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Common Pedestrian Injuries We Handle

Broken Bones

Fractures from impact and falls

Traumatic Brain Injury

Concussions, skull fractures

Spinal Cord Injury

Paralysis, nerve damage

Internal Injuries

Organ damage, internal bleeding

Soft Tissue Injuries

Ligament tears, whiplash

Fatal Injuries

Wrongful death claims

Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Drivers Have a Duty to Watch for Pedestrians

Under Ontario law, drivers must exercise reasonable care to avoid hitting pedestrians. When they fail — whether through distraction, speeding, impairment, or carelessness — they are liable for the devastating consequences. We hold negligent drivers accountable for the full extent of your injuries.

Insurance Coverage for Pedestrians

Ontario's no-fault insurance system covers pedestrians even though they weren't in a vehicle. You're entitled to Accident Benefits through the at-fault driver's insurance or your household's auto policy:

  • Medical and rehabilitation benefits for treatment and recovery
  • Income replacement benefits if you cannot work
  • Non-earner benefits for those not employed at the time
  • Caregiver and attendant care benefits
  • If the driver fled or was uninsured, the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund provides coverage

Can You Claim if You Were Jaywalking?

Yes. Ontario follows comparative negligence rules — even if you bear some fault for jaywalking, you can still recover compensation. Drivers have a duty to watch for pedestrians everywhere, not just at crosswalks. Your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover significant compensation.

Common Pedestrian Accident Scenarios

Our lawyers handle all types of pedestrian accidents in the GTA:

  • Vehicles turning at intersections without yielding to pedestrians
  • Distracted drivers running red lights or stop signs
  • Speeding through school zones and residential areas
  • Vehicles backing up in parking lots without checking
  • Hit-and-run accidents where the driver flees the scene
  • Impaired drivers striking pedestrians on sidewalks or crosswalks

How We Handle Your Case

1

Free Consultation

We review your case details, assess your injuries, and explain your legal options at no cost.

2

Investigation

We gather evidence, medical records, and expert opinions to build the strongest possible case.

3

Negotiation

We handle all communication with insurance companies and negotiate aggressively for fair compensation.

4

Resolution

Most cases settle, but we're fully prepared to take your case to trial if insurers won't pay fairly.

Pedestrian Accident FAQs

Olga Kanevsky, LL.B, LL.M — Personal Injury Lawyer Toronto

About the Author

Olga Kanevsky, LL.B, LL.M

Olga Kanevsky is the principal lawyer at Kanevsky Law Office, specializing exclusively in personal injury law. With over 20 years of experience handling accident claims across the GTA, she has been licensed by the Law Society of Ontario(Member #51731A) since 2001. She serves clients in English, Russian, and Ukrainian.

LSO Member #51731ACBA MemberOBA Member

Hit by a Vehicle? Get Help Today

Don't let insurance companies minimize your injuries. Contact our Toronto pedestrian accident lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll fight for every dollar you deserve.

Email: Send Email | Phone: ((416)) 252-9937 | 4580 Dufferin St, Suite 309, North York, ON

Page last reviewed and updated: May 20, 2026 by Olga Kanevsky, LL.B, LL.M

Also serving Peel Region, York Region and Durham Region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions. Need more help? Free consultation · (416) 252-9937

What if I was jaywalking when hit by a car?
You can still recover, but contributory negligence may reduce damages. Ontario's Highway Traffic Act assigns drivers a high duty of care to pedestrians, especially in marked crosswalks and school zones.
What benefits am I entitled to as a pedestrian?
Even though you don't own a car, you're covered by the at-fault driver's policy AND your own household's auto policy (if any) under Ontario SABS. We help identify every coverage source.
How are crosswalk accidents handled differently?
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Failure to yield typically establishes liability. We obtain traffic-light data, CCTV, and witness statements to prove the driver was at fault.
What is Toronto's Vision Zero plan?
Toronto's Vision Zero road-safety plan aims to eliminate traffic fatalities through engineering, education and enforcement. Despite this, pedestrian deaths in Toronto have not declined as hoped — making strong legal representation more important than ever.

Trusted Resources & Related Pages

For authoritative guidance on your rights in Ontario, consult the official resources below. We've also linked our most-relevant related pages.

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