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Ontario

Pedestrian & Cyclist Accidents Today

Recent pedestrian and cyclist collision news from across Ontario — updated as incidents are reported — plus guidance for those who have been struck and the compensation rights available to vulnerable road users.

Updated May 26, 2026 ET By Sunish Rai Uppal, Managing Lawyer

Recent Ontario Pedestrian & Cyclist Collisions (Updated regularly)

A running log of recent collisions, with the full story behind each headline.

May 2026

April 2026

March 2026

Rights of Injured Pedestrians & Cyclists

Vulnerable road users have important protections in Ontario:

  • A pedestrian or cyclist struck by a vehicle can claim accident benefits even without owning a car
  • The vehicle driver is presumed at fault in many pedestrian and cyclist collisions (reverse onus)
  • You may claim against the at-fault driver for pain, suffering and lost income
  • Hit-and-run victims may still be covered through their own or family policies, or the Claims Fund
  • Catastrophic injuries unlock higher benefit limits and long-term care funding

What to Do After a Collision

  1. 1

    Check for injuries and call 911

    Make sure everyone is safe. Call 911 for any injury and request police if there is significant damage. A police report strengthens an insurance and injury claim.

  2. 2

    Document the scene

    Photograph vehicle positions, damage, licence plates, road conditions and visible injuries. Collect names, contact details and insurance information from all parties and witnesses.

  3. 3

    Report the collision

    Report to your insurer promptly and, where required, to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours. Do not admit fault at the scene.

  4. 4

    Get medical attention

    See a doctor even if you feel fine — some injuries surface days later. Medical records create the timeline that supports your accident benefits and tort claim.

  5. 5

    Speak to a personal injury lawyer

    Before signing anything from an insurer, get legal advice. Ontario has strict deadlines, and early advice protects both your accident benefits and your right to sue.

Understanding Your Rights

After a crash in Ontario you may be entitled to two kinds of compensation: no-fault accident benefits through your own insurer, and a tort claim against the at-fault party for pain, suffering and losses beyond what benefits cover.

Deadlines are strict — a lawsuit generally must start within two years, while some accident-benefit notices are due within days. Speak with UL Lawyers before dealing with any insurer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a pedestrian claim if they do not own a car? +

Yes. A pedestrian or cyclist struck by a vehicle in Ontario can claim accident benefits through the at-fault vehicle's insurer, or in some cases their own household policy or the Claims Fund — no car ownership required.

Is the driver automatically at fault if they hit a pedestrian? +

Ontario applies a reverse onus in many cases: when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian or cyclist, the driver must prove they were not at fault. This often favours the injured person.

What if the driver fled the scene? +

Hit-and-run victims may still recover through uninsured/unidentified-motorist coverage or Ontario's Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund. Report it to police and get legal advice quickly.

I was partly jaywalking — can I still claim? +

Likely yes. Your compensation may be reduced for contributory negligence, but you can still recover. The reverse onus on drivers remains significant.

What does it cost to hire a lawyer? +

UL Lawyers acts on contingency — no fees unless we recover for you, with a free initial consultation.