Several cities in Canada, including Toronto and Ottawa in Ontario, are considered to be among the most “walkable” cities in the world, with good access to public transportation and an attractive ambiance. However, one of the problems that pedestrians and bicyclists anywhere in the world face is that of being hit by a truck or motor vehicle regardless of how careful they are. Accidents can and do happen and they’re usually caused by the carelessness or fault of someone. As an accident victim, a pedestrian or bicyclist is entitled to seek compensation from those responsible for the accident. Once the medical emergency has been taken care of, it’s important that the victim or their family contact a Mississauga personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Pedestrians/Bicyclists at Higher Risk

These road users are at the most risk in collisions, since they are completely unprotected and the impact is directly on to the body. Pedestrians who were seriously injured in accidents with trucks are between the ages of 16-60, but people older than 60 are most likely to be killed. Survival rate is slim and if the person does live, there are severe injuries, disability and loss of function. Traumatic head and spinal injuries are common. The thorax and lower extremities are injured in a “run-over” (vehicle driven over the body of the victim.)

Bicyclists are injured in accidents involving lane changes, poor visibility, rural roads, side-swipes etc. Though bicyclists do wear helmets and protective gear, a truck accident is much too severe for these to be really effective. Run-over accidents usually have fatal consequences for bicyclists.

Small cars, motor-cycles, pedestrians and bicycles very close to the truck can’t be seen. Truck design does not allow the truck driver to have a complete view of the road from his cabin and there are several blind spots. Truck drivers cannot clearly see a cyclist riding alongside or directly in front/rear and is unable to gauge their actions. The most dangerous aspect of this is that when the truck is turning, the driver cannot see what the cyclist or pedestrian is doing. Another danger spot is at intersections, when right turning trucks cannot spot pedestrians/cyclists on their right. Trucks have a very large turning circle ratio and the unwary cyclist or pedestrian who’s too close to the truck may find that its rear may swing into them as the vehicle turns.

Trucks backing up may also not see a cyclist or pedestrian behind them. The size difference between the truck and the pedestrian/bicycle is the main cause of the severity of injuries.

Who’s At Fault? 

The most common types of trucks involved in accidents with pedestrians and bicyclists are:

• Commercial trucks
• Garbage trucks
• Delivery vehicles

All vehicles are supposed to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists. Motor-vehicle drivers have a duty of care to be aware of all road users and be alert to their movements, however erratic or unexpected. It is the responsibility of the motor-vehicle driver to exercise due care since he/she is in charge of a vehicle that can inflict serious damage on impact.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian/bicyclist in a truck accident, a serious injury lawyer can advise you or your relatives about a compensation claim.

In case of death, a wrongful death suit can be brought against the at-fault party with the help of our Mississauga accident injury lawyers available 24×7.

In some cases, the pedestrian/bicyclist may be partially at fault – they were not crossing at the cross-walk or running across the road, changed lanes suddenly or were too close to a turning truck. In such cases, as our Mississauga free consultation injury lawyers can advise, you can still make a claim though it may be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

How We Can Assist 

The first priority following a truck accident is to get the best medical treatment if the victim is still alive. In case of death, the eligible relatives of the victim are entitled to seek compensation for wrongful death, funeral expenses, loss of income/wages, loss of companionship, pain and suffering etc. For survivors, our experienced Mississauga personal injury lawyers can begin working on the compensation case immediately. Disability, long term medical treatment and hospitalization, future care, rehabilitation, loss of wages, pain and suffering etc are some of the grounds on which our Mississauga traumatic brain injury lawyers can base your claim. A comprehensive life-care plan has to be drawn up to take care of your life-long physical/emotional needs and improve the quality of your life.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help.TM (416 931 5015)