Abbotsford Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accidents in Abbotsford and throughout British Columbia are a serious and tragic problem. Five-year ICBC statistics indicated an average of 2,700 pedestrians are struck annually by cars, causing 2,600 hospitalizations and 61 fatalities. ICBC also reports that about one in five people killed in car crashes in BC are pedestrians. Sadly, the number of accidents does not appear to be declining. Abbotsford has made the list of the “Top Seven Townships of Injury in Pedestrian Deaths,” ranking as number three.
The Preszler team of Abbotsford pedestrian accident lawyers recognize that these types of collisions are not inevitable but instead occur as a result of negligence. If you have been harmed, we want to help. Please contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more about pursuing your legal rights.
How pedestrian accidents happen
Our personal injury law firm finds that pedestrian accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. It takes the diligent work of a personal injury lawyer to ascertain what might have contributed to the fateful collision of person and automobile. Driver distraction is a major cause of pedestrian accidents. Often, a vehicle strikes a pedestrian that the inattentive driver “never saw” due to texting, eating, smoking, surfing the web, talking on a phone, fiddling with the radio, using a GPS device, or simply daydreaming.
ICBC explains that a whopping 76% of these accidents occur at intersections, which means that pedestrians and drivers should exercise extra caution at intersections and other crossing areas. Another top contributing factor includes the driver’s failure to yield right of way.
Filing a claim after a pedestrian accident in Abbotsford
If you were struck by a motor vehicle, you still maintain the right to file an ICBC claim, even though you were not operating a vehicle at the time of your collision. In fact, you can recover compensation through your accident benefits coverage, even if you were at fault.
If you are injured and you were not at-fault, then you may also be able to claim settlement payments through our pedestrian accident law firm for things like:
- Medical treatment (beyond the limits of no-fault coverage);
- Lost wages (beyond the limits of no-fault coverage);
- Housekeeping expenses; and,
- Non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
Proving fault
To recover compensation for non-economic benefits after an accident in Abbotsford, an injured pedestrian must prove the fault and negligence of the responsible driver. This can be difficult to do and can require submitting a variety of evidence, including:
- Police reports;
- Witness statements;
- Expert testimony;
- Accident reconstruction data; and
- Video and photographic evidence.
If fault cannot be determined, you may be denied compensation to which you are rightfully entitled. Or if you are found to be partially at fault for your accident, you may see your benefits reduced. Pedestrians who have suffered serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, bone fracture injuries, or internal injuries, face enormous bills that ICBC may not automatically cover in full without pressure from an experienced legal team.
Being involved in a crash can be overwhelming, and dealing with medical bills, insurance claims, and recovery can be an engulfing physical and emotional experience. Seeking full compensation with the help of our Abbotsford pedestrian accident lawyers will provide you with the resources you need to recover from your injuries without financial worry.
Steps to take after a pedestrian crash
Knowing what steps to take can help you to make sense of the chaos. Our lawyers recommend…
- Seeking immediate medical care: Do not hesitate to get the care you need and start the recovery process. Be sure to document all care received and follow the doctor’s orders to show compliance.
- Filing your injury claim: It is smart to file a claim with ICBC as soon as possible to begin the process and give ICBC time to investigate your claim.
- Hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer: Before you accept a settlement from ICBC (or any other insurance provider), make sure a lawyer reviews it.
Contact us today
Few accidents are as tragic as pedestrian crashes. Whether you have been involved in a pedestrian crash yourself, or have lost a loved one in a fatal incident, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer at Preszler Injury Lawyers to help you. We will gladly sit down with you to discuss your case for free. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you never have to worry about upfront costs. Please send us a message to request your appointment or contact us today.
