Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Portland, Oregon
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our pedestrian accident attorneys in Portland understand the catastrophic nature of these crashes and how they change the lives of the injured and their families for months, years, or even permanently.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian accident deaths throughout the country last year reached a thirty-year high, totaling 6,283 fatalities, 69 of which occurred in Oregon.
At this tragic rate, 17% of all traffic fatalities were pedestrians, with one person on foot killed every 88 minutes across the U.S.
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable people on the road, especially when drivers are distracted behind the wheel or are speeding through residential neighborhoods where kids are at play.
When a negligent driver hits a pedestrian, there is very little chance the person on foot is going to exit the crash without serious injuries. If this happened to you or someone you love, our Portland pedestrian accident attorneys can discuss your case during a free, confidential assessment today, so you can learn more about your right to pursue financial recovery and make informed decisions about how to get the compensation you deserve.
An Overview of Portland, OR Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Pedestrian safety matters. Pedestrians in all neighborhoods of Portland should be able to use sidewalks and cross streets without fear that they are putting themselves in harm’s way. Sadly, too many drivers fail to take proper care around pedestrians. Further, our city’s infrastructure is not always as safe as it should be for pedestrians.
The data is clear: Pedestrians are overrepresented in traffic fatalities. According to a report from the City of Portland, there were 142 pedestrians hurt and 27 killed in 2021 alone. That is the most recent year for which the city has comprehensive data. While the number of pedestrian collisions in Portland has dropped somewhat over the past decade, which is certainly good news, there remains a long way to go to make our city safe.
What are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Portland, Oregon?
While there are many causes of pedestrian accident injuries and deaths, the primary cause is distracted driving.
When drivers are looking away from the road, it is impossible to see pedestrians crossing the street or entering their parked vehicles. While most drivers believe a quick glance at their phone or attending to a child in the backseat will cause no harm, the average time it takes to send or receive a text message or divert your attention to another passenger can change someone’s life forever.
Other common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Drivers disregarding traffic or weather conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Exiting and entering parking lots or structures without acknowledging their surroundings
- Failing to obey traffic signs and signals
- Failing to stop at a pedestrian right-of-way
- Failing to stop for school buses
- Failing to yield to crosswalks
- Lack of sleep or exhaustion
- Making improper turns, including illegal U-turns
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Vehicles traveling in reverse without checking their surroundings
When drivers are not focused on the task of operating their vehicles, pedestrian accidents can occur in seconds, causing horrific injuries or even death. If you or your family has suffered damages from driver negligence, contact our Portland pedestrian accident lawyers today to learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward with confidence.
What are the Most Common Portland Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
Emergency departments throughout the U.S. treated 129,000 pedestrian accident victims for non-fatal crash-related injuries last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Of those, the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises to the head, face, and body
- Dislocated joints
- Torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons
- Fractured, broken, or crushed bones
- Head injuries, including Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Limb amputations
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Loss of mobility
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian crash, our Portland pedestrian accident attorneys may be able to help you pursue the negligent driver for financial recovery.
Be Proactive: Steps to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents in Portland
The best way to deal with a pedestrian accident is to prevent it from ever occurring in the first place. Here are some steps that you can take to prevent a pedestrian accident in Portland:
- Obey Traffic Signals: Pedestrians should always wait for the walk signal and make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Notably, drivers must respect pedestrian signals and stop lines. Their failure to do so is negligence.
- Actively Work to Enhance Visibility: Pedestrians are advised to wear reflective clothing or carry a light when walking at night or in poor weather conditions. As a pedestrian, it is important to make yourself as visible as possible.
- Use Designated Crossings: Pedestrians should always cross streets using crosswalks or intersections. Avoid jaywalking. Jaywalking not only increases the risk of accidents but is also against the law in many areas.
- Stay Alert: Pedestrians should avoid distractions. Things like smartphones, loud music, or AirPods can take attention off the road. Although drivers have a duty to watch out for the safety of pedestrians, it is also crucial that pedestrians protect themselves.
What Type of Compensation Can I Pursue After a Pedestrian Accident Injury?
All personal injury circumstances are unique, and each case must be evaluated by the facts and evidence surrounding the collision.
