Pedestrians involved in collisions with motor vehicles can experience significant injuries. If you or a family member suffered injuries while walking, running, or using a wheelchair, a St. Peter pedestrian accident lawyer can help.
At Maschka Personal Injury, our personal injury attorneys help ensure you get fair compensation. In addition, we empower you to reclaim your dignity and recover after an accident.
Negligent drivers can cause pedestrian accidents. Drivers who speed, drive distracted, or drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not react in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
If you claim compensation after an accident, you must prove that another party was negligent. Our lawyers can review police reports of a St. Peter pedestrian accident, witness statements, available video, and other evidence to find indicators of negligence.
If we can demonstrate that another party was responsible for the accident, you can recover financial damages, including out-of-pocket expenses and lost income. You can also claim future injury-related expenses and compensation for your pain and suffering.
Under state law, you are a pedestrian if you travel on foot or by wheelchair. Although drivers must avoid harming pedestrians, walkers must also behave safely.
According to Minnesota Statutes §169.21, pedestrians have the right of way if crossing in a marked crosswalk or at an intersection without a marked crosswalk. However, pedestrians must obey traffic signals if present, not step into the road in front of oncoming vehicles, and yield to traffic if crossing anywhere except intersections.
Pedestrians also must walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic. They must keep as far on the shoulder as possible if it is safe to do so.
Even if you did not obey these St. Peter laws, our attorneys may still be able to obtain compensation after a pedestrian accident. You can collect damages if you were not more at-fault for causing the accident than the other party. However, your recovery may be reduced to the extent your conduct contributed to the crash. If you were 20 percent responsible, you collect only 80 percent of your damages.
Visibility helps you avoid accidents as a pedestrian, so wear a high-visibility vest or bright-colored clothing and use a flashlight or headlamp at night. Wheelchair users should equip their chairs with a tall flag or banner and avoid the roads at night if possible. If you have been drinking, get a ride from a sober driver instead of walking.
Hiring an attorney is an act of trust, and we strive to earn your trust every day. Our team will candidly assess your case, communicate proactively, and ensure you understand what is happening and the next steps in your case.
If you work with us, we can investigate your accident to identify potentially responsible parties. We then contact them with the details of your claim.
Negotiations often lead to an eventual settlement. If negotiations do not result in a fair offer, our attorneys can pursue a St. Peter pedestrian accident claim in court.
If you need a St. Peter pedestrian accident lawyer, our compassionate team will support you during your recovery and always strive for a fair result.
We only charge a fee if we obtain compensation for you, and consultations are free. Contact our office to set up a meeting with one of our attorneys today.
