Pedestrian Accidents Near BMO Field: Your Rights After a Match-Day Collision

With FIFA World Cup 2026 matches taking place in Toronto, BMO Field and the surrounding Exhibition Place area will see a significant increase in foot traffic. Large crowds, road closures, and heightened activity create an exciting atmosphere, but they also increase the risk of pedestrian accidents.

If you are hit by a vehicle near BMO Field, it is important to understand your rights under Ontario law and what steps to take immediately after the incident.

Key Takeaways

• Pedestrian accidents may become more common around BMO Field during FIFA World Cup 2026 due to increased crowds, traffic congestion, road closures, and rideshare activity.
• If you are hit by a vehicle near BMO Field, seeking medical attention, reporting the incident, and preserving evidence are important early steps.
• Ontario law provides significant protections for pedestrians, although fault may still be shared depending on the circumstances of the accident.
• Injured pedestrians may have access to accident benefits regardless of fault and may also have a claim against an at fault driver.
• Visitors attending FIFA 2026 matches in Toronto may still be able to pursue an Ontario personal injury claim after returning home.
• Strict deadlines can apply to pedestrian accident claims, making early legal guidance an important consideration after a serious injury.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Increase During Major Events

Major sporting events often lead to a surge in pedestrian-related incidents. Around BMO Field, risk factors include:

• Heavy foot traffic before and after matches
• Drivers unfamiliar with road closures or detours
• Increased rideshare and taxi congestion
• Distracted driving and walking
• Alcohol consumption during celebrations

Intersections along Lake Shore Boulevard, Strachan Avenue, and Princes’ Boulevard are expected to be particularly busy during match days.

What to Do If You Are Hit by a Car Near BMO Field

Taking the right steps after a pedestrian accident is critical for both your health and your legal claim.

1. Call Emergency Services

Dial 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, medical documentation is essential.

2. Seek Medical Attention

You may be transported to a nearby hospital such as:

• Toronto Western Hospital
• St. Michael’s Hospital

Prompt treatment protects both your recovery and your case.

3. Report the Accident

Ensure that police attend the scene or that the incident is officially reported.

4. Gather Evidence

If possible:

• Take photos of the scene, vehicle, and surroundings
• Obtain the driver’s information including insurance policy and company
• Collect witness contact details

5. Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Alone

Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly. It is best to speak with a lawyer before providing statements.

6. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Early legal advice helps protect your rights and ensures critical deadlines are met.

For a broader checklist, see:
[Internal Link: What to Do After an Accident in Ontario]

Who Is at Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?

Ontario law provides strong protections for pedestrians.

In many cases, drivers are presumed to be at fault when they strike a pedestrian, unless they can prove otherwise. This is a significant legal advantage for injured pedestrians.

However, fault can still be shared depending on the circumstances, such as:

• Crossing outside a designated crosswalk
• Ignoring traffic signals
• Sudden or unexpected movement into traffic

Each case depends on its specific facts.

What Compensation Can Injured Pedestrians Receive?

If you are injured as a pedestrian in Ontario, you may be entitled to compensation through two primary avenues.

1. Accident Benefits (No-Fault Insurance)

Regardless of who caused the accident, you may qualify for benefits that cover:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Income replacement
• Attendant care services

Even if you do not own a vehicle, you may still access these benefits through the driver’s insurance policy.

Learn more about accident benefits here:
https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance

2. Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver

If the driver was negligent, you may also pursue compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of income and future earning capacity
• Ongoing medical care

Ontario law includes thresholds and deductibles that may apply to these claims, making legal guidance especially important.

Special Considerations for Visitors

With FIFA attracting international visitors, many injured pedestrians may not live in Ontario.

If you are visiting Toronto:

• You can still bring a claim in Ontario
• You do not need to remain in Canada for the duration of your case
• A lawyer can handle most aspects of your claim remotely

For more information, see: Injured While Visiting Toronto for FIFA 2026? A Tourist’s Guide to Ontario Personal Injury Law

Time Limits You Need to Know

Strict deadlines apply to pedestrian accident claims in Ontario:

• 7 days to notify an insurer for accident benefits
• 2 years to start a lawsuit

There may also be shorter deadlines if a municipal entity is involved, such as poor road design or maintenance.

Failing to act within these timelines can impact your ability to recover compensation.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries due to the lack of physical protection. These may include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractures and orthopedic injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

Even injuries that seem minor initially can worsen over time, which is why early medical assessment is critical.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Pedestrian accident claims can be complex, particularly during large events like FIFA where multiple parties and insurers may be involved.

A personal injury lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident and gather evidence
• Determine liability
• Handle insurance companies
• Ensure all deadlines are met
• Maximize your compensation

This is especially important when dealing with serious injuries or cross-border issues.

Final Thoughts

BMO Field will be at the center of FIFA excitement in Toronto, but increased crowds and traffic also raise the risk of pedestrian accidents.

If you are injured:

• Seek medical attention immediately
• Document everything
• Understand that you have strong legal protections as a pedestrian in Ontario

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I am hit by a car near BMO Field during FIFA 2026?

