A tragic Whitby pedestrian accident has left a 14-year-old with serious injuries after the teen was struck by the driver of a pickup truck. Emergency crews responded quickly to the collision, and the teenager was transported to hospital for urgent medical treatment. Durham Regional Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and are asking anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward.
Every year, pedestrian accidents in Ontario leave children, teenagers, and adults with life-changing injuries. Young pedestrians are particularly vulnerable because they have no protection from the force of a collision. Even when a vehicle is travelling at a relatively low speed, the impact can cause catastrophic injuries that require months or years of medical treatment and rehabilitation.
If you witnessed this Whitby pedestrian collision or have dashcam footage from the area, contact Durham Regional Police. Your information could help investigators determine exactly how this serious accident occurred.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Involving Children and Teenagers Are So Serious
Children and teenagers face a greater risk of severe injury when they are struck by a vehicle. Their smaller size and developing bodies make them especially vulnerable to the force of an impact.
Common causes of Whitby pedestrian accidents and Ontario pedestrian collisions include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Speeding in residential areas
- Unsafe left or right turns
- Poor visibility
- Driver inattention near schools and parks
- Failure to obey traffic signals
Common pedestrian accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries, concussions, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, severe soft tissue injuries, and permanent disabilities. Drivers should always slow down and remain alert in neighbourhoods, school zones, parks, and areas where children and families are likely to be present.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you or your child has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Ontario, seeking immediate medical attention should always be the first priority. Even if injuries appear minor, conditions such as concussions or internal injuries may not become apparent until hours or days after the collision.
If possible, important steps include:
- Call 911 and report the collision.
- Take photographs of the accident scene and vehicle involved.
- Obtain the driver’s insurance and contact information.
- Speak with witnesses and collect their contact details.
- Preserve any dashcam or surveillance footage.
- Keep copies of all medical records, treatment plans, and accident-related expenses.
Pedestrians injured in an Ontario motor vehicle accident may qualify for Ontario Accident Benefits, regardless of who caused the collision. If the driver’s negligence contributed to the crash, the injured person may also have the right to pursue a personal injury claim for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, future care needs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Contact Bergel Magence After a Whitby Pedestrian Accident
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Whitby pedestrian accident, Durham Region pedestrian collision, or another serious Ontario motor vehicle accident, Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help.
For more than 50 years, our experienced legal team has represented victims of pedestrian accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and catastrophic injury claims throughout Whitby, Durham Region, Toronto, and across Ontario.
When a child or teenager is seriously injured, families should be focused on recovery, not fighting with insurance companies. Contact Bergel Magence today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced Ontario personal injury lawyers will explain your legal rights, help you access available Accident Benefits, investigate the circumstances of the collision, and fight to recover the maximum compensation available so your family can focus on healing.