Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Near Me
When automobiles or other vehicles collide with pedestrians, the injuries are often severe. Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than vehicle passengers to be killed in a car crash.
Pedestrian collision cases present unique issues that require the skill of an attorney experienced in auto vs. pedestrian litigation. The Minneapolis pedestrian accident attorneys at Hall Law have considerable experience successfully handling such cases. As a result, we are well acquainted with the complex issues presented by these claims and are uniquely positioned to ensure our clients receive the best possible result for their individual circumstances.
Victims of Pedestrian-Vehicle Accidents
Statistics obtained by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety suggest that young people (under the age of 25) and the elderly (over the age of 65) are at greater risk of being involved in an auto vs. pedestrian accident.
- 5,977 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2017 in the United States. (NHTSA)
- Almost 129,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for non-fatal crash-related injuries in 2015. (CDC)
Factors That Contribute to Pedestrian Traffic Accidents
Any of a number of factors can lead to an auto vs. pedestrian collision. The two factors cited most often by reporting officers include:
(1) failure to yield the right of way, and
(2) driver inattention or distraction.
Alcohol is also a common contributing factor. In fatality cases, 48% of crashes that resulted in pedestrian deaths involved alcohol for the driver or the pedestrian.
Pedestrian-Vehicle Accident Reference Materials
Pedestrian Accident Damages Recovery
Automobile vs. pedestrian claims usually involve negligence law. Generally, where a driver operates his or her vehicle in a negligent manner, he or she may be required to pay for any damages resulting from such negligence.
A typical plaintiff in an auto vs. pedestrian case may recover for non-economic damages (damages for pain and suffering) only if he or she meets one of the four tort thresholds enumerated in Minn. Stat §65B.51, subd.3. Specifically, no such plaintiff shall recover for non-economic losses unless the auto accident caused:
(1) $4,000 in medical expenses,
(2) a permanent injury,
(3) a permanent disfigurement, or
(4) 60 days of disability.
Minnesota No Fault System
The No Fault system is an important aspect of all automobile accident cases in Minnesota. Generally, every owner of a motor vehicle in Minnesota is required to maintain an insurance policy which has No Fault coverage, and a pedestrian hit by a motor vehicle is generally entitled to the benefits of Minnesota’s No Fault system.
The basic economic loss benefits recoverable under the No Fault Act include:
- Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation Services
- Income Loss and Replacement Services
Contact Our Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Minneapolis
If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian-vehicle accident, the Minneapolis personal injury attorneys at Hall Law can help. Our firm has more than 35 years of experience representing people who have been injured in accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles. Call us for a free consultation, and we’ll give you honest answers about your situation.
Preserve Your Rights
Where you or a loved one has been involved in an auto vs. pedestrian accident, it is important to act swiftly in order to preserve evidence and to ensure other key aspects of your case are not neglected. If you or one of your loved ones has a potential claim, please call today for a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.
