You were hit by a vehicle. The law still protects you.
Accident Benefits may still be available, even if the driver was uninsured or fled the scene. Notify the insurer within 7 days of the accident, or as soon as possible if you cannot.
What your claim can cover
Medical, rehabilitation and attendant care are in every policy. For everything else, it depends on when your policy was bought, not when your accident happened.
Policies bought before July 1, 2026 keep their coverage when renewed, unless you agree to changes in writing.
You can claim even without a car of your own
You get around without a car
Many pedestrians have no car of their own: students, seniors, newcomers. You can still claim if you are covered under another auto policy as a spouse, dependant, or listed driver. If no such coverage applies, you generally claim through the insurer of the vehicle involved.
You have your own auto insurance policy
Your own auto insurer pays, even though you were on foot.
The driver had no insurance or drove away
If no policy applies, the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund is the provincial fund of last resort. It can pay medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits to eligible Ontario residents. For accidents occurring on or after July 1, 2026, the Fund does not provide income replacement benefits. Contact: 1-800-268-7188.
What changed in 2026
Since July 1, 2026, optional benefits under the policy of the vehicle that hit you no longer automatically cover pedestrians. Medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits remain available.
Things to keep in mind
What every pedestrian should know about Accident Benefits.
How VIA Legal helps pedestrians
What happens if a car hits a pedestrian in Ontario?
The pedestrian can claim Accident Benefits for medical, rehabilitation and attendant care, regardless of fault. The claim goes to their own auto insurer, another policy covering them, or the insurer of the vehicle involved. The driver must remain at the scene and report a collision to the police.
How quickly do I need to call?
Within 7 days of the accident, or as soon as you reasonably can if your injuries make that hard.
Who do I call if I have no insurance at all?
The insurer of the vehicle that hit you. If the vehicle was uninsured or cannot be identified, and no other auto insurance applies, contact the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund.
Hit while walking?
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