Pedestrian Hit by a Car in Alberta? Your Rights and Next Steps

Pedestrian accidents happen far too often in Alberta. Whether you are crossing the street in Calgary, walking along a road in Edmonton, or heading home in Red Deer, being struck by a vehicle can change your life in an instant. These collisions often cause serious injuries because pedestrians have no protection against the force of a car or truck.

At Preszler Law Alberta, our Calgary pedestrian accident lawyers have helped many clients recover compensation and get the support they need after being hit while walking.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian, understanding your rights under Alberta law is the first step toward recovery. We explain what to do right away, the benefits available to you, and how experienced legal help can make a difference.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

After a collision, the most important thing is your health. Immediately after the collision, check whether you can move safely, whether anything hurts, or whether you feel dizzy. If injured, call 911, or have someone call for you, and tell them you were hit by a vehicle. If police and ambulance are dispatched to the scene, work with them to give a statement about what happened and treat your injuries.

Regardless of whether police and/or ambulance attend the scene, after a collision:

• Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries may not show up immediately.
• Call the police to file an official report.
• If safe to do so, gather evidence at the scene, such as taking photos of the vehicle, license plate, road conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries. Request the names and contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the collision.
• Do not admit fault or give a detailed statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.

The information you gather at the scene will be important in the future in case the driver denies responsibility for causing the collision. It may also be important to help get you into treatment and feeling better as soon as possible.

Section B Benefits for Injured Pedestrians in Alberta

In Alberta, every motor vehicle insurance policy includes Section B benefits. These benefits provide support regardless of who was at fault in the accident.

Generally speaking, Section B can cover:

• Medical treatments such as physiotherapy
• Ambulance and hospital costs
• Rehabilitation and assistive devices
• Income replacement if your injuries prevent you from working
• Housekeeping and home maintenance expenses, if you cannot perform these tasks yourself
• And possibly more

Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help ensure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to and avoid delays or denials from insurers.

What If the Driver Flees the Scene?

After striking a pedestrian, it is an unfortunate reality that some drivers will leave the scene. In hit-and-run cases, the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims (MVAC) program can step in as a backup. MVAC is a program of last resort when the driver cannot be identified.

MVAC provides up to $200,000 in compensation for injuries in qualifying cases. However, strict deadlines apply. Notice to MVAC must be made within 90 days of the collision. Missing this deadline might mean losing your right to benefits.

Our legal team can help you file the necessary paperwork, gather evidence, and guide you through the process so you do not lose the ability to be compensated in a hit-and-run collision.

Understanding Fault and Compensation in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Alberta law places a high responsibility on drivers to watch for pedestrians. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield at crosswalks, and impaired driving.

In addition to Section B benefits, you may be entitled to compensation through a claim against the at-fault driver.

This can include:

• Pain and suffering 
• Lost past and future income
• Future medical and care costs
• Other out-of-pocket expenses
• And possibly more

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer a wide range of injuries, many of which can be life-changing. This is because pedestrians have no protection against multi-thousand-pound vehicles. Even low-speed impacts can cause severe harm.

Common injuries to pedestrians include:

• Broken bones and fractures, especially in the legs, hips, pelvis, and arms. Fractures may require surgery, lengthy rehabilitation, and can lead to permanent mobility issues or arthritis.
• Soft tissue injuries and whiplash, which cause ongoing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the neck and back.
• Head and brain injuries, ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These can result in memory problems, headaches, dizziness, cognitive difficulties, and personality changes that affect work, school, and relationships.
• Psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some victims develop a temporary or lasting fear of crossing streets or driving, which impacts their quality of life.

Even what seems like a “minor” collision can lead to months or years of recovery, missed work, and major lifestyle changes. Documenting these injuries thoroughly is essential for building a strong claim.

How Preszler Injury Lawyers Alberta Can Help Injured Pedestrians

At Preszler Injury Lawyers Alberta, we understand the physical pain, emotional stress, and financial burden that can follow a pedestrian accident. Our team fights insurance companies to ensure our clients receive full and fair compensation.

We offer:

• Free initial consultations
• No upfront fees — we work on a contingency basis (you only pay if we recover compensation for you)
• Personalized guidance through every step of your claim
• Experience handling Section B benefits, MVAC claims, and serious injury lawsuits

Do not let an insurance company pressure you into accepting a low settlement while you are still recovering. Let us handle the legal side so you can focus on getting better.

Speak With Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers to Learn About Your Rights

If you or a loved one was hit by a car while walking in Alberta, take these steps:

• Prioritize medical care and follow all treatment recommendations.
• Keep detailed records of your symptoms, appointments, and expenses.
• Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and meet important deadlines.

Contact our legal team today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us at 1-888-494-7191 (available 24/7) or reach out online. We proudly serve clients across Alberta, including Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, and beyond.

You do not have to face this alone. Let our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers help you move forward.

We’re here to help.