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Minot Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Experienced legal representation for residents of North Dakota after a pedestrian accident
Pedestrian accidents here in North Dakota can result in serious, life-altering injuries or even fatalities. Whether a pedestrian is crossing the street, walking in a parking lot, or just strolling down the sidewalk, they are vulnerable to negligent and reckless drivers. When a car, truck, or motorcycle strikes a person, their injuries can be severe due to the lack of protection as compared to someone inside a vehicle.
If you or a loved one suffered injury in a pedestrian accident, you are likely facing significant medical bills, time lost from work, and emotional and physical trauma. At Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming this situation can be. We’re here to help. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries, pain and suffering.
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How often do pedestrian accidents happen in North Dakota?
The Governor’s Highway Safety Association reports that 7,318 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023 across the country. They also note that “with few exceptions, U.S. pedestrian fatalities have increased steadily between 2010 and 2022, with only small decreases in 2013, 2107, and 2019.” And “between 2010 and 2022, pedestrian deaths have gone up a shocking 77% compared to a 22% increase for all other traffic fatalities.”
North Dakota saw ten pedestrian fatalities in 2023, up four from 2022.
What types of injuries happen in Minot pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrian accidents can lead to serious injuries because pedestrians don’t have the same protection as drivers or passengers in cars. Here are some of the most common injuries we see in these accidents:
- Head injuries. Pedestrians can suffer from concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or skull fractures if they hit their head in a collision. Even a minor hit to the head can have long-lasting effects.
- Broken bones. The force of being hit by a vehicle can easily break bones. Common fractures include legs, arms, ribs, and collarbones. These can take weeks or even months to heal.
- Spinal cord injuries. Pedestrians can suffer from back or neck injuries, including herniated discs or spinal cord damage. In the worst cases, this can lead to partial or full paralysis.
- Internal injuries. The impact of a pedestrian accident can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs like the liver or lungs. These injuries might not be visible right away but can be life-threatening.
- Cuts and bruises. While they might seem less severe, deep cuts or bruises from glass or the impact of the car can still cause significant pain and scarring.
- Soft tissue injuries. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be stretched or torn in a pedestrian accident. Whiplash is a common example of this, causing pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
Pedestrian accidents can be incredibly serious, so it’s important to seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries don’t seem bad at first.
Free Case Evaluation
Call 701-484-4878 now or fill out the form above to receive a free confidential consultation.
What are the common causes of Minot pedestrian accidents?
Minot pedestrian accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but some causes are more common than others. Here are a few of the most typical causes:
- Distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or not paying attention to the road can easily miss seeing pedestrians, leading to accidents.
- Speeding. When drivers go too fast, they have less time to react to pedestrians crossing the street. Speeding also makes accidents more dangerous, as the impact is much greater.
- Failure to yield. Some drivers fail to yield the right of way at crosswalks or intersections, which can lead to pedestrians being struck.
- Poor visibility. Bad weather, darkness, or even poorly lit streets can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Accidents are more likely to happen in these low-visibility situations.
- Drunk driving. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of hitting a pedestrian.
- Left turns at intersections. Drivers making left turns may focus on other vehicles and fail to see pedestrians crossing the street, leading to a collision.
Understanding the common causes can help pedestrians stay more aware, but drivers also need to be responsible and stay alert to prevent these accidents.
How do you determine fault in a Minot pedestrian accident?
Determining fault in a Minot pedestrian accident can be tricky, but there are a few key things we look at to figure out who is responsible:
- Traffic laws. One of the first things we check is whether the driver was breaking any traffic laws. If the driver ran a red light, for example, that can help us determine who is at fault.
- Right of way. Pedestrians usually have the right of way in crosswalks, but outside of crosswalks, it can get more complicated. We look at where the pedestrian was walking and whether the driver failed to yield when they should have.
- Police reports. If the police come to the scene, they’ll create a report that includes their findings. This report can include witness statements, the officer’s observations, and sometimes even a determination of fault.
- Eyewitness accounts. Witnesses who saw the accident can provide important details about what happened. Their statements can help clear up who had the right of way or whether someone was distracted or speeding.
- Surveillance footage. In some cases, we can get footage from nearby security cameras or dashcams that show exactly how the accident happened. This can be one of the most solid pieces of evidence when determining fault.
- Driver and pedestrian behavior. We also look at whether the driver or pedestrian was distracted (like texting), under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or driving aggressively. These behaviors can point to who is responsible.
Fault can sometimes be shared between both the driver and pedestrian, which is why it’s important to gather all the facts to get a clear picture of what happened. Fortunately, even if you are partly at fault, you can still recover compensation in North Dakota.
Do you have a Minot pedestrian accident attorney near me?
Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers handles complex injury cases for clients throughout North Dakota. Our Minot office is located at 1020 North Broadway, Minot, ND 58703. You can call us anytime at 701-353-2169. If you are too injured to come to our offices, we can make alternative arrangements.
Skilled Minot pedestrian accident lawyers fighting for your rights
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Minot, don’t wait to get the help you need. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers are here to investigate your case, determine fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, we are ready to stand by you every step of the way. Call our Minot office or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We also provide legal representation to the residents of Ward, Williams, McKenzie, Pierce and Mountrail Counties.