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Hillsboro Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
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Hillsboro Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Within Hub City, pedestrians walk on busy sidewalks and crosswalks daily, and most pedestrians are safe doing this, but sometimes an accident happens. These accidents occur when a person on foot is hit by a vehicle. Although crosswalks at intersections are common locations for this to happen, parking lots or along the roadway also pose danger.
Pedestrian fatalities constituted 16% of all fatal crashes in Oregon in 2017. Pedestrian injuries are also a leading cause of injury-related deaths among children. [1]
The impact of pedestrian accidents can be devastating, resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities for the pedestrians involved. Since 1994, Goldberg & Loren has fought for the rights of injured pedestrians. Countless injury victims have been represented with our capable legal team at their side, fighting to win.
Have you been involved in a pedestrian accident in Hillsboro, Oregon?
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled pedestrian accident lawyers. Let us guide you through the legal process and help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t wait, take action now!
Causes of Pedestrian Injuries in Hillsboro
Did you know that 12 pedestrian crashes were reported in Hillsboro in 2020? [2] Pedestrian injuries can result from various causes, many of which stem from interactions between pedestrians and vehicles, infrastructure deficiencies, environmental factors, and human behaviors.
Here’s a detailed exploration of some common causes of pedestrian injuries:
- Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of pedestrian injuries is distracted driving. When drivers are distracted by activities such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or using navigation systems, they are less likely to notice pedestrians in their vicinity, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, and other designated crossing points is a significant cause of pedestrian injuries. This may occur due to driver negligence, inattentiveness, or disregard for traffic laws.
- Speeding: Speeding vehicles pose a significant threat to pedestrian safety. Higher speeds increase the severity of pedestrian injuries in the event of a collision and reduce the time available for drivers to react to pedestrians crossing the road.
- Alcohol and Drug Impairment: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s ability to perceive and react to pedestrians. Impaired drivers may exhibit reckless behavior, poor judgment, and delayed reaction times, increasing the likelihood of pedestrian accidents.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Pedestrian injuries often occur when drivers fail to obey traffic signals, including red lights, stop signs, and pedestrian crossing signals. Ignoring these signals can result in collisions with pedestrians lawfully crossing the road.
- Poor Visibility: Low visibility conditions, such as darkness, inclement weather, fog, or glare from sunlight, reduce the visibility of pedestrians to drivers and vice versa. Poor visibility increases the risk of collisions, as drivers may have difficulty seeing pedestrians and pedestrians may struggle to identify approaching vehicles.
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: Inadequate infrastructure, such as poorly designed crosswalks, lack of sidewalks, inadequate lighting, and absence of pedestrian signals, contributes to pedestrian injuries. Infrastructure deficiencies create hazardous conditions for pedestrians, increasing their exposure to vehicular traffic and the risk of accidents.
- Driver Aggression and Road Rage: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, speeding, and aggressive maneuvers, can escalate into dangerous situations where pedestrians are at risk of injury. Road rage incidents may lead to reckless driving behaviors that endanger pedestrians in the vicinity.
- Driver Fatigue: Fatigued drivers pose a hazard to pedestrians, as they may exhibit impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and decreased awareness of their surroundings. Fatigue-related accidents often occur during late-night or early-morning hours when pedestrian activity is higher.
- Vehicle Malfunctions: Mechanical failures or malfunctions in vehicles, such as brake failure or steering issues, can result in loss of control and unintended collisions with pedestrians.
- Construction Zones: Construction zones pose unique risks to pedestrians due to altered traffic patterns, narrowed roadways, temporary barriers, and construction equipment. Pedestrians may inadvertently enter hazardous areas or encounter distracted or inexperienced drivers navigating the construction zone.
Common Injuries Sustained by Pedestrians in Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, often leaving victims with severe physical and emotional trauma. Whether caused by distracted drivers, speeding vehicles, or hazardous road conditions, these accidents can have devastating consequences for pedestrians.
