Hamilton Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Ontario

According to the Ministry of Transportation, pedestrians in Ontario are frequently struck by distracted drivers, impaired motorists, buses, delivery trucks, and other large commercial vehicles. The best Hamilton Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Ontario often handle cases involving negligent drivers – including taxi drivers who ignore posted speed limits, fail to yield at crosswalks, and violate common traffic laws – putting innocent pedestrians at serious risk.

Accident victims, including children, seniors, and individuals with mobility devices, often suffer devastating injuries due to driver negligence. Whether you’re crossing the street, walking through a parking lot, or suffering from crosswalk injuries, the consequences of being a pedestrian hit by a car in Hamilton can be both traumatic and life-altering. Our experienced legal team focuses on proving driver liability and recovering fair compensation for accident victims across Ontario.

Motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians frequently lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one has been hit by a car in Hamilton, you may be entitled to significant legal compensation to help restore your financial stability and quality of life.

Our Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyers are well-versed in insurance claims, litigation strategies, and negotiating settlements with aggressive insurers—always working on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay unless we win.

Since 2003, pedestrian accident lawyer Matt Lalande has successfully represented hundreds of injured pedestrians throughout Hamilton and Ontario, including those who were walking, running, or using wheelchairs. Our law firm also supports grieving families and parents whose children have endured life-changing injuries due to driver negligence.

If you or a loved one has been injured while crossing the street, walking near traffic, or navigating high-risk pedestrian zones, our dedicated legal team is here to help. We specialize in complex pedestrian accident cases, and we will fight to protect your rights and ensure compensation for your losses. Contact one of our trusted Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyers 24/7 by filling out our contact form, calling 905-333-8888, or connecting with our live chat operator to schedule a free consultation.

 

Common Causes Seen by Ontario Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

According to Ontario pedestrian accident lawyers, accidents in Ontario occur due to a variety of factors, many of which are preventable. Statistics Canada reports concerning trends, highlighting key risks faced by pedestrians:

  • 30% of pedestrian fatalities involve individuals who are impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  • 10% of pedestrian accidents are caused by distracted drivers, particularly those using their cell phones.
  • 30% of pedestrian fatalities occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way, exceed speed limits, lose control of their vehicles, disobey traffic signals, or make improper turns.
  • 55% of all pedestrian deaths in 2016 occurred after dark, a time when visibility is a critical factor contributing to pedestrian accidents.

From a traffic standpoint, pedestrian accidents are often the result of:

  • Speeding drivers who fail to slow down in pedestrian-heavy areas.
  • Drivers ignoring stop signs, which can be a serious hazard for pedestrians in crosswalks.
  • Distracted drivers, who may not be aware of pedestrians in their path.
  • Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections, which remains a major cause of accidents.
  • Hit-and-run accidents, where negligent drivers flee the scene after hitting a pedestrian, often due to panic or being impaired.
  • Intersection accidents, which occur when vehicles change lanes, turn, or fail to stop while distracted or in violation of traffic laws.

Who a Pedestrian Accident lawyer Near You Most Often Represents

Pedestrian accidents can affect anyone, but certain individuals are at higher risk due to various factors. Ontario pedestrian accident lawyers frequently represent the most vulnerable groups:

  • Children are particularly at risk, especially those between the ages of five and nine. Their smaller size makes them less visible to oncoming vehicles, and their lack of understanding about traffic laws or safe street-crossing practices makes them more unpredictable. Areas with high pedestrian traffic, like schools, parks, and community centers, demand increased caution from drivers.
  • Elderly individuals account for approximately 36% of all pedestrian accidents and fatalities in Canada. Seniors often face mobility challenges, such as slower walking speeds, which may prevent them from crossing the street within the allotted time at traffic lights. Cognitive impairments, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, further increase their vulnerability.
  • Pedestrians with disabilities, like those using wheelchairs, canes, or walkers, may need more time to cross streets, leaving them at higher risk, especially in areas with heavy vehicle traffic.
  • Individuals walking at night face unique challenges due to reduced visibility. At night, pedestrians are harder for drivers to see, which significantly increases the likelihood of accidents. Wearing bright, reflective clothing can help make pedestrians more visible to drivers from a greater distance, reducing the risk of collisions.

