FEMALE PEDESTRIAN DEAD AFTER CAR CRASH

Several people were hurt in a two-car accident near the British Columbia Institute of Technology campus in Burnaby on Feb. 17. The crash happened around 1:30 p.m.

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, two vehicles collided at Gardner Court and Canada Way, causing one car to strike a female pedestrian and then a telephone pole. The second car struck an empty bus stop shelter. The pedestrian was reportedly thrown a great distance by the impact. Witnesses said passersby attempted to perform CPR on her before emergency crews arrived. She suffered severe head trauma and was transported to Royal Columbian Hospital where she was listed in critical condition. She eventually was pronounced dead. Four other victims were hospitalized with undisclosed injuries, including the two drivers.

RCMP indicated that speed may have been a factor in the accident. Canada Way was closed between Willingdon Avenue and Wayburne Drive for several hours. The crash remains under investigation.

When someone is injured or killed in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, that driver could be sued in civil court for damages. Examples of negligent driving behaviour include speeding, reckless driving, texting and driving and drunk driving. With the help of a lawyer, a victim could seek compensation from the at-fault driver to help pay for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering and lost wages. If a victim dies, their family could file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for funeral and burial costs, pain and suffering before death, loss of income and loss of companionship.

Source: Global News, “Multiple people hurt after 2-car accident near BCIT in Burnaby,” Feb. 17, 2015