Trusted Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users in Toronto, and when they are struck by a vehicle, the consequences are often life-changing. If you or a loved one has been injured in one of the many pedestrian accidents that occur throughout Toronto each year, the experienced lawyers at Bergel Magence are here to help. Our firm has represented injured pedestrians for more than 50 years, helping clients recover compensation after collisions caused by negligent drivers. Whether your accident occurred in North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Downtown Toronto, East York, York, or another Toronto neighbourhood, our experienced personal injury lawyer team is committed to protecting your rights.
Toronto’s busy streets, crowded intersections, and high volumes of vehicle and pedestrian traffic contribute to serious collisions every year. Many pedestrian crashes occur at intersections such as Yonge and Eglinton, Bloor Street, Queen Street, King Street, University Avenue, Sheppard Avenue, Finch Avenue, and other major roadways throughout the city. Distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, failure to yield, left-turn collisions, and other forms of driver negligence continue to be leading causes of pedestrian injuries. The Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals acknowledges pedestrians as particularly vulnerable road users, with pedestrians being 284 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a road accident than motorists.
A motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian frequently results in severe or permanent injuries because pedestrians have little protection from the force of impact. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, internal organ damage, orthopedic injuries, soft tissue injuries, and other catastrophic injuries. Following any collision, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may not appear until later. Prompt medical treatment not only protects your health but also creates important medical documentation that may strengthen your legal claim.
Many pedestrians injured in Toronto may qualify for accident benefits, regardless of who caused the collision. These no-fault benefits can help cover medical and rehabilitation expenses, income replacement, attendant care, and other eligible costs while you recover. If another party’s negligence caused the collision, you may also have the right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim for pain and suffering, future care costs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and other damages.
At Bergel Magence, our legal team handles every aspect of your pedestrian accident claim so you can focus on healing. We investigate the collision, obtain surveillance footage and witness statements, work with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts, negotiate with insurance companies, and aggressively advocate for your interests. Whether your accident occurred in a marked crosswalk, at a traffic light, in a parking lot, or elsewhere in Toronto, our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you recover the maximum compensation available under Ontario law.
A Quick Glance at Pedestrian Injuries Statistics in Ontario
The occurrence of pedestrian injuries in Ontario has risen dramatically over the past several years. Although the various ministries and safety groups continue to advocate for improved rules and steeper penalties for careless drivers, pedestrians continue to have their lives altered due to the negligence of motor vehicle drivers.
A study based on newly available traffic data showed that 81% of pedestrian fatalities in the city of Toronto occurred in clear weather, 71.5% occurred on major arterial roads, 63% of victims were aged 55+, and speed was a factor in only 8.2% of fatalities. Although laws are in place (and being continually strengthened) to deter distracted drivers, pedestrians continue to get struck and injured.
Further illustrating the dangers of pedestrian accidents is that in Toronto, between 2011 and 2020, there were 1,720 pedestrian accidents that resulted in serious injuries or fatalities, highlighting the risks pedestrians face.
Pedestrians are often the most vulnerable accident victims, as the force and impact of a vehicle can cause major bodily harm. When hit by a motor vehicle, pedestrians suffer broken or fractured bones, head injuries, cuts, bruising and lacerations that may leave permanent scarring, amongst other debilitating injuries.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Toronto?
Pedestrian collisions can happen anywhere in Toronto, but they are most common in areas with heavy vehicle and foot traffic. Many accidents occur at busy intersections, marked crosswalks, school zones, transit stops, parking lots, and commercial districts where a pedestrian involved in a collision may be less visible to drivers. High-risk locations include major corridors such as Yonge Street, Bloor Street, Queen Street, King Street, Eglinton Avenue, Finch Avenue, Sheppard Avenue, Lawrence Avenue, Don Mills Road, and intersections along Kingston Road and Danforth Avenue. Whether a motor vehicle strikes someone while making a left turn, failing to yield at a crosswalk, backing out of a parking space, or travelling through a red light, pedestrians injured in these collisions often suffer severe and life-changing consequences.
The moments immediately following an accident are critical. If possible, seek medical attention, report the collision to police, document the accident scene, obtain witness information, and preserve any available evidence, such as photographs or surveillance footage. These steps can be invaluable when pursuing a personal injury claim. Because pedestrian accident claims often involve insurance issues, liability disputes, and other legal complexities, it is important to speak with an experienced Toronto pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Bergel Magence, we investigate every aspect of the collision and work to protect your rights while pursuing the maximum compensation available under Ontario law.
How Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Pedestrian accidents occur in many different ways, but they are almost always preventable. In Toronto, many collisions happen when a motor vehicle fails to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk, turns left or right without checking for pedestrians, runs a red light or stop sign, backs out of a driveway or parking space without looking, or travels at an unsafe speed in busy urban areas. One of the leading causes of pedestrian collisions is distracted driving, where drivers take their eyes off the road to use a mobile phone, adjust a navigation system, eat, or engage in other distractions. Likewise, distracted drivers often fail to notice pedestrians crossing legally until it is too late to avoid a collision.
The severity of a pedestrian accident can range from a minor injury, such as cuts, bruises, or sprains, to a serious injury, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, or other catastrophic injuries. Following a collision, emergency services should be contacted immediately so that injured pedestrians receive prompt medical attention and the accident is properly documented. Determining liability often requires a careful examination of the circumstances surrounding the collision, including witness statements, surveillance footage, police reports, accident reconstruction evidence, and traffic signal timing. Even if the at fault driver denies responsibility, an experienced legal team can investigate the facts and build a strong case. At Bergel Magence, we have extensive experience handling personal injury cases involving pedestrian accidents and are committed to helping injured victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries because pedestrians have virtually no protection when struck by a vehicle. Even collisions at relatively low speeds can cause significant physical trauma. Depending on the speed of the vehicle, the point of impact, and the circumstances of the collision, pedestrians may suffer injuries that require emergency medical care, surgery, lengthy rehabilitation, or lifelong treatment. Some of the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones and complex fractures
- Pelvic and hip fractures
- Orthopedic injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Facial injuries and dental trauma
- Lacerations and severe road rash
- Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and torn ligaments
- Nerve damage
- Amputations
- Catastrophic injuries resulting in permanent disability
- Fatal injuries and wrongful death
The effects of these injuries often extend well beyond the initial collision. Many victims experience chronic pain, reduced mobility, permanent disability, cognitive impairment, emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Serious injuries can prevent a person from returning to work, caring for their family, or enjoying everyday activities, resulting in substantial financial and emotional hardship. At Bergel Magence, our Toronto pedestrian accident lawyers work closely with physicians, rehabilitation specialists, occupational therapists, life care planners, and other medical experts to understand the full impact of our clients’ injuries. We pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, future care needs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and every other loss resulting from a pedestrian accident.
What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident
The moments following a pedestrian accident are critical for both your health and your legal rights. Your first priority should always be to seek medical help, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal cord injuries, may not present symptoms immediately. If possible, contact emergency services, report the collision to police, and gather evidence at the scene by taking photographs, obtaining witness contact information, and documenting the vehicle involved. Evidence preserved immediately after an accident can be invaluable when proving liability, particularly in cases involving distracted driving or other negligent conduct by the at fault party.
After receiving medical attention, it is important to understand your rights under Ontario’s insurance system. Depending on your injuries, you may be entitled to receive Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS), regardless of who caused the collision. Compensation for medical and rehabilitation care under SABS includes $3,500 for minor injuries, $65,000 for non-catastrophic injuries, and $1,000,000 for catastrophic impairments. You may also have the right to pursue a claim against the at fault party for additional damages, including pain and suffering, lost income, future care costs, and other financial losses. Navigating the legal process can be complex, which is why obtaining experienced legal representation as early as possible is so important.
At Bergel Magence, our Toronto pedestrian accident lawyers have a proven track record of helping injured pedestrians recover the compensation they deserve. We provide comprehensive legal services, investigate every aspect of your accident, communicate directly with insurance companies, and work tirelessly to negotiate a fair settlement whenever possible. If the insurer refuses to offer reasonable compensation, we are fully prepared to pursue your claim through litigation to secure justice on your behalf. Contact Bergel Magence today for a free initial consultation to learn about your legal rights and how our experienced legal team can help you move forward after a pedestrian accident.
Contact Our Toronto Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident while walking in Toronto, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. The experienced personal injury lawyer team at Bergel Magence has spent more than 50 years helping injured pedestrians protect their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that follow a serious personal injury, and we are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process with compassion and skilled advocacy.
Our legal team of personal injury experts will explain your rights to accident benefits, assist you in claiming accident benefits, and help you navigate complex insurance claims while you focus on your recovery. We work to ensure you receive the medical and rehabilitation treatment you need and pursue every available source of compensation. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may also be entitled to bring a tort claim against the at-fault driver to recover damages for pain and suffering, future care needs, medical costs, and other losses. We also fight to recover compensation that can replace lost income if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
At Bergel Magence, we are committed to protecting your rights and pursuing the maximum compensation available under Ontario law. Whether your pedestrian accident occurred in a crosswalk, at an intersection, in a parking lot, or on a sidewalk anywhere in Toronto, our experienced legal team is ready to help. Contact Bergel Magence today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Toronto pedestrian accident lawyer. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, answer your questions, achieve financial stability and start building the strongest possible claim so you can focus on your recovery while we fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.