Pedestrian Accident Lawyer St. Paul, MN

St. Paul is Minnesota’s second most walkable city; from Frogtown and downtown St. Paul to Cathedral Hill, it’s not uncommon to see plenty of people afoot. Although pedestrians typically have the right-of-way in traffic, a distracted driver may not always be on the lookout for someone walking. In a pedestrian-car crash, the pedestrian is often left permanently harmed. Injuries can be severe, and there’s a good chance many people may not fully regain their abilities.

If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, a St. Paul, MN, pedestrian accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve, covering your medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Bennerotte & Associates, P.A., we take your case seriously, representing your interests and protecting your rights. You can learn more in a free consultation, so call today!

St. Paul Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Advocating For You

Pedestrian accident injuries are often serious, and your recovery may be uncertain. As you’re healing, wondering when you can go back to work or whether you can take care of your family, the last thing you may be thinking about is your legal rights.

You’re entitled to demand compensation for the damages caused by the driver who hit you. This includes the medical care you need and any physical therapy after you heal. You may also claim lost wages, loss of earning potential, and compensation for your pain and suffering.

An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can handle your claim for compensation, including communicating with the other party and their insurance company on your behalf. You can rest and heal—we’ll take care of the rest.

Challenges In Pedestrian Accident Cases

An insurance adjuster representing the driver may contact you soon after the accident. Their goal is to settle your case fast – before you have a chance to talk to a pedestrian accident attorney who knows what your case is truly worth. As your lawyers, we can handle all negotiations with the insurance company. We also take care of all legal matters pertaining to the case, like drafting motions, appearing in court, and securing expert witnesses if necessary.

We also gather evidence of negligence on the part of the driver, which could include cell phone records, eyewitness testimony, and photos or videos of the accident. The defense may try to claim that you were irresponsible or caused the wreck. We build a case defending you and advocating for just compensation for your injuries.

Have You Been Struck By A Car While Walking?

Whether you were walking through the parking lot of a shopping center or crossing a busy street, you have the right to demand compensatory damages from the driver who hit you. We can help you. The legal team at Bennerotte & Associates, P.A., can build a case of negligence against the at-fault driver and seek fair compensation for your losses. We offer a free consultation, so call today to talk to a St. Paul pedestrian accident lawyer.

Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents And Legal Recourse

Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the common causes of these accidents and hiring a St. Paul, MN pedestrian accident lawyer can help victims navigate the aftermath and seek justice.

Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents

1. Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying full attention to the road are more likely to overlook pedestrians crossing the street or walking along the road.

2. Speeding

Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Pedestrians are at a higher risk in areas where drivers frequently exceed speed limits, particularly in residential zones and near schools.

3. Failure To Yield

Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections are a significant hazard. Many pedestrian accidents occur because drivers do not stop for pedestrians as required by law.

4. Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Impaired drivers are more likely to make poor judgments and have slower reaction times, endangering pedestrians.

5. Poor Visibility

Low visibility due to weather conditions, poor lighting, or obstacles can lead to pedestrian accidents. Drivers may not see pedestrians until it is too late to avoid a collision.

6. Jaywalking

While drivers have a responsibility to avoid pedestrians, pedestrians also need to follow traffic laws. Jaywalking, or crossing streets outside of designated crosswalks, increases the risk of accidents as drivers may not expect to see pedestrians in those areas.

Legal Recourse For Pedestrian Accident Victims

If you are a pedestrian injured in an accident, you have several legal options to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages.

1. Filing An Insurance Claim

The first step is often filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This claim can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. It’s important to gather as much evidence as possible, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements, to support your claim.

2. Personal Injury Lawsuit

If the insurance settlement offer is insufficient, or if the driver is uninsured, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. In this case, it is crucial to prove that the driver’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help build a strong case by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and representing you in court.

3. Wrongful Death Lawsuit

If a pedestrian accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This legal action seeks compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages related to the untimely death.

4. Hit-and-Run Accidents

In cases involving hit-and-run drivers, identifying the driver can be challenging. However, if the driver is found, they can face criminal charges in addition to a civil lawsuit. Victims of hit-and-run accidents may also seek compensation through their own insurance policies if they have uninsured motorist coverage.

Conclusion

Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences, but understanding the common causes and knowing the legal recourse available can help victims and their families seek justice and compensation. Consulting with a St. Paul pedestrian accident lawyer from Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. is crucial in navigating the complexities of these cases and ensuring that your rights are protected.