Injuries We See When a Pedestrian Is Hit by a Car in Hamilton

Pedestrians hit by a car in Hamilton, Ontario, can suffer life-altering injuries that often require extensive medical treatment and recovery. If you’ve experienced pedestrian accident injuries near you, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting. Some of the more common and life-changing injuries include:

  • Severe orthopedic fractures: Among the most frequent injuries, severe fractures often require surgery with plates, screws, and nails to repair the broken bones.
  • Life-threatening internal injuries and mid-body injuries: Biomechanical studies have shown that pedestrians struck by light trucks and vans face higher risks of serious injuries, especially due to their height, which causes significant mid-body injuries and potential damage to internal organs.
  • Severe tendon tears: This includes injuries like rotator cuff tears and ligament/tendon tears, which can be debilitating.
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): In Ontario, many pedestrians hit by cars suffer moderate to severe head injuries, leading to long-term consequences.
  • Catastrophic injuries: Pedestrians involved in these accidents in Ontario often suffer catastrophic injuries, granting them enhanced access to lifelong rehabilitation services.

Additionally, specific injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents near you may include:

  • Spinal cord injury and paralysis
  • Traumatic brain injury or brain damage
  • Wrongful death
  • Asphyxia from being run over
  • Blunt force trauma to the head, shoulders, or back
  • Crushed bones or crush injuries
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Lacerations and contusions
  • Amputations
  • Internal bleeding and organ failure
  • Severe lacerations, scarring, burns, and disfigurement
  • Severe road rash

These life-changing injuries can result in devastating consequences, such as permanent disability, paralysis, and brain damage. In many cases, they require significant medical care and recovery, with the potential for lasting emotional or mental health issues.

Many victims are unable to return to work and suffer financial hardship due to loss of income. If you or someone you know has been affected by a pedestrian accident, our Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyers can help you navigate this difficult situation and ensure that your financial protection is secured.

How Dangerous are the Roadways in Hamilton?

To put things into perspective, more people have died on Canada’s roadways in the past 50 years than the number of Canadian soldiers killed in both World Wars. Statistics Canada and Transport Canada tell us that in Canada, there are approximately 2900 people killed yearly, or eight daily, on our roadways.

The percentage of wrongful death pedestrian fatalities has remained consistent at approximately 13%. Although there has been a slight decrease in pedestrian/bicyclist deaths overall in Canada since 1990, the number continues to fluctuate in Ontario.

In 2019, CBC News reported that in Toronto, over 80 percent of the pedestrians killed on Toronto’s roads were older adults or seniors. This is because we live in an aging population, with many baby boomers reaching senior age and living longer due to medical advancements.

Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in Hamilton?

Yes, as long as pedestrians are abiding by the law, they will have the right of way. All drivers of motor vehicles and bicycles must stop and yield at all pedestrian crossovers until the person is completely off the roadway. Drivers and cyclists can proceed only when pedestrians and crossing guards have crossed and are safely on the sidewalk.

When turning right or left at an intersection, all drivers must wait until a pedestrian has safely crossed the street. Two-thirds of Canadian pedestrian accidents are caused by drivers who do not take proper care to avoid pedestrians crossing the street or fail to obey their duty of care.

Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, in pedestrian accident cases, the driver who struck the pedestrian must prove that they exercised their duty of care and did not intentionally or negligently strike the individual.

When an individual crosses the road outside a crosswalk or dedicated crossing area, they are jaywalking. This is not illegal as long as the pedestrian does not interfere with road traffic and crosses in a safe spot, free from oncoming vehicles.

