New laws regarding pedestrians in Ottawa and the rest of Ontario have made it difficult for some to understand exactly what rights pedestrians have, and what the new responsibilities for drivers are.
If you have been in an accident, contact an Ottawa pedestrian accident lawyer that can help you sort through what the law says about these accidents, and get you any compensation you may deserve for your injuries. Contact a skilled Ottawa lawyer who can fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers can meet with you in Ottawa for a free initial consultation. Call (416) 364-2000
Crosswalks vs. Crossovers
Prior to January 1, 2016, the rule for crosswalks and crossovers was the same. Vehicles had to stop at their half-portion of the road if a pedestrian was in a crosswalk or crossover.
At the time, this meant that, if a vehicle approached a crosswalk or crossover and a pedestrian was crossing, the vehicle was required to stop until the pedestrian had crossed in front of the vehicle and was safely over to the other half of the crosswalk or crossover before proceeding.
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Changes in Pedestrian Laws
However, this law saw a slight change in January of 2016. Now when pedestrians are using crossovers, vehicles must come to a complete stop and remain at a complete stop until the pedestrian has passed through the entire crossover safely. This same law applies for crosswalks, but only those that have a crossing guard present.
The new law has had many people wondering what the difference is between a crosswalk and a crossover.
- Crosswalks are marked pedestrian walkways at traffic lights and stop signs. Pedestrians do have their own signals to follow at crosswalks, typically a hand or the words “Don’t Walk” or “Walk”
- Crossovers differ slightly. Crossovers are marked pedestrian’s crossings that can appear anywhere in the city, not just at traffic lights and stop signs. They typically have signs for vehicles instead of pedestrians, and these are typically in the form of flashing yellow lights, often with an “X” on them
The new laws surrounding pedestrians and vehicles have confused both drivers and pedestrians who venture out on Ottawa roads. In the unfortunate case of an accident, it is important to speak to a pedestrian accident lawyer in Ottawa who understands the new laws and what they mean.
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Proving Liability
Proving liability in a pedestrian accident case can be difficult, especially when the accident did not occur in a crosswalk or crossover – areas where pedestrians are usually given the right of way.
However, because the injuries sustained to pedestrians in accidents can be so severe, the onus does not rest on the pedestrian during the case. This means that the driver of the vehicle must be able to prove that it was not their fault, rather than the pedestrian trying to prove that it was.
Still, these cases can be complicated and it is important that injured parties have a qualified Ottawa pedestrian accident lawyer fighting for them every step of the way.
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Impact of Injuries
Pedestrians do not have any protection if they are hit by a vehicle and because of this, the injuries can be quite serious. Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spine injuries, and injuries to the lower body are the most common that are seen, but pedestrians can be hurt in any number of ways.
These injuries can stay with the victim for a lifetime and can result in an inability to work for an extended period of time, and medical bills that are not covered by OHIP can begin to pile up. Insurance companies may offer a settlement, but they are often small, and not enough to cover needed medical expenses.
Contact an Accident Lawyer
No one should have to deal with the lasting effects of a pedestrian accident on their own. If you have been in an accident, you need to speak to an Ottawa pedestrian accident lawyer that understands this area of law.
Call or text (416) 364-2000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
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