According to the blog, your first priority should be your health and safety. Call 911, seek medical attention, and ensure the accident is reported to police. If you are able, take photographs of the scene, obtain the driver’s information, and collect witness contact details. Medical records and evidence gathered shortly after the collision may become important later. The blog also recommends speaking with a personal injury lawyer before providing statements to insurance companies. Taking these steps early can help protect both your recovery and any potential legal claim.

Why are pedestrian accidents more likely during major events like FIFA World Cup 2026?

The blog explains that major events create conditions that can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. Around BMO Field and Exhibition Place, large crowds, road closures, unfamiliar traffic patterns, rideshare congestion, distracted driving, distracted walking, and alcohol consumption may all contribute to increased risks. Busy areas such as Lake Shore Boulevard, Strachan Avenue, and Princes’ Boulevard are expected to experience significant pedestrian and vehicle activity during match days. These factors can create situations where both drivers and pedestrians must exercise additional caution.

Who is usually at fault in a pedestrian accident in Ontario?

Ontario law provides important protections for pedestrians. As noted in the blog, drivers are often presumed to be at fault when they strike a pedestrian unless they can establish otherwise. However, fault is not always assigned entirely to one party. Circumstances such as crossing outside a designated crosswalk, ignoring traffic signals, or unexpectedly entering traffic may affect how fault is assessed. Every pedestrian accident depends on its specific facts, and liability must be evaluated based on the available evidence.

Can I receive accident benefits if I was a pedestrian and do not own a vehicle?

Yes. The blog explains that injured pedestrians may still qualify for Ontario accident benefits even if they do not own a vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, benefits may be available through the driver’s insurance policy. These benefits may help cover medical and rehabilitation expenses, income replacement, and attendant care services. Because eligibility can vary depending on the facts of the accident and available insurance coverage, it is often helpful to obtain guidance about what benefits may apply.

What compensation may be available after a pedestrian accident?

According to the blog, compensation may be available through two separate avenues. Accident benefits may provide access to medical, rehabilitation, income replacement, and attendant care benefits regardless of fault. If the driver was negligent, an injured pedestrian may also pursue a claim for damages that could include pain and suffering, income loss, future earning capacity losses, and ongoing medical care needs. The specific compensation available depends on the facts of the case and Ontario’s legal requirements.

Can tourists injured during FIFA 2026 still bring a claim in Ontario?

Yes. The blog notes that international visitors and tourists injured in Toronto during FIFA 2026 may still pursue a claim in Ontario. You do not need to remain in Canada for the duration of the legal process. Many aspects of a personal injury claim can be managed remotely after you return home. For visitors attending matches at BMO Field, obtaining legal advice before leaving Ontario may help clarify what rights and options may be available.

What deadlines apply to pedestrian accident claims in Ontario?

The blog identifies several important timelines. Generally, accident benefits claims require notice to an insurer within seven days, and lawsuits must typically be started within two years. The article also notes that shorter notice periods may apply where a municipal entity is involved, such as claims relating to road design or maintenance. Because missing a deadline can affect a person’s ability to pursue compensation, obtaining legal advice promptly after a serious pedestrian accident may be important.

What injuries commonly occur in pedestrian accidents?

According to the blog, pedestrians often suffer serious injuries because they have little physical protection during a collision. Common injuries may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, orthopaedic injuries, and soft tissue injuries. The article emphasizes that some injuries may not immediately appear serious but can worsen over time. For someone injured near Toronto’s Exhibition Place during FIFA 2026, prompt medical assessment may help identify injuries and support appropriate treatment.

Why is evidence important after a pedestrian accident?

The blog stresses the importance of documenting the accident as thoroughly as possible. Photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, traffic conditions, and visible injuries may help preserve important information. Witness contact details and police reports may also assist when liability is being investigated. In busy event areas around BMO Field, conditions can change quickly once crowds disperse, making early evidence collection particularly valuable. Strong documentation may help support both insurance claims and legal proceedings.

How can a personal injury lawyer help after a pedestrian accident near BMO Field?

The blog explains that pedestrian accident claims can become complex, particularly during large events where multiple parties, insurers, and cross border issues may be involved. A personal injury lawyer can help investigate the accident, gather evidence, assess liability, communicate with insurers, and ensure important deadlines are met. For individuals seriously injured in Toronto during FIFA 2026, legal representation may also help coordinate the claims process while the injured person focuses on recovery.

Contact Oatley Vigmond Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident near BMO Field, our team is here to help.

We have extensive experience representing seriously injured clients across Ontario and understand the complexities of high-traffic event-related incidents.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Related Reading:

Injured While Visiting Toronto for FIFA 2026? A Tourist’s Guide to Ontario Personal Injury Law

Slip and Falls at the FIFA Fan Festival: Who is Liable for Injuries?

Drunk Driving and Social Host Liability: The Legal Risks of FIFA After-Parties in Ontario

Things to do Immediately After a Car Accident While Visiting Toronto