A man in his 70s is fighting for his life after being struck by a vehicle in Toronto’s east end on Thursday evening.
The serious pedestrian accident in East York happened near Coxwell Avenue and Mortimer Avenue on October 8, 2026. Toronto Police responded shortly before 8 p.m. Paramedics rushed the injured man to a trauma centre in critical condition.
Police confirmed that the driver remained at the scene. Coxwell Avenue was temporarily closed between Mortimer and Sammon avenues while officers investigated.
Police have not released the cause of the collision.
The incident highlights an important concern for older pedestrians. Even a single collision can lead to serious injuries, lengthy hospital stays and major changes to daily life.
Why Are Pedestrian Accidents More Dangerous for Seniors?
Older adults can face greater health risks after being struck by a vehicle.
As people age, their bones may become more fragile. They may also have medical conditions that make recovery more difficult. A senior pedestrian accident can cause broken hips, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and internal bleeding.
For someone in their 70s, recovery may take much longer than expected. An injury that requires surgery or extended bed rest can also affect strength, balance and mobility. Some people may need months of rehabilitation. Others may require home care, mobility aids or changes to their living arrangements.
These long-term needs can become important when evaluating an Ontario pedestrian injury claim.
What Happens When a Pedestrian Is Seriously Injured in Toronto?
When a pedestrian suffers critical injuries, emergency treatment is only the beginning.
Doctors must first stabilize the patient and assess the extent of the injuries. Once the person’s condition improves, attention may turn to rehabilitation and long-term recovery.
Family members may also face difficult decisions about care, transportation and support at home.
For an older person who lived independently before the accident, losing the ability to walk, drive or manage daily tasks can have a major impact.
A Toronto pedestrian accident lawyer can help families understand how these losses may affect an insurance claim or potential lawsuit.
Is a Driver Always Responsible for Hitting a Pedestrian?
No. Fault depends on the circumstances of the collision. Ontario drivers must take reasonable care to avoid harming pedestrians. However, investigators must still establish what happened.
Important questions may include whether the driver had enough time to stop, whether traffic signals were followed and whether the pedestrian was visible. Other factors can include lighting, weather, road conditions and vehicle speed.
Ontario law also has specific rules concerning the burden of proving negligence in certain pedestrian collisions.
For the East York pedestrian accident, police have not released enough information to determine responsibility. The investigation remains ongoing.
Can a Senior Receive Accident Benefits After Being Hit by a Car?
Yes. An older pedestrian injured by a motor vehicle may qualify for Ontario Statutory Accident Benefits, even if they do not own a car or have their own auto insurance policy.
The available benefits depend on the circumstances and applicable insurance coverage.
Depending on the policy and eligibility, benefits may help cover certain medical treatment, rehabilitation and care needs.
For seniors, these needs may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, mobility equipment or assistance with everyday activities.
An East York personal injury lawyer can review the available insurance coverage and help determine which benefits may apply.
What Compensation Can an Injured Pedestrian Receive in Ontario?
A serious pedestrian injury can affect much more than a person’s health.
Some accident victims can no longer enjoy the activities they once loved. Others need help bathing, preparing meals, shopping or leaving their homes.
If another party’s negligence caused the injuries, a personal injury claim may provide compensation for eligible losses.
These may include:
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Pain and suffering
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Medical and rehabilitation expenses
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Future treatment and care costs
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Lost income, where applicable
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Household assistance and support needs
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Other financial losses caused by the accident
The amount of compensation depends on the injuries, evidence, liability and applicable legal requirements.
There is no standard settlement amount for a Toronto pedestrian accident.
Can Family Members Receive Compensation After a Serious Pedestrian Injury?
When a person suffers a serious injury, their spouse, children or other family members may take on new responsibilities.
They may need to provide transportation, help with medical appointments or assist with daily care.
Ontario’s Family Law Act allows certain family members to pursue claims for eligible losses when the legal requirements are met.
A lawyer can explain whether these rights apply and what evidence may be needed.
When Should You Contact a Toronto Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
After a serious collision, families often have questions that go beyond the police investigation.
Common questions people search include “Can a senior sue after being hit by a car in Ontario?”, “Who pays medical bills after a pedestrian accident?”, “Can an elderly pedestrian receive Accident Benefits?”, “How much is a serious pedestrian accident claim worth?” and “Who pays for home care after a pedestrian injury?”
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help answer these questions based on the person’s injuries and circumstances.
Early legal advice may also help protect important evidence, address insurance deadlines and ensure that future care needs are properly considered.
Injured in an East York Pedestrian Accident? Contact Bergel Magence
A serious pedestrian accident can have a lasting impact on an injured person and their family. When an older adult is involved, the need for ongoing treatment, rehabilitation and personal care can make recovery even more challenging.
For more than 50 years, Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers has represented injured people and families throughout Toronto and across Ontario.
Our firm handles East York pedestrian accidents, Toronto car accidents, senior pedestrian injuries, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and catastrophic injury claims.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Toronto personal injury lawyers can investigate the collision, gather evidence, review available Accident Benefits, deal with insurance companies and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to receive.