Rotondo Law Firm, a Leading Toronto Personal Injury Law Firm, Cautions Pedestrians to Be Careful After Fatalities in Toronto Hit 10-Year High

Online, December 22, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Rotondo Law Firm (www.RotondoLaw.com), a Greater Toronto Area (GTA) personal injury law firm and GTA wrongful death law firm, is cautioning pedestrians to be careful after the city's Traffic Safety Unit announced that pedestrian fatalities in Toronto recently hit a 10-year high.

On Thursday, December 5, a pedestrian crossing the street was struck and killed by a Toyota Corolla traveling northbound on Dumont Street near Otonoabee Avenue. The 77-year-old victim is Toronto's 38th pedestrian fatality of 2013, bringing the total number of traffic fatalities in the city to 61—a 10-year high. This year has been particularly bad for seniors; the 77-year-old woman is one of 22 seniors who have been struck and killed in 2013. (Source: Chu, S., "Woman, 77, is Toronto's 38th pedestrian fatality this year," December 5, 2013; www.citynews.ca/2013/12/05/woman-77-is-torontos-38th-pedestrian-fatality-this-year/.)

"With less than a month left in 2013, the number of pedestrian fatalities is expected to rise," says P. Michael Rotondo, lead counsel at Rotondo Law Firm. "Accidents involving pedestrians tend to increase during the winter months with fewer daylight hours and worsening road conditions."

The main cause of fatalities this year has been pedestrians crossing outside a crosswalk or intersection, followed closely by drivers turning and hitting pedestrians at intersections where the pedestrian had the right-of-way. Rotondo notes that drivers and pedestrians can alleviate risk by paying particular attention to these two areas.

"Accidents involving pedestrians can happen for any number of reasons: drivers can be distracted, negligent, and even reckless," he adds. "Regardless of why, accidents involving pedestrians can be very devastating and lead to serious physical and emotional pain and suffering. On top of that, pedestrians injured by motor vehicles can face costly medical bills and lost wages, and the injuries can also lead to death."

"Pedestrians injured in motor vehicle accidents in the Greater Toronto Area and family members of those killed should consult with a seasoned personal injury lawyer immediately after the accident occurs," Rotondo concludes. "In most cases, fault can be established against the driver of a vehicle if a pedestrian is hit while crossing the street in accordance with traffic laws. And even if the pedestrian is partly at fault, they may still be entitled to compensation."

Rotondo Law Firm is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Toronto and has been providing personal injury law services to clients since 1999. Over the last 14 years, Rotondo Law Firm has been providing its clients with the highest level of legal service, spanning many areas of personal injury law, including trip and fall accidents; motor vehicle, pedestrian, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents; brain injuries; air flight accidents; accident benefit claims; and wrongful dismissal claims. Whether their clients have been injured in a car accident, are owed compensation from insurance, or have been wrongfully dismissed, Rotondo Law will work diligently to ensure they receive the settlement they deserve. More information on Rotondo Law Firm is available by visiting the firm's web site at www.RotondoLaw.com or by calling 416-868-0900.