Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Last updated on June 17, 2026

In accidents involving a car and a pedestrian, the pedestrian almost always suffers the brunt of the harm. After all, motorists have the protection of four walls of steel. Pedestrian injuries frequently include expensive hospital stays, long-term rehabilitative therapy and the loss of earning potential.

Our pedestrian accident lawyer at Keller, Woods & Thompson, P.A., can help you. We assist clients throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin in exploring their legal options following a pedestrian accident. We make sure to protect your rights as we hold the perpetrators accountable for your pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one was struck by a motorist, talk to us today to discuss your options. We offer a free, no-pressure consultation to help you understand what is at stake and what actions are available to you. Call 763-447-4076 or send an email to schedule your conversation.

Why Talk To A Minneapolis-St. Paul Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

If you intend to file a pedestrian accident claim in Minneapolis-St. Paul, talk to an experienced lawyer first. This may be your first trip through the claims process, but it is not ours. We can help you explore your legal options, meet deadlines, gather evidence and much more. The process can feel less overwhelming when you have our experienced team on your side.

Another advantage is that many insurance companies have seen us in court before and may think twice about treating your claim unfairly. We are excellent negotiators, and we will attempt to reach a settlement that covers your medical bills and additional pedestrian accident costs.

If the insurance company presents a lowball offer or operates in bad faith, we are not afraid of litigation and will use our extensive trial experience to hold them accountable.

Choosing a trial-ready firm with proven experience can improve the odds of a fair settlement. When the involved insurers know you have skilled representation, it could encourage them to treat you fairly, as most companies like to avoid litigation. This means you need not accept the first offer you receive – we can help you fight for what you truly deserve after a pedestrian accident leaves you seriously injured.

We can also help you consider the potential injury costs that may arise due to the pedestrian accident. You do not want to overlook long-term medical bills and the loss of current and future income. A pedestrian accident lawyer will help you look into things like:

• Reduced earning capacity
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Mental or emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Ongoing medical expenses
• Disability and disfigurement

There are many areas where you may be able to seek compensation. You may begin with immediate medical bills and lost wages, but it is crucial not to overlook these other costs and financial damages. An empathetic and professional lawyer from Keller, Woods & Thompson, P.A., will help you carefully work through your case to help ensure your pedestrian accident claim reflects all your losses.

Where Does Minnesota Rank In Pedestrian Safety?

Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating types of traffic incidents for victims. When a pedestrian is struck by a car and suffers injuries, the consequences often include long-term medical care, emotional trauma and extreme financial hardship.

Accidents can occur in crosswalks, parking lots or even on sidewalks, and they frequently involve distracted or impaired drivers. Common causes include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding in residential areas
• Failure to yield at crosswalks
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Poor visibility or inadequate signage

Now that you know how pedestrian accidents can occur, you might wonder how serious the problem is in the North Star State. Minnesota ranks near the bottom nationally in terms of the pedestrian accident rate, with only 0.73 fatalities per 100,000 residents.

While these figures suggest a relatively safer environment compared to other states, the numbers tell a more sobering story. Each year, more than 200 people in Minnesota are hit by vehicles while walking. These incidents range from minor injuries to fatal collisions, and they often occur in urban areas like Minneapolis and St. Paul.

From 2015 to 2019, one in nine of those killed or seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash in Minnesota was a pedestrian. In 2025 alone, preliminary data from St. Paul showed 84 pedestrian crashes in just the first half of the year, resulting in 41 injuries and one fatality. These figures highlight the ongoing risks pedestrians face, even in cities with active safety campaigns and infrastructure improvements.

Even with a lower fatality rate, the frequency of pedestrian accidents remains a serious concern in Minnesota. Many victims are children, seniors or individuals using crosswalks legally. The emotional and financial toll on impacted families can be immense, especially when injuries lead to long-term disability or severe loss of income.

Any pedestrian struck by a car or someone involved in a pedestrian hit-and-run accident needs an experienced lawyer by their side. The Minneapolis pedestrian accident lawyers at Keller, Woods & Thompson, P.A., are prepared to advocate for your recovery and hold negligent drivers accountable. A determined attorney can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.

If you are recovering from being hit by a negligent driver while walking throughout Minneapolis or the greater Twin Cities, talk to our experienced personal injury lawyers today. We offer a free consultation and will not pressure you into pursuing actions if you do not want to. Call us at 763-447-4076 or send us an email today to schedule your consult.

What Is The Most Common Injury For Pedestrians?

