A Minneapolis child was struck by a vehicle while crossing 17th Avenue South in Minneapolis and later died from his injuries. Preliminary reports suggest that the child had been dropped off and was crossing the street behind the vehicle that had dropped him off when another vehicle allegedly struck the child while he was in the street.
Pedestrians at Risk in Minneapolis and Throughout Minnesota
According to a report in the Star Tribune, in 2015 there were 60 pedestrians killed in Minnesota – about five per month. This was 19 more deaths than were reported in 2014 and was close to the 61 pedestrian deaths in Minnesota reported in 1991. Pedestrian deaths can come about because of careless or reckless behavior by a driver, such a:
- Speeding through crosswalks or areas where pedestrians are likely to be;
- Driving while distracted by a cellphone, radio, GPS device, or other people in the vehicle; and/or
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
In addition, pedestrians may also contribute to an injury or fatal collision if they:
- Cross a street at a location other than a marked crosswalk or corner;
- Cross a street without first looking for traffic in both directions; and/or
- Cross a street in poor lighting conditions while wearing clothing that is not easily visible.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in North Dakota or Minnesota
If you or a loved one are walking and find yourself involved in a pedestrian accident, your first course of action should be to summon emergency medical assistance and obtain prompt treatment for your injuries. The injuries that you may suffer in a pedestrian accident are such that prompt medical care and treatment can mean the difference between temporary or permanent disabilities and between a speedy or lengthy recovery.
If possible, you should attempt to obtain the name and insurance information from the driver who struck you. If you are involved in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident, have a description of the driver and/or car involved recorded in writing or audibly so that it can be preserved while the description is still fresh in your mind. You may also wish to create a recording of the events leading up to the collision, as well. Be certain, too, to seek prompt law enforcement assistance if you are injured.
Contact a North Dakota and Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away
Tatum O’Brien, Timothy O’Keeffe and Sara Monson are part of the pedestrian collision recovery team of O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys and are committed to helping injured pedestrians and/or the family of pedestrians who are killed at the hands of careless or negligent drivers. This can include obtaining monetary compensation to address your losses, expenses, and injuries sustained in the collision. Reach out to O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys today through the firm’s website or by calling 701-235-8000 or 877-235-8002.