That said, both parties could be found at fault when an accident occurs because the pedestrian was jaywalking. However, the burden of proof is on the driver of a motor vehicle under a reverse onus clause. Due to the difference in size between the motor vehicle and the pedestrian, drivers are often still liable in pedestrian accident cases involving jaywalking.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

While you can’t always control everything around you, you can still do your part to prevent becoming involved in a pedestrian accident. Even the simplest things can be easy to forget or overlook, especially if you’re busy or distracted. But, by closely following these steps, you can keep yourself as safe as possible:

  • Always use crosswalks and closely follow traffic signals and signs.
  • Don’t try to run across an intersection if only a few seconds are left on the pedestrian crossing countdown.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing; this ensures they know you’re there and can see what you’re doing.
  • Wear bright and reflective clothing, especially on foot at night.
  • Always walk on sidewalks instead of the road whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and stay as far away from the traffic as possible.
  • Avoid distractions like phones and loud music when walking near moving cars and especially when crossing the street.
  • If a crosswalk is unavailable, wait until you find a well-lit area with a good view of oncoming traffic before crossing.
  • Watch for vehicles entering or exiting driveways.
  • Avoid walking if you’re under the influence of alcohol; this impairs your judgement and slows reaction time.
  • If walking with children, always hold their hands and keep them close to you.

What am I Entitled to if I Have Been Hit by a Car?

There are various financial benefits available to anyone hit by a car to cover such things as medical bills or funeral costs if there was a fatality involved. A Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer can advise you of your rights and what benefits or compensation your case may be entitled to. You may also choose to file a wrongful death claim, which would seek financial compensation for all eligible surviving family members.

You may also be entitled to financial income losses to help compensate the surviving spouse or child for financial losses due to increased family responsibilities or perhaps even the loss of a dual family income.

If you survived the accident, our Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyers will seek a claim for future health care expenses, loss of wages, compensation for pain and suffering, and compensation to help keep care of your home. If you have been seriously hurt, you will need financial protection.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Hamilton

Pedestrians, runners, cyclists, or people who travel by wheelchair, scooter, or push a stroller are the most vulnerable on the road. All pedestrians are highly vulnerable to injuries and are often placed at risk by various hazards.

With each passing year, the drastic increase in the number of vehicles in Ontario naturally causes increased injuries and fatalities in road traffic accidents. Still, many reasons have nothing to do with simple vehicle volume. For example:

  • Increased number of commuters
  • People are driving faster
  • People are distracted
  • Drivers are on their phones
  • Pedestrians are on their phones
  • Hidden or obscure crosswalks
  • Cars are quieter than they used to be
  • Speed limits in certain communities are increasing
  • Cyclists using improper lanes
  • Unmarked crosswalks
  • Negligent left-hand turns
  • Infrastructure – pedestrians are more likely to be hit in areas where traffic lights are not that well maintained or there are not enough sidewalks
  • Poor lighting
  • Fatigued drivers
  • Lack of proper signage

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Claims in Hamilton

pedestrian accident law firm

Our Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyers understand that it is never easy to lose a loved one unexpectedly. When the loss results from someone else’s reckless or negligent actions, accepting and coping with the loss can be even harder. Wrongful death in Ontario is a civil matter as opposed to a criminal one. If the pedestrian’s death was caused by the carelessness or recklessness of a motorist, representatives of the victim’s estate or the victim’s surviving family members may be entitled to sue the at-fault party or parties for damages related to the death, including economic and non-economic damages. Families may also be entitled to death or funeral benefits and financial income losses.

This unexpected and tragic occurrence can leave many families facing overwhelming economic burdens while dealing with devastating circumstances. A Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer can assist your family in this complex process and help alleviate the stress that comes with filing a pedestrian wrongful death claim.