As we mentioned, pedestrians typically suffer devastating injuries in an accident, even if it did not involve high speeds or a particularly large vehicle. Some common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:

• Fractured bones
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Road rash
• Whiplash
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord trauma
• Amputations
• Paralysis

The circumstances of every car crash vary. No matter the circumstances of your accident, we can help you explore options for both physical and financial recovery.

What Are Catastrophic Injuries In A Minnesota Pedestrian Accident?

In Minnesota pedestrian auto accidents, a catastrophic injury is one that causes permanent or long-term impairment and fundamentally changes a person’s ability to live, work or function independently. Because pedestrians have little protection when struck by vehicles in car accidents, the likelihood of catastrophic harm is significantly higher than in other types of crashes.

Catastrophic injuries are defined not only by their severity but also by their lasting consequences. These injuries often require extensive medical intervention and ongoing care, far beyond what is typically associated with noncatastrophic harm.

Common types of catastrophic injuries in pedestrian accidents include the following conditions:

• Traumatic brain injuries that affect memory, cognition or personality
• Spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or total paralysis
• Amputations or crush injuries requiring surgical removal of limbs
• Severe orthopedic injuries that permanently limit mobility
• Serious internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding

These injuries frequently require emergency surgery, prolonged hospitalization and years of rehabilitation. In some cases, victims may never regain the ability to walk, communicate clearly or perform basic daily tasks without assistance.

The implications of catastrophic injuries are far more significant than those associated with standard injuries. While less severe harm may heal over time, catastrophic injuries often result in permanent disability. This dramatically expands the scope of a personal injury claim, as compensation must reflect long-term and future losses.

Damages in catastrophic injury cases may account for several long-term consequences:

• Lifetime medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Assistive devices and mobility equipment
• Home or vehicle modifications for accessibility
• Loss of current and future earning capacity
• Emotional and psychological impact on the injured person and family

In the most severe pedestrian car accidents, catastrophic injuries may lead to wrongful death, shifting the legal focus to surviving family members and their losses. These cases often involve funeral costs, the loss of financial support and the loss of companionship.

Catastrophic injury cases are also time-sensitive. Minnesota’s statute of limitations applies to pedestrian accident claims, regardless of injury severity. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery, even when injuries are life-altering.

Because catastrophic pedestrian injuries involve complex medical and financial issues, pursuing accountability requires careful documentation and strategic legal action. These cases demand a thorough approach that reflects the full and lasting impact of the harm suffered. A skilled attorney can help present this evidence effectively, protect your rights and pursue compensation that reflects the lifelong impact of catastrophic pedestrian injuries.

The Ongoing Costs Of A Pedestrian Injury Can Be Massive

Pedestrian injuries, often severe and debilitating, can drastically alter lives, imposing ongoing costs and health challenges that extend far beyond the initial incident. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the consequences are frequently catastrophic, leading to extensive medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation and sometimes permanent disability. These injuries impact physical health and disrupt daily life, careers and personal relationships.

These injuries may require comprehensive medical care, multiple surgeries and rehabilitation programs that may span months or even years. During this period, individuals often face profound physical pain and emotional distress, along with financial strain due to medical costs and lost wages from being unable to work.

The aftermath of such accidents can put lives on hold indefinitely. Routine activities become challenging, if not impossible, and quality of life may diminish. The impact often extends beyond the injured to their families, who must provide support and care during recovery. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand the far-reaching costs.

Why Fair Compensation Is So Important After An Injury

Proper compensation is crucial in these situations. Insurance companies, however, often attempt to minimize payouts, leading to additional stress and frustration for victims already dealing with substantial hardship. Adequate compensation covers immediate medical costs and provides for ongoing medical needs, rehabilitation, lost income and the long-term effects on quality of life.

For pedestrian accident victims, receiving fair compensation is not just about financial recovery but also about restoring dignity and gaining the ability to rebuild their lives. Compensation enables access to the best possible medical care and support services, helping victims regain independence and pursue a meaningful future despite their challenges.

Securing fair compensation can empower you to focus on recovery without additional financial burdens to reclaim your life and build your future with dignity and security.

The Impact Of Distracted Driving On Pedestrian Safety

There are many causes of pedestrian accidents, including speeding, road rage, drunk driving and drowsiness. One of the fastest-growing causes of serious and fatal pedestrian accidents, however, is distracted driving. Distracted driving occurs whenever a driver:

• Takes their eyes away from the road
• Takes their hands off the wheel
• Takes their focus away from driving

A driver who does even one of these three actions is more likely to cause injuries to others; doing all three actions at the same time drastically increases the odds of a pedestrian accident. A few examples of driving distractions that can endanger pedestrians include:

• Browsing social media or texting while behind the wheel
• Focusing on music, radio hosts or sports broadcasts
• Adjusting a seat or mirrors while in motion
• Adjusting makeup, hair or clothing while driving
• Daydreaming while driving

Inattentive drivers are more likely to run through traffic signals. They may collide with pedestrians crossing the street at marked crosswalks. Pedestrians injured by distracted drivers can experience long-term disabilities that require multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, long-term medical treatment and the use of medical equipment. Medical care does not always guarantee that a victim will fully recover from their injuries. As a result, a victim may experience financial strain from mounting medical costs and a loss of work due to a disability.

