Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers | December 15, 2025 | Motor Vehicle \ Personal Injury
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the resulting injuries can be severe and life-altering. Pedestrians lack the protection that vehicle occupants have, making them particularly vulnerable in collisions. In Ontario, pedestrian accidents account for a large number of serious injuries and fatalities each year. The severity of these injuries often depends on factors like vehicle speed, the angle of impact, and the pedestrian’s age and health.
Key Takeaways
- Head and brain injuries, including TBIs and concussions, are among the most serious consequences of pedestrian accidents.
- Lower extremity fractures are extremely common in pedestrian collision cases.
- Spinal injuries can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis and often require extensive rehabilitation.
- Psychological injuries like PTSD affect many pedestrian accident victims and are eligible for compensation in Ontario.
- Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer can improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Table of Contents
- Head and Brain Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Concussions and Contusions
- Skull Fractures
- Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
- Types of Vertebral Damage
- Paralysis and Mobility Issues
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Lower Extremity Fractures
- Upper Body and Rib Fractures
- Compound vs. Simple Fractures
- Multiple Fracture Scenarios
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Surface Wounds and Lacerations
- Ligament and Tendon Damage
- Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement
- Internal Injuries
- Psychological Injuries
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Depression and Anxiety
- When to Contact a Pedestrian Injury Lawyer
- FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents
- How Many Pedestrian Accidents are There Per Year?
- Where Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
- What Happens If You Hit a Pedestrian By Accident?
Head and Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries range from mild to severe and can have long-term effects on a victim’s life. In pedestrian accidents, TBIs often result from the head striking a vehicle’s hood or windshield, or from hitting the pavement.
Symptoms of TBIs include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Persistent headaches
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Coordination problems
- Mood changes
- Slurred speech
The Ontario health system classifies TBIs along a spectrum, with treatment protocols varying based on severity. At Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers, we work with medical experts to document the full extent of brain injuries and their impact on our clients’ lives, ensuring appropriate compensation for immediate and long-term care needs.
Concussions and Contusions
Concussions are a form of mild traumatic brain injury that can result from the brain moving rapidly inside the skull. Brain contusions are bruises on brain tissue that can cause swelling.
Even “mild” concussions can have serious consequences, including:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Balance problems
- Sleep disturbances
Many concussion victims experience post-concussion syndrome, with symptoms persisting for months or even years.
Skull Fractures
Direct impacts in pedestrian accidents can result in skull fractures, which are breaks in the bone surrounding the brain. These fractures range from linear (simple) to depressed or compound (where bone fragments penetrate brain tissue).
Skull fractures often require intensive medical intervention, including surgery, and may lead to complications such as:
- Brain bleeding
- Infection
- Cerebrospinal fluid leaks
- Brain damage
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Types of Vertebral Damage
The spine is divided into cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (lower back), and sacral regions. Pedestrian accidents commonly cause:
- Herniated discs: the cushioning between vertebrae ruptures
- Compression fractures: vertebrae collapse under pressure
- Dislocation: vertebrae move out of proper alignment
Lumbar spine injuries tend to be common in pedestrian accidents, as well as cervical injuries. These injuries often require surgery, extensive physical therapy, and long-term pain management.
Paralysis and Mobility Issues
Damage to the spinal cord can result in temporary or permanent paralysis. The location of the injury determines what parts of the body are affected:
- Tetraplegia/quadriplegia: affects all limbs and torso
- Paraplegia: affects the lower limbs
- Incomplete spinal injuries: partial loss of function below the injury site
Ontario’s automobile insurance system provides statutory accident benefits for necessary medical treatment, attendant care, and home modifications for victims of paralysis. However, these benefits are often insufficient for lifetime care needs, making a tort claim necessary for many victims. This is where having experienced pedestrian accident lawyers from Findlay can make a difference in securing your future care.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Lower Extremity Fractures
The legs and pelvis absorb much of the initial impact in a pedestrian accident, making these areas particularly susceptible to fractures:
- Tibia and fibula (lower leg)
- Femur (thigh bone)
- Knee fractures
- Pelvic fractures
- Ankle and foot fractures
These injuries often require surgical intervention with pins, screws, or plates, followed by lengthy rehabilitation periods.
Upper Body and Rib Fractures
When pedestrians are thrown onto a vehicle’s hood or onto the ground, upper body fractures commonly occur:
- Clavicle (collarbone)
- Humerus, radius, and ulna (arm bones)
- Scapula (shoulder blade)
- Rib fractures
Rib fractures are particularly concerning as they can lead to punctured lungs or other internal injuries. Many pedestrian accident victims with rib fractures develop chronic pain that persists after the bones have healed.
