A Cambridge Pedestrian Accident Lawyer helps injured pedestrians pursue compensation after a motor vehicle accident involving cars, trucks, or other motor vehicles. Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries and complex insurance claims under Ontario’s personal injury laws. Our personal injury lawyers in Cambridge represent individuals injured in pedestrian accidents in Cambridge and assists clients in navigating the legal process to pursue fair compensation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Cambridge
Pedestrian accidents often occur in areas with heavy traffic, including intersections, crosswalks, and parking lots. Many incidents involve negligent drivers who fail to follow traffic laws under the Highway Traffic Act. Understanding common causes helps establish negligence and liability in an accident claim.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents in Cambridge. Drivers who use phones, navigation systems, or other devices may fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections.
Even brief distractions can lead to a motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian. Inattention to road conditions significantly increases the risk of serious injuries.
Speeding
Speeding significantly increases the risk of severe injuries in pedestrian accidents. A vehicle travelling above the speed limit reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the force of impact during a motor vehicle collision.
High-speed collisions involving pedestrians often result in catastrophic injuries such as fractures, spinal trauma, or traumatic brain injuries.
Failure to Yield
Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections under Ontario traffic laws. Failure to yield is a common factor in pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles.
Many incidents occur when drivers turn at intersections without checking for pedestrians who are wrongfully crossing, including red lights or stop signs.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol or drug impairment can affect a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and awareness. Impaired drivers often fail to observe pedestrians or traffic signals.
This behaviour increases the risk of motor vehicle collisions that cause severe personal injury or death.
Poor Weather Conditions
Snow, ice, rain, and poor visibility contribute to hazardous conditions for pedestrians. Drivers may struggle to stop in time when roads are slippery or when pedestrians are difficult to see.
Weather conditions do not remove a driver’s responsibility to operate a vehicle safely and maintain proper control.
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Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often cause severe injuries because pedestrians have no physical protection against motor vehicles. Many victims require extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods.
Common injuries may include orthopedic injuries, internal trauma, and long-term disabilities that affect a person’s ability to work or perform daily activities.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injury is one of the most serious outcomes of a pedestrian accident. A brain injury may occur when a pedestrian strikes the ground or a vehicle during a collision. Brain injuries can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, and long-term medical complications that require ongoing treatment and medical rehabilitation.
Fractures or Broken Bones
Fractures and broken bones frequently occur in pedestrian accidents due to the force of impact with a motor vehicle. Common injuries include broken legs, arms, ribs, or pelvis. Many fractures require surgery, physiotherapy, and long-term rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result from severe motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians. These injuries may cause chronic pain, nerve damage, or permanent paralysis. Injured individuals often require significant medical care and ongoing support services.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries can include organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries are not always immediately visible at the accident scene. Prompt medical evaluation is essential after any pedestrian accident involving a collision.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Pedestrians injured in auto accidents may be eligible for compensation through Ontario’s Accident Benefits system and through a personal injury action when negligence is established.
Statutory Accident Benefits provide financial support after a motor vehicle accident regardless of fault. These benefits are governed by the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) and are available through the applicable insurance policy.
Accident Benefits may include:
- Medical and rehabilitative benefits for treatment and recovery
- Income replacement benefits for lost wages
- Attendant care benefits for personal assistance
- Coverage for necessary medical expenses and rehabilitation services
If negligent drivers caused the accident, additional damages may be pursued through a civil action. These damages may include compensation for pain and suffering, future care costs, and loss of earning capacity.