The following individuals may be entitled to sue for compensation in a wrongful death claim if a loved one is killed in a pedestrian accident:

  • Spouse
  • Children
  • Parents
  • Grandparents
  • Siblings

Filing a wrongful death claim is not an attempt at putting a dollar figure on your loved one’s life. Wrongful death claims ensure that the liable parties are held responsible for what they caused and help the family members of the deceased pedestrian financially.

For example, if a spouse was killed and that spouse brought in financial contributions to shared family income, then that income will need to be evaluated and replaced to ensure the surviving spouse doesn’t fall behind on bills or become financially strained.

Pedestrian Accidents: Who’s at Fault?

Unlike an accident involving two vehicles where the onus is on the plaintiff to prove that the defendant was negligent, the onus is reversed when the plaintiff is a pedestrian.

Ontario law recognizes the vulnerability of pedestrians and cyclists through the reverse onus provision in section 193 of the Highway Traffic Act 193(1). When loss or damage is sustained by any person by reason of a motor vehicle on a highway, the onus of proof that the loss or damage did not arise through the negligence or improper conduct of the owner, driver, lessee or operator of the motor vehicle is upon the owner, driver, lessee or operator of the motor vehicle.

The term “motor vehicle” is defined not to include a “motor-assisted bicycle” (commonly known as e-bikes).  Therefore, the reverse onus applies when a car strikes an e-bike. Section 193 of the Highway Traffic Act has the following effect in cases where a driver hits a pedestrian or cyclist:

  • The defendant is presumed to be negligent
  • The defendant bears the onus of proving he or she was not negligent
  • The reverse onus is not displaced merely by a defendant giving some evidence that he or she was not negligent
  • The evidence to disprove negligence must be credible and persuasive to the extent that it satisfies a Judge or Jury that the defendant did not cause the accident by his or her negligence
  • If the issue is in doubt or if the evidence is even, the defendant will be liable
  • Proof by a defendant that the plaintiff was contributory negligent does not discharge the onus

Facts to Consider When Determining Driver Negligence in Pedestrian Accident Cases

When our Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyers are retained to prosecute your civil case, we will examine all facts leading to the liability in your pedestrian accident. This includes:

  • Driving at excessive speed
  • Failing to keep a proper lookout/inattentiveness
  • Failing to adjust speed according to weather, visibility and the road conditions
  • Failing to ensure that the vehicle is functioning properly or specific knowledge of the vehicle’s limitations
  • Failure to apply brakes or take other evasive action
  • Failing to yield the road to a pedestrian when on a crosswalk
  • Failure to sound the horn
  • Failure to stop or slow down when other vehicles are seen to do likewise
  • Failing to yield the road to a pedestrian outside the crosswalk when it is obvious that the pedestrian is not going to yield the road to the vehicle
  • The presence of other pedestrians
  • Pedestrian behaviour
  • Particular knowledge of an intersection which should have caused the driver to act differently
  • Failing to obey the traffic rules (suddenly changing lanes; driving against a red light; not stopping at the stop sign; failing to turn on the turn signal, etc.)
  • Driving while intoxicated
  • Driving while distracted (using a cell phone, talking to the passengers, etc.)
  • Failing to observe surrounding circumstances ( ongoing public events; presence of children or elderly people around, etc.) and exercise increased caution proceeding through the area
  • Knowledge of the presence of crosswalk/school/playground area
  • Location of parked cars (knowledge that pedestrians looking to get to their cars or exiting their vehicles) or other vehicles (i.e. taxi and expectations of pedestrian movement related to same)

Distracted Driving is a Main Cause of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often occur at crosswalks, sidewalks, and intersections, and distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents that injure pedestrians. Drivers may divert their attention from the road or listen to extremely loud music. They may also be fighting with other passengers or talking to other passengers inside the car.

One of the most common forms of distracted driving involves using a mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle. Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous activities drivers can engage in because it requires them to take their eyes off the road for substantial amounts of time.

