Toronto Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Whether walking on a quiet, tree-lined street or in the middle of downtown Toronto, pedestrians are among the most vulnerable to injury in a car accident, as they navigate our streets with little protection from potential traffic accidents. From enduring poorly lit intersections and unsafe crosswalks to being on constant alert for distracted drivers, Toronto’s pedestrians remain at a high risk of being seriously injured or killed in an accident.
Pedestrians are at an increased risk for serious injury and even death if they are involved in a traffic accident. In fact, between 2011 and 2020, the Toronto Police Service reports 1,720 pedestrian accidents in which the pedestrian involved was seriously injured or killed.
At Auger Hollingsworth Accident & Injury Lawyers, we help Toronto pedestrians recover millions of dollars in damages on their claims. Being involved in an accident, especially as a pedestrian, can be incredibly traumatic mentally and physically. Our team of personal injury lawyers understands this and we are committed to helping you receive the compensation and benefits you are entitled to after an accident.
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Common Injuries in Toronto Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable accident victims. Although drivers are legally responsible for exercising reasonable care and following traffic laws, accidents happen daily. Impaired or distracted driving, speeding, and failure to stop at red lights are all common causes of pedestrian injuries, including:
- Broken bones and orthopedic injuries
- Severe lacerations and bruising
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Neck Pain, facial injuries, and vision loss
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
You may be entitled to Accident Benefits
Each of these injuries can be costly to treat, especially if you will require long-term care as you recover. In the worst cases, injuries sustained by a pedestrian in a traffic accident are life-altering and leave the victim unable to conduct life activities and normal routines.
In Toronto, if a pedestrian is injured in a car accident, they may claim Statutory Accident Benefits, as set out by law in Ontario. Pedestrians injured in a car accident can claim Accident Benefits even if they are partially responsible for the accident.
Accident Benefits will provide compensation to an injured pedestrian to help replace the lost income and to cover the costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation. If the pedestrian involved in the accident is killed, the death benefit will provide a lump sum payout to their spouse and dependents to cover funeral expenses and replace lost income.
Tort Claims may provide you with supplementary damages
In addition to claiming Accident Benefits, a pedestrian who is injured in a vehicle accident may also consider suing the driver of the vehicle for damages to cover the cost of medical treatment and other losses they suffered. Also known as a ‘tort’ claim, these claims can be made for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to:
- Lost income (both past and future)
- Medical expenses
- Cost of future care
- Home maintenance expenses
- Ongoing physical and mental pain and suffering
Pedestrian car accident checklist
Here is a checklist of what you should do after a pedestrian accident:
- Assess the Situation – Being involved in or witnessing an accident can be a traumatic event. Before rushing to assist the victims of the accident, stop and assess the situation to make sure it’s safe to help.
- Call Emergency Services – If you are involved in or witness a pedestrian accident, you should call emergency services immediately. Seeking immediate medical attention can be the difference between life and death in a pedestrian accident.
- Additionally, the police must be called to investigate all pedestrian accidents. The police will investigate the blood alcohol content of the driver, the possibility of distracted driving, as well as the actions of the pedestrian that may have placed them in danger.
- Gather Evidence – In addition to the information collected by the police, if you are physically able to, we recommend gathering as much information as possible from the scene of the accident. Talking to witnesses, writing down the tag numbers of vehicles involved, and taking pictures of the accident scene can help you resolve insurance claims, and reduces the chances of a dispute.
- Speak with the Police –As soon as you are physically able, you should give your account of the events to the police. Avoid speaking with the other people involved in the accident to make sure you do not inadvertently let someone off the hook or admit fault of your own.
- Review the Police Report – The police report will be essential to process your insurance claims. Upon receipt, you should thoroughly review the report to be sure that your account of the accident is accurately reflected.
In this second part of a 3-part interview personal injury lawyer Brenda Hollingsworth describes what steps to take after an Ontario motor vehicle accident.
Get a FREE assessment from us here https://ahinjurylaw.com/
Are you looking for expert advice after an accident? The smartest step you can take after any accident is to connect with a personal injury lawyer for a FREE consultation.
In Ontario, Canada, Personal injury lawyers Brenda Hollingsworth and Richard Auger with their team of experienced lawyers offer FREE, no-pressure, advice about your rights and entitlements when you have been hurt.
For more information on whether you have a claim for car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, any other road accidents, accidents at work, slips and falls, etc, go to https://ahinjurylaw.com/
The interview also discusses what information you should collect at the accident scene before you leave. Get the other driver’s name, address and driver’s license. Wait for the police if they have been called.
It is also important to get medical attention as quickly as possible. It is easier to prove your injury was caused by the accident if you see a medical doctor as soon as possible after the accident.
What will be my compensation for a pedestrian accident?
Pedestrians who are involved in motor vehicle accidents may be entitled to receive accident benefits. The insurance company will assess your injuries and benefits.
- Income Replacement Benefits: 70% of gross weekly income, up to $400 per week
- Caregiver Benefits: $250 per week if you were a primary caregiver for a person
- Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits:
- $3,500 for minor injuries
- $65,000 for non-catastrophic injuries
- $1,000,000 for catastrophic injuries
- Death Benefits:
- $25,000 to your spouse
- $10,000 to each of your dependents
- $6,000 for funeral expenses
What documentation should I bring to my personal injury lawyer after a pedestrian accident?
After an accident, your focus should be on recovering from your injuries, but once you are ready to talk with us, sharing as much information about your accident will help us secure the compensation you deserve. Here are some items that will be helpful for an initial consultation:
- Police report
- Medical information from your doctor
- Personal identification including license, health card, and SIN
- Insurance information from the driver of the vehicle that struck you, as well as your own
- Photos of the accident scene
- Names and accounts of witnesses
What Our Clients Say:
“I was hit by a car several years ago while crossing the street as a pedestrian, and the accident was life altering. The lawyers and paralegals at Auger Hollingsworth provided support and guidance I don’t think I would have received anywhere else. Not only did they resolve my case to my satisfaction, but Bianca, Tricia, Jessica, and Ashvini made me feel that they were there for me, and for whatever I needed at all times. They explained everything in detail, kept me in the loop at all times, and made sure that I received all support, treatments, and therapies I needed to help me move forward. I am grateful for the support and guidance I received. Thank-you!”
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Contact experienced Toronto Pedestrian Accident lawyers
If you have been injured as a pedestrian in a motor vehicle accident, the last thing you want to do is spend time-fighting with an insurance company to secure the compensation you deserve. At Auger Hollingsworth Accident & Injury Lawyers, our team of dedicated lawyers has handled thousands of personal injury cases. Working with medical experts and former insurance adjusters, our team of legal experts will work tirelessly to ensure you receive appropriate compensation and are protected from unfair insurance scrutiny. For a free consultation, call us today at +1 (613) 233-4529 or visit us online to schedule an appointment.
