 With young children in elementary school and pre-school, I have occasion to be in school zones and community school zones regularly. I drive my children to school in the morning. The areas around the school are clearly designated as school zones and community safety area, with reduced speed limits. There are elementary school kids and high school children walking to school in plain view. Despite the signs, and the presence of kids, some drivers continue to speed through the areas as if they are on a rural road. Many of these drivers are travelling at more than double the posted speed limit.
As a personal injury lawyer serving Toronto and the GTA, I have seen far too many tragic cases involving school children and other pedestrians struck by cars. There are good reasons for motorists to be warned to slow down and exercise caution near schools. One important reason is that kids simply are not as experienced as adults and, generally, kids are less able to protect themselves from the dangers of vehicle traffic. We all know that children do not appreciate and recognize dangers the same way that an adult does. Drive With Extra Caution Ontario school-age children will be returning to school and with the resumption of school, there will be many school children walking to and from school. For drivers, it is important to drive with extra caution and attention, particularly during morning and afternoon and in residential and school areas. Keep in mind that young children are unable to fully comprehend and appreciate the risks of crossing streets. Children are also far less able to predict the path of vehicles due to their lack of experience. Although some intersections have crossing guards, the majority of streets around schools are not guarded and children will be crossing independently. Sadly, Toronto and the GTA has had tragedies in recent years as school children have been struck by cars while walking to and from school. Let's all do our part to make sure the return to school is safe and enjoyable for our children. To all of our Ontario teachers and students, we wish you a safe and enjoyable school year! Our Personal Injury lawyers are experienced in serious injury claims throughout Ontario. If your child has been injured, we are a dedicated Injury Law Firm that provides compassionate and competent legal counsel for the injured and we offer a FREE Consultation so please feel free to call us at 1-866- 234-6093. We are available to take your call 24/7. Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death in Canada and the United States. Andrew is the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way".
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 Collisions involving pedestrians in Toronto and elsewhere in Ontario are, unfortunately, quite common and have have been on the rise. Ontario pedestrian collisions occur in roadways, crosswalks, intersections and, often times, in driveways and parking lots. Pedestrians and cyclists involved in accidents with motor vehicles often sustain serious injuries, including serious orthopedic injuries, catastrophic injury or even death.
Ontario Drivers Owe Duty of Care to Pedestrians In Ontario, motorists owe a duty of care to pedestrians. When a pedestrian is struck by a car or other motor vehicle in Ontario, there is a presumption of negligence against the driver of the motor vehicle. This is unlike the law that usually applies to motor vehicle negligence cases and is known as a reverse onus. The authority for the reverse onus for pedestrian accidents comes from Ontario's Highway Traffic Act. As such, the driver and owner of the motor vehicle that strikes a pedestrian in Ontario will have the onus of proving that they were not negligent in the operation of the motor vehicle. Although the reverse onus makes it somewhat easier for pedestrians and cyclists injured by a motor vehicle, it is a mistake to assume that these are easy cases. Because of the potential exposure for damages, pedestrian motor vehicle collisions in Ontario are often vigorously defended by auto insurance companies. Be A Defensive Driver Defensive driving means being aware of your surroundings and anticipating circumstances before they arise. A defensive driver will be aware of people who walk, bicycle, operate a wheelchair, roller-blade or ride an electric scooter. Drivers should especially give particular attention to young children who may be playing near or in the road. In residential neighborhood and school zones, drivers should assume that children will be present and drive accordingly. Unlike mature and experienced pedestrians, children are often less capable of paying attention for vehicles and looking out for their own safety. Pedestrians are not protected by seat belts or air bags or the exterior of the vehicle. As such, pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries even at low impact speed. If you have been involved in a pedestrian collision, you may benefit from the advice of an Ontario personal injury lawyer. Early preservation of facts and witness accounts is important to the issue of liability. The personal injury lawyers at Iacobelli Law Firm provide compassionate, professional and effective legal counsel for injured pedestrians. We also offer a FREE Consultation so please feel free to call us at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here. We are honoured to serve our clients and our community . Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death. Richmond Hill, Ontario. A woman was reportedly struck by a while pickup truck while walking her dog in Richmond Hill, Ontario on August 11, 2019. This recent Richmond Hill pedestrian accident occurred around 10:30 a.m. in the area of Weldrick Road and Springhead Gardens in Richmond Hill. According to early reports, the female pedestrian was hit by eastbound white Ford pickup truck, and pinned under the vehicle.
