Mississauga Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been involved in a pedestrian accident, you have the right to hold the negligent party responsible. We may be able to guide you through the process from start to finish. A pedestrian accident lawyer serving Mississauga may also be able to discuss whether you have the option to sue the negligent driver or a liable third party directly to cover your economic losses and pain and suffering. Contact Preszler Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-JUSTICE for a free initial consultation for your case.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
According to the 2017 Collision Statistics by Transport Canada:
- 60 percent of pedestrians who were killed in accidents were trying to cross the road
- 33 percent of fatally injured pedestrians were hit by a driver who had violated a traffic law
- 35 percent involved pedestrians who were 65 years or older
There are a number of causes for these accidents, including:
Aggressive Driving
The report reveals aggressive driving is a major cause of accidents. It includes speeding, tailgating, failing to yield the right of way, running red lights, and weaving in and out of traffic. Speeding contributed to 27 percent of motor vehicle fatalities and 19 percent of serious injuries. Motorists who are driving too fast may be unable to maneuver or stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
Distracted Driving
Drivers who are distracted by cell phones, the radio, or other passengers have less awareness of the road and less time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
Drowsy Driving
An alarming 20 percent of fatal collisions involve driver fatigue. More shocking than that, though, is the 15 percent of Canadian drivers who admit to falling asleep behind the wheel in the last year, according to the report.
Types of Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents
Because pedestrians are not protected in the same way that drivers or vehicle passengers are during a collision, the injuries caused by pedestrian accidents are often life-threatening or even fatal. Common injuries that pedestrians experience include but are not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other brain injuries
- Fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Internal bleeding
- Disfigurement and scarring
If you or a loved one is suffering from these or other injuries, contact us right away at 1-800-JUSTICE for a free initial consultation.
Laws That Can Impact Your Claim
Provincial laws require you to notify your automobile insurance carrier within seven days of your accident. If you do not meet this deadline, it could impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. Failing to notify your insurance carrier could also limit your right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
The statute of limitations could also impact your case. In many cases, you are required to file a lawsuit within two years, beginning on the day your injuries occurred. If you fail to meet this deadline, you typically lose the right to pursue damages for your injuries. You could be left with expenses and no way to cover them.
Damages You May Collect After a Pedestrian Accident
There are a number of damages you may be eligible to collect after a pedestrian accident. These damages include:
- Medical expenses, such as ambulance rides, hospital stays, doctors’ examinations, medication, and physical therapy
- Wheelchairs and walkers
- Lost wages
- Future wages if you have lost your earning potential
- Disfigurement or dismemberment
- Pain and suffering
- And others if you qualify
These are only a handful of the damages you might be eligible to recover. When our team investigates your pedestrian accident, we may be able to uncover the damages to which you may be entitled.
Wrongful Death
If your loved one died as a result of the severity of their injuries, you may be eligible to recover specific damages related to a wrongful death lawsuit. These damages may include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of support and protection
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- And more if you qualify
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Serving Mississauga May Be Able to Help
There are a number of ways in which a pedestrian accident lawyer serving Mississauga may be able to help you:
Calculating the Approximate Value of Your Case
Our team may investigate your accident and give you an idea of the value of your case. Our calculation may include but will not be limited to:
- The severity of your injuries
- The losses you have sustained as a result of the accident
- Your physician’s statement regarding the impact your injuries may have on your future
Once we have done our investigation, we may negotiate with the other party.
Determine Liability
In many cases, the driver is typically the party at fault for your accident. However, we may identify other liable parties and hold each of them liable for your injuries.
We may also be able to fight any accusations of fault leveled at you by the other party.
Investigate Your Case
A pedestrian accident lawyer serving Mississauga may be able to conduct a thorough investigation into your case. We may hire investigators or expert witnesses who could provide testimony regarding your injuries or degree of liability. We may gather evidence to support your case, including but not limited to:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Eyewitness statements
- Surveillance video
Call Us Today for a Free Initial Consultation
The effects of a pedestrian accident can linger for months, years, or even a lifetime. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident as a result of someone else’s negligent behavior, you have the right to hold that person responsible. Contact Preszler Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-JUSTICE for a free initial consultation regarding your case.
