Pedestrian accidents occur more frequently than what we’d like to believe. In fact at least one pedestrian is struck by a moving vehicle every hour in the Greater Toronto Area. Sadly, the victims of these accidents usually suffer catastrophic of even fatal injuries. Rarely are their injuries minor and their recovery period short. This type of accident typically occurs when a negligent driver isn’t following the driving laws or is distracted by talking or texting on their smartphone.
Consequences of Pedestrian Accidents
Other than motorcyclists, pedestrians are considered the most vulnerable of all accident victims and represent a significant portion of all personal injury claims. Furthermore, they represent a disproportionately high number of catastrophic and fatal injuries. Some of the more common injuries a person is likely to suffer in a pedestrian accident include the following:
• amputations
• disfigurement and scarring
• head or traumatic brain injuries
• multiple broken bones or fractures
• spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• torn ligaments
Injuries of this nature can lead to mounting medical bills and a lengthy recovery period. Some can result in long-term or even permanent health care. A pedestrian accident lawyer understands the gravity of these injuries and can guide victims through the legal process while helping them understand their rights in a personal injury case.
Recovery Options
No two pedestrian accidents are alike, nor are the cases we represent. Individuals who’ve suffered injury in these types of accidents contact our firm because they have questions regarding their right to sue the at-fault driver for compensations. If you’ve recently been injured in a pedestrian accident and weren’t at fault, there are two options you can pursue for financial recovery – 1) accident benefits and 2) a personal injury or tort claim against the at-fault party or their insurer.
Accident benefits, regardless of fault, are available to all injury victims. Even if you were the at-fault party, you can file a claim for these benefits provided you do so before the statute of limitations expires. If you file within 30 days of receipt of the application for benefits, you could be eligible for up to $65,000 for attendant care as well as medical and rehabilitation benefits. In non-catastrophic and non-minor injury claims, you could receive up to $3,000 monthly and a maximum of $400 weekly for income replacement.
It is best to get legal consultation after you get injured in an accident as your lawyer will help you at every step of the way as you claim damages. To learn more about your rights in a pedestrian accident case or to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Fort Erie, call Barapp Law at (888) 226-4264 at your earliest convenience.