Pedestrian Accidents

When the roadways of our country are shared by motor vehicles and people, an accident is to be expected. Sadly, however, these accidents almost always leave the pedestrian severely or fatally injured.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Transport Canada published a report in 2004 outlining <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href= >pedestrian accidents </a>and fatalities covering the period of 1992-2001. Surprisingly, pedestrian fatalities fell 24%, particularly among children under the age of nine. Still, one person is killed each day on average on Canadian roads.

At greatest risk are seniors over 65. Approximately 70% of all fatalities and 95% of all injuries occurred in urban locations. This may be due to the assumption that motor vehicle drivers travel faster on rural roads, so a rural collision with a pedestrian is more likely to be fatal.

In many cases, accidents occurred where no traffic signals where present. Some cases involved children running out into the street, people crossing against the normal flow of traffic, or crossing between intersections. In fact, intersections scored highest as the most likely location for a pedestrian accident. Later in the day, particularly during fall and early winter when dusk arrives early, was a prime time for pedestrian accidents. Of course, alcohol consumption plays a big part in pedestrian fatalities, Over 40% of these accidents involved alcohol use over the legal limit.

Avoiding An Accident

Pedestrians are advised to follow these guidelines to avoid an accident:

  • Wear bright clothing or reflective clothing<br>
  • Be careful when crossing intersections, particularly those without traffic controls<br>
  • Avoid crossing in areas where you do not have the right of way<br>
  • Don’t run into the road or play on the road<br>
  • Walk against traffic when there are no sidewalks<br>

Other contributing factors to pedestrian accidents and death include:

In some cases, a government entity may be held liable. In others, such as accidents occurring on someone else’s property, premises liability laws may come into play.

Even pedestrians themselves may be at fault for their accident.

What to Do in the Event of an Accident

Regardless of the cause, your first goal is to obtain proper medical treatment. File a police report. Get the personal information of any drivers and witnesses. Then contact an

A law firm experienced in personal injury will have the resources available to hire the right investigators and experts in accident reconstruction to ensure your rights are protected.

Here are some tips on what to do in the event of an accident: