Pedestrian Accidents Often Peak In December In Minnesota

You need to be hyperaware of your surroundings as a pedestrian when crossing city streets and roads, especially as we enter the month of December. That’s because December has historically been one of the most dangerous months for pedestrians throughout the state. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at why December can be such a dangerous month for Minnesota pedestrians, and we explain what you should do if you or a loved one is involved in a vehicle-pedestrian collision this winter.

Why Pedestrian Accident Peak During The Holidays

December can be a particularly dangerous time for pedestrians in Minnesota for a number of reasons. For starters, we lose daylight hours until middle-to-late December, meaning that visibility tends to be at its worst for most of the month. If you work until 5 p.m. like many Minnesotans, you know that it’s quite dark when you leave the office, and that visibility only decreases as the night goes on. If vehicles can’t see you, they won’t stop for you.

Another issue that tends to contribute to pedestrian accidents is poor weather conditions. Rain, sleet and snow can also contribute to visibility issues, and it can also increase stopping time for vehicles. Not only is it harder to see pedestrians in poor weather conditions, but it can also be harder to stop in time once they become visible. December tends to have more of a wintry mix of weather compared to January or February, and these changing conditions can make it harder to see pedestrians crossing walkways.

December can also be a dangerous time for pedestrians because many Minnesotans are still out and about during the holiday season. Whether they are getting in a few more outdoor exercises before the subzero temperatures hit or they are walking around different shopping districts, December tends to have more foot traffic than other winter months. This pales in comparison to the warmer months, but when you combine it with weather and daylight issues, it’s easy to see how December can be a problematic month for pedestrians.

The data backs up this assertion as well. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, December has been a very dangerous month for pedestrians in recent years. There were more pedestrian deaths in December in 2023 than any other month of the year, and December was tied for the most pedestrian deaths in 2022. Don’t become another statistic this winter.

If You’re Injured As A Pedestrian

If you or someone you love are injured in a pedestrian accident in Minnesota, there are some specific steps you’ll want to follow to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Here’s what you’ll want to do:

Get Medical Assistance – If you’re going to be pursuing a personal injury lawsuit to help offset the cost of your medical expenses or lost wages, you’ll need to undergo a medical exam. Of course, if you’ve been struck by a moving vehicle, there’s a good chance you’re going to have significant injuries that warrant a doctor’s attention. But if you are even considering seeking compensation, a professional medical evaluation is needed.

Collect Information – If possible, collect as much information about the accident and the driver as possible. Your medical needs take priority, but if a witness can take pictures of the scene or get the driver’s information, it can make proving your injury claim much easier.

Contact A Lawyer – Finally, the best thing you can do to ensure you win your case and maximize your award is to connect with a lawyer. We will put our professional experience to work for you while you focus on your health and your family. Putting together a strong injury claim is difficult enough without trying to overcome major injuries at the same time. There are deadlines to meet and paperwork that needs to be completed, and we can ensure those requirements are met and a strong case is made to the insurance company. The insurance company will have lawyers in their corner, and you need to have a professional you can lean on throughout the process.

We hope you stay safe this December, but if you find yourself in need of legal representation, reach out to Dean and the team at Margolis Law Firm today at (952) 230-2700.