Pedestrian accidents have seen a recent uptake, and are becoming more and more of a concern in Ottawa, leading to three people being hit by vehicles within a single day. These aren’t isolated incidents. They reflect a broader issue with pedestrian safety in Ontario. The question, for many families, becomes immediate: who is liable for a pedestrian accident when lives are affected in seconds?
At Kalsi & Associates, we represent individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents and help them with their pedestrian accident claims. Our focus is always on getting to the facts and helping our clients navigate the process of personal injury law.
Determining Liability in Motor Vehicle Accidents
When Drivers Are Often Found at Fault
Many accidents involving pedestrians happen due to distracted driving when a driver makes a preventable error, such as running a red light, turning without checking for pedestrians in the crosswalk, or using a phone while driving. These are not rare scenarios.
Drivers have a duty of care to anticipate and avoid risks to others on the road. If a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian crossing or reacts too late to an approaching vehicle, they can be held liable.
The legal consequences vary depending on the injuries sustained, but drivers may be responsible for medical bills, damages, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Pedestrians Can Also Share Responsibility
Some collisions happen because the pedestrian’s actions contributed to the incident. This can include jaywalking at night in poor lighting, crossing against traffic signals, or being distracted by a phone or headphones. These situations are more complicated.
In Ontario, liability doesn’t have to fall entirely on one person. A pedestrian found partially at fault may still be entitled to compensation, but the amount could be reduced based on their role in the accident.
Guidance and Support for Pedestrian Accident Cases
At Kalsi & Associates, our personal injury lawyers focus on helping injured pedestrians receive proper compensation. Our work includes filing accident benefits claims, negotiating with the insurance company, and protecting your rights.
Whether the case involves a straightforward failure to yield or a more complex scenario involving third parties, our goal is to ensure that the injured party has access to benefits and get the maximum compensation they are entitled to.
If you need help from a pedestrian accident lawyer or are unsure where your case stands, we’re ready to assist. You can book an appointment for a free consultation. To learn more about your options or explore our other practice areas, visit our site.
