A sudden accident involving a vehicle leaves a pedestrian facing unexpected challenges. If a vehicle injured you while you were walking, you have rights, and a Minnesota pedestrian accident lawyer can help you seek compensation.
Contact Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law at (763) 317-4574 today for a confidential case evaluation.
Minnesota Pedestrian Accident Guide
Why Choose Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law for Your Minnesota Pedestrian Accident Claim
Selecting the right legal team makes a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law offers dedicated representation for injured pedestrians across Minnesota. We’re committed to fighting for your best interests.
Coon Rapids Roots, Statewide Reach
Our firm has strong ties to the Coon Rapids community, and we serve clients throughout Minnesota, from Rochester to St. Cloud to Warroad. Our broad reach and experience in the state help us understand the local nuances of various jurisdictions.
Familiarity with Minnesota courts and insurance practices gives you an advantage. A Minnesota pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm understands the local factors that matter when building a strong case.
Experience With Pedestrian Cases
Being a pedestrian in Minnesota presents unique situations, from busy city crossings to suburban roads. We get the difficulties you face after an injury.
Our team works hard to recover damages, whether you were hit in a crosswalk in Downtown Minneapolis or walking to your car in a parking garage in St. Paul.
A Winning Approach
Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law approaches each pedestrian injury case with a straightforward plan. We believe in transparency and direct communication. We aim to secure the compensation you need to recover by diligently gathering evidence, leaving no stone unturned.
Your Voice, Our Commitment in Every Case
You’re more than just a case file to us. At Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law, we provide personalized attention. Your concerns are heard, and we answer your questions promptly.
This direct access fosters a stronger attorney-client relationship. This dedication is a core part of how we serve you.
For a dedicated legal partner, contact a Minnesota pedestrian accident attorney at Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law at (763) 317-4574. We’re ready to listen and discuss your options.
How a Minnesota Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Helps You
A lawyer from Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law takes on the legal burdens so you may focus on healing. We handle all aspects of your claim from start to finish.
Investigating Your Pedestrian Accident
A detailed investigation forms the bedrock of a successful pedestrian accident claim. Your lawyer gathers all available evidence. This includes obtaining the official police report and speaking with any witnesses.
Sometimes, we employ accident reconstruction professionals to demonstrate how the incident occurred and who was at fault.
Identifying All Liable Parties
The driver of the vehicle might not be the only one responsible for your injuries. Your attorney investigates other potential at-fault parties. For example, if the driver was working during the collision, their employer might bear some responsibility.
In some cases, a government entity may be liable if a poorly designed or poorly maintained road contributed to the accident.
Calculating Your Full Damages in Minnesota
Understanding the full extent of your losses is vital. A Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law attorney meticulously calculates all damages you’ve suffered. These damages often include:
- Medical Costs: This covers your past, current, and future medical treatment related to the accident, including everything from emergency room visits to ongoing physical therapy.
- Lost Income: This compensation includes wages you lost because you couldn’t work due to your injuries. It also covers any loss of future earning capacity if your injuries are permanent.
- Property Damage: You may seek compensation for any personal property damaged in the accident, such as clothing or electronics.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This reimbursement is for other accident-related costs, like transportation to medical appointments or assistance with daily tasks.
- Non-Economic Damages: You may seek payment for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. It also covers loss of enjoyment of life if you can no longer participate in activities you loved.
An experienced Minnesota pedestrian accident lawyer makes sure all your losses are accounted for when seeking compensation.
Navigating Complex Insurance Company Negotiations
Dealing with insurance companies is often a challenging part of any accident claim. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, aiming to minimize payouts.
Your Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law pedestrian accident attorney handles all communications and negotiations with the insurers. We protect you from tactics designed to get you to accept a low settlement. Our lawyers advocate vigorously for a fair resolution that covers your needs.
Representing You in Court if Necessary
Many pedestrian accident claims resolve through settlement negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, your case may proceed to trial. Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law prepares every case as if it will go to court.
Our thorough preparation often leads to better settlement offers. If a trial is needed, you have skilled litigators ready to fight for you.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Minnesota
Many factors contribute to these unfortunate incidents. Your Minnesota pedestrian accident attorney will investigate the specific cause of your collision.
Distracted Driving Incidents
Distraction is a leading cause of many traffic accidents, including those involving pedestrians. Drivers who text, talk on the phone, adjust their GPS, or eat while driving take their attention off the road. Even a few seconds of distraction may result in a driver failing to see a pedestrian.
Failure to Yield
Minnesota law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at many intersections. Unfortunately, drivers don’t always follow these rules. They might speed through intersections, turn without looking, or fail to stop at marked crosswalks.
When drivers disregard a pedestrian’s right-of-way, dangerous accidents result. A pedestrian accident attorney in Minnesota often sees cases involving clear right-of-way violations.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Drivers who exceed speed limits or operate their vehicles aggressively put everyone at risk. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time, making it harder to stop for a pedestrian. Aggressive maneuvers, like unsafe lane changes or tailgating, also contribute to accidents.
Impaired Driving
A driver operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs shows a reckless disregard for others’ safety. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Impaired drivers are far more likely to cause a pedestrian accident.
Poorly Maintained Sidewalks or Roads
Sometimes, the condition of the road or sidewalk contributes to a pedestrian accident. Cracked pavement, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or overgrown vegetation obscuring visibility create hazards.
In such cases, a government entity or a private property owner may bear responsibility. Investigating these factors is part of your attorney’s job. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in Minnesota will determine all contributing factors to build your case.
Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Pedestrian in Minnesota
If a vehicle injures you while you are walking, you have specific legal rights in Minnesota. Knowing these rights is the first step toward protecting yourself and securing fair compensation. A Minnesota pedestrian accident lawyer from Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law helps you navigate the legal landscape.
Minnesota’s No-Fault Insurance and Pedestrians
Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state, which means that if you are a pedestrian hit by a car, your own auto insurance policy may provide Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.
These benefits cover initial medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. If you don’t own a car or have auto insurance, you may still claim PIP benefits through the policy of a relative you live with or through the at-fault driver’s insurance.
The Right to Seek Compensation Beyond No-Fault Benefits
While PIP benefits provide initial support, they often are not enough to cover all losses from a serious pedestrian accident. You have the right to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for damages beyond your PIP coverage if certain conditions are met.
A Minnesota injury lawyer for walkers helps determine if you meet the necessary thresholds and pursue a claim for full compensation, including pain, suffering, and future damages.
What if You Were Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you may still recover damages even if you were partially to blame for the accident, as long as your fault is not 51% or greater. If you’re found partially at fault, your compensation award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you receive $80,000. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to pedestrians, but an attorney protects your rights and argues against unfair allocations of fault.
Statute of Limitations in Minnesota
There’s a time limit for filing a lawsuit after a pedestrian accident in Minnesota known as the statute of limitations. Generally, for most personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, you have six years from the accident to file a lawsuit.
Missing this deadline means you lose your right to seek compensation through the courts, so contact a Minnesota pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim.
FAQ for Minnesota Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Your Journey to Justice Begins With a Call
The path forward after a pedestrian accident might seem unclear, but you don’t have to walk it alone. The legal team at Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law is ready to provide the support and advocacy you need.
We commit to pursuing the maximum compensation available for your injuries and losses. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your health and recovery.
For a clear understanding of your options and dedicated representation from a Minnesota personal injury lawyer, contact Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law today at (763) 317-4574.