Minnesota Pedestrian Accident Compensation For Out Of State College Students

Heading off to college is one of life’s biggest milestones, and for some students that adventure takes them out of state and far away from their family. Minnesota has a wonderful higher education system filled with students from all over the world, so odds are you’ll see people from all different walks of life if you head to a nearby campus. You may also notice that campus and the nearby roadways can be a hectic place, especially when class is about to begin or right after it is let out.

Every year, we field some calls from college students who have been struck by a driver or a moped while they were on their way to or from class, and oftentimes they aren’t sure where to turn because their families are hundreds of miles away. Below, we explain why we can be your ally if you are an out of state college student who was injured in a Minnesota pedestrian accident.

Pedestrian Accidents Involving College Students

Minnesota is considered a No Fault state when it comes to automobile accidents, and that includes incidents where you are not driving but you are struck by a vehicle. This means that you will file an injury claim with your automobile insurance provider, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. That means if you were texting and you were struck while crossing the road, or the driver was texting and didn’t see you crossing the road, you’ll first file a No Fault claim through your automobile insurance provider.

If you’re a college student, odds are you are still covered under your parent’s automobile policy, so that’s where you will file. However, if you have your own vehicle and your own insurance, you’ll file through that agency. Either way, if you are collecting No Fault injury compensation through an automobile insurance provider, most cases will allow you to pursue up to $20,000 in compensation for medical bills.

But what if your medical bills exceed $20,000, or the other driver was negligent in their actions and was at fault for your accident? In these cases, you may opt to seek additional compensation by taking out a personal injury claim against the driver. In these situations, and even in cases where medical expenses do not exceed $20,000, it’s imperative that you have a personal injury lawyer by your side to assist with the process.

Why You Need An Attorney

If you’re a college student who has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you need a lawyer by your side. You can feel like you’re without an ally if your family lives in another state, and this can lead you to make poor decisions because you don’t have someone nearby who can provide you with helpful advice. But it’s not just about advice, you need someone who is going to put together a strong claim and get the compensation you deserve while you focus on your health and your schooling.

It’s also important to realize that the driver’s insurance company will have a team of lawyers on their side, so you’re going to have an uphill battle if you’re trying to collect compensation on your own. Don’t try to take on a team of attorneys on your own while you’re injured and trying to keep up with school. Let us go to work for you and put together the strongest claim possible.

And finally, don’t think that you can’t afford an attorney because you’re a broke college student. Personal injury awards are typically handled on a percentage basis, meaning your lawyer gets paid a portion of your winnings, so you’re not going to have to fork out a bunch of money only to have your claim denied. In fact, this means that a lawyer has a vested interest in getting you the biggest payday possible, because the more you take home, the more they take home.

So if you want to learn more about your compensation options if you are struck by a driver on your way to class, let us be your local expert. Reach out to Dean and the team at Margolis Law Firm today at (952) 230-2700 for more information.