Edmonton Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Pedestrian accidents can have life-changing consequences, as pedestrians are especially vulnerable to serious injuries during car accidents or other vehicle collisions. These incidents occur across a range of urban and rural settings, such as:

• Crosswalks
• Shared roads
• Parking lots
• And more

Pedestrian accidents have been on the rise across Edmonton and throughout Alberta. In 2018 alone, Edmonton recorded 250 vehicle-pedestrian accidents, resulting in 257 injuries and fatalities. Given the severity of these collisions, it is critical to understand your rights and potential compensation following a pedestrian accident.

Our Edmonton pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to helping clients pursue the compensation they deserve. Whether you’re facing physical, emotional, or financial challenges, we can guide you through your legal options and help you get started with your claim. For personalized, compassionate, and knowledgeable support, contact our team today to schedule your free consultation.

Understanding Pedestrian Accident Laws in Alberta

Pedestrian accidents in Edmonton are governed by various laws. These laws outline how fault might be determined following an accident, how insurance coverage works, legal time limits for filing pedestrian accident claims, and more. Our pedestrian accident lawyers understand how each law might affect your case so we can decide on your best course of action. 

In Alberta, laws that may affect your pedestrian accident claim include:

• Alberta Traffic Safety Act: Under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, certain responsibilities and obligations are set for driver behaviour towards pedestrians. Importantly, Section 185 includes a “reverse onus” provision, which automatically places the burden on drivers to prove that they were not at fault for the pedestrian accident they were involved in. 
• Contributory Negligence Act: Alberta’s Contributory Negligence Act outlines that liability in pedestrian and other accident cases will be apportioned according to each party’s degree of fault. For example, a driver may be determined to be 70% at fault while a pedestrian is 30% at fault. Certain pedestrian conduct, such as: 
  • Jaywalking
  • Public intoxication
  • Ignoring posted signage
  • Running into traffic
  • Crossing against signals
  • And more

  may contribute to their level of determined fault. The level of contributory negligence found may affect the amount of compensation you’re eligible for following a pedestrian accident.

• Limitation Period: According to Alberta’s Limitations Act, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. It’s important to note that there can be potential exceptions to this time limit or shorter deadlines depending on the circumstances of your case. For this reason, it’s crucial that you consult a lawyer as soon as possible following your accident to ensure you do not miss any important cut-off dates.

In Alberta, insurance coverage for pedestrian accidents is also partially governed by certain provincial laws. Under this framework, every Alberta resident is entitled to Section B accident benefits following a motor vehicle collision, regardless of who is at fault. These benefits typically cover certain medical treatments and other out-of-pocket expenses up to a limit. In addition, if you are injured by an uninsured driver or in a hit-and-run, Alberta’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program (MVAC) may still compensate you for your injuries.

Why You Should Work With Our Edmonton Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

When you’re injured in a car accident as a pedestrian, our legal team at Watson Goepel understands the significant toll it can take on your life. That’s why our Edmonton pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to helping clients pursue meaningful compensation. Whether you have questions about the strength of your case or you need help negotiating with insurers after your accident, we’re here to help.

When you choose to work with Watson Goepel, here’s what you can expect: 

• Knowledge of Alberta Laws & Precedents: Our lawyers are well-versed in the Traffic Safety Act, Contributory Negligence Act, and more. We’ll help you navigate Alberta’s legal landscape to help you build a strong claim and negotiate effectively with insurance companies.
• Proving Fault & Gathering Evidence: Our team will gather expert analysis, eyewitness accounts, police reports, and accident reconstructions on your behalf. Our firm has the resources necessary to conduct thorough investigations and compile the evidence you need to strengthen your case.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies and adjusters can be daunting, especially if you are already dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of an accident. If your insurer is trying to negotiate a lower settlement or blames you for contributory negligence, our lawyers can help. We have experience protecting our clients from unfair settlement offers and advocating for the compensation they truly deserve.
• Handling Complex Cases: Our Edmonton pedestrian accident lawyers have experience dealing with hit-and-run drivers, uninsured or underinsured motorists, and other complicated scenarios. Depending on your case, our team will work to make sure you still receive benefits through MVAC or other appropriate avenues.
• Compassionate Client Care: Our personal injury team at Watson Goepel aims to provide empathetic guidance and open communication throughout the duration of your accident claim. We’ll keep you updated on the progress of your case and advise you on your best options every step of the way.

To get started on your case with our Edmonton pedestrian accident lawyers, contact our team today to schedule a free consultation.

How Much is a Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?

The compensation you may be entitled to following an accident will vary depending on the circumstances of your case. An experienced lawyer can help you identify the extent of your damages and the amount your claim may be worth. 

During pedestrian accident claims, the amount of compensation you are eligible for may be affected by:

• Severity of Your Injuries: Serious injuries, like spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may result in higher compensation for the injured person.
• Lost Wages & Future Earning Capacity: If your accident has caused you to miss work or become unemployed, you may be compensated for the wages or financial loss you have endured. In addition, if your injuries prevent you from working in the same capacity you did prior to your accident, you may receive damages for any loss of future earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: In Alberta, “pain and suffering”, also referred to as general damages, is designated to compensate you for the intangible physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by your accident. Although calculating these losses can be challenging, an experienced lawyer can help you determine a fair amount to pursue. It should be noted that Alberta set a cap of up to $6,182 in 2025 for injuries deemed as “minor”. However, this limit does not apply to serious injuries. 
• Other Damages: If you require coverage for medical expenses, rehabilitation, psychological counselling, attendant care, home modifications, out-of-pocket costs, and more, you may be eligible for additional compensation.
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the driver or at-fault party committed particularly egregious acts (like impaired driving, for example) you may be eligible for punitive damages. These are intended to serve as a punishment for the defendant and may result in additional compensation.

By speaking to a lawyer promptly following your accident, you can gain a better understanding of the type of compensation you may be eligible for. 

Common Causes and Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents in Edmonton

In Edmonton and across Alberta, there has been a province-wide rise in fatal and life-threatening pedestrian accidents. Thousands of collisions involving pedestrians occur across the province each year, resulting in preventable deaths. Understanding why these accidents happen and what kind of injuries you may sustain can help you stay safe and alert. 

Frequent causes of pedestrian accidents in Edmonton include:

• Distracted Driving: Including texting, using devices, or not paying full attention to the road.
• Failing to Yield at Crosswalks: This includes crosswalks that are both marked and unmarked. In Alberta, a crosswalk does not need to be marked to qualify as such under the Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation. 
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug use while driving poses a significant risk to pedestrians.
• Harsh or Dangerous Weather Conditions: Edmonton’s long and harsh winters can cause slippery roads, reduced visibility, and more.
• Drivers Exiting Parking Lots or Driveways: This might include drivers looking the wrong way or ignoring pedestrians on sidewalks.
• And More

When you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, you might suffer from: 

• Cuts and bruises
• Broken bones or orthopedic injuries
• Concussions
• Neck injuries
• Head or Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Loss of limbs
• Spinal cord injuries, like paraplegia or quadriplegia
• Facial injuries
• Internal injuries
• Psychological injuries
• Chronic pain
• Loss of life
• And more

Have You Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Contact Our Edmonton Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

At Watson Goepel, our Edmonton pedestrian accident lawyers are committed to helping our clients recover from the physical, emotional, and financial injuries they have sustained. When you’re hurt, early legal intervention can be critical in securing essential evidence, medical records, witness statements, and more. Our legal team will work tirelessly to help create a strong claim on your behalf and pursue the compensation you deserve.

To learn more about how we can help with your pedestrian accident claim, contact us today. You can call our Edmonton office at 780-784-0130 or fill out our online contact form to get started with your free consultation.