- Abrasions
- Amputations
- Concussions
- Contusions
- Crush injuries
- Dental injuries
- Eye injuries
- Facial injuries
- Fatal injuries
- Fractures
- Hematomas
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Whiplash
Table of Contents
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Hillsboro Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
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Causes of Pedestrian Injuries in Hillsboro
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Common Injuries Sustained by Pedestrians in Accidents
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Compensatory Damages for Victims of Pedestrian Accidents in Hillsboro
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Statute of Limitations for Filing Pedestrian Accident Cases in Oregon
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What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident In Hillsboro?
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Importance of Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Hillsboro Practice Areas
Compensatory Damages for Victims of Pedestrian Accidents in Hillsboro
Compensatory damages serve as a means of aiding victims of pedestrian accidents in recovering from the physical, emotional, and financial toll inflicted by such traumatic events. Some compensatory damages include:
- Emotional Distress: Victims of pedestrian accidents often endure significant emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological injuries. Compensatory damages may cover the costs associated with therapy, counseling, and other mental health treatments aimed at addressing emotional distress.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: In cases of pedestrian accidents resulting in wrongful death, compensatory damages may include funeral and burial expenses. These damages aim to alleviate the financial burden placed on surviving family members by covering the costs of funeral services, burial plots, cremation, and related expenses.
- Lost Wages: Pedestrian accident victims may suffer injuries that prevent them from working, resulting in lost wages and income. Compensatory damages can include reimbursement for past and future lost wages, ensuring that victims are adequately compensated for the income they would have earned if not for the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: Spouses of pedestrian accident victims may experience a loss of consortium, referring to the loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from the victim’s injuries. Compensatory damages may include compensation for the impact of the accident on the victim’s relationship.
- Medical Expenses: Pedestrian accident victims often incur substantial medical expenses for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment. Compensatory damages cover all past and future medical expenses related to the accident, ensuring that victims receive the necessary care without facing financial hardship.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensatory damages for pain and suffering aim to address the physical discomfort, emotional anguish, and mental distress experienced by pedestrian accident victims. These damages provide compensation for the pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life resulting from the injuries sustained in the accident.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Pedestrian accidents can result in permanent disabilities, impairments, or disfigurement that impact the victims’ ability to work, perform daily activities, and enjoy a normal quality of life. Compensatory damages may include compensation for the long-term consequences of permanent disabilities or disfigurement, such as loss of earning capacity and reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage: If personal property, such as clothing, electronic devices, or personal belongings, is damaged in a pedestrian accident, compensatory damages may cover the costs of repairing or replacing the damaged property.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Pedestrian accident victims often require extensive rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and vocational rehabilitation, to recover from their injuries and regain function. Compensatory damages may include reimbursement for all rehabilitation costs necessary for the victim’s recovery and rehabilitation.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In cases of pedestrian accidents resulting in wrongful death, compensatory damages may include additional damages such as loss of financial support, loss of parental guidance, funeral costs or cremation costs and burial costs.
Statute of Limitations for Filing Pedestrian Accident Cases in Oregon
In Hillsboro, Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for filing pedestrian accident cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that a pedestrian involved in an accident must file a lawsuit within two years of the incident to seek compensation for their injuries. However, there are exceptions to this deadline, particularly if the accident involves a government entity.
Under the Oregon Tort Claims Act, individuals seeking to file a claim against a government entity, such as a city, county, or state agency, must first provide a tort claim notice to the government entity within 180 days of the accident. [3]
After the notice is filed, the individual must then wait 60 days before filing a lawsuit. This process can impact the overall deadline for filing a pedestrian accident case.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident In Hillsboro?
From 2018-2021, there were 11 pedestrians who sustained fatal pedestrian injuries in Hillsboro. [4] When involved in a pedestrian accident, there is chaos and adrenaline and it’s hard to know what to do and when in order to have the best outcomes both physically and legally.
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Hillsboro, take the following steps to ensure your safety, protect your legal rights, and seek appropriate medical and legal assistance:
- Ensure Safety: Immediately after the accident, prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible, and if you’re injured, try to remain still until help arrives.
