in missing significant time from work.
Head, Neck, and Back Injuries
Most people take the head, neck, and back movement for granted. However, a pedestrian accident can leave you with severe injuries in these areas, making even rest virtually impossible.
The pain and discomfort of a head, neck, or back injury can follow you throughout your lifetime. Living with chronic pain due to another person’s negligence is unfair. A pedestrian accident attorney in St. Paul can help you fight for justice.
Internal Injuries
Not all injuries exhibit signs or symptoms. St. Paul pedestrians who are struck by a vehicle must seek immediate medical attention, regardless of their feelings.
An internal injury requires a diagnosis by a doctor, using such tests as an MRI or CT scan. Without a diagnosis and treatment, the results are sometimes deadly.
Internal bleeding, for example, is something that requires fast treatment. Failure to diagnose and stop the bleeding can lead to organ damage and death.
Severe Pedestrian Injuries Demand Justice
A pedestrian accident can change your daily routine from work and school to medical appointments and procedures.
The aftermath of your accident can leave you overwhelmed and confused. Learning your accident was preventable can cause anger, grief, and sadness.
Severe pedestrian accident injuries are costly. When caused by negligence, the responsible party and not you should pay these costs. Contact a St. Paul pedestrian accident attorney for help pursuing compensation for your damages.
If your walk turned tragic due to negligence, take action.
A St. Paull pedestrian accident lawyer may be able to help you.
Beware of Insurance Company Tactics Designed to Confuse You
Growing medical bills and lost wages can make an initial settlement offer attractive. The amount offered may seem like a large sum that answers your financial stress. However, chances are the sum is the least amount the insurance company wants to offer.
Protecting your future needs is crucial during the civil process. While knowing what the future holds is impossible, your attorney can use their experience fighting a fair settlement.
Accepting a settlement without help from an attorney is a gamble not worth taking. If you accept it, you may not pursue additional compensation later if your condition worsens.
Insurance companies seek to do what is best for them. As a St. Paul personal injury and wrongful death lawyer, Isaac Tyroler and Rachel Sperling Leonard can work to do what is best for you.
Stand up to insurance companies with help from a pedestrian accident attorney. Without one, insurance company tactics may convince you to accept less than you deserve.
How We Can Help Your Case
A pedestrian accident turns your world upside down. The experience is frightening for you and creates worry about you among friends and family.
Posting about your accident on social media is one way to address many about your accident and condition. However, social media shares may land your post in the wrong hands. For example, an insurance company may use what you post to blame you for the accident.
Refraining from social media posting concerning accident details and photographs is best. An insurance adjuster cannot use something against you unless it exists.
Additionally, accident victims should never admit fault for an accident. Do not accept blame even if you are unsure what happened and who caused it. Instead, seek immediate medical attention and contact an attorney.
St. Paul Pedestrian Accidents FAQs
A St. Paul pedestrian accident attorney answers frequently asked questions:
How long does it take to pursue compensation for my damages?
May I speak with insurance adjusters alone?
My doctor warns of potential injury complications as I recover. Can I sue for additional compensation if my condition worsens?
What is the time limit under Minnesota law for pursuing a pedestrian accident lawsuit?
How much does a St. Paul personal injury or wrongful death attorney cost?
A free case consultation can help you learn more about the civil process. A pedestrian accident involving negligence is unfair and life-changing. Isaac and Rachel will put their knowledge and skills to work for you, but you must act quickly. Failure to promptly file your lawsuit can result in a missed opportunity for possible compensation.
Your St. Paul Pedestrian Accident Damages
Pedestrian accident injuries can involve a long recovery or result in permanent injuries. In addition, rising medical costs make such care expensive.
The financial costs associated with your pedestrian injuries can keep you up at night. Sleepless nights prevent you from getting the rest your body needs to heal.
A St. Paul pedestrian accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for the following types of damages:
- Medical costs relating to emergency transport, hospital, and doctors’ fees
- On-going costs for aftercare such as rehabilitation, therapy, prescription medications, or a skilled nursing facility
- Lost pay from missed time from work due to recovery
- Pain and suffering
If your injuries prevent you from returning to your pre-accident job, you may be entitled to compensation for potential future earnings. But, again, your attorney can prepare your case and fight for the best outcome possible.
