When a vehicle hits a pedestrian, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. Particularly in cities where vehicles and pedestrians are in constant contact, the opportunity for serious injury while walking is ever-present. There are many complicated, and often conflicting rights of way existing between vehicles and pedestrians. You are at particular risk as a pedestrian where drivers:
- fail to observe traffic lights;
- fail to stop at a stop sign;
- fail to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk;
- drive their vehicles at an unsafe speed;
- drive their vehicles too fast for the weather conditions;
- improperly turn right at an intersection without first stopping;
ICBC will often try to limit liability by suggesting that as a pedestrian you are partially responsible for your accident because:
- you failed to cross the street at a crosswalk;
- you left the curbside when it wasn’t safe to do so;
- you were wearing dark clothing in poorly lit conditions;
- you were not wearing suitable footwear;
Often there is limited physical evidence remaining at scene following a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. It is crucial that you speak with a personal injury lawyer before meeting with ICBC. Following an accident as a pedestrian, you likely will not be in a good position to do this. We can help you by:
- Determining the names and contact information of any independent eye witnesses, and interviewing them;
- Getting any police reports;
- Having our accident reconstruction experts attend the accident to scene to investigate and preserve evidence;
Once you have spoken with us, we can contact ICBC on your behalf and help you begin your claim. If you have already met with ICBC you should contact us as soon as possible.