Distracted drivers may fail to obey roadway signs such as stop signs, pedestrian crosswalks, and yield signs. Many distracted drivers cross through traffic lights when they are supposed to make a complete stop.

Also, distracted drivers often do not realize they are travelling at a rate of speed well beyond the posted speed limit. In addition, pedestrians are often injured inside parking garages and parking lots because distracted drivers do not watch out for pedestrians walking inside these structures.

Distracted driving is a selfish activity. Drivers who are distracted may pull out of parking spaces without looking for a clear lane. They may also ignore the rearview mirror and back into an unsuspecting pedestrian.

Canadians deserve to use pedestrian crosswalks and sidewalks without worrying about suffering serious or even fatal injuries. Distracted driving is one of the main causes of pedestrian accidents because it is such a dangerous activity, and the effects of distracted driving are unpredictable and often severe.

Drivers who engage in distracted driving simply do not care how their actions may affect other people who need to use Canada’s roadways. Many drivers may not think that texting while driving or listening to loud music constitutes distracted driving, but they are wrong. All forms of distracted driving are equally dangerous and pose a serious risk to pedestrians as well as other drivers.

Unfortunately, distracted driving is sometimes difficult to prove. You need to hire an experienced Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer to help you discover all the sources of information that may be helpful in proving the facts of your case.

Many insurance companies will try to deny that your injuries happened because of a particular accident. If you hire a competent lawyer, then you can assert your claims with the evidence you need to prove them.

What are the Costs of a Pedestrian Accident Injury?

Pedestrian accident victims often suffer serious bodily injury, which can require extensive medical treatment immediately following the pedestrian accident. The costs associated with medical treatment and physical rehabilitation can be devastating to families who do not have extensive financial savings.

Pedestrian accident injury victims may need to pay medical fees and costs until insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits get resolved. Personal injury victims often have to take leave from work as well, and they lose the wages they could have earned had they not suffered injuries. As such, pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to the loss of future earnings if they can no longer perform the duties associated with their profession after they recover from their bodily injuries.

An accident victim may even be permanently disabled due to a severe spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury. These costs are often unpredictable because the treatment prospectus may change according to the patient’s overall health and physical condition.

Injury victims who are temporarily or permanently disabled incur another cost: the loss of enjoyment of life. Many of these victims can no longer participate in the hobbies that they enjoyed before suffering their injuries. Activities like sailing, skiing, mountain climbing, and the like may no longer play a part in their lives. The courts consider these costs when calculating damages for personal injury victims.

Personal injury victims are also eligible to recover financial compensation for the pain and suffering they experience due to their personal injuries. The psychological and emotional distress due to serious bodily injury can lead to depression, anxiety, and agoraphobia, among other things. The court will also consider these factors when calculating the total damages.

You may also need to recover financial compensation for job retraining or career change expenses. If you lost an inheritance due to the injuries you suffered, you can also claim damages for this loss. Loss of consortium is another cost associated with personal injury claims. If you lost your companionship with your spouse, you can recover financial compensation for this loss.

The individual circumstances of your specific pedestrian accident injury will determine the exact costs calculated during the progression of your case. An experienced Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer will help you determine precisely what claims you can make and what damages you may be eligible for, ensuring you receive every last dollar you are entitled to.

How Do You Know If You Have a Pedestrian Accident Case?

Pedestrian accidents are personal injury cases. Injured victims who suffer injuries during pedestrian accidents must demonstrate that the driver of the motor vehicle was operating the motor vehicle negligently. Many different driver behaviours may be considered negligent.

Driving over the posted speed limit is one example of negligent behaviour; injured victims who can demonstrate that a driver struck them while speeding may have a pedestrian accident claim.

Reckless driving is also an example of negligent behaviour. If a motor vehicle operator strikes a victim while driving recklessly, the victim may have a pedestrian accident claim. Reckless driving is sometimes difficult to prove if no witnesses observe the accident or the driver’s behaviour before the accident occurs.

