MN Bar #0402606Se Habla Español5.0 ★ Google Rating

Pedestrian Accident Litigation

Pedestrians struck by vehicles suffer devastating injuries with no physical protection. Andrade Law represents injured pedestrians across Ramsey County — holding negligent drivers accountable and recovering compensation for medical costs, lost income, and lasting harm.

Free Case Review (651) 800-1313

Free Consultation: No fees unless we win your case. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This information is for educational purposes only.

Quick Summary

What You Need to Know

Pedestrian accident claims in Minnesota involve unique insurance rules and often catastrophic injuries. Here is what matters most:

  • Pedestrians struck by vehicles can access the driver’s no-fault insurance for initial medical and wage benefits
  • Full third-party claims for pain and suffering require meeting Minnesota’s tort threshold
  • Injuries are typically severe — fractures, TBI, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries are common
  • Minnesota’s comparative fault may reduce but does not eliminate recovery if you share some responsibility
  • You generally have 6 years to file — but scene evidence and witness memories disappear fast

Time-Sensitive?

Act quickly if:

  • The driver’s insurer is contacting you before you have medical documentation
  • The driver fled the scene (hit-and-run) and evidence is at risk
  • Traffic camera or surveillance footage from the area may be overwritten
  • You are unsure which insurance covers your medical bills
Call Now: (651) 800-1313

Available 24/7 • Free consultation

24/7
Availability
$0
Upfront Costs*

How Crashes Happen

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in St. Paul

Most pedestrian accidents in the Twin Cities are caused by driver negligence, not pedestrian error. Understanding the cause of your crash directly shapes liability analysis and the strength of your legal claim.

  • Failure to yield at crosswalks — drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks under Minnesota law
  • Distracted driving — phone use, GPS navigation, and other distractions prevent drivers from seeing pedestrians
  • Speeding in residential and urban zones — higher speeds dramatically increase both the likelihood and severity of pedestrian injuries
  • Left turns at intersections — drivers focused on oncoming traffic often fail to see pedestrians in the crosswalk
  • Drunk or impaired driving — impaired reaction time and judgment make collisions with pedestrians far more likely (see our DUI injury page)
  • Backing up in parking lots — low-speed collisions that still cause serious injuries, particularly to children and the elderly
Attorney Gabe Andrade, Minnesota personal injury lawyer

Your Attorney

Gabe Andrade

Minnesota Personal Injury Attorney

Gabriel E. Andrade brings a personal commitment to every case. As a dedicated personal injury attorney serving the Greater Twin Cities, Gabe combines legal expertise with genuine compassion for clients facing difficult times.

MN Bar #0402606
5.0 ★ Google Rating
Se Habla Español
Available 24/7

Professional Associations

Minnesota State Bar Association Ramsey County Bar Association Hennepin County Bar Association Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association Hispanic National Bar Association Minnesota Association for Justice

Injury Impact

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrians have no physical protection in a vehicle collision. Even low-speed impacts can cause catastrophic harm. The most common injuries we see in pedestrian cases include:

Broken Bones and Fractures

Leg, hip, pelvis, and arm fractures are the most common pedestrian crash injuries. Many require surgical repair with plates, screws, or rods, followed by months of rehabilitation. Compound fractures carry significant infection risk.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head strikes against the vehicle or pavement cause concussions, contusions, and severe TBIs. Even “mild” TBIs can produce lasting cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes. See our brain injury page for more.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The force of a vehicle impact can fracture or dislocate vertebrae, damaging the spinal cord. Results range from chronic pain to partial or complete paralysis. See our spinal cord injury page for details on these claims.

Internal and Soft Tissue Injuries

Internal bleeding, organ damage, torn ligaments, and severe contusions may not be immediately apparent after a pedestrian crash. Delayed symptoms are common, which is why immediate medical evaluation is critical.

Building Your Case

How Andrade Law Proves Liability

Pedestrian accident cases require swift evidence collection and thorough investigation. Andrade Law follows a structured process to establish driver negligence and document the full extent of your injuries.

1

Secure Police and Crash Reports

We immediately obtain the police report, which documents the officer’s observations, witness statements, traffic citations, and preliminary fault assessment. For hit-and-run incidents, we work with law enforcement to identify the driver using surveillance footage and witness descriptions.

2

Collect Video and Physical Evidence

Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, dashcam recordings, and doorbell cameras often capture the collision. We send preservation letters before footage is overwritten. Physical evidence at the scene — skid marks, vehicle damage patterns, debris fields — helps reconstruct crash dynamics.

