CALL 24/7A Chatham man is fighting for his life after a vehicle struck him along Longwoods Road in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, late on a Thursday night.
What Happened on Longwoods Road in Chatham-Kent?
Just before 11 p.m., the Chatham-Kent Police Service responded to a report of a car crash between a pedestrian and a vehicle on Longwoods Road. This stretch of road sits between Littlejohn Road and Zone Road 7. It is a rural area with limited lighting and foot traffic at that hour.
The 49-year-old man from Chatham was out walking when he was struck by a westbound vehicle. The driver, a 54-year-old woman from Thamesville, was not physically harmed in the collision.
Emergency Response and the Investigation
First responders transported the injured man to Four Counties Health Services in Newbury. Given the severity of his condition, he was later airlifted to London Health Sciences Centre, where he remains with life-threatening injuries.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service Traffic Management Unit took over the investigation due to the nature of the incident. Longwoods Road was closed overnight to allow investigators to examine the scene. The road has since reopened, and no charges have been laid against the driver.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service’s traffic management unit.
What Legal Rights Does a Pedestrian Injured by a Vehicle Have in Ontario?
In Ontario, injured pedestrians may have the right to seek compensation for their injuries, medical costs, loss of income, and the impact their injuries have had on their daily life. The path forward depends heavily on the circumstances of the collision. This is why it is important to seek legal help as soon after crash as possible.
Who Can Be Held Liable for the Damages?
In pedestrian collision cases in Ontario, more than one party may share responsibility. Potential liable parties can include:
- The Driver: A driver who fails to watch for pedestrians, drives while distracted, or operates a vehicle unsafely may be found negligent under Ontario law.
- A Third Party: In some cases, road conditions, poor lighting, or inadequate signage may point to responsibility on the part of a municipality or property owner.
- An Insurer: Ontario’s accident benefit system means injured pedestrians may have access to certain benefits regardless of fault — but navigating those claims without legal guidance can cost you.
- The Pedestrian: Drivers often share a major portion of liability for these crashes. But pedestrians can also be partially at fault – such as by darting out into the road unexpectedly.
Why Injured Pedestrians in Chatham-Kent Cannot Afford to Wait
This is where injured victims can go wrong after a crash they did not cause. They wait to seek legal help, assuming the investigation will run its course and that someone will contact them with answers. But most car accidents, including those involving pedestrians, don’t play out that way.
In Ontario, you generally have just two years from the date of the collision to pursue a personal injury claim. Missing that deadline can permanently bar you from seeking any compensation. This law applies no matter how serious your injuries are or how evident it is tha tthe other party was to blame.
Evidence Disappears Quickly
Physical evidence from the collision scene begins to degrade or disappear almost immediately. The sooner a lawyer becomes involved, the sooner that evidence can be preserved on your behalf.
You Deserve to Focus on Healing
Dealing with insurers, investigators, and mounting medical costs while recovering from life-threatening injuries is overwhelming. When Greg Monforton & Partners represents you, we fully manage the legal process so you and your family can focus on what matters most.
FAQs: Pedestrian Collision Claims in Ontario
Can a pedestrian injured by a vehicle in Ontario make a compensation claim?
Yes, in many cases. If a driver’s negligence caused or contributed to the collision, the injured pedestrian may have grounds for a personal injury claim under Ontario law. The specific details of the collision — including the investigation findings — will play an important role in assessing the claim.
Does it matter that no charges have been laid against the driver?
No. Criminal charges and civil personal injury claims are separate legal processes. A driver does not need to be charged or convicted for an injured pedestrian to pursue compensation. The legal standard in a civil claim is different from what is required in a criminal case.
What if the pedestrian was partly at fault for the collision?
Ontario operates under a comparative fault system. This means that even if the injured pedestrian shares some responsibility for the collision, they may still be entitled to compensation. The amount may be reduced based on their degree of fault — but a claim may still be possible.
What compensation can a seriously injured pedestrian pursue in Ontario?
Depending on the circumstances, an injured pedestrian may be able to seek compensation for medical and rehabilitation costs, lost income and future earning capacity, pain and suffering, costs of ongoing care, and out-of-pocket expenses caused by the injuries.
What should a family do if their loved one is hospitalised after a pedestrian collision?
Start by keeping records. Save all medical documentation, receipts, and communications related to the collision and the injuries. Then contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Acting quickly helps protect your loved one’s legal rights and ensures key evidence is not lost.
How long does a pedestrian have to file a personal injury claim in Ontario?
Ontario generally gives pedestrians two years from the date of the collision. However, some circumstances, such as the age of the victim or involvement of a municipality, that can affect this timeline. Speaking with a lawyer promptly is the safest way to ensure no deadlines are missed. Missing the deadline bars you from being able to seek any compensation for your damages.
Injured in a Pedestrian Collision in Chatham-Kent? Contact Greg Monforton & Partners Today
Serious injuries change everything in an instant. If you or someone you love has been struck by a vehicle in Chatham-Kent or anywhere in southwestern Ontario, please don’t wait to seek legal help.
Not sure if you have a case? That is more common than you may realize. And at Greg Monforton & Partners in Windsor, ON, our knowledgeable legal team is ready to review your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand your options today.
Call Greg Monforton & Partnersfor a free case review today. (866) 320-4770..
