At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we are dedicated to helping accident victims in Milaca. As experienced pedestrian accident attorneys in Milaca, MN, we understand how overwhelming the time after a pedestrian accident can be. Our team is here to guide you through the legal process, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Many pedestrian accidents happen because drivers fail to follow traffic laws or pay attention to their surroundings. Below are some of the most common causes of these accidents:
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Drivers who are using their phones, eating, or even looking at their GPS or screen in their vehicle while driving may not see a pedestrian until it is too late. Even a brief moment of distraction can have life-altering consequences for everyone involved.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly to other obstacles present on the road. Reckless behaviors, such as weaving through traffic or ignoring stop signs, increase the chances of hitting someone crossing the road. Pedestrians are especially at risk because they have no protection against fast-moving vehicles.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks or Stop Signs
When drivers fail to stop at crosswalks or yield at stop signs, pedestrians are left vulnerable. Even when pedestrians have the right of way, careless drivers can cause severe injuries. It only takes a moment of negligence to change someone’s life forever.
Drunk or Impaired Driving
Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol have slower reaction times and impaired judgment. This increases the risk of pedestrian collisions. Making the choice to drive impaired puts everyone on the road in danger, especially pedestrians.
Poor Weather Conditions or Visibility Issues
Rain, fog, snow, and poorly lit areas can make it hard for drivers to see pedestrians. While weather and lighting conditions play a role, drivers must still take precautions to avoid accidents. Being extra cautious in poor conditions can save lives.
Left-Turn and Right-Turn Collisions
Pedestrian accidents often occur when drivers make quick left or right turns without checking for people crossing the street. These collisions are especially common at intersections. Drivers must remember that pedestrians often go unnoticed in their blind spots during turns.
No matter the cause of the accident, many pedestrians who are involved are left with significant injuries that affect their lives forever.
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Types of Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, many of which are serious and require extensive medical care. Here are the most common types of injuries victims face:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, can have long-lasting effects on memory, cognition, and physical and mental abilities. These injuries often require ongoing treatment and therapy. Even mild TBIs can lead to symptoms that disrupt daily life for months or years.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The impact of a vehicle can easily break bones in the legs, arms, ribs, or hips. Fractures may require surgeries, casts, and months of physical therapy to heal properly. Recovery can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, for victims and their families.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Pedestrians are particularly at risk for spinal cord injuries when hit by a car. In severe cases, this can result in partial or complete paralysis, impacting mobility and independence. These life-altering injuries often require lifelong care and support.
Soft Tissue Injuries and Bruising
Sprains, strains, and bruising may seem minor at first, but they can cause significant pain and limit a person’s movement. These injuries often require medical treatment and time to recover fully. What may appear as a simple bruise can sometimes indicate deeper tissue damage.
How Liability Is Determined in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Determining who is responsible for a pedestrian accident involves looking at several different factors. A Milaca personal injury lawyer will gather evidence to show how and why the accident happened, and how the other driver was negligent in the operation of their vehicle. Here are some key things to consider:
Driver Negligence
If a driver fails to follow traffic laws—such as speeding, running a red light, or texting while driving—they can be held responsible for the accident. Any evidence showing the other driver’s failure to follow traffic laws will be helpful. This could be dash cam footage, traffic camera footage, eyewitness statements, or even the other driver’s own admissions.
Shared Fault (Comparative Negligence in Minnesota)
Minnesota follows a comparative negligence system. This means fault can be shared between the driver and the pedestrian. Even if a pedestrian is partially responsible, they can still recover compensation as long as they are less than 50% at fault. However, their damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Role of Pedestrian Actions in Determining Liability
In some cases, pedestrians may contribute to an accident by jaywalking or crossing against a signal. A pedestrian injury attorney near me can help defend your case and reduce any claims of fault against you.
Strong evidence is key to proving liability. This includes police reports, surveillance footage, medical records, and witness statements. Each piece of evidence can help show exactly what happened and who is at fault. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Milaca, MN, knows how to collect and use this evidence to build a strong case.
Compensation You May Be Eligible to Recover
Recovering compensation is critical for your healing process. Medical bills can add up quickly, and time away from work can create financial stress. Compensation helps ensure you have the resources you need to get proper treatment, pay your bills, and move forward with your life. Without fair compensation, the financial burden can feel overwhelming and stall your recovery. By working with a no-win, no-fee pedestrian accident lawyer in Milaca, you can focus on recovery while your attorney fights for the support you need.
This compensation can be recovered through different types of claims. First, a no-fault claim, which is normally made against your own insurance company. Through your no-fault claim, you can recover up to $20,000 in medical expenses and mileage to and from your appointment; and up to $20,000 in wage loss and replacement services. Second, a personal injury or bodily injury claim. This claim is made against any at fault driver and their insurance company. Through this claim, you can recover any past and future medical expenses and wage loss that were not paid by your no-fault claim, and any past and future pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Finally, if you carried underinsured motorist coverage, you may be able to bring a claim through that portion of your policy if the other driver did not have enough coverage to compensate you for your injuries.
Contact Our Milaca Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you are dealing with injuries and financial burdens as a result of a pedestrian accident, do not wait to seek legal help. The sooner you act, the sooner we can begin building a strong case for you. At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we understand what you are going through. As trusted Milaca pedestrian accident lawyers, we are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve.
Our team is here to answer your questions, explain your options, and fight for your rights. Whether you need a Milaca personal injury lawyer or a no-win, no-fee pedestrian accident lawyer in Milaca, we are ready to help. Contact Nelson Personal Injury, LLC today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery. Let the best pedestrian accident lawyer in Milaca fight for you.
