Avoid Pedestrian Car Accidents in Minnesota

Matthew E. Steinbrink - SiebenCarey "Know Your Rights" AttorneyDecember 07, 2015

Walking.  The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other can be a dangerous proposition when we are trying to cross a roadway or street.  When a car strikes a pedestrian, typically, the unfortunate result is that the injury is more serious, more debilitating, and more more difficult to recover from, if at all.

In the last few weeks, three were killed in pedestrian related car accidents in Minnesota.  One was a 5 year-old boy in Minneapolis struck on Halloween, another a 35 year-old woman struck by a semi truck on interstate 35 near Sandstone, and yet another a 54 year-old woman struck by a car on Highway 95 near Cambridge.    

It is important for drivers to understand their responsibilities when encountering pedestrians on the road.    First, many think crosswalks are only those areas that are marked by the “ladder-type” markings on a roadway, which is  inaccurate.  A crosswalk, by statutory definition, does not need to be marked to be a crosswalk; a crosswalk exists where there is a sidewalk-to-sidewalk crossing at any intersection.  Drivers must anticipate pedestrian traffic and drive safely where any crosswalk exists, whether marked or unmarked.  

When drivers approach an intersection where another vehicle is stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross, drivers approaching from the rear must not pass the stopped vehicle.  The risk presented is that the passing driver may strike a crossing pedestrian.  

Often times, motorists making a left-hand turn present significant risks to pedestrians, in or outside of marked crosswalks.  The reason for this is that the motorist will often be focused on oncoming traffic and forget, or neglect to consider that pedestrians are also crossing at the intersection in front of them.  Additionally, while not strictly pedestrians, drivers will also often neglect to appreciate bicyclists traveling next to them, or near the rear of their vehicle, which results in a left turn into and often over the bicyclist.  

Drivers must maintain an awareness of their surroundings at all times, share the road with pedestrians, and anticipate that pedestrians will be on the road as well.  Whether a crosswalk is marked or unmarked, drivers must yield to pedestrian traffic.  

Please take a moment to consider pedestrians before you get behind the wheel.  Share the road and yield to non-motorist traffic.  The consequences of not acknowledging that others besides fellow drivers share the road with you are substantial.  
 

Client Reviews

out of 200 reviews
St. Paul Local 12

Thanks for everything, your experience paid off BIG!!!

Daniel Ball

Really good professionals, they solved my issues in no time using the most impressive and advanced approach. Really good, highly recommended.

Eric Petoletti

Even though I was states away and could only talk on the phone, they listened and did everything that they could to win my case. I felt like I was a part of the family.

Jenna L. at Insider Pages

I have had nothing but great service with these guys. They are very knowledgable on a wide variety of subjects and topic. They will help you with any case you need!

Morgan Petoletti

My husband had an amazing experience with this firm. They listened and took the time to understand our case.

Carly R.

My boyfriend was hit by a car and while all the attorneys he talked to said he didn't have much chance of a case, SiebenCarey took him on and gave him a fighting chance. He's still recovering, but SiebenCarey is making it a lot easier.

Jesse Bukal

In need of a personal injury attorney? Well you're if you're reading this you're in the right place. You'd be hard pressed to find more competent attorneys than the ones here at SiebenCarey.

They took my case to trial and an amazing job presenting the facts and fighting for my best interests! Three years ago I was unsure of what my future would bring; now that it's over I can rest a bit easier. With SiebenCarey as my counsel, I believe I had the absolute BEST representation a person could've asked for. I knew that I wanted the absolute best representation when searching for an attorney to handle my case and I most definitely received it.

If you need a personal injury attorney, look no further. Can't recommend highly enough.

Renee Goneau

SiebenCarey is a great personal injury law firm that really cares about their clients.  Highly recommend!

Jazz Smith

SiebenCarey is a professional and dedicated law organization that help accident victim.

Henry M Buffalo Jr, Esq
I have practiced law for over 30 years but not in the area of Personal Injury. When it comes to Personal Injury law I refer my family, clients and clients family to SiebenCarey. All of the referrals praise the handling of their case and the results - start to finish. In my humble view SiebenCarey are the best in the state.
Henry M Buffalo Jr, Esq.

Award Winning Know Your Rights Attorneys

Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists

8 Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists, Minnesota Bar Association
3 Board Certified Trial Advocates, National Board of Trial Advocacy.

2022 Super Lawyers

Also awarded in:
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

2022 Best Lawyers in America©

Also awarded in:
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.

2022 U.S. News Best Law Firms

Also awarded in:
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

Attorneys of the Year

5 of our attorneys have been recognized as Attorneys of the Year