First and foremost, the Richmond Hill personal injury lawyers and staff at Iacobelli Law Firm sincerely hope that the female pedestrian makes a complete and speedy recovery from her injuries. Police and ambulance attended at the scene, and the woman was reportedly conscious and breathing. She was taken to hospital for a suspected broken leg, among other injuries. Under Ontario law, when a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle the injured pedestrian and, sometimes their family, may be entitled to make a claim for their losses. These claims can provide compensation for pain and suffering, loss of income, care costs and out of pocket expenses. Most pedestrians that are injured from being struck by a motor vehicle will be able to advance two claims; namely an accident benefits claim and a tort claim. While related, these claims are very different in terms of how they are made and the compensation available. If you or someone you care about was seriously hurt in an accident, we may be able to help. You do not have to face the consequences of serious injury alone. An experienced Richmond Hill personal injury lawyer can explain your rights so that you make informed decisions for your future. To learn more or to request a Free no obligation consultation call us anytime 24/7 at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here. A female pedestrian was seriously injured on the evening of Thursday May 5, 2016 in Richmond Hill, Ontario. This Richmond Hill pedestrian accident occurred in the area of Pemberton Road and Stockdale Crescent in Richmond Hill. The pedestrian was struck by a grey Honda Sonata. The injured pedestrian, a 21 year old female from the Town of Richmond Hill, was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries. First and foremost, we sincerely hope that the victim of this accident will make a complete and speedy recovery from her injuries. The accident is being investigated by the York Regional Police Major Collision Investigation Unit, and investigators are seeking witnesses. Any witnesses who have not yet spoken with police are being asked to come forward and contact the Major Collision Investigation Unit by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7704, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com. The pedestrian accident lawyers at Iacobelli Law Firm have seen first-hand just how tragic car on pedestrian accidents can be. We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of pedestrians who have been injured because of another driver’s negligence. To learn more, or to schedule a FREE no-obligation consultation with a Richmond Hill pedestrian accident lawyer, call us at 416-900-1070 or complete our online contact form here.
Connect with Andrew Iacobelli on Google+ The York Region personal injury law team at Iacobelli Law Firm is saddened to learn of yet another pedestrian fatality in the GTA. This latest pedestrian fatality is part of an alarming trend in increased fatal accidents around the GTA in the past month.
First and foremost, Iacobelli Law Firm offers its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim of this York Region pedestrian fatality accident. At this time, we understand that the collision remains under investigation with the York Regional Police Major Collision Investigation Unit. This fatal accident occurred on Thursday, November 19, 2015, at approximately 2 p.m., in the vicinity of Highway 11 north of Bathurst Street in King Township. A pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle and, sadly, succumbed to injuries at the scene. Any witnesses who have not yet spoken with police are being asked to contact the Major Collision Investigation Unit by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7704, or to call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com, or text your tip by sending TIPYORK and your message to CRIMES (274637) starting with the word YORK. During the fall and winter months, we often see a spike in the number of accidents involving motor vehicles and pedestrians. This is particularly the case when the weather is raining or overcast, and during afternoon and early morning hours. During this season, drivers and pedestrians must remain aware of surroundings and use caution particularly around intersections and pedestrian crossings. If you have lost a loved one as a result of a fatal pedestrian accident, you are welcome to call me for a free consultation and have your questions answered. Call us at 416-900-1070 or complete our online contact form here. Connect with Andrew Iacobelli on Google+ With daylight savings time and the clocks turning back one hour recently in Ontario, there is an increased risk to pedestrians during the evening rush hour. With the reduced daylight during the evening commute, pedestrians are at a much higher risk of being struck by vehicles. During low light and evening conditions, pedestrians and drivers need to exercise more caution. Despite the warnings to drivers and pedestrians, we tend to see a spike in the number of pedestrians hit by cars while crossing the street after the clocks are turned back one hour in the fall. Pedestrians should be aware of this increased risk, and take special precautions for their safety. One way of reducing the risk is by wearing bright and reflective clothing if you are walking during low light or evening.
If you or a loved one is injured as a pedestrian, there are rights and remedies available. When a pedestrian is struck by a car, the driver of the vehicle is presumed to be negligent. Nonetheless, the insurance company will still seek to minimize or defeat pedestrian injury claims. There are steps that should be taken to preserve your rights if you are a pedestrian injured by a vehicle. To learn more, call us for a free consultation with a Toronto pedestrian injury lawyer. We offer prospective clients a free, no obligation, consultation. Call us at 416-900-1070 or complete our online contact form here. Toronto Injury Lawyer Reminds Drivers to Use Caution in School Zones and Community Safety Zones2/27/2014
 With young children in elementary school and pre-school, I have occasion to be in school zones and community school zones regularly. I drive my children to school in the morning. The areas around the school are clearly designated as school zones and community safety area, with reduced speed limits. There are elementary school kids and high school children walking to school in plain view. Despite the signs, and the presence of kids, some drivers continue to speed through the areas as if they are on a rural road. Many of these drivers are travelling at more than double the posted speed limit.
As a personal injury lawyer serving Toronto and the GTA, I have seen far too many tragic cases involving school children and other pedestrians struck by cars. There are good reasons for motorists to be warned to slow down and exercise caution near schools. One important reason is that kids simply are not as experienced as adults and, generally, kids are less able to protect themselves from the dangers of vehicle traffic. We all know that children do not appreciate and recognize dangers the same way that an adult does. In fact, a child's brain has not fully developed the capacity for good judgement. The responsibility in a school zone rests with the drivers - we all need to do our part to keep kids safe as they walk to and from school. Although most everyone would agree with this point, the reality is that cars and trucks speed near schools every day. Sometimes, when I see a speeding vehicle in the vicinity of school children, I silently wish a police car would be nearby to give a ticket or a warning. There are no police in sight. Is there any more important time or place for police to be patrolling speed than during those hours when kids are going to and from school? I don't think any driver is a fan of speed traps, but I would welcome police presence around schools ever single day when school is in session. Yes, police should be present in school zones every single day when school is in session - not on an occasional or random basis or as part of an awareness campaign. I think that if drivers regularly observed police near school and community safety zones, driver habits would change. Drivers would pay more attention to the school areas, and reduce speeds. What do you think? Post your comments and let me know your thoughts. Connect with Andrew Iacobelli on Google+  The news of the accident that claimed the life of a beautiful young girl, Violet Jia Liang, stunned and angered many in the GTA. Violet Jia Lang was on her way to start her first day in the 10th grade at C.W. Jeffreys Collegiate when she was struck by a left turning construction truck. The collision occurred just before 8 a.m. at the intersection of Sentinel Rd. and Lamberton Blvd., in front of Elia Middle School.
First and foremost, the staff at Iacobelli Law Firm offers our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Violet. We are saddened by the news of this loss, and wish you strength and courage during this most difficult time. The facts of this accident are all too familiar for residents of Toronto and the GTA. In the past year, Violet's death marks the second tragic death of a child as a result of a truck in a residential area of Toronto. On March 8, a 5-year old child, Kayleigh Callaghan-Belanger, was killed by a city garbage truck. In light of these recent traffic accident fatalities involving children and trucks, some city councillors are calling for increased safety measures in school zones. We agree that something should be done to improve safety for children walking to and from school. This tragic loss also serves as a reminder to all drivers to use extra caution when driving near schools and residential areas. This is particularly important during the morning and afternoon hours when children are walking to and from school. In many parts of Ontario, local police forces have increased presence in school zones this week. We encourage police forces to increase patrols and speed enforcement within school zones throughout the school year. Iacobelli Law Firm is an Ontario personal injury and wrongful death law firm. We representing the families of those that have lost loved ones in fatal accidents throughout Ontario. If you have lost a loved one or have sustained serious injuries as a result of a car accident, contact us for a free consultation at 416-900-1070 or 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here. Connect with Andrew Iacobelli on Google+ Injury Lawyer: Can I Claim Accident Benefits After a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident If you are a pedestrian or cyclist that is injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident in Ontario, you can claim compensation from your auto accident benefits insurance company. This is referred to as no-fault benefits or accident benefits. If you do not have you are not insured under an auto insurance policy, you can receive accident benefits from the insurance policy of the vehicle that was involved in the accident with you. In addition to accident benefits, whenever a pedestrian or cyclist is hit by a motor vehicle they may also be entitled to make a claim against the at fault driver. This claim depends upon the ability to prove at least some fault on the part of the other vehicle, and is often referred to as a tort claim. Learn more about your right to claims for compensation following a pedestrian or bicycle accident in Ontario: Accident Benefits from your own automobile insurance policy or from the insurance for another vehicle involved in the accident Tort Claim against the at-fault driver for compensation, including damages that are not available through accident benefits, such as pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a pedestrian accident in Ontario, contact a personal injury lawyer to learn about your rights. Iacobelli Law Firm is a dedicated Ontario personal injury law firm that represents the victims of pedestrian accidents throughout Ontario. Call us for a free consultation and case review, or complete an online contact form here. Richmond Hill Ontario Personal Injury Lawyer: Pedestrian Accidents With the arrival of spring and the improving weather in Ontario, more people will be walking and cycling in the greater Toronto area. Walking and riding bikes are not only good for your health, but also good for the environment. When heading out for a bicycle ride or walk, remember the importance of being safe at all times. Pedestrians can often sustain serious or fatal injuries when involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. Although all pedestrians are at risk for injury or death from accidents, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies that some people are at higher risk. According to the CDC report, male pedestrians are more likely to die or be injured in a motor vehicle crash, while teens and young adults (ages 15-29 years) are more likely to be treated in emergency departments than any other age group. It was also observed that the rate of pedestrian death increases with age. There are steps that we can all take to remain safe while walking. This includes, using designated crosswalks whenever crossing the street, and increasing visibility by wearing bright coloured clothing or reflective items. Also, do not assume that a car or truck will stop and yield simply because you have the right of way. Wait and be sure that the driver sees you before crossing. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a pedestrian accident in Ontario, contact a personal injury lawyer to learn about your rights. Iacobelli Law Firm is a dedicated Ontario personal injury law firm that represents the victims of pedestrian accidents throughout Ontario. Call us for a free consultation and case review, or complete an online contact form here. Connect with Andrew Iacobelli on Google+ |
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