Hazelton Law Group | Injury Law

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Hazelton Law Group | Injury Law

Your Northern Minnesota Personal Injury Attorneys

Bemidji Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Providing Compassionate Advocacy

Last updated on July 24, 2025

At Hazelton Law Group, we understand the shock and upheaval a pedestrian accident can bring into your life. As a firm rooted in the heart of northern Minnesota, we stand by our neighbors through some of the most challenging moments they face. With offices in Bemidji, our primary location, and Grand Rapids, we extend our legal support across the northern region, offering a guiding hand to those who have never navigated the complexities of a personal injury claim.

With more than 45 years of combined experience, our firm is one of the most well-known in northern Minnesota. Our father-and-son team is proud to be part of the community and understand the unique challenges you can face after a severe accident. When you choose Hazelton Law Group, you are gaining a partnership with a well-respected legal team that cares deeply about your well-being and right to fair compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.

Contact our pedestrian accidents lawyers for a free consultation. Call 218-210-2043 or contact us online.

Understanding Pedestrian Accidents

The impact of a pedestrian accident can be life-altering. When a person on foot is struck by a motor vehicle, the injuries sustained can be severe and sometimes catastrophic. We see the devastating effects of such accidents, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and life-changing limb injuries.

Why do these accidents occur? Often, they are the result of:

Hazelton Law Group is here to assist those who have been hit by cars, trucks, motorcycles and bicycles. We are determined to help our clients seek the compensation they deserve for the significant changes they face post-accident.

How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents In Minnesota?

Pedestrian accidents are a significant issue across Minnesota, particularly in northern and rural communities. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, counties such as Beltrami and St. Louis report some of the highest pedestrian injury rates. Statewide, an estimated 225 pedestrians are seriously injured or killed each year.

In rural areas, these accidents often involve higher speeds and low visibility. Mailbox collisions are also common and can endanger pedestrians near the roadside. Between 2014 and 2023, nearly 2,700 mailbox-related crashes occurred in Minnesota, leading to over 350 injuries.

What Should You Do If Injured As A Pedestrian In An Accident?

If you are struck by a vehicle while walking, taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect your health and your legal rights. General steps to take after a pedestrian accident include:

  • Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor
  • Call law enforcement to report the accident and make sure an official report is filed
  • Collect contact and insurance information from the driver involved
  • Take photos of the scene, your injuries and any property damage
  • Speak with witnesses and gather their contact details
  • Avoid making statements about fault at the scene or to insurers
  • Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in pedestrian accidents

Prompt action can make a significant difference in your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation. An attorney can help you navigate insurance claims and legal complexities while you focus on healing.

What If You Were Partially At Fault In A Pedestrian Accident?

Pedestrians may share fault by jaywalking, disobeying traffic signals or even stepping out into traffic. Under Minnesota’s modified comparative fault law, you may recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For instance, if you were 30% responsible for the accident, your total recovery would be reduced by that amount. It is important to speak with an attorney before accepting fault or settling a claim.

What Are Minnesota’s Laws To Protect Pedestrians?

Minnesota law provides several protections for pedestrians. Drivers must stop for pedestrians at both marked and unmarked crosswalks, and remain stopped until the pedestrian has cleared the lane. It is illegal to pass a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian or drive through a group of schoolchildren being guided by a crossing guard.

Let Us Help You

If you or a loved one has been involved in a northern Minnesota pedestrian accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact the personal injury lawyers of Hazelton Law Group today at 218-210-2043 to schedule a free consultation with one of our highly experienced attorneys.