Compound vs. Simple Fractures
Fractures in pedestrian accidents are classified as either:
- Simple (closed): the bone breaks but doesn’t penetrate the skin
- Compound (open): the broken bone breaches the skin
Compound fractures have a higher risk of infection and typically require more extensive treatment. They also carry a greater risk of complications such as nonunion (failure to heal properly), malunion (healing in incorrect alignment), and post-traumatic arthritis.
Multiple Fracture Scenarios
Pedestrian accidents often result in multiple fractures throughout the body, requiring coordinated medical care from various specialists. Recovery typically involves:
- Initial emergency treatment
- Multiple surgeries
- Extended hospital stays
- Rehabilitation with physical therapists
- Adaptive equipment and home modifications
Multiple fracture cases frequently result in permanent disabilities and chronic pain. The Ontario system allows for compensation for future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering in such cases.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Surface Wounds and Lacerations
When pedestrians contact vehicles or the road surface, they commonly experience:
- Abrasions (“road rash”)
- Lacerations (tears in the skin)
- Avulsions (tissue torn away from the body)
- Contusions (bruises)
These injuries can be extensive in pedestrian accidents, increasing the risk of infection and blood loss. Deep lacerations may damage underlying structures like tendons, nerves, and blood vessels.
Ligament and Tendon Damage
Ligaments (connect bones to bones) and tendons (connect muscles to bones) are frequently damaged in pedestrian accidents:
- Sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments)
- Strains (stretching or tearing of tendons and muscles)
- Complete tears requiring surgical repair
These injuries can be particularly disabling and often require lengthy rehabilitation periods to restore function. Many victims experience chronic instability or weakness even after treatment.
Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement
Severe lacerations and burn injuries from contact with hot vehicle parts can result in significant scarring. Facial scars in particular can have profound psychological impacts and may require plastic surgery.
Ontario law recognizes disfigurement as a significant factor in injury compensation. Documenting scarring through photographs and testimony is needed to maximize compensation in these cases.
Internal Injuries
Pedestrian accidents frequently cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening:
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Ruptured spleen
- Liver or kidney lacerations
- Intestinal perforations
- Internal bleeding
These injuries require prompt medical attention and often emergency surgery. Long-term complications may include reduced organ function, chronic pain, and increased susceptibility to future medical problems.
Psychological Injuries
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is common following pedestrian accidents and can manifest as:
- Flashbacks and nightmares about the accident
- Avoidance of walking near roads
- Hypervigilance around traffic
- Intrusive thoughts about the accident
- Sleep disturbances
Ontario courts recognize PTSD as a legitimate injury deserving of compensation. Diagnosis and treatment by mental health professionals are required for both recovery and to document your claim.
Depression and Anxiety
Many pedestrian accident victims develop depression and anxiety due to their injuries and long-term effects. These conditions can be as debilitating as physical injuries and often require long-term treatment. Ontario’s accident benefits system provides coverage for psychological treatment, but these benefits are capped and often insufficient for long-term care needs.
When to Contact a Pedestrian Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, consulting with a lawyer should be a priority after addressing immediate medical needs. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the accident circumstances
- Gathering evidence, including traffic camera footage and witness statements
- Coordinating with medical professionals to document your injuries
- Calculating appropriate compensation for all damages
- Handling all communications with insurance companies
- Representing you in settlement negotiations or at trial
In Ontario, pedestrian accident victims typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a tort claim, but certain notice requirements may apply much sooner. Consulting with a pedestrian injury lawyer early ensures you don’t miss deadlines.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, the team at Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We have extensive experience handling pedestrian accident cases throughout Ontario and fight tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and understand your options.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents
How Many Pedestrian Accidents are There Per Year?
In Ontario, approximately 3,800 pedestrians are injured in motor vehicle accidents annually, with around 100 fatalities. Nationwide, Canada sees about 300 pedestrian deaths each year. These numbers have remained relatively consistent over the past decade, despite increased road safety initiatives.
Where Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
The majority of pedestrian accidents in Ontario occur at intersections and crosswalks in urban areas. Other high-risk locations include parking lots, school zones, and areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as shopping districts.
What Happens If You Hit a Pedestrian by Accident?
If you hit a pedestrian in Ontario:
- Stop immediately and remain at the scene.
- Call 911 if there are injuries.
- Provide assistance to the injured person if possible.
- Exchange information with the pedestrian.
- Report the accident to a police reporting center if damage exceeds $2,000.
- Notify your insurance company.
The legal consequences depend on the circumstances, including whether you were following traffic laws. Penalties can range from traffic tickets to criminal charges in cases involving negligence, impairment, or leaving the scene. Your auto insurance will typically cover the pedestrian’s injury claim, though your premiums may increase.
