Pedestrian Accidents Toronto

The streets of Toronto are vibrant and bustling places for pedestrians to commute and explore the city but, tragically, pedestrians are involved in motor vehicle accidents all too often. Comparing statistics of Toronto pedestrian accidents with Canadian statistics reveals that the streets of Toronto account for about 14% of pedestrian fatalities in Canada each year. 

Unfortunately, when a pedestrian is involved in a motor vehicle accident, it often results in serious injury or death. Pedestrians account for roughly 15% of motor vehicle accidents resulting in serious injury or fatality. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Toronto, you are not alone in your search for justice and compensation. Working with an experienced lawyer at Zayouna Law can help you work through your options after a pedestrian accident and start to get back to a normal life.  

Most Common Pedestrian Accidents in Toronto

Pedestrian accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. In about two-thirds of pedestrian accidents, the driver is at fault for the accident. Some of the most prevalent pedestrian accidents in Toronto include:

• Crosswalk Collisions: Crosswalks are designed to provide safe passage for pedestrians, but they can also be hotspots for accidents. Pedestrians usually have right of way in a crosswalk, but this isn’t always the case and this can lead to dangerous misunderstandings.
• Intersection Accidents: Intersections are high-risk areas for pedestrian accidents. Turning accidents are particularly common, where a driver turning at an intersection may fail to notice a pedestrian crossing in front of them.
• Distracted Driving: The proliferation of smartphones and other electronic devices has dramatically increased the rates of distracted driving, which can lead to devastating accidents.
• Speeding: When a car is traveling at higher speeds, the driver has less time to react to a pedestrian crossing their path. Speeding not only increases the risk of accidents but also exacerbates the severity of injuries when they do occur.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Impaired drivers are more likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents, often failing to see pedestrians or react appropriately to their presence.
• Failure to Observe Traffic Signals: Both pedestrians and drivers can contribute to accidents by ignoring traffic signals. Pedestrians crossing against a red light or “Don’t Walk” signal put themselves at risk, while drivers who disregard traffic signals may strike pedestrians lawfully crossing the street.
• Backing Accidents: These accidents occur when a vehicle, typically backing out of a driveway or parking space, hits a pedestrian who may not be in their line of sight. 
• Turning at Non-signalized Crosswalks: Drivers turning at non-signalized crosswalks often fail to yield to pedestrians waiting to cross. This can be particularly hazardous when pedestrians assume it is safe to proceed.

What to do After a Pedestrian Accident in Toronto

If you have been involved in an accident as a pedestrian, there are some important steps to take both at the scene of the accident and after you are safely off the road. These steps will ensure you prioritize your health and give yourself the best chances to seek compensation for your injuries.

Here are some steps to take both at the scene of the accident and afterward:

• Prioritize Your Safety: If you’re able to move, try to get to a safe location away from traffic and potential danger. However, if you suspect you have any injuries to your spine or spinal cord it is essential to stay where you are until help arrives.
• Check for Injuries: Assess your own condition and that of any others involved in the accident. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately.
• Contact the Police: In Ontario, you must report the accident to the police, especially if there are injuries, significant property damage, or if the driver is uncooperative. A police report can also be essential for insurance claims and legal matters later on.
• Exchange Information: If the driver remains at the scene, exchange contact information, and ask for their insurance details. Be prepared to provide your identification if requested. Note that it is a serious offense for the driver to flee the scene of an accident. If this is the case, look for witnesses or camera footage to try to identify the driver.
• Gather Evidence: If it’s safe to do so, take pictures of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and the vehicle involved. These photos can be valuable for insurance claims and legal proceedings
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries appear minor, it’s advisable to seek medical attention immediately. Remember to keep a detailed record of all medical visits and treatments received.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: If you have automobile insurance, inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all relevant details and follow their guidance on filing a claim. If you don’t have auto insurance, you can file a claim through the insurance of the at-fault driver. 
• Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: If the accident results in significant injuries, disputes over fault, or if you believe you may have a legal case, consult a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.

Zayouna Law Firm: Your Toronto Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Drivers have a duty to all other users of the road to proceed with reasonable caution to keep our motorways safe. When a driver fails to uphold this duty, causing an accident, they can be held legally responsible for their actions.

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Toronto that you believe was caused by the negligent actions of the driver, you may have a right to pursue a legal claim. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer will help make the road to compensation easy to navigate. The lawyers at Zayouna Law Firm have decades of experience helping victims of pedestrian accidents in Toronto negotiate with insurance companies and process successful tort claims. 

Contact Zayouna Law Firm today to book a free consultation with one of our lawyers who will review your case, help you understand your rights, and inform you about your options moving forward.