Every pedestrian on
the road has rights. A pedestrian car accident lawyer can help pedestrians get
compensation when they incur injuries in a car accident. A pedestrian is
extremely vulnerable when involved in some form of collision with an automobile
and a high percentage of these accidents result in serious injuries.
If you have been
injured in an accident as a pedestrian, Sokoloff Lawyers can help you get the
compensation you deserve. Sokoloff Lawyers is a boutique law firm experienced in serious personal injuries and accident benefit claims arising from a
motor vehicle accident.
As a Pedestrian
- Cross at marked crosswalks or traffic lights
- Make sure drivers see you before you cross
- Cross only when traffic has come to a complete stop
- At traffic lights, cross at the beginning of a green
light. Do not cross once the "Don’t Walk” signal begins to flash or once the
light has turned to yellow
- Watch for traffic turning at intersections or entering
and leaving driveways
- Wear bright or light coloured clothing or reflective
strips when walking in dusk or darkness
As a Motorist
- Be patient, especially with older pedestrians who may
take longer to cross the street
- Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning
- Remember, stay alert, and slow down on residential
streets and especially through school zones
Pedestrian accident
victims can claim compensation by filing an accident benefits claim as well as
through a tort claim, which means filing a lawsuit against the person
responsible for the accident.
Accident Benefits
Claim
You can file an
accident benefits claim with your own car insurance company. If you do not have
your own vehicle insurance policy, you can claim compensation from the car
insurance company of the driver at fault. You have seven days from the date of
the accident to inform the car insurance company your intention to file a
claim. Benefits that you may be entitled to receive are income replacement
benefits, non-earner benefits, caregiver benefits, attendant care benefits,
expenses of visitors, medical and rehabilitation benefits not covered by OHIP,
and housekeeping and home maintenance benefits.
Tort Claim
When a pedestrian believes
that the driver at-fault was grossly negligent, or the injuries incurred are
catastrophic, the pedestrian can opt to claim damages by filing a lawsuit. The
pedestrian can claim damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life
and loss of amenities, past and future loss of income, loss of household and
handyperson capacity and future cost of care. The driver at fault must be
informed of the intention to file a lawsuit against him or her within 120 days
from the date of the accident, and the lawsuit must be filed within two years.
Pedestrian accidents
can become very complicated cases and require the expertise of a pedestrian car
accident lawyer. If you are considering legal action after an accident,
Sokoloff Lawyers will help you get the support that you need and deserve. We
will work alongside your insurance company to get you the accident benefits you
require and we will advocate for you in court to work towards the best outcome
for you.