Cape Breton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrians in Cape Breton are increasingly the victims of severe collisions with motor vehicles operated by negligent drivers. When distracted, impaired, reckless, or otherwise unlawful drivers ignore their traffic signals, they can easily drive through crosswalks and intersections, colliding with people who are lawfully crossing the street. Pedestrian accidents can also occur in parking lots, on sidewalks, on residential streets, or anywhere motor vehicles come into close contact with those traveling by foot.
Pedestrian accidents can be fatal. An increasingly high number of senior citizens in Cape Breton are fatally struck by negligent drivers on the island each year. That said, pedestrians of any age are the most vulnerable of all road users. With no protection from the elements, people who are struck by powerful, high-speed motor vehicles can lose their lives in an instant. When this happens, families are robbed of their loved ones, all because of a perfect stranger’s lack of regard for the safety of other community members. Often, the at-fault drivers responsible for fatal pedestrian accidents flee the scene of the collision. By failing to remain at an accident scene, hit-and-run drivers leave the victims of their negligence alone in the street, selfishly prioritizing their own well-being above another person’s life.
When pedestrians survive serious collisions with negligent drivers, they frequently sustain severe injuries which adversely impact all aspects of their lives. Physically, psychologically, and financially, pedestrian accident survivors may never be the same after being injured in their collisions.
In addition to the physical and psychological trauma they may endure after being struck by a negligent driver, injured pedestrian accident survivors often face financial distress as a result of their collisions. It can be extremely difficult to manage all of the costs arising from serious injuries, especially when newly acquired medical conditions prevent accident victims from returning to their places of work. Injured pedestrian accident survivors often incur financial losses related to:
- Medical treatment
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Medical equipment
- Mobility aids
- Prescriptions
- In-home attendant care
- Physical therapy
- Strength-training classes
- Psychological counselling
- Psychiatric treatment
- Accessibility adjustments to their homes
- Mileage expenses to and from medical appointments
- And more
In accordance with provincial legislation, there is a reverse onus of proof on any driver involved in a collision with a pedestrian. That means, if you were struck by a vehicle, its driver will automatically be presumed responsible for causing the accident. As such, the negligent driver may be liable for financially compensating the pedestrians they have injured for damages resulting from their collision.
That said, the at-fault driver may attempt to prove that wrongful actions committed by the injured pedestrian (e.g. jay-walking, ignoring traffic signals, etc.) contributed to the factors leading to their collision. If they are able to prove that the injured pedestrian’s contributory negligence was partially responsible for the collision, the amount of damages they may be required to pay could be substantially lowered.
As such, if you were injured in a collision caused by a negligent driver, speaking with our pedestrian accident lawyersserving Cape Breton could prove crucial. Our Cape Breton pedestrian accident lawyers have a history of standing up to false accusations of contributory negligence during civil litigation, representing the best interests of the clients we represent, and helping injured community members recover the financial compensation to which they are entitled.
To discuss your situation with our pedestrian accident lawyers serving Cape Breton, contact Preszler Injury Lawyers and receive a free initial consultation on your case.
Free Consultation for Cape Breton Residents – We Don’t Get Paid Unless We Win
At Preszler Injury Lawyers, the initial consultation with our Cape Breton pedestrian accident lawyers is always free. During this no-obligation first meeting, our pedestrian accidents lawyers serving Cape Breton may be able to provide you with crucial legal advice, all at no cost.
To schedule your free initial consultation with our Cape Breton pedestrian accident lawyers, call Preszler Injury Lawyers.
