As a pedestrian, you have the right of way in designated crosswalks and intersections, whether marked or unmarked. This right means vehicles must yield to you when crossing the street.
If a driver hits you, it can affect many areas of your life. Understanding your legal rights is important to getting the compensation you deserve.
Responsibilities of drivers and pedestrians
Several laws define the rights and obligations of pedestrians and motorists in Minnesota.
- Motorists have to yield to pedestrians at all intersections
- Vehicles must remain stopped until the person crosses the driver’s lane
- Pedestrians cannot leave a curb if a car is too close to yield
- Pedestrians need to obey traffic signals
Generally, the laws put more responsibility on drivers in these situations. Motorists are operating heavy machinery that can cause severe injuries or death to a person if they collide with them.
Rights of pedestrians
Drivers must operate vehicles safely and responsibly. You can file a lawsuit if someone injures you due to reckless driving. Minnesota follows a comparative fault rule, meaning you can still file for an injury award, even if you are partly to blame for the accident. In these cases, the court reduces your settlement by the percentage that you were at fault.
You may be able to receive compensation for medical care expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages. To recover these costs, you need to establish that the driver was at fault for the accident. This process typically involves showing that the driver acted negligently.
You have two years from when your accident happens to file a personal injury claim in Minnesota. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case.
Getting hit by a car can be a traumatic experience with many serious consequences. Understanding your legal rights can help you manage the legal process and get the settlement you need so that you can focus on your recovery.