Aurora Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents are more common than people think, especially in a busy suburb such as Aurora. In 2016, new rules came out pertaining to pedestrians in Ontario. While they may have reduced the number of accidents, it has also increased the confusion surrounding pedestrian rules on the road.

In Ontario, drivers that hit pedestrians have a reverse onus upon them to prove that they did not act negligently. However, this does not mean that pedestrians are always found completely innocent in the matter either.

For this reason, it is extremely important that all pedestrians know their rights and responsibilities on the road, and that they hire an Aurora pedestrian accident lawyer should they ever be in an accident. An experienced injury lawyer in Aurora can build a case to help produce a successful outcome on the client’s behalf.

Crossovers and Crosswalks

The new rules regarding pedestrians have left both motorists and pedestrians confused. However, the rules are quite simple. They concern crossovers and crosswalks only, and the right for motorists to start crossing when a pedestrian is currently walking through them. The question has become: what are crossovers and crosswalks?

Crosswalks are paths at most intersections that have lines on the pavement meant for a pedestrian to cross through. Many drivers are used to driving through these once the pedestrian has crossed their side of the road. This is still perfectly alright.

When there is a crosswalk that has school crossing guards directing pedestrians, however, motorists must wait until the pedestrians have completely crossed the road before proceeding.

The waiting rule is true for crossovers as well. Crossovers are different from crosswalks in that they are much bigger walkways with lights and signals above and beside them. Pedestrians have to push a button to get the lights to flash, and then they can proceed.

Determining Liability

Knowing the new rules is important for motorists and pedestrians. This is because pedestrians can be found partially at fault if they are hit by a motorist when crossing the road. If they have not pushed that button before entering the crossover, that could be determined to be a negligent action.

While it is true that motorists have a reverse onus placed upon them for a pedestrian accident, the pedestrian can also be found partly at fault. This could significantly impact any compensation they may seek after the accident.

It is so important that pedestrians be as safe and act as reasonably as possible while out on the roads. This is not only because they are vulnerable and completely exposed and unprotected, but also because they could be found to be partially liable in the event of an accident.

Pedestrians that have been in an accident should consult a pedestrian accident lawyer in Aurora, whether they feel they were partly to blame for an accident or not.

Claiming Compensation

Pedestrians often suffer great injuries when they are involved in an accident with a vehicle. The severity of the injuries will likely cost great medical expenses and a great loss of income while the injured party recovers. Compensation can be claimed for those losses if the accident victim files a personal lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

An Aurora pedestrian accident lawyer can never determine the amount of compensation a person will receive without reviewing their case. However, there are a few factors that go into determining the amount.

• Severity of the injuries
• If the pedestrian was at fault in any way
• The amount of losses that have been sustained as a result of the accident

Pedestrians that were at fault for the accident will be assigned a percentage of blame, and any compensation they receive will have that amount deducted from it. This is a legal concept known as contributory negligence.

Benefit of a Lawyer

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident and you need compensation to make up for any losses you have suffered as a result, contact an experienced Aurora pedestrian lawyer immediately. These accidents can result in severe injuries, and you do not have to face it alone.