Pedestrians injured by distracted drivers can sue liable parties for the cost of injuries and other financial losses. The first step in this successful legal process is to contact emergency services for help.

The police and paramedics should arrive at the accident scene to complete a police and medical report. A police report is crucial. The report can outline how the accident occurred. Often it can note whether the motorist was driving distracted at the time of a collision. Video evidence and witness statements can also attest to a driver’s actions before a collision.

One of the most important steps to take after a pedestrian accident is to talk to a pedestrian accident lawyer. We can help injured pedestrians hold distracted drivers responsible. With a successful pedestrian accident case, victims can recover damages for their medical expenses, lost wages, funeral costs and emotional turmoil.

Help Identifying The Responsible Party In Pedestrian Accidents

When a pedestrian is injured by a negligent driver, determining who is responsible is essential to help ensure the injured party receives the compensation they deserve. The aftermath of pedestrian accidents can be serious, with victims suffering from spinal cord injuries, broken bones and other severe injuries that require extensive medical care and recovery time.

At Keller, Woods & Thompson, P.A., our pedestrian accident lawyer is dedicated to advocating for injured pedestrians and pursuing every possible source of compensation to meet your needs. Legal representation can help ensure the responsible party or their insurer pays for the fallout of an accident, such as medical costs and lost wages.

Recovery after a pedestrian accident can involve surgeries, physical therapy and modifications to living arrangements, among other unexpected costs. The responsible driver’s insurance is an essential avenue for seeking damages. However, obtaining fair compensation can be challenging without a dedicated pedestrian accident attorney who can help streamline the process, improving the odds of a favorable outcome.

Our pedestrian accident lawyer understands the tactics insurance companies use to limit their liability, and knows how to counter them. We will gather and present strong evidence, including police reports, medical records and witness statements, to establish fault. If the driver’s negligence led to your accident, we will not stop until their insurance covers your losses.

Additionally, our personal injury lawyers can have the insurance adjusters fully account for the long-term impacts of severe injuries, considering immediate medical bills and future expenses related to pain management, physical therapy or disability accommodations.

Working with Keller, Woods & Thompson, P.A., means having a reliable advocate who will prioritize your physical and financial well-being above all else. Our team’s knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorneys will even handle communications with involved insurance companies, allowing you to focus on recovery.

If negotiations do not yield fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate aggressively for the damages you are owed. By holding negligent drivers accountable, we help injured pedestrians secure the resources they need to rebuild their lives and move forward with peace of mind.

What To Do After A Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident

In Minneapolis, accidents involving pedestrians at crosswalks are unfortunately not uncommon. Knowing what to do immediately after the incident can protect your health and legal rights.

Here is what you should do after a Minneapolis pedestrian accident:

• Get medical attention immediately: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel okay at first, some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately obvious. Call 911 or have someone else do it, and do not refuse help from emergency responders.
• Stay at the scene: Do not leave until you have spoken to the police and emergency teams. Staying put allows you to provide your statement and receive proper care.
• Exchange information with the other driver: Get their name, contact details, license plate number and insurance information. This will be important if you file a claim or lawsuit later.
• Get contact information from any eyewitnesses: If you were walking with someone who was not hurt, have them gather names, phone numbers or statements from bystanders who saw what happened. Witness accounts can help prove who the at-fault party is.
• Take photos and videos: Capture the scene from different angles, including street signs, traffic signals, skid marks and any injuries or damage to personal belongings. If you are unable to do this, ask someone nearby for help.
• File an accident report with law enforcement: Tell the police everything you remember about the incident. The official report can later be used as evidence to determine liability and support your injury claim.
• Avoid admitting fault: Emotions run high after an accident, but even saying “I did not see the car” can be used against you. Let the facts speak for themselves.
• Keep track of your medical care: Save all hospital records, prescriptions and receipts. These will be vital when calculating damages and compensation.

After taking these steps, working with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney is important. Legal cases involving injured pedestrians at crosswalks can be complex, especially when proving the fault party and dealing with the motor vehicle driver’s insurance company.

