Four pedestrians, including two young children, were injured after being struck by an SUV in Richmond Hill, Ontario, on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
The collision happened at Major Mackenzie Drive and Newkirk Road shortly after 3 p.m. A woman suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a trauma centre. A second woman and two children, ages one and seven, were also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
York Regional Police are investigating the cause of the crash.
The incident raises serious concerns about pedestrian safety, child pedestrian accidents and driver responsibility in Ontario.
What Happened in the Richmond Hill Pedestrian Collision?
Police received several emergency calls at approximately 3:18 p.m.
When officers arrived, they found four pedestrians who had been struck by an SUV.
One woman was critically injured. The other three people, including both children, suffered less serious injuries. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.
Police are also looking into reports that the critically injured woman may have been working as a crossing guard. Her role at the time of the collision has not been confirmed.
The York Regional Police Major Collision Investigation Unit is working to determine what happened.
Why Are Children at Greater Risk in Pedestrian Accidents?
Young children face unique dangers near traffic.
They are smaller than adults, making them harder for drivers to see. They may also have trouble judging the speed of an approaching vehicle.
A collision can cause broken bones, head injuries or other serious harm.
Some children recover quickly. Others may need months of treatment.
Severe injuries can also affect a child’s growth, learning and future independence.
This is why child pedestrian injury claims in Ontario may need to account for both current and future care.
Who Is Responsible When a Vehicle Hits a Pedestrian?
Ontario drivers must follow traffic laws and watch for people crossing the road.
When a collision occurs, investigators may examine traffic signals, vehicle speed, visibility and witness accounts.
Under section 193 of Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, a driver or vehicle owner may have to prove that a pedestrian’s injury did not result from their negligence or improper conduct.
This rule can be important in a Richmond Hill pedestrian accident lawsuit.
However, it does not mean a driver is automatically at fault.
An experienced York Region personal injury lawyer can review the evidence and determine whether negligence contributed to the crash.
Can Parents Sue if Their Child Is Hit by a Car?
Yes, potentially. When a driver’s negligence causes a child’s injuries, the child may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
A parent or another suitable adult may act as a litigation guardian to bring the claim on the child’s behalf.
Compensation may be available for eligible losses, including medical expenses, future care costs and pain and suffering.
Some family members may also have separate claims for certain losses.
The amount depends on the injuries, evidence and applicable legal rules.
What if the Injured Person Was a Crossing Guard?
Crossing guards play an important role in helping people cross busy roads.
Drivers must obey the directions of an authorized school crossing guard.
If a crossing guard is injured while working, workplace insurance may also be relevant.
However, workplace injury benefits and personal injury lawsuits follow different rules. The ability to sue may be limited in some cases.
A lawyer can review the circumstances and explain which claims may be available.
Police have not confirmed whether the seriously injured woman in Richmond Hill was working as a crossing guard.
Can Pedestrians Receive Accident Benefits Without Car Insurance?
Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits system may provide support to pedestrians injured in motor vehicle accidents, regardless of fault.
A pedestrian does not need to own a car to qualify.
Depending on the applicable policy, benefits may help cover medical treatment, rehabilitation and certain care needs.
Ontario’s insurance rules changed on July 1, 2026. Some benefits became optional under new or renewed policies.
A Richmond Hill car accident lawyer can help identify the correct insurer and review the available coverage.
York Regional Police Seek Witnesses
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the November 5 collision or has dashcam footage to come forward.
Anyone with information can contact the York Regional Police Major Collision Investigation Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7704.
Video evidence may help investigators determine how the collision occurred.
Injured in a Richmond Hill Pedestrian Accident? Contact Bergel Magence
Being struck by a vehicle can change a person’s life in seconds. Families may face medical bills, lost income and uncertainty about the future.
For more than 50 years, Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers has helped injured people and families throughout Ontario.
Our legal team handles Richmond Hill pedestrian accidents, child pedestrian injuries, school crossing accidents, serious car collisions, traumatic brain injuries and catastrophic injury claims.
We represent clients throughout Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, Thornhill, Aurora, Newmarket, North York and the Greater Toronto Area.
If you or your child has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced Ontario pedestrian accident lawyers can investigate the collision, preserve evidence, review available Accident Benefits and pursue compensation when a legal claim is available.