Brampton personal injury lawyers are often consulted on cases that involve pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions. Unfortunately, in such incidents, pedestrians suffer serious injuries as they are among the most vulnerable of road users. Bicyclists and motor-cycle riders are also prone to sustain injuries in motor vehicle accidents, but unlike pedestrians, they usually wear safety gear, helmets and protective clothing, which offer some level of protection. Pedestrians are completely exposed to the impact forces in accidents.

Accidents are most often caused by someone’s fault or negligence. They are usually avoidable and preventable. If you or a dear one has suffered serious injuries in such an accident, contact the nearest personal injury lawyer in Brampton. You may be entitled to compensation.

Pedestrians Are Vulnerable

A horrific collision that occurred on August 4, 2017 at an intersection in Mississauga at midnight instantly killed a 62 year old man who was crossing the street. The driver of the car failed to stop immediately, although he returned to the accident scene later. Such accidents only emphasize the extreme vulnerability of pedestrians on roads, at any given time of the day or night. Senior citizens, children and people with disability are specially at risk.

Statistics released in 2016 reveal that the number of pedestrian fatalities in Toronto touched an alarming 15% in 2016, making this a matter of urgent public safety. The numbers are even more frightening when it’s shown that one pedestrian is hit every four hours in Toronto and there’s a fatality every 10 days.

Typically the victims are about the age of 65, walking on arterial roads in the suburbs, at a spot that does not have a traffic sign or crosswalk and they’re usually hit by a larger vehicle.

In general a very small majority of pedestrians are responsible for such accidents and the mishaps are usually caused by speeding, distracted or alcohol/drug impaired drivers.

Canada’s rapidly aging population makes it important that road-safety becomes an essential part of motorist sensitization, responsible sharing of roads, purposeful city planning and urban development.

Claiming Compensation

A significant number of pedestrian accidents result in serious injuries that could leave the victim immobile, paralyzed etc. Loss of vision, traumatic brain injuries, serious fractures, amputation, disfigurement, skin abrasions, burns, bruises, internal organ damage, etc are some of the life-threatening injuries that can occur. Apart from physical damage, the person can suffer:

• Loss of income/wages/earning capacity
• Emotional/psychological trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Social isolation
• High and continuous medical expenditure
• Expenses for rehabilitation, prosthetic limbs, plastic surgery, reconstruction etc
• Expenses for assistive and mobility devices
• Home and work-place modification
• Added expenses for care-giver
• Home maintenance

In the case of death of a loved one, medical/hospital expenses up until the time of death, funeral expenses, loss of care and guidance, companionship etc are some areas where financial help is essential.

An experienced Brampton car accident lawyer can provide a genuine evaluation of your case and advise you on the route to be followed to claim compensation. There are several complex legal, medical and insurance issues involved and at such a time of crisis, it may be difficult for families to pursue the claim so that a successful outcome is achieved.