3

Retain Accident Reconstruction Experts

Accident reconstructionists analyze vehicle speed, point of impact, pedestrian trajectory, and driver sight lines. This expert analysis establishes exactly how the crash occurred and who bears responsibility — critical when the driver disputes the facts.

4

Document Injuries and Future Needs

Medical experts document injury severity, treatment history, and projected future care needs. Life care planners estimate lifetime costs for ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and assistive devices. This documentation supports both current damages and future compensation claims.

5

Negotiate or Litigate for Maximum Recovery

We present comprehensive demand packages to all insurers and pursue every available coverage source. When insurers refuse fair compensation, we file suit and take the case through discovery and trial to maximize your recovery.

Damages

Compensation Pedestrians Can Recover

Pedestrian accident victims are entitled to the full range of personal injury damages under Minnesota law. Because pedestrian injuries tend to be severe, these claims often carry substantial value:

Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation

Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, occupational therapy, prescription medication, and projected future medical care. Pedestrian injuries frequently require multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation programs.

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

Income lost during recovery and diminished ability to earn in the future. Severe pedestrian injuries — particularly TBIs, spinal cord damage, and amputations — can permanently reduce or eliminate earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering Damages

Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life. Pedestrian accident victims often experience ongoing psychological trauma including fear of walking near roads. See our pain and suffering litigation page for how these damages are quantified.

Permanent Disability and Disfigurement

Compensation for lasting physical impairment, scarring, amputation, and other permanent changes that affect your ability to function and your quality of life. Minnesota has no statutory cap on these damages.

Emotional Distress

Being struck by a vehicle is a profoundly traumatic experience. PTSD, anxiety about walking near roads, nightmares, and depression are common and compensable. See our emotional distress page for more.

Insurance Rules

Insurance Coverage for Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in Minnesota trigger a unique combination of insurance coverages. Understanding these options ensures you access every available source of compensation:

  • Driver’s no-fault (PIP) insurance — covers medical expenses and wage losses up to policy limits regardless of fault
  • Third-party liability claim — pursue the at-fault driver for full damages including pain and suffering (requires meeting tort threshold)
  • UM/UIM coverage — your own auto policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the driver lacks adequate insurance
  • Household auto policies — even if you were not in a vehicle, auto policies in your household may provide additional coverage

No-fault for pedestrians: Under Minnesota law, if you are struck by a vehicle while walking, the driver’s no-fault insurance covers your medical and wage-loss benefits. You do not need your own auto insurance to access these benefits. However, to pursue pain and suffering damages, your injuries must meet Minnesota’s tort threshold — $4,000 or more in medical expenses, permanent injury, disfigurement, or 60 or more days of disability. Visit our no-fault insurance page for details. If the driver was uninsured, see our motorist insurance claims page.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue if I was jaywalking when I was hit? +

Yes. Minnesota uses a comparative fault system, which means your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover as long as your fault does not exceed 50%. Even if you were jaywalking, the driver still had a duty to watch for pedestrians and avoid a collision. Andrade Law works to minimize your fault allocation and maximize your recovery.

What if the driver who hit me left the scene? +

Hit-and-run pedestrian cases are pursued through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. We also work with law enforcement to identify the driver using surveillance footage, traffic cameras, witness statements, and vehicle debris evidence. If the driver is identified, their liability insurance becomes available for your claim.

Do I need my own car insurance to recover as a pedestrian? +

No. Under Minnesota law, the driver’s no-fault insurance covers medical and wage-loss benefits for pedestrians they strike. However, having your own auto policy with UM/UIM coverage provides additional protection — particularly if the driver is uninsured or underinsured. Andrade Law reviews all available coverage sources to maximize your recovery.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Minnesota? +

The statute of limitations for personal injury in Minnesota is generally 6 years from the date of the accident (Minn. Stat. § 541.05). Claims against government entities (such as a city bus driver) may have much shorter notice periods. Prompt legal action ensures evidence is preserved — surveillance footage, witness memories, and physical scene evidence degrade rapidly.

What is Minnesota’s tort threshold for pedestrian claims? +

To pursue a third-party claim for pain and suffering beyond no-fault benefits, your injury must meet one of these criteria: $4,000 or more in medical expenses, permanent injury, permanent disfigurement, or 60 or more days of disability. Most pedestrian accident injuries meet this threshold because vehicle-pedestrian collisions typically cause severe harm. Andrade Law evaluates your injuries to confirm threshold eligibility.

Free Pedestrian Accident Consultation

Andrade Law — Saint Paul. No fees unless we win your case.

(651) 800-1313Contact Andrade Law

This page is general information, not legal advice. Every case depends on its facts. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Reviewed by:
Last updated: