Though Calgary is one of the safest cities in Canada—and the world—accidents can and do happen every day. Many of these accidents lead to serious injuries, even in circumstances that sound relatively benign at first glance.
This was tragically illustrated in an accident last week, in which a Calgary pedestrian was struck by a car exiting a residential driveway at a low rate of speed. The accident occurred at 10:15am in broad daylight; the pedestrian was walking her dog down the sidewalk on a leash as the vehicle was backed down the driveway, when it struck her and caused her to fall over.
Despite the low speed of the vehicle at the time of the accident, the fall caused a serious head injury. The driver stopped and assisted the injured pedestrian while emergency services were contacted, and the victim was taken to Foothills Medical Centre with reportedly life threatening injuries. There was no indication that any charges would be filed against the driver.
Pedestrian Accidents and Calgary Personal injury Law
In general, Calgary drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians in all circumstances. Even if someone is crossing a street illegally, for example, you are expected to do your best to avoid hitting them. This does not resolve pedestrians of all responsibility, though, and there are situations where accidents may be all but unavoidable. An obstructed view of pedestrians could potentially limit a driver’s liability in some situations, for example, and if a pedestrian needlessly puts themselves in a dangerous situation that can also eliminate or reduce any finding of negligence on the part of the driver.
As we do not know the specifics of this case, we cannot comment on the driver’s liability in this accident. We do know that a life threatening head injury likely means a traumatic brain injury was caused, and we know that these unfortunately common and frequently devastating injuries can result from many accidents. A simple fall is all it takes to suffer a traumatic brain injury that causes life-long impairments or even death. That’s why even low speed accidents are incredibly dangerous to Calgary pedestrians—if a vehicle is moving fast enough to knock someone over, it’s moving fast enough to cause a traumatic brain injury or other serious injury.
This accident should give everyone in Calgary a moment’s pause. Remember, any time you’re in your vehicle or walking where vehicles also drive, it’s imperative that you remain aware of your surroundings and take care of yourself and those around you.
Contact a Calgary Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Pedestrian Accident
If you or a family member has suffered a serious injury as the result of a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to face the insurance companies, medical bills, and disruption to your life all by yourself. Contact an experienced, compassionate Calgary personal injury lawyer today to get the help you deserve.