A pedestrian accident can leave you with extensive emotional and psychological harm. However, conveying the impact of your non-economic damage to an insurance company or jury is challenging — and best left to an attorney.
Fighting for the compensation you deserve requires a dedicated focus on your case. But unfortunately, severe pedestrian injuries can prevent you from giving your case the direction it needs.
Place your civil claim or lawsuit in the hands of a St. Paul pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. You will feel better knowing your case is in good hands and off your shoulders,
Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death
The loss of a loved one due to a pedestrian accident is something no family should experience. All drivers must share the road with other road users, pedestrians included.
You may qualify for a wrongful death case if a dangerous driver is responsible for your loss. Your grief can consume you following such a tragic event. It is not the time to deal with pressure from aggressive insurance companies.
Compensation cannot fill the void left by your loss; it can ease your financial stress. For example, losing a spouse can result in a loss of income that helps support your household.
Unexpected expenses can arise, such as:
- Final medical costs for your loved one’s final days
- Funeral and burial costsaveraging thousands.
Non-economic damages are often a significant factor in wrongful death cases. For example, the loss of your relationship with your loved one deserves recognition and compensation.
Isaac Tyroler has the experience with wrongful death cases you need. His caring and compassionate manner will help you adjust to life without your loved one.
Pedestrian deaths are on the rise, making it imperative that those responsible face accountability for their negligent actions. If negligence was a factor in your loved one’s death, contact the office of Isaac Tyroler and Rachel Sperling Leonard as soon as possible.
Minnesota Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations limits the time allowed for pursuing a civil lawsuit. The deadline prevents cases from lingering with no resolution. Resolving cases relatively soon after an accident is also important as:
- Witnesses may forget important information
- Witnesses may move with no forwarding information
- Police records may become misplaced
- Evidence such as photos or video may disappear or suffer damage
A pedestrian accident caused by negligence that leaves you with severe injuries may qualify you for a personal injury lawsuit. The Minnesota statute of limitations is six years for personal injury cases. Three years is the limit for filing a wrongful death case.
Most civil cases settle without entering a courtroom. However, your attorney may feel that taking your case to trial is necessary. Filing a civil lawsuit protects your right to pursue compensation before a judge and jury if the claim process is unsuccessful.
Strong litigation skills are imperative for a civil lawsuit — and Isaac and Rachel have them. They can convey the significant impact a pedestrian accident had on your life to a judge and jury.
The statute of limitations is a serious legal requirement for civil lawsuits. The court generally does not allow a second chance if the statute expires before you file your lawsuit.
Civil Law vs. Criminal Law in Pedestrian Accidents
A personal injury or wrongful death case is a civil matter. However, the person responsible for your accident may face criminal charges.
Criminal cases differ from civil cases. The two are separate areas of law. You may pursue a civil case if you or a loved one suffered damages due to a negligent driver. This is regardless of whether a criminal case is related to the accident.
Minnesota protects your right to pursue a civil lawsuit. Isaac Tyroler and Rachel Sperling Leonard can help you with your case. However, to do so, you must contact them quickly to get started.
Start Your Journey to Justice for Your Pedestrian Accident Damages
The statute of limitations timeline for pursuing compensation begins when you suffer damages. So, the moment of impact is when the legal clock starts ticking for your personal injury lawsuit.
For cases involving death, the time begins when your loved one dies. Simply put, a personal injury case may become a wrongful death case if the victim dies from their injuries.
Keeping track of time is extremely difficult when your life changes instantly. Hiring an attorney can keep you from missing important deadlines.
Isaac Tyroler and Rachel Sperling Leonard: Your St. Paul Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrians and drivers have a responsibility to share the road. However, if the driver responsible for your accident was negligent, Isaac and Rachel want to help you pursue justice.
The intricate details of your case are not something you want or should deal with as you recover. If you are caring for a loved one injured by negligence, your hands are too full for legal filings, paperwork, and phone calls.
Having Isaac Tyroler and Rachel Sperling Leonard by your side frees your time to spend on your health or that of a loved one. The reassurance that someone is at work for you is invaluable during such a stressful time.
Let Isaac Tyroler and Rachel Sperling Leonard get to work for you today. Building a solid case for compensation takes time, so do not delay. Call now for a free consultation at 651-259-1113.