With its historic landmarks and neighborhoods, walking around St. Paul, Minnesota is a great experience. However, getting hit by a vehicle while walking in the city is more common than you think.
According to the Saint Paul Police Department, hundreds of pedestrian accidents in St. Paul were recorded between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, 2024. Among these accidents involved vehicle crashes (115). Almost 60 injuries were recorded and 2 fatalities.
Improper crossings are just one reason pedestrians get injured or face deadly situations. No one wants to experience these accidents. But it is still important to know your rights as a pedestrian.
In this guide, we will help you familiarize yourself with the laws protecting pedestrians in St. Paul, the common causes of accidents, and what you should do to protect yourself legally. Here at ASK GARY, it’s our goal to make sure you’re connected with the right professionals so you can get the medical and legal assistance you need.
Understanding Your Rights as Pedestrian
Since pedestrian accidents in St. Paul are quite common, you should understand your rights before walking around the city—especially if you’re just a visitor. Thankfully, Minnesota has laws that give pedestrians specific protections.
Drivers Need to Yield to Pedestrians
The Minnesota Statute 169.21 states drivers must stop for pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. This means you’re the priority at intersections or designated crosswalks. But you’re still responsible for following traffic signals.
What If You’re Partially at Fault?
In St. Paul and other parts of Minnesota, there’s a “modified comparative negligence” rule (aka the 51% Bar Rule). With this rule, pedestrians who are less than 51% at fault can recover damages or get compensation. However, your compensation will still depend on your fault percentage.
How Long Can You File a Claim?
Generally Minnesota allows two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. In some cases, this deadline can be extended to six years or more.
You Still Have Responsibilities
Although there are laws protecting you from motorists, you should still obey traffic signals and be sure to cross when it’s safe and clear. You also need to use sidewalks when available. If possible use reflective gear when walking at night or wear visible clothes. But there will be instances when an accident happens no matter how careful you are. If you need a pedestrian accident attorney, call 1-800-ASK-GARY®. We’ll assist you.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in St. Paul?
There are many reasons why pedestrian accidents in St. Paul happen. Knowing the common causes can help you walk safely around the city.
Distracted Driving
One of the main reasons why pedestrian accidents happen is because of distracted driving. Using your phone, having loud conversations, or even eating while driving can cause an inability to focus on what’s in front of you. This leads to not observing traffic signs or pedestrians crossing a street.
Failure to Yield
Many drivers fail to yield to pedestrians because of distracted driving. If a driver fails to yield or ignores traffic signs and rules pedestrians are left vulnerable to serious harm.
Speeding
Speeding is another main reason why pedestrian accidents happen. If a vehicle is speeding it is more difficult to stop despite having already seen a pedestrian from a distance.
Impaired Driving
Drinking alcohol or using drugs can slow a driver’s reaction time and can affect their judgment, especially in critical times. Impaired drivers are more likely to misjudge crossing times or miss pedestrians.
Poor Visibility
Fog, rain, and other weather conditions that affect visibility can also lead to pedestrian accidents. This is why it is recommended to wear bright clothes or reflective gear at night as well as on rainy or foggy days.
Injuries That Can Happen After Pedestrian Accident
Serious injuries—some can even change your life forever—can happen to people involved in pedestrian accidents in St. Paul. Knowing the possible injuries you could suffer from can help your family prepare for recovery and be familiar with the correct legal steps.
- Soft tissue damage: sprains, strains, or deep cuts
- Broken bones: leg, arm, or rib fractures
- Spinal cord injuries: spine injuries can lead to paralysis, chronic pain, and nerve damage
- Internal injuries: lungs or liver damages
- Head and brain injuries: TBIs (traumatic brain injuries), concussions, or skull fractures
- Psychological effects: PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or anxiety
If some of these injuries happen to you after a pedestrian accident, call 1-800-ASK-GARY. We’ll connect you with qualified medical professionals right away.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Experiencing a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. But despite this, you should take action to ensure your safety and hold those responsible accountable.
1. Seek Medical Help Right Away
If you are having difficulty acquiring medical assistance, call 1-800-ASK-GARY® (1-866-939-4794). We’re available 24/7. Our representatives are always ready to assist and connect you with the right medical professionals.
2. Contact the Police
If you can, contact the local authorities and always file a police report. This will be important to determine who’s at fault and for filing insurance claims.
3. Gather Important Evidence
If your injuries aren’t too serious, take photos of the accident scene. Pictures should include your injuries, the vehicle, and the place of the accident. Also, request the contact information of witnesses and the driver involved.
Of course, you will likely file a legal case against the driver. To strengthen your lawsuit, gather statements from witnesses, keep all your medical records, and adhere to legal deadlines.
Got Into a Pedestrian Accident? ASK GARY
Dealing with the injuries caused by pedestrian accidents in St. Paul is difficult. It also may be difficult to hold those responsible for the incident accountable. At ASK GARY, our goal is to make things easier and less stressful for you.Our helpline is available 24/7 to connect you and other accident victims with trusted professionals. Whether you need medical care or legal guidance, we can find the right expert for your needs. Contact us today and take the first step to recovery.