It’s these more complex cases where a Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer is especially useful as they can help you gather every possible element of compelling evidence to prove negligence. Experienced Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyers are well-versed in the legal complexities and may be able to produce forms of evidence you hadn’t even considered.

If a driver was operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and that driver struck a pedestrian, the injured victim would have a pedestrian accident claim. Drivers who are intoxicated cannot drive with a reasonable degree of care. Injured victims often have a pedestrian accident claim if they can prove the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the accident occurred. This can happen whether or not the driver faces a criminal case for drunk driving.

As discussed above, distracted driving is a highly dangerous activity. If a driver used a cell phone or another device during the accident, the injured victim may have a pedestrian accident claim against the negligent driver.

An experienced Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer can gather the evidence necessary to prove that a driver was liable for the injuries suffered by a pedestrian. Pedestrian accident cases are not as straightforward as they may at first appear. A professional Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand what types of personal injury claims may apply to the facts of your case.

For example, you may have a premises liability claim related to your pedestrian accident claim. Or, you may have a wrongful death claim because your spouse or family member died as a result of the injuries they suffered during a pedestrian accident.

Drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care while they drive on roads and highways. If a driver breaches this duty to exercise reasonable care, and the breach is the actual cause of your damages and injuries, then you may be entitled to financial compensation.

Negligence law is flexible and nuanced, so you need a competent Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer to help you understand the potential strengths and weaknesses of your pedestrian accident case.

What to do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident

If you or a loved one is involved in a pedestrian accident, please follow these steps:

  • Call 911 and wait for police and paramedics to arrive.
  • Seek immediate medical attention, even for injuries that seem minor.
  • Get contact and insurance information for the driver(s) involved.
  • Take photos of the accident scene and any injuries you’ve sustained.
  • Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer right away, and speak with them before speaking to an insurance adjuster.

How do I Find the Right Hamilton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me?

“How do I hire the right Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer near me?” is a common question. No one expects to need a lawyer, and having a sudden need can be stressful and overwhelming.

Here are some tips for finding a good Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer:

  • Start by asking for referrals from family or friends. If you know someone who has worked with a particular Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer, they can give you a good idea of what to expect.
  • Check for online directories or local bar associations. This can give you a good idea of local lawyers with a good reputation.
  • You can conduct a “Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer near me” search online but be mindful of who you contact. Browse their website to learn about their education, experience, and various specialties. Read reviews and testimonials from past clients to ensure they offer good and compassionate service.

Hiring a competent and experienced Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer can help you recover the financial compensation you need to pay medical bills and compensate you for lost wages. Insurance companies will make things difficult and offer you low settlement amounts if you pursue your case without legal representation.

However, if you have a knowledgeable Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer representing you, it is difficult for insurance companies or insurance claims adjusters to take advantage of you.

Negotiations with insurance companies can be confusing and intimidating to most people, which is why it’s common to end up with low and unfair settlements – or none at all. If you have a lawyer negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, you can focus on healing from your injuries instead of worrying about what you’ll say and if it’ll be effective. Your lawyer will work hard to prevent the insurance company from using delaying tactics.

Your Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer will also communicate with the insurance company and prevent them from tricking you into signing waivers or documents preventing you from recovering a just settlement amount.

The right Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer will not pressure you to accept a settlement offer that is too low. Instead, they’ll spend the time fighting for the maximum compensation possible for your circumstances.

A distant or unapproachable lawyer will not be good for your case either, as you’ll be uncomfortable approaching them or asking for updates. A non-responsive lawyer is also detrimental to your case because you do not want to miss deadlines and deserve prompt responses to important questions.

A Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer will also ensure your case isn’t dragged out and is settled fairly as quickly as possible. Lastly, a good pedestrian accident lawyer should have your goals in mind. Good lawyers will offer advice but ultimately adhere to your decision to accept or reject a settlement offer. You want to hire a lawyer to keep your best interests in mind throughout the entire representation.

