Pedestrian Accidents Burlington

When you are walking around Burlington it’s easy to feel safe along sidewalks and trails, but pedestrian accidents do happen, and when they do the consequences are often severe. The city of Burlington reports an average of over 40 pedestrian accidents every year and a similar number of accidents with cyclists. 

If you are unfortunate enough to get in an accident as a pedestrian, odds are you will experience significant injuries, pain, and financial losses. As a small silver lining, there are some avenues for seeking compensation for these damages through insurance claims and personal injury cases. If you or a loved one has been in a pedestrian accident in Burlington, reach out to the Zayouna Law Firm for help exploring your options for compensating your losses. 

Most Common Pedestrian Accidents in Burlington

Pedestrian accidents are much less common than other motor vehicle accidents, but the causes are often similar. In roughly two-thirds of pedestrian accidents, the driver is at fault and the reason for their negligence might be the confluence of several different factors.

Some of the most common pedestrian accidents in Burlington involve:

• Crosswalk Collisions: Crosswalks are the most common place for pedestrian accidents to occur. Pedestrians often have right of way in a crosswalk, but not always, which can make for dangerous situations.
• Intersection Accidents: Intersections are one of the most common places for any accident to occur, and this is especially true for pedestrian accidents. The extra attention required in intersections can make it more likely for a driver to fail to notice a pedestrian about to cross.
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the biggest factors causing car accidents, especially since the proliferation of the smartphone. It is no surprise that texting or talking while driving can make a driver more likely to fail to notice a pedestrian on the road.
• Speeding: When traveling at higher speeds, stopping distances are longer, reaction times have to be faster, and consequences are more severe. All of this creates a serious hazard on the road that can make pedestrian accidents more likely. 
• Impaired Driving: Drugs and alcohol impair a driver’s coordination, judgment, and reaction time, making them more likely to get in an accident.
• Failure to Observe Traffic Signals: A situation that is all too common in pedestrian accidents is when a driver fails to observe or properly follow a traffic signal, be it a stop sign, traffic light, or crosswalk signal. The flip side is also unfortunately common, where a pedestrian fails to observe or follow a crosswalk signal and puts themselves into dangerous positions.
• Reversing Accidents: These typically occur in parking lots or driveways when the driver fails to notice someone approaching as they are backing out of a space.

What to do After a Pedestrian Accident in Burlington

In the unfortunate event that you find yourself involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to take immediate steps to protect your well-being and ensure you’re on the right path to seek compensation for any injuries.

Here are the essential steps to follow at the scene of the accident and afterward:

1. Prioritize Your Safety

If your physical condition allows, carefully move to a safe location away from traffic and potential hazards. However, if you suspect any spinal injuries or harm to your spinal cord, stay put until paramedics arrive.

2. Check for Injuries

Assess your own condition and the condition of others involved in the accident. If there are severe injuries, call 911 immediately.

3. Call the Police 

In Ontario, it is required that accidents are reported if there are any injuries, damages over $2,000, or if the parties involved are uncooperative. When an officer arrives on scene they will file a police report, which can also prove invaluable for insurance claims and legal proceedings in the future.

4. Exchange Information 

If the driver remains at the scene, exchange contact information and get their insurance details. Be ready to provide your identification if requested. Remember that fleeing the scene is a serious offense for the driver. If this happens, seek out witnesses or camera footage to help identify the driver.

5. Gather Evidence 

When it’s safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and the vehicle involved. These visual records will play a significant role in insurance claims and legal proceedings down the line.

6. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

As soon as you leave the scene of the accident, seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they appear minor at first. Keep a detailed record of any tests, treatments, and appointments that you have that are related to your accident. 

7. Notify Your Insurer

If you hold automobile insurance, notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with as much detail as possible and follow their instructions for filing a claim. If you lack auto insurance, you can file a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance, making it even more important to get their insurance information and contact information.

8. Consult a Personal Injury lawyer 

If the accident results in substantial injuries, disputes regarding fault, or if you suspect you have a legal case, consult a personal injury lawyer. They can provide valuable guidance and help you navigate through the complexities of obtaining compensation.

Zayouna Law Firm: Your Burlington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Drivers carry a duty to follow all regulations and to exercise reasonable caution on our roadways to ensure the safety of all road users. When a driver neglects this duty, leading to an accident, they may be held accountable for their actions.

If you’ve found yourself in a pedestrian accident in Burlington, and believe it to be a result of a driver’s negligence, you may be able to pursue a legal claim. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can simplify your path to seeking compensation and greatly improve your chances of success. 

The lawyers at Zayouna Law Firm have decades of experience helping clients in Burlington negotiate with insurance providers and manage the paperwork of tort claims. We are committed to helping our clients get fair compensation and to taking as much of the burden off as possible during the process. 

Contact Zayouna Law Firm today to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our lawyers to discuss the next steps for your case.