Our pedestrian accident lawyer can guide you through the process, protect your rights and help ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Do Not Let Insurance Companies Bully You After A Pedestrian Accident

Younger pedestrians in Minneapolis and St. Paul struck by a vehicle face aggressive pressure from adjusters. Many young people, including students, feel overwhelmed when an adjuster assumes they will accept an inadequate offer. If you have been searching for a pedestrian accident attorney near you, we can protect your rights during this stressful period.

Students struck while walking near the U of M campus worry about missed shifts, medical bills and the cost of treatment. These concerns intensify for those already balancing tuition, housing and academic demands. When a Minneapolis pedestrian is hit by a car, injuries interrupt daily life. The financial strain can escalate quickly.

Insurance companies may lowball younger victims because they believe students will settle. Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys have seen many tactics designed to minimize payouts.

These tactics often ignore the lasting impact of orthopedic injuries, head trauma, spinal damage and mobility limitations. Many students also struggle to secure reliable transportation during recovery, which can further disrupt their life and academic progress.

Our team understands the hidden toll that follows a serious pedestrian collision, including reduced class attendance, delayed graduation or diminished earning potential. Our pedestrian accident lawyers evaluate these factors carefully to help ensure your claim reflects all your losses. We also consider how recurring medical needs, such as follow-up imaging or extended therapy, may affect your long-term financial stability.

Why Younger Pedestrians Are Especially Vulnerable

Younger pedestrians often face unique challenges after a crash. Examples of what you may face include:

• Pressure to return to work quickly even when medical providers recommend rest
• Difficulty managing medical appointments while maintaining academic responsibilities
• Limited financial resources that make low settlement offers appear more appealing
• Uncertainty about long-term recovery when injuries affect mobility or concentration

These issues can influence the value of your claim. A dedicated lawyer for pedestrian accident cases can help you understand how each factor affects your future.

You should not have to choose between your health and your education. If you are a student navigating recovery while trying to stay on track academically, you deserve strong legal support. We stand between you and the insurer, helping make certain you are treated fairly and respectfully.

How Does Minnesota’s No-Fault Insurance Work If You Are A Pedestrian Hit By A Car?

In Minnesota, the injured party’s own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance can financially cover any accident that involves a motor vehicle. This ‘no-fault’ system ensures prompt compensation not only for the policyholder’s injuries but also for their passengers, household members and any pedestrian that was struck by their vehicle.

For example, if you were a pedestrian who got hit by a car in Minnesota, you can file a PIP benefit claim with your own insurance company with no repercussions to your premiums, as you were not responsible for the accident. This benefit can pay for important early losses, including your medical bills, lost income and replacement services such as household cleaning, childcare, laundry and yard maintenance — capped at certain limits.

Here is the order of your potential access to auto coverage.

• Your own PIP policy: If you own a car and a PIP policy, your own insurance provider handles your initial medical bills and lost wages.
• Your household’s PIP policy: If you do not own a car but one of the family members you live with does, you are covered by their PIP policy.
• The at-fault vehicle’s policy: If neither you nor anyone in your household owns a car, you may claim PIP benefits from the insurance company of the driver who hit you.
• The Minnesota Automobile Assigned Claims Bureau (MAACB): As a last resort, if the striking driver is uninsured and you have no household auto policies, you may recover benefits through the MAACB.

Because most pedestrian accidents lead to serious injuries, a standard $20,000 PIP benefit for medical costs may not be sufficient for your necessary expenses. A knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, can efficiently assess your situation and carefully inform you of all your available options.

For instance, if any of your required medical expenses exceed $4,000, or if the crash has caused you permanent disfigurement, permanent disability or a disability lasting 60 days or longer, you can seek additional compensation for your damages by suing the at-fault motorist for pain and suffering.

Stepping Beyond Pedestrian Accident PIP After Serious Injuries

Pedestrian accident PIP is usually the first layer of recovery, but in serious cases, an injured pedestrian may be able to bring a claim against the at-fault driver outside the no-fault system.

Minnesota law requires an injured person to meet a legal threshold before pursuing certain damages from the driver who caused the crash. That threshold may be met when medical expenses exceed $4,000, when the pedestrian suffers a permanent injury or when the injury causes 60 or more days of disability.

Always Standing Up For You – Never Giving Up: Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Through every step of your case, we prioritize your best interests. Even against the most powerful of insurance companies, our skilled lawyers do not settle for the first offer. We will not hesitate to take your claim to court if that is the best method for recovering maximum compensation for your damages.

You can hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Our experienced legal team can help. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, contact our office location in Minneapolis. We can also travel to meet you if you do not live in the Twin Cities metro area. To reach us, call 763-447-4076 today or send us an email online.