Finding the right lawyer can be difficult as you may not know what to look for. Consider these factors when meeting with and assessing lawyers as you make a decision:

  • Communication. Pay attention to how well they listen, if they consider everything you have to say, and how they speak to you.
  • Expertise and specialty. Working with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Hamilton gives you the best chance at a favourable outcome. Inquire about their experience with pedestrian accident claims specifically and if they have been successful in the past.
  • Transparency. A good pedestrian accident lawyer will happily answer all your questions and will not make unrealistic promises or guarantees regarding settlement amounts or other outcomes.
  • Fees. Many Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyers offer free consultation, but you should also understand how they will charge for their services. At Lalande Lawyers, we work on contingency. This means you don’t pay us any legal fees unless we win your case and you recover a settlement. You must understand a lawyer’s fee structure before you hire them.

Why do you Need a Lawyer for a Pedestrian Accident Insurance Claim?

It’s always advisable to have strong legal representation anytime you interact with an insurance company regarding a personal injury claim. Insurance companies do not want to offer you any more financial compensation than they have to.

Many insurance companies will use delaying tactics, hoping the injured victim will accept a settlement offer that does not fully compensate them. When you have the representation of a Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer, the insurance company will know that they cannot simply delay offering you the settlement you are entitled to under the law.

Hiring an effective personal injury lawyer also gives you leverage. The lawyer can threaten to litigate the matter in court, and insurance companies do not want to pay to litigate a personal injury case. The settlement negotiations will be more efficient if you have the right Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer on your side.

Hiring a lawyer is a serious decision. If you try to represent yourself, you may not be aware of specific procedures or deadlines that will come up during your case. It is important to remember that insurance companies have their own lawyers, and you may have suffered a catastrophic injury that demands a high settlement amount.

If you forgo hiring a Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer, you might not obtain the settlement amount your case merits. Also, if you have claims related to permanent or temporary disability, hiring a lawyer is invaluable, as proving future medical expenses is challenging. If you have a lawyer representing you, you can collate all the medical records and test reports you need to prove your claims.

Hiring a lawyer for a pedestrian accident insurance claim will help you put forth the best case you can in your specific circumstances. Pedestrian accidents are common, but this does not mean you should forgo hiring a lawyer.

These claims are still complicated, and you should never try to handle insurance companies and adverse parties on your own, as they will never act with your best interests in mind. Instead, contact our Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyers and learn more about how we can help.

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Our Hamilton Lawyers Can Help

If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence by car, truck, bus, or motorcycle while you were crossing any road, you may be entitled to compensation. At Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers, our compassionate lawyers help pedestrians who motorists have seriously injured.

Our Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyers will review the details of the accident and discuss your legal options during a free consultation. We have specialized in complex personal injury cases since 2003. 

Our consultations are always 100% free.  Our Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyers can come to you, and we will never ask you for money upfront.   Call us today nationwide at 1-844-LALANDE or local in the Hamilton / Southern Ontario Region at 905-333-8888  or fill in a contract form today to learn the compensation that you are entitled to.

 

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near You in Hamilton, Ontario

Matt Lalande is a top-rated Hamilton pedestrian accident lawyer known for compassionate advocacy and a proven, results-driven approach. As part of a respected family of trial lawyers and judges serving since 1973, Matt has earned his reputation as a trusted Ontario pedestrian accident lawyer near you. Since 2003, he has represented clients across the province – handling complex cases involving serious injuries, wrongful death, injured children, denied long-term disability claims, and wrongful dismissal. If you or a loved one has been a pedestrian hit by a car in Hamilton, or you’re searching for skilled legal support nearby, Matt Lalande and his team offer unmatched experience and personalized representation.

Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers
1 King St W – Suite 1705
Hamilton, ON L8P 1A4
Canada
Phone: (905) 333‑8888
Open 24 Hours

 

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