Edmonton Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Few things in life are as enjoyable as taking a stroll around your neighbourhood or exploring a part of Edmonton that is new-to-you. Not only is the physical activity great for our health and moods, but we can miss so many details as we drive by in our cars or trucks, on our bikes, or by taking mass transit that we would see on our walks.

As pedestrians, we tend to feel safe while on the sidewalks. Even if we use marked crosswalks, obey traffic lights, and check our surroundings carefully before stepping out onto the street, we know the risk of injury is greater when we share the road with heavy machines that can travel at high speed. But few people spend much time thinking that they could be involved in a pedestrian accident until it happens to them - and by that time, the damage is done.

If a pedestrian is hit by a motor vehicle, especially one travelling at higher speeds, the extent of their injuries could be staggering. Our bodies, no matter how strong and healthy they are, are no match for a steel machine that is barreling down at us.

Common pedestrian accident injuries include: cuts, bruises, soft tissue or nerve damage, broken bones and concussions and head injuries. However, depending on the speed a vehicle is travelling at the time of impact, more severe injuries or even death is possible. Internal bleeding, organ damage, amputations, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, orthopaedic injuries and psychological injuries (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Many of these injuries could prevent you from taking your usual strolls for a period of time; but the most serious of them could significantly impact your ability to work, affect your relationships, and take away from your enjoyment of life. Fortunately, pedestrians involved in motor vehicle accidents are eligible to receive Section B health benefits from the insurer of a driver involved in the accident, and then their own insurer if that driver did not have insurance. And, if another person caused or contributed to your injuries through negligence, you may be able to file a claim for compensation for your pain, suffering and losses.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

“The pedestrian always has the right of way.” It’s a phrase you might have heard, but it’s not always true. Pedestrians do have the right of way at controlled signs (when the “walk” sign is illuminated), and at all corner-to-corner crossings at uncontrolled or unmarked crosswalks (where they should indicate their intention to cross to nearby motorists). Pedestrians do not necessarily have the right of way on roadways, even if they signal intention to cross a street.

Most pedestrian accidents in Edmonton occur when a pedestrian is in a right-of-way position, however. Two out of every three motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians in the city in 2019 occurred when pedestrians were obeying the rules at controlled, uncontrolled or unmarked intersections.

In total, 235 pedestrians were injured in collisions in Edmonton in 2019 and there were 3 fatalities. These numbers mark an improvement from past years as the city implements its “Vision Zero” program aimed at eliminating serious pedestrian accidents and fatalities by 2032. By improving traffic signals and crosswalk infrastructure, the city is hoping to make the streets safer for everyone. So far, the plan is working; since 2015 serious injuries are down by 30% and fatalities have been reduced by more than 50%.

Pedestrians can also take actions to help reduce their own risk of being hit by a car. Some safety suggestions include: wearing brightly coloured clothes and avoiding walking in dimly lit areas to be better seen by drivers, catching a driver’s eye before attempting to cross the street at a controlled or uncontrolled crossing, and avoiding distractions such as listening to music, looking at your phone, and being under the influence of drugs or alcohol so you can be fully aware of your surroundings and potential hazards.

While the goal is zero pedestrian accidents and fatalities, until we reach it, pedestrians who are injured should understand their rights. Whether a pedestrian had the right-of-way or not when a collision occurred, they are entitled to draw on Section B benefits from the policy of a driver involved in the accident. In the event of a hit and run or an accident where everyone involved is uninsured, the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program can be used to fund health care needs. If the pedestrian is not at-fault, or only partially at-fault for the accident, an Edmonton pedestrian accident lawyer can advance a claim for compensation for the pedestrian’s pain and suffering and losses.

What Should I Do Immediately Following A Pedestrian Accident?

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may not be able to anything but wait for first responders to assess your condition. But, even if you don’t think your injury is very serious, it is essential for you to seek medical attention. Many pedestrians hit by cars can be in a state of shock for a period after the accident; you may not be feeling the full extent of the pain from your injuries. Moreover, symptoms from internal injuries such as head trauma, internal bleeding or organ damage may not appear for some time after the accident.

