Every day, in all seasons, Torontonians are out and about, walking throughout the city. Whether it’s downtown on King Street or midtown on Eglinton, from Burlington to Ajax, Barrie to Scarborough, pedestrians walk at all times of the day throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Walking through Toronto should be safe and straightforward. But for thousands of people each year, it turns dangerous in an instant. Whether you’re crossing Bathurst Street, heading home from the subway, or walking your dog in Parkdale, pedestrian accidents in Toronto remain a serious issue. Knowing your rights when hit by a car while walking could make all the difference in getting proper justice and compensation if you’re injured.
This blog post will highlight the most common causes of pedestrian accidents, what the law says about your rights, and how a Toronto pedestrian accident lawyer can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve after being seriously hurt in an accident.
Toronto’s Vision Zero: A City Still Battling Rising Pedestrian Accidents
Toronto’s Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, launched in 2016, was designed to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. Despite improvements like lower speed limits, speed cameras, enhanced crosswalks, and turning restrictions, serious pedestrian collisions remain a pressing concern.
City data shows that pedestrians account for a significant share of road fatalities each year. In some years, nearly 50% of all traffic deaths in Toronto have involved pedestrians. Seniors and children are particularly vulnerable, especially at intersections and during evening hours.
To tackle this, Toronto has implemented Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) – the few seconds that let walkers enter the crosswalk before cars get a green light, and Left-Turn Calming measures that slow drivers turning through intersections. Both are proven to reduce serious injuries.
Still, the numbers show there’s more work to be done. For pedestrians, understanding when and where accidents happen, and what steps to take afterward, is key to staying safe and protecting your claim.
What are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Toronto?
Most pedestrian injury claims in the Greater Toronto Area stem from predictable, preventable scenarios. The top causes include:
- Drivers Failing to Yield at Intersections – Turning drivers often misjudge distances or rush to beat a light.
- Distracted Driving – Texting, dashboard screens and other distractions like applying makeup or eating, divert attention just long enough to cause a crash.
- Speeding – Speed increases dramatically, raising the risk of serious injury or death in a pedestrian accident.
- Poor Lighting and Visibility – Many collisions occur between 5 PM and 9 PM, especially in fall and winter when visibility is low due to an intense, hard-to-avoid setting sun.
- Improper Crossings by Pedestrians – Jaywalking can also lead to shared fault under Ontario law.
The truth is that when a car hits a person, the pedestrian always loses. That’s why Ontario’s laws heavily favour protecting the injured, and why consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer in Toronto is so critical after an accident.
Understanding Ontario’s Pedestrian Laws
Under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), drivers and pedestrians share responsibilities, but drivers carry a higher legal burden because they control the more dangerous vehicle.
At pedestrian crossovers (PXOs) and school crossings, drivers and cyclists must come to a complete stop and yield the entire roadway until the pedestrian has crossed safely. The law regards failing to do this as a serious offence with fines up to $1,000 and four demerit points.
At intersections with pedestrian action signs, pedestrians have the right of way when the “Walk” sign appears. If they begin crossing during the “Walk,” they may continue even if the signal changes. However, starting to cross on a “Don’t Walk” signal is not permitted.
If you were hit by a car, motorcycle, bicycle or e-bike while crossing legally, you may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. A Toronto pedestrian accident lawyer can help gather the evidence needed to prove fault and negotiate with insurers. Contacting a Toronto accident lawyer will dramatically increase your chances of getting justice for your injury.
Hot Spots for Pedestrian Accidents in Toronto
According to the City of Toronto’s Vision Zero collision data, pedestrian accidents often occur along major city roads that have heavy traffic and complex intersections – places like Yonge and Eglinton, Yonge and Finch, Bathurst and Lawrence, and Bay and Bloor.
These intersections combine high vehicle volume, multiple turning lanes, and dense foot traffic, which is a recipe for pedestrian collisions. Many of these intersections have since been retrofitted with turn signals, lower speed limits, and curb extensions; however, the risks remain, especially at dusk or during extreme seasonal weather conditions.
If your driving commute includes these high-risk intersections, always stay alert, even when you have the right of way. Many injury claims handled by Toronto personal injury lawyers involve drivers who claimed they didn’t see the pedestrian.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Toronto
If you or a loved one is seriously injured after being hit by a car, motorcycle, bicycle or an electric bike or scooter, what you do next is crucial for both your health and your legal claim. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you should do after being struck:
- Call 911 immediately. Be seen by a first responder even if you think your injuries are minor, as some serious injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
- Collect driver and witness information. Get names, contact details, license plate numbers, and insurance information from all parties involved in the accident.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the location, crosswalk, lighting conditions, and your injuries.
- Seek medical attention. Some injuries (especially concussions or internal trauma) develop over time.
- Report the accident to your insurance company. You may be entitled to Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS) under Ontario’s no-fault system.
- Consult a Toronto personal injury lawyer. A lawyer will protect your rights while working on your behalf to make sure you get justice for your injury.
Even if the driver was uninsured or fled the scene, compensation may still be available through Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund or other legal channels.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Toronto
Navigating an insurance claim or lawsuit alone can be overwhelming. Insurers often try to minimize payouts or suggest the pedestrian was partly at fault.
A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in Toronto can investigate the collision and reconstruct events, gather surveillance footage, police reports, and witness statements and connect you with medical specialists. They can also calculate your financial and non-financial damages and handle negotiations or litigation to secure fair compensation.
The experienced team of legal experts at Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers has represented countless pedestrians across the GTA for over 50 years. We understand both the law and the realities of recovery, and we will fight to ensure our clients are treated fairly and fully compensated.
What are Some Tips for Staying Safe as a Pedestrian in Toronto
- Be Visible – Wear reflective clothing and carry a light in low-light conditions.
- Use Designated Crossings – Stick to marked crosswalks and intersections whenever possible.
- Make Eye Contact with Drivers – Never assume a vehicle will stop when you are crossing a road. Eye contact considerably increases the chance that the driver has seen you as you attempt to cross the road.
- Avoid Distractions – Keep your phone in your pocket when crossing streets. Being alert will increase your safety as a pedestrian.
- Watch for Turning Vehicles – This is especially true for left-turning cars, motorcycles, bikes and e-bikes at busy intersections.
How is Bergel Magence Helping Protect Toronto’s Pedestrians?
Toronto has improved pedestrian safety through its Vision Zero plan, but pedestrian accidents still occur daily across the Greater Toronto Area. Whether you were hit while crossing at a green light or seriously hurt due to a reckless driver, you have rights, and you deserve to get proper justice and compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, speak to an experienced Toronto personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. At Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped thousands of injured Ontarians recover the settlements they deserve. We understand that being injured affects not just the injured person but their entire family, and we will work on your behalf, fighting for your rights while you can focus solely on rehabilitation.
Call us today at 416-665-2000 or visit bergellaw.com for a free consultation. We’ll handle your claim with compassion, experience, and results. We understand that it takes to get the compensation you and your family are entitled to.
