*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
Walking is a critical mode of transportation in Minnesota’s urban centers, but Pedestrian accidents are tragically common. Some of the most common causes of these accidents are distracted driving, drunk driving, or reckless driving. It is where an experienced Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyer can assist you, as they are familiar with how this entire procedure works in terms of pertinent regulations and navigating the courtroom. We are passionate about standing for accident victims here at Schmidt & Salita Law Team.
This article will help you learn everything you need to know about pedestrian accident cases, including what you should know about your local laws and important steps to take post-accident. By the end, you’ll know what your rights are and what to do to protect them.
Pedestrian safety is a growing concern in Minnesota. According to data from Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths, approximately 225 pedestrians are killed or seriously injured on Minnesota roadways each year. That comes out to one pedestrian death or serious injury every two days! One of nine people killed or hurt in a motor vehicle collision is a pedestrian.
These stats demonstrate why awareness and safety are important for drivers and pedestrians. Although legislation and community initiatives are in place to prevent such accidents and injuries, they still happen; therefore, legal aid is required to protect victims.
Pedestrians struck by vehicles are at high risk for major injuries because they have no safety equipment. Common injuries to pedestrians hit by cars include:
*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
When dealing with accident cases, it is crucial to understand pedestrian rights and responsibilities. Minnesota law protects pedestrians and defines their responsibilities when sharing roads with vehicles.
Minnesota law requires motorists to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. This includes marked and unmarked crosswalks where no traffic signal is present. Drivers must stop and remain stopped to allow pedestrians to cross safely.
At the same time, pedestrians are to take care of themselves and not walk in front of a moving vehicle in a manner that creates an immediate hazard. Jaywalking, or walking across areas other than designated crosswalks, can lessen a pedestrian’s legal protections if an accident happens.
Understanding these statutes can be highly consequential in establishing fault in an accident case. A Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyer can explain how the law applies to your situation.
If you have been hit by a car, taking immediate action is critical to your safety and the strength of your legal case. Here’s what to do:
Your health is the priority. Some injuries will not show symptoms immediately, so if you feel okay, that doesn’t mean there’s no issue.
Take photos before leaving the scene, you should take pictures of as much of the damage as possible. Collect witness contact details if any are present.
Call 911 to report to the police. This documentation will be critical for insurance claims and any legal action that may arise.
Don’t talk about the accident with others. Do not apologize or take the blame, as it may complicate your legal case.
An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can assist you with collecting evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and obtaining fair compensation.
Although accidents happen, a few of the most common safety practices can help reduce the chances of being in a collision. Here are some key pedestrian safety tips:
Cyclists and pedestrians can reduce risk and remain safe on Minnesota highways. However, accidents do still happen. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, any experienced Minneapolis pedestrian accident attorney will tell you that the outcome of your case all comes down to what you do at this moment in time.
The statute of limitations is the legal time period during which you can sue. In Minnesota, a pedestrian accident victim generally has two years to file a claim for personal injury from the date of the accident. You may lose the right to seek compensation if you miss this deadline.
There are some caveats to that. For example, if the victim was underage when the accident occurred, an extension to that deadline might apply. A Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyer can educate you about these deadlines and help ensure they are met.
Yes, medical records are critical in a pedestrian accident case. They prove the extent, severity, and treatment needed for the injuries, essentially setting the stage for establishing how much compensation is deserved.
Always keep all records, receipts, and bills associated with medical treatment. These documents will be essential for your lawyer to advocate on your behalf and get the most compensation.
Many of these injuries are life-changing. Even worse, some people do not survive the injuries. If you or a loved one was killed or injured while walking beside the street, you need the expertise of a skilled Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyer. Your attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement with your insurance company or aid you in filing suit for:
The Schmidt & Salita Law Team prides itself on providing the utmost attention to detail, allowing you to collect the maximum possible settlement. If you were hit by a car while walking, do not wait another day. Contact a Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyer today to discuss your case.
Dean Salita is a seasoned Personal Injury lawyer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in workplace injuries and occupational diseases like asbestos-related illnesses. He’s the chair of the Minnesota Association for Justice Workers’ Compensation section and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer with an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Dean is dedicated to providing personal, compassionate legal support to his clients, guiding them through trials and the legal process.