- Call Emergency Services: Dial 911 to report the pedestrian accident and request medical assistance for any injuries sustained by you or others involved. Provide the dispatcher with your location, a description of the accident, and the extent of injuries.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver(s) involved in the accident. Obtain the driver’s name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, vehicle registration information, and insurance details. If there are witnesses to the accident, gather their contact information as well.
- Document the Scene: If you’re able to do so safely, document the accident scene by taking photographs or videos. Capture the positions of vehicles, any visible injuries, property damage, road conditions, traffic signs/signals, and any other relevant details that may be useful for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t believe your injuries are severe, seek medical attention promptly after a pedestrian accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation can ensure that you receive appropriate treatment and document your injuries for insurance purposes and potential legal claims.
- File a Police Report: Contact the Hillsboro Police Department or the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to file a police report of the pedestrian accident. A police report provides an official record of the accident and may be necessary for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company of the pedestrian accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary information and cooperate fully with their investigation of the accident.
- Consult with A Personal Injury Attorney: Contact our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys in Hillsboro who have experience handling pedestrian accident cases in Hillsboro. We can provide legal advice, protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses through a personal injury claim or lawsuit if necessary.
- Follow Medical Advice: Follow all medical advice and recommendations provided by healthcare professionals. Attend follow-up appointments, undergo necessary treatments, and comply with prescribed medications and rehabilitation programs to facilitate your recovery.
- Keep Records: Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the pedestrian accident. This documentation will be valuable evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Be Cautious with Statements: Avoid discussing fault or admitting liability at the accident scene or when communicating with insurance adjusters. Stick to factual statements and refrain from making speculative comments that could be misconstrued or used against you later.
- Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the pedestrian accident, including medical records, vehicle damage estimates, witness statements, photographs/videos, and correspondence with insurance companies and healthcare providers.
By following these steps after a pedestrian accident in Hillsboro, you can protect your well-being, safeguard your legal rights, and pursue the necessary assistance and compensation to aid in your recovery from the accident.
Importance of Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Being struck by a car as a pedestrian leaves you feeling vulnerable, injured, and unsure of your next steps. Medical bills pile up, lost wages impact your finances, and navigating the legal system feels daunting. Our dedicated team of pedestrian accident lawyers is here to be your advocate and guide in securing the compensation and justice you deserve.
Here’s why choosing us makes all the difference:
- Deep Understanding of Pedestrian Law and Nuances: Pedestrian accidents involve complex legalities specific to your rights as a vulnerable road user. We possess extensive knowledge in this area, ensuring your case is strategically built and your rights are fully protected.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: No detail is overlooked. We will investigate every aspect of your accident, analyzing police reports, witness statements, accident scene photos, and traffic patterns to uncover the cause and identify all liable parties.
- Pursuit of Maximum Compensation: Whether it’s securing a favorable settlement or taking your case to court, we will fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation you deserve. We are not afraid to stand up to powerful insurance companies and their lawyers, ensuring you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, emotional distress and other losses.
- Compassionate Support and Clear Communication: This isn’t just a legal battle, it’s about you. We offer empathic understanding, clear communication, and unwavering support throughout your journey to recovery and justice. You will never feel lost or alone in the process.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation. We will review your case, answer your questions, and guide you through the next steps.
Sources:
[1] News List | City of Hillsboro, OR. (n.d.). https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/News/News/9902/1718?date=20170421084900&npage=2&arch=1
[2] Oregon gov. (n.d.). https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Crash_Summary_2020.pdf
[3] Oregon Judicial Department : Statutory Tort Compensation & Wrongful Conviction Compensation : State of Oregon. (n.d.). Statutory Tort Compensation & Wrongful Conviction Compensation : Oregon Judicial Department. https://www.courts.oregon.gov/pages/tort.aspx
[4] Fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents in Hillsboro, Oregon. (n.d.). https://www.city-data.com/accidents/acc-Hillsboro-Oregon.html
We fight hard for our clients who have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Hillsboro, Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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