Minnesota Pedestrian Deaths Up Again In 2010

Joe Crumley, a partner at our firm, wrote about the 2009 spike in pedestrian deaths with :

Crosswalk Mayhem – 2009 Pedestrian Deaths Spike, Joe Crumley | October 01, 2009 8:09 PM

Unfortunately, the number of people getting hit in 2010 is running ahead of the 2009 numbers. 18 Minnesotans have been hit and killed as of the end of May, last year the number was 11.

As a reminder cars need to yield to Pedestrians. Think about it, you are driving a big piece of metal, they are unprotected. It’s the law:

Start Yielding For Crosswalks, Mike Bryant | July 27, 2009 9:48 AM

Concerning coverage questions we often get: A pedestrian, will be covered for no fault benefits under their own policy, as a resident relative in their home or if they have no coverage, by the No Fault from the car they were hit by. If there is no coverage on the car, the bills may then go to the assigned claims bureau for coverage.

Beyond No Fault , the question of liability concerning the cars actions and those of the pedestrian will need to determined. Early investigation may be necessary to make these determinations.

Our firm has looked at a lot of these cases. If a person isn’t in a crosswalk, there can be additional issues, but that doesn’t just allow any car to run the person down. It is so very important to talk to witnesses and find out what happened.

When crossing the street Askacop.com makes the following suggestions:

• Find a safe place to cross

• Look both ways when crossing

• Keep looking while crossing

• For car, make sure you see pedestrians.