How To Avoid Pedestrian Accidents In Ontario - Diamond and Diamond Lawyers

How To Avoid Pedestrian Accidents In Ontario


Pedestrian vehicle accidents happen more often than we think they do. Just like any accident, either the pedestrian or the driver could be at fault. It’s never always the driver’s fault, neither is it always the pedestrian’s fault.

Unfortunately, since we all are pedestrians at a certain point, pedestrian accidents are serious. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA, over 6,000 pedestrian fatalities in 2019 due to car crashes.

Pedestrian vehicle accidents could have effects that are not always immediately visible to the naked eye—for example, brain injuries, long term or permanent disabilities (different forms of disability). 

In many cases, it is best to seek the help of pedestrian accident lawyers to guide you on what you need to do.

Let’s talk about how to spare yourself from being a pedestrian accident victim. Similarly, we will also talk about avoiding being involved in pedestrian vehicle accidents if you are the driver.

Walking Safety Tips To Avoid Pedestrian Accidents In Ontario

Even if you drive your car to places, being a pedestrian at some point is inevitable. The moment you get out of your car and walk towards a restaurant, your office building, or merely crossing the street makes you a pedestrian. 

In a matter of minutes or a split second, a pedestrian accident can happen if you aren’t careful.

Below are some of the things you can do to avoid getting in a pedestrian accident. These are pretty easy. However, many pedestrians unconsciously neglect these basic rules, thus getting into accidents.

  • Never use your cellphone while walking on the streets. Just like driving, you should always keep your eyes on the road. Always be alert.
  • Walk on sidewalks or, when unavailable, walk against the traffic, not along with it.
  • Keep yourself far from the traffic as much as possible.
  • As much as possible, use crosswalks to get to the other side of the road.
  • Never cross the street when there are approaching vehicles.
  • Do not race against the vehicle by attempting to cross to the other side of the road. 
  • If there are approaching vehicles, stop and stay put. Wait for the street to clear out of cars.
  • If you often cross the street at night, bring a flashlight to be more visible on the road.
  • Be mindful of cars exiting driveways, parking, turning on curbsides, etc. 
  • Do not walk or cross the street unassisted if you are under the influence of alcohol.

How To Avoid Pedestrian Vehicle Accidents If You’re Driving

When you’re driving a vehicle, you can also get into pedestrian vehicle accidents. 

The rules to avoid accidents are pretty similar to how you can prevent accidents as a pedestrian. Whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian, it all boils down to discipline and mindfulness. 

As a driver, it is your sole responsibility to be careful and be law-abiding while on the road. 

Being a driver is never a walk in the park because you are keen to follow the rules and avoid accidents as much as possible.

Let’s talk about the things that could help you avoid getting involved in pedestrian vehicle accidents. Pedestrian vehicle accidents can be fatal and can be life-threatening to both the driver and the pedestrian.

  • Keep your eyes peeled. Look out for people standing on the curbside. 
  • Look out for those about to go into the crosswalks and pedestrians walking along the streets.
  • Ensure that your eyesight is clear enough to see from afar. If not, get your eyes checked for the possibility of prescription glasses.  
  • Suppose you struggle to drive at night due to the weather. Lighting and road conditions, use extreme caution at all times. 
  • When making a turn or approaching a crosswalk, always slow down or be prepared to yield.
  • Come to a complete stop when you pedestrians attempt to cross the streets.
  • Do not pass vehicles that are stalled/stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people approaching that you don’t see.
  • Do not ever drive under the influence of alcohol.
  • Follow the speed limit everywhere (churches, school zones, and neighborhoods)

Damages That Can Be Compensated In A Pedestrian Accident In Ontario

Rehabilitation costs

This is the amount you have spent on treatment after a pedestrian accident. 

Whatever you may have spent while seeing a physical or occupational therapist is included here. 

Ambulance costs

The ambulance cost may vary in 2 different ways. One is how much you have to copay with your health provider. Another factor that affects the total cost of ambulance services is if you do not have this covered by your healthcare provider. 

Prescriptions

Prescriptions are the medications/therapies/rehab sessions your doctor has given you after arriving at a final diagnosis.

Transportation to doctor

“Transportation to the doctor” is the cost incurred by a vehicle that brings you to and from your doctor’s appointment.

Because the situation is not considered an emergency, a family member or even yourself can charge/claim for transportation to doctor fees and costs in the claim.

Loss of income 

This is one of the economic damages your pedestrian accident lawyer will work on getting a claim.

It is evident that while you are recuperating, you will not have the physical/mental ability to work. 

This makes you eligible to file for economic damages such as loss of income. 

Pain and suffering

This is non-economic damage that your pedestrian accident lawyer will also fight for. 

Rehab, therapies, trauma, mental and emotional challenges caused by the accidents may also be quantified and can have a possible claim. 

Punitive damages

In layman’s terms, this is a kind of “punishment” cost for the negligent actions of the at-fault party. 

If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in Ontario to help you with your pedestrian accident case, contact Diamond & Diamond Law today! We offer a FREE case evaluation for all our clients.

Pro Tip

If you’re able to, gather information about the driver who caused the accident.

Have You Been in a Pedestrian Accident?

Before things get hazy, get your resources ready. Get in touch with a pedestrian accident lawyer. This move will allow you to think with a sound mind without giving in to the pressure of the situation. 

Reach out to a personal injury lawyer so they can properly guide you on what to do. Do not allow the other party to lowball you when it comes to settlement. Let the experienced pedestrian accident lawyers handle the case for you.

Contact Diamond & Diamond Law today to get a FREE case evaluation.

FAQs About Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents in Ontario

Do pedestrian accidents that don’t involve vehicles exist?

62% of pedestrian accidents involve a vehicle. There have been accidents listed involving pedestrians that don’t involve cars. Most often, these non-vehicle related pedestrian accidents have something to do with ongoing road words, debris falling from construction sites, etc.

How is fault determined in pedestrian accidents?

A thorough evaluation is made by pedestrian accident lawyers. However, in most cases, but not all, the driver is mostly at fault especially when they have been found to be in violation of traffic rules.

What is the driver's duty of care?

The driver’s duty of care means that as a driver it is your responsibility to exercise extreme care and caution when driving. This prevents accidents from happening and prevents you from doing harm to other people.

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