Client Reviews
Google Review 
Schmidt Law Firm is so much more than the usual out for their back pocket firm they are a group of truly caring people. I was hit by a car & have memory loss. I don’t know how many times they all had to go over and over the same thing with me. They even gave me reminder calls for my doctors appointments. When things were so overwhelming I would call and all I could do is cry and they listened and never once complained or cut me short. Doug and Vanessa were all very helpful so was the rest of the staff. God Bless them all. By the way they got me a lot more than I had hoped for. You really don’t want to be on the opposing side of the table of Doug, he will rip you before you know he did it and he does it in such a nice way.
View More Reviews on Google Maps and Yelp
When you schedule your free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Minnesota, you should come prepared with specific questions for us to address. Some of the common questions clients ask us are:
Yes, in almost all cases, having an attorney is crucial to protect your rights and secure the settlement you deserve. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team is here to guide you through the entire process, from collecting evidence to handling medical bills and lost wages. We’ll help you gather medical records and reports to support your claim, determine the value of your case, and negotiate a fair settlement. If needed, we’re prepared to file suit and take your case to court to ensure the best possible outcome.
It’s very important to start collecting evidence right away to support your case. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team will help obtain accident reports, interview witnesses, and work with treating doctors to ensure you get the proper medical care. We’ll also handle communication with insurance adjusters. Delaying the decision to hire an attorney can lead to lost time and missed opportunities. We’re here to guide you through the process from the start, ensuring you have the best chance for a successful outcome.
Many people worry about the cost of legal fees, but with Schmidt & Salita Law Team, your first consultation is free. We handle most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning you won’t pay attorney fees unless there’s a settlement. If we win, you’ll only pay a percentage of the settlement for fees and costs, ensuring you never end up “in the hole.” This system is often called “No fees until you recover” and works like a real estate agent’s commission—paid only when you win.
It’s crucial to hire an attorney with experience in Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Wrongful Death claims. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team brings over 160 years of combined experience, handling thousands of cases, including auto accidents, construction injuries, medical malpractice, and more. Our team is dedicated to providing personal service and treating you like more than just a case number. We believe in a team approach to ensure the best possible outcome and your satisfaction every step of the way.
Most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases typically take at least a year or more to settle, and some can take even longer. This is mainly due to medical reasons, as it takes time to determine the permanent nature of an injury. Doctors or Chiropractors are often better equipped to assess the permanency of your injury. Once we have medical evidence, we compile all necessary documents and submit a settlement demand to the insurance company. The negotiation process can take several months, and if an agreement isn’t reached, we may need to file a lawsuit.
The value of a Personal Injury or Workers’ Compensation case depends on several factors. These include the degree of fault of the responsible party, the severity of your injuries, pain, and permanent disability, as well as medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The financial ability of the at-fault party, often determined by insurance coverage, also plays a role. Schmidt & Salita Law Team, with over 160 years of combined experience, is here to help you evaluate the worth of your case and guide you through the process.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at (952) 473-4530
or call us at
“I wanted to extend my personal thanks and appreciation, as well as that of my siblings. We are appreciative of the representation you extended to our father. He always battled for the “little guy,” and you did that for him thru this process. Please extend this thank you to Molly as well. Thank you.”
“Doug Schmidt and his team were a godsend – they were compassionate and professional in helping my sister and I navigate our mother’s Wrongful Death. They were easy to communicate with, and I always felt my concerns and opinions were being heard. I would recommend Schmidt Law Firm to anyone who asks.”
“I feel very lucky to have Mr. Schmidt working for me. He took my case when my first lawyer would not and could not fight his way out of a paper bag. My case was very involved but Mr. Schmidt made it look so easy.”
“Doug and his team are top notch. They are hard working and meticulous with getting the best results… I felt like I was in good hands through the entire process. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
“I wanted to tell you thank you for everything you have done for me I really appreciate it…I truly appreciate everything you did just taking the time to answer my questions, makes me feel good about what was going on and understanding what was happening and everything and just being patient with me. Again I truly appreciate ha...
“Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for all your efforts to collect benefits on behalf of my husband. Your kindness and sympathy during our initial visit with you was very much appreciated.”
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Dean M. Salita, with more than 30 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
Oveer 135 reviews
1600 Hopkins Crossroad
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Phone (952) 473-4530
Toll Free 1-800-656-8450
Fax (952) 544-1308
call us: 952.473.4530
