Pedestrian Hit By Snowplow raises Concerns about Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian Hit By Snowplow Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries

Pedestrian fatalities occur more often than they should and, often times, these accidents can be easily avoided by taking caution and care. This concern surfaces in the wake of a recent accident that occurred on January 5, 2015.  Toronto news programs reported on an incident in which a 62 year old pedestrian attempted to cross Steeles Avenue near Aspenwood Drive. The woman was hit by a snowplow and ultimately suffered life threatening injuries. An emergency response team transported the accident victim to Sunnybrook Hospital for treatment.

The police department is investigating the accident and it is believed that the pedestrian was crossing mid-block when the collision occurred. Regarding the incident, a Toronto police officer stated, “I would suggest that this was a totally preventable collision. There was a crosswalk to the west of the area. If we had individuals crossing the road properly, not using mid-block situations, we’d see almost a 50 percent drop in our fatalities in relation to pedestrians.” Steeles Avenue between Leslie and Don Mills Road was closed for about 5 hours as the scene was being investigated.

The area around Steeles Avenue is a frequent spot for similar accidents. The question arises as to how these incidents can be prevented in the future to avoid additional cases of fatalities and injuries among pedestrians. Pedestrian-vehicle accidents are often avoidable and can be drastically reduced if pedestrians and drivers are attentive and obey all traffic laws. A pedestrian action that can have the greatest impact on their safety is when pedestrians utilize crosswalks or cross at intersections rather than crossing mid-block. Drivers are less likely to spot pedestrians crossing the street mid-block and often are not expecting to yield to pedestrians.

Drivers in any Ontario community, particularly where there is frequent pedestrian traffic, should constantly monitor for pedestrians who are preparing to cross. Although pedestrians sometimes make mistakes that contribute to a collision, motorists often bear the blame in pedestrian-vehicle collisions, by such actions as not paying attention, failing to yield for a pedestrian or speeding.

Personal injury cases are often initiated as a result of pedestrian-vehicle accidents. Because pedestrians are far more vulnerable road users than car occupants, the onus is on a driver to take particular care.  Even in circumstances where a pedestrian was not as careful as they should have been, a pedestrian may be eligible for injury compensation if it can be shown that the driver’s inattention or actions contributed to the accident. To avoid causing injury to a pedestrian and potential liability from an accident, there are some measures that can be taken on the part of drivers, such as staying alert, constantly watch for pedestrians, staying within the speed limits, and generally adhering to all traffic laws.   Vehicle owners and drivers also need to ensure that they have adequate insurance coverage in the event of an accident that leads to serious injury.

The month preceding the incident in January, CBC News reported that Toronto traffic fatalities are at the highest level in five years. In 2015, most of the people who died as a result of traffic incidents were pedestrians. These are troubling statistics that are indicative of the fact that additional measures are needed to reduce the amount of pedestrian-motorist accidents occurring each year. The fatalities of 2015 are as follows:

• Pedestrian — 38
• Automobile driver — 9
• Automobile passenger — 6
• Motorcycle driver — 6
• Motorcycle passenger — 1

Toronto police have suggested that the growing number in pedestrian accidents may have a correlation with the aging population. 60% of pedestrian fatalities were seniors. “The older you are the less likely you are to recover from a collision," stated Const. Clint Stibbe, noting about 2,000 pedestrians are struck every year. "In some cases the injury that the individual suffered was very minor but complications have set in causing that individual to succumb to those injuries." Stibbe suggests that, in order to see a reduction in fatalities, drivers need to adhere to traffic rules more closely.

This recent Toronto accident has implications for personal injury liability and claims initiated in similar vehicle-pedestrian accidents. For example, consider who is liable in this incident and whether the 62 year old pedestrian can file a personal injury claim against the driver of the snowplow or his employer. All personal injury claims require evidence of the facts and events of the accident as well as evidence of the damages and bodily injuries caused by the accident. Pedestrians suffering injuries may be entitled to reimbursement for lost income resulting from their injury, medical bills, rehabilitation and attendant care expenses, and pain and suffering. Common injuries suffered by pedestrians hit by vehicles include, but are not limited to, brain concussions, traumatic brain injury, scalp lacerations, spinal cord injuries, and fractured arms and/or legs.. Recovery from these injuries can be difficult, painful and costly and in many cases, injuries are permanent and life changing.

Dealing with the aftermath of such an accident can be extremely stressful, in terms of needed medical treatments, time lost from work, and the time it takes to recover from injuries. If you are in the victim of a vehicle-pedestrian accident, you will likely desire to seek legal representation, The Injury Lawyers of Ontario (ILO) will represent your best interests and fight to get you fair compensation for your losses.  ILO lawyers have assisted many families and individuals who have suffered terrible losses as a result of automobile accidents. Contact us for a free consultation regarding your unique circumstances.