Toronto Pedestrian Accident Lawyerfor pedestrians struck by drivers across Toronto

In Ontario, pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles are governed by a “Reverse Onus” provision under section 193 of the Highway Traffic Act. This means a driver is legally presumed to be at fault in a pedestrian accident unless they can prove they acted with reasonable care. That presumption gives injured pedestrian accident victims a significant legal advantage.

Beyond this rule, every pedestrian involved in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario is entitled to Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS), regardless of who was at fault. Medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits are mandatory in every Ontario auto policy. Since July 1, 2026, the remaining benefits are optional purchases, so the policy that responds to your accident decides what else is available. These accident benefits cover:

• Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs from the date of the accident. These are mandatory in every Ontario auto policy.
• Income replacement benefits if your pedestrian accident injuries prevent you from working. Optional since July 1, 2026, so they are payable only where the responding policy purchased them.
• Non-earner benefits for students or retirees. Also an optional purchase since July 1, 2026.
• Housekeeping and caregiver benefits if you are unable to manage daily tasks. Optional as well, and available only where the policy bought them.
• Attendant care for serious or catastrophic injuries. Mandatory coverage, and the limit rises sharply where a catastrophic impairment is established.

Pedestrian accidents occur for many reasons, and identifying the cause is critical to building a strong accident claim. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Toronto include:

• Failure to yield at crosswalks, where drivers turning left or right ignore pedestrians who have the right-of-way
• Distracted driving, where motorists use phones or infotainment systems while pedestrians are in their path
• Speeding in school zones and residential areas
• Reversing accidents, where drivers back up in parking lots or driveways without checking for pedestrians
• Night-time and poor-weather driving, where a driver fails to adjust speed or use lights in low-visibility conditions
• Running red lights or stop signs at busy crosswalks

Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to substantial compensation. Our personal injury lawyers pursue every available head of damages, including:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses: surgeries, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and long-term care
• Lost income in the tort claim, and income replacement benefits where the responding policy purchased that optional coverage
• Future care costs for permanent or catastrophic disabilities
• Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional trauma of the crash
• Home modifications and specialized mobility aids
• Lost wages already incurred during your recovery period
• Non-earner benefits for those not employed at the time of the accident, where the policy bought that optional benefit
• Accident benefits claims under Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits schedule