Most people do not expect to be struck by a car while walking, but many pedestrians experience exactly that while crossing a road or strolling down a sidewalk. These crashes are known for causing devastating injuries due to the tremendous force that can impact your body if you are struck by a car.
The good news is that an Albert Lea pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm can help you deal with the aftermath of a collision. You may be entitled to compensation, and our experienced personal injury attorneys can guide you every step of the way through the legal system.
Pedestrians have important rights if they are on or near a public roadway. However, there are also requirements they must follow to remain safe around fast-moving vehicles. Understanding these rights and obligations is important, especially if you are pursuing compensation after an accident.
Under Minnesota Statutes §169.21, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians who are crossing the road within a marked crosswalk, or if they cross at an intersection where a crosswalk would normally exist. If a pedestrian has entered the crosswalk, drivers must slow down or stop to allow that person to cross safely.
However, the law also places responsibilities on pedestrians. A person cannot suddenly leave a curb and step into a vehicle’s path if the driver does not have enough time to stop. In this scenario, the driver might not be held liable if they were unable to stop in time to avoid the person in their path. Pedestrians must also obey traffic signals at intersections and use nearby crosswalks if available.
Pedestrians walking along roads without sidewalks must stay on the shoulder and face oncoming traffic, if possible. This is safer than walking with traffic approaching from the rear, as it gives a pedestrian a chance to see an oncoming vehicle and step out of its path. Our attorneys can advise you on how these laws might impact the outcome of your Albert Lea pedestrian wreck case.
A pedestrian accident can create serious financial and personal damages for you and your loved ones. Thankfully, you may have the right to recoup these damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Some of the damages our attorneys can recover on your behalf after an Albert Lea pedestrian collision include the following:
Medical expenses can make up the largest part of a pedestrian injury claim. You may be entitled to damages for treatments such as:
This can include your anticipated future medical costs as well.
Pedestrian crashes often cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation may address:
Carefully documenting these challenges can help ensure the full extent of your losses is included in your claim.
Serious injuries frequently force people to miss work while recovering after being struck by a car. You may be able to recover the cost of the wages you missed out on during this recovery period.
Some pedestrian injuries permanently affect a person’s ability to work. Compensation may be available for long-term financial damages if injuries limit future employment opportunities or reduce earning capacity.
Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you understand which damages may apply to your case.
You have the right to seek justice after being struck by a car, and our team of attorneys is ready to guide you. We are based in Mankato, but we also help the injured throughout the surrounding area. Call an Albert Lea pedestrian accident lawyer today for a free private consultation.
