Pedestrians are at the mercy of drivers when they are walking around Toronto. One wrong move by a driver and pedestrians might get struck by the vehicle. That can lead to serious injuries. Pedestrians who are injured in an accident that was caused by a negligent driver might choose to seek compensation for their injuries.
What are some negligent acts that might cause drivers to run into pedestrians?
Drivers might disobey traffic signs, traffic signals or rules of the road. They might speed, drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol or drive while they are distracted. In all of these cases, those actions could be considered negligent.
What types of injuries might occur when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle?
A pedestrian who is struck by a vehicle can be killed. It is also possible for the pedestrian to suffer spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, lost limbs or incontinence. The injuries can range from minor injuries to more serious injuries. Some pedestrians who are injured might need only basic medical care while others will remain hospitalized long-term.
Are vehicle drivers always liable for pedestrian accidents?
Drivers aren’t always at fault for pedestrian accidents. If the pedestrian’s actions, such as jaywalking, led to the accident, the vehicle driver might not be liable at all. In that case, the concept of contributory negligence would come into the picture.
Understanding the concepts that might be part of a pedestrian accident personal injury claim can be complicated. You should ensure that you get answers to your questions so that you can make informed decisions regarding your case.
Source: FindLaw Canada, “Pedestrian accident basics,” accessed Nov. 02, 2015
