PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER IN SAULT STE. MARIE

TOP CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PEDESTRIANS

Pedestrians have just as much right to walk on streets and across parking lots as motorists do. However, many motorists don’t give pedestrians the respect they deserve. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Dangerous driving: Bad driving habits such as speeding, driving while impaired, distracted driving and failing to stop completely at intersections can lead to collisions with pedestrians.
• Crosswalk collisions: Drivers can fail to notice designated crosswalks, or pedestrians may venture out to cross the street without ensuring that oncoming traffic will stop.
• Parking lot collisions: Parking lots are dangerous places, as drivers back out of parking spots without adequately checking for pedestrians walking behind. Furthermore, distracted pedestrians may not notice a car in reverse.
• Vehicle-on-vehicle collisions: A car may crash into a parked or moving vehicle, sending the second vehicle onto a sidewalk, crosswalk or bicycle lane and injuring pedestrians.
• Poorly designed infrastructure: Crosswalks or multi-lane roads with short pedestrian signals are a high risk for people with mobility issues. Also, intersections in high-speed areas, at the bottom of a hill or hidden from view are dangerous places for pedestrians to cross streets.

In Ontario, it doesn’t matter who’s at fault; people injured in a motor vehicle accident have the legal right to compensation from their insurance providers. Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act imposes a reverse onus on drivers involved in pedestrian accidents to prove they didn’t act negligently. A driver is presumed guilty until proven otherwise.

COMMON INJURIES SUSTAINED IN CAR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PEDESTRIANS

Pedestrians are much more vulnerable to severe injuries than motorists in collisions with motor vehicles. Common injuries include:

• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Facial injuries and scarring
• Amputation
• Torn ligaments
• Soft tissue damage like cuts, strains and sprains
• Broken and fractured bones

Most importantly, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident than vehicle occupants.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE HAS BEEN HIT BY A CAR

Whether you are the pedestrian who has been struck, the driver of the vehicle or a bystander, these first steps are essential.

• Call 911, as immediate medical attention can save lives and reduce the extent of the injury.
• Call the police because you’re legally required to report the incident to make an insurance claim.
• Gather evidence, take photos, and talk to people who may have witnessed the incident. Look for evidence of intoxication or distracted driving and document everything as soon as possible.
• Exchange information, including names, contact details and insurance particulars, with the driver. The driver is required to share details with you. Also, get the witnesses’ contact information.
• Visit a doctor and document all tests, treatments, prescriptions, and therapies as useful evidence in your claim. Also, keep a pain journal documenting the extent and types of pain and discomfort you’re experiencing.
• Contact your insurance company within seven days of the incident to make a claim.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer who can explain your options and negotiate with the insurance companies to get the maximum compensation.

In Ontario, car owners are required to have insurance that includes coverage for injuries caused to others in an accident, including pedestrians. Additionally, pedestrians who have car insurance may be covered for injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident, depending on the terms of their policy.

WHY HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

Hiring a personal injury lawyer has many benefits if you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle crash. Applying for accident benefits following a car collision is a multifaceted process that involves adhering to tight deadlines and completing complex paperwork.

At Feifel Gualazzi, our lawyers will help you through every step of the process. We can advocate and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf so you can focus on your treatment and recovery.