Pedestrian accidents are surprisingly commonplace in British Columbia, especially in places like Burnaby and other large cities, where congestion levels are high. Looking at five-year data, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) found that an average of 2,700 pedestrian accidents takes place each year, including 2,600 pedestrian hospitalizations and more than 60 fatalities.
Pedestrian accidents are often catastrophic, and it is easy to understand why: they have no protection when struck by a motor vehicle. At Preszler Law, a personal injury law firm with an office in Burnaby, we advocate for injured pedestrians and their families, assisting them in pursuing damages.
Injuries resulting from pedestrian collisions in Burnaby
While some pedestrians may be able to walk away from being struck by a motor vehicle with minor scrapes and bruises, the majority are not so fortunate. Indeed, motor vehicles typically weigh upwards of 4,000 lbs., and when a vehicle strikes them, the body bears the full force. This can mean serious and sometimes fatal injuries, including:
Since 2005, auto manufacturers in the European Union and Japan have been forced to design the hoods and front bumpers of their vehicles to limit the damage done to pedestrians. However, North America has been slow in adopting these same rigorous standards. As a result, Canadian pedestrians suffer physical pain, disability, expensive medical treatments, psychological harm, lost wages, and a diminished quality of life. Seeking a personal injury lawyer with our firm will give you every advantage in seeking 100% compensation for your losses.
Who pays for losses after a pedestrian accident in Burnaby?
Every resident and motorist of British Columbia with ICBC Basic Autoplan Coverage will be processed through ICBC following a collision. As explained by their website, basic UMP (Underinsured Motorist Protection) coverage will cover you (and members of your household) when you are injured in a crash, while acting as a pedestrian if the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance. Autoplan Accident Benefits also help you with your medical costs and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for a crash.
While ICBC insurance coverage is designed to compensate you when a driver of a motor vehicle has struck you, the process is not always simple or straightforward. Like all insurance companies, ICBC may not be eager to pay you your full settlement amount; instead, saving money is usually their top priority. Fault may be disputed, and if you are found to be at fault, your ability to seek settlement payments from the driver who hit you, including payments for noneconomic damages, may be significantly impaired. Without skilled Burnaby personal injury lawyers on your side, you risk recovering significantly less than the full amount of damages you are owed.
How our team of Burnaby Pedestrian Accident Lawyers can help
We believe that you deserve to be fully compensated for your losses. Our pedestrian accident law firm will help you by:
Contact Preszler Law today
Drivers of motor vehicles must operate their cars with caution and a reasonable degree of care. When things like driver distraction, intoxication, and other acts of carelessness or negligence lead to a pedestrian crash, the victim deserves to be compensated. Since we work on contingency basis and only get paid if you get paid, we are your dedicated advocates for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to request a free consultation. You owe no money upfront, ever.