Once we investigate the crash and your injuries, your recovery compensation may include:
- Short and long-term medical costs
- Medical equipment and prescription expenses
- Therapy and rehabilitation costs
- At-home, around-the-clock care
- Lost wages for the injured and family members who assume their care
- Inability to return to work after the accident
- Temporary or permanent disability
How Can You Prove Liability in a Portland Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Proving liability in a pedestrian accident in Portland requires establishing that the driver’s negligence directly resulted in the crash. Negligence comes in a wide range of different forms and is defined as the failure to exercise reasonable care. For example, a driver who runs a red light and strikes a pedestrian may be held legally responsible for a crash. Every pedestrian accident in Oregon should be thoroughly investigated by a lawyer.
Oregon is a modified comparative negligence state. Each party to a crash can be held liable for his or her share of the blame. For example, imagine that you suffered $40,000 in damages in a pedestrian crash in Portland. However, you were found to be 20% responsible for your own collision. Under Oregon law, you would be legally liable for 20% of your own damages ($8,000), and your recovery would be $32,000.
An Overview of Evidence that Can Be Used in a Pedestrian Crash Claim
Evidence forms the foundation of any successful personal injury claim. Pedestrian accident cases are no exception to the rule. Some of the most notable examples of evidence that you can use to prove negligence in a pedestrian accident claim in Portland include:
- Police Report: Ensure that the accident is reported to the police immediately. The police report will contain an officer’s assessment of the accident scene. The police report can be key to proving why the crash happened.
- Witness Statements: The testimony of an eyewitness can provide valuable evidence in a pedestrian accident claim. A witness can provide an independent account that helps to prove how and why a crash happened, and if you can, always get their names and contact information.
- Surveillance Footage: Injured pedestrians should always check for nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the accident. Businesses and traffic cameras are potential sources of video footage.
- Medical Records: As an injured pedestrian, you should document your injuries with medical treatment and the records associated with the treatment. These records can help to link your injuries directly to the accident.
Is a Driver Always at Fault When Hitting a Pedestrian in Oregon?
No. In Portland, a driver is not always at fault when hitting a pedestrian. Under Oregon law, liability in pedestrian accidents depends on several factors. These are negligence-based pedestrian accident cases. Both drivers and pedestrians are required to follow rules designed to protect their safety and that of others. In Oregon, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections. However, pedestrians also have a duty to act responsibly. They must obey walk signals and other traffic regulations. The at-fault party will be held liable for the collision.
What is the Deadline to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Oregon?
Under Oregon law, most personal injury claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. You must file any pedestrian accident lawsuit within two years of the date of the collision with very narrow exceptions. If you wait too long to file the claim, you could miss out on your right to take legal action and recover compensation. Be proactive: Consult with a Portland pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible after any accident.
Partnering With the Right Portland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Our experienced and dedicated Portland pedestrian accident lawyers team at The Law Offices of Jon Friedman is prepared to pursue the compensation you and your family deserve after suffering injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.
With over 35 years of experience, our Portland pedestrian accident attorneys will accurately assess your case and determine the financial compensation you will require to get your life back on track.
Main areas of personal injury Our Law Offices of Jon Friedman focus on include:
- Accident Injury
- Airplane Accident
- Auto Wreck
- Bicycle Accident
- Bus Accident
- Boating Accident
- Construction Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Dog Bite
- Slip and Fall
- Product Liability
- Legal Malpractice
- Medical Malpractice
- Scooter Accident
- Train Accident
- Truck Accident
- Wrongful Death
Why Choose a Portland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer From the Law Offices of Jon Friedman?
Were you hurt in a pedestrian collision in Portland? You need compensation to pay your bills and support your family. Taking a proactive approach is a must—but, unfortunately, you cannot rely on any insurance company to look out for your rights or your interests after a serious crash. That is where the team at The Law Offices of Jon Friedman can make a difference. With decades of experience as shown by our client testimonials along with proven case results, we are prepared to go the extra mile for injured victims. Along with other things, our Portland pedestrian accident attorneys are ready to:
- Offer a free consultation about your case.
- Investigate your pedestrian crash in Portland—gathering evidence to prove fault.
- Handle the settlement negotiations with the insurance companies; and
- Take aggressive legal action to fight for justice and the maximum financial compensation.
Contact Our Portland Pedestrian Accident Attorneys For A Free Consultation
If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a pedestrian crash, please contact our Multnomah County and Portland personal injury attorneys today by calling 503-242-1440 to schedule a free, confidential assessment of your claim.