If you are able, try to record the names and contact information of all persons involved in the accident or witnesses. It is also important to get the driver’s insurance. This information should also be available in the police report if you are not able to record it yourself. Photos of the scene of the accident and your injuries are also helpful for future legal matters.

Limit what you say to anyone else around and never admit fault, apologize, or say that another person was not at fault. These statements could be used to deny a future claim or limit the compensation you rightfully deserve.

What Are My Next Steps?

If you have suffered injuries from the accident, you should begin the process of making a claim for benefits. At any time during this process you can contact a pedestrian accident lawyer for a free consultation to better know your rights.

First, see a primary health care practitioner (medical doctor, chiropractor, physiotherapist) to assess your injuries and suggest a treatment plan. Next, file an injury report with the police. Then, fill out an AB-1 Notice of Loss and Proof of Claim Form and submit to the insurer of a driver involved in the accident. The insurer will contact you about the benefits you are entitled to receive after reviewing the form, including Section B benefits. If you have additional insurance coverage from a self-purchased policy or through your employer, you may need to exhaust those benefits before you can claim Section B benefits.

Insurers may require you to be assessed for injuries by their own doctors in order to claim some benefits and sometimes they will deny claims of victims who deserve these supports. Moreover, sometimes insurers will make lowball settlement offers or ask you to sign liability waivers that limit your right to sue. By consulting an experienced, dedicated and trustworthy pedestrian accident lawyer, you can be sure you are getting what you are entitled to for your injuries and losses.

How We Can Help Pedestrians Involved in Accidents in Edmonton

Litco Law has been helping pedestrian accident victims in Alberta for over 40 years. As a firm that specializes in personal injury law, our knowledgeable and experienced lawyers have the expertise you need when dealing with insurers. Drawing on our extensive networks, we can find the proper medical professionals to assess your condition; their expert reports can help convince insurers that it is in their interests to offer you a fair settlement. We have all the resources to get your case ready for trial so you can be confident that you will not have to accept a sub par offer because we are ready to go to court if necessary. Personal Injury Law can be confusing and the litigation process may feel overwhelming if you are unfamiliar with it. That’s why we take special care to make these steps understandable, to answer your questions, and to explain your options in a way that will help you to be comfortable with the process.

But Litco Law pedestrian accident lawyers aren’t just effective at the negotiating table or in court rooms; we are also compassionate advocates for accident victims. We care about your well-being and understand that a personal injury is about more than just money for your losses. We pride ourselves on being here for you as emotional support as you travel down your road to recovery.

When you retain our services, you don’t pay anything unless we are successful in helping you obtain a settlement or court-ordered damages award. By working on a contingency basis, we make it easier for clients to access legal representation without fear of financial ruin. It also means if we take your case, we are confident that we can get positive results for you.

A Reputation You Can Count On

Word-of-mouth reviews are some of the most powerful recommendations a law firm could ever receive. As clients tell their stories and share their positive experiences with their circle of friends and family, these people know their opinions can be trusted and value them highly. And, when we routinely hear a new client has been referred by a past client or has heard good things about our work, we know we’re doing right by our clients.

Beyond this incredible word-of-mouth promotion, we have also been recognized by our peers for our strong work ethic by colleagues and peers. Named as one of Canada’s Top 10 Boutique Personal Injury firms in Canadian Lawyer Magazine, you can be confident that even if you don’t know anyone who has used our services before, people who know the personal injury field well believe we are one of the best in the business.

If you have sustained a personal injury in a pedestrian accident and need help, trust Litco Law Edmonton Pedestrian Accident Lawyers to be on your side and by your side. As your legal advocate, we’ll always put your best interests first and support you as you claim what you deserve.

A personal injury always results in loss. Loss of time, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of money if you are unable to work. We cannot undo the damage that has been done to you in the past, but we can help you make the future brighter by making sure you have all the resources you need to heal, recover, and rebuild your life.

Looking for a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Edmonton? Contact Us.

We service the Edmonton and surrounding area, including the counties of Parkland, Leduc, Strathcona, Sturgeon. When you think Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Edmonton, think Litco Law.