Minneapolis residents have likely witnessed at least one near-miss accident involving a car and pedestrian. Car and pedestrian accidents often result when either or driver or a pedestrian fails to abide by traffic laws. As one would imagine, car and pedestrian accidents often result in a pedestrian suffering serious injuries, the severity of which may not always be readily apparent. A recent analysis released by the Star Tribune proves just how dangerous some Minneapolis intersections are for pedestrians.
In the span of just three years, from 2010 to 2013, some 900 car and pedestrian accidents were reported in Minneapolis. Of these accidents, nine resulted in a pedestrian’s death and nearly one quarter were hit-and-run accidents. Using accident report data, Star Tribune analysts were able to pinpoint the locations of some of the city’s most dangerous intersections.
Not surprisingly, the three most dangerous intersections are all in densely populated areas which are considered transportation hubs and therefore frequently congested with both motor vehicles and pedestrians. With 11 reported injuries in the span of three years, the intersection where Nicollet and Franklin Avenues meet is statistically the city’s most dangerous intersection. Following closely behind with nine reported injuries both, are the intersections at Lake St. and Blaisdell Ave. and Lake St. and Lyndale Ave.
The majority, or 304, of the 900 car and pedestrian accidents involved cases in which a pedestrian was obeying traffic laws and crossing with a traffic signal. Also, in 359 of the accidents, a driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian contributed to the accident.
Pedestrians who are hit by a car or other motor vehicle may suffer injuries that are painful and debilitating in nature. An individual may need to be hospitalized which frequently results in costly medical bills and lost wages. For these reasons, individuals in this unfortunate situation may choose to turn to an attorney for advice on how to recover damages and compensation.
Source: Star Tribune, “Crash data show where Minneapolis walkers are hit,” Eric Roper, March 30, 2014