Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Lake Oswego Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
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Pedestrian Accidents in Lake Oswego
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person on foot is struck by a vehicle, bicycle, or other moving object. [1] These accidents can range in severity from minor scrapes and bruises to life-threatening injuries and fatalities.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), in 2021, there were approximately 8,984 pedestrian fatalities in both traffic and non-traffic incidents in the USA. [2]
Have you recently been injured in a pedestrian accident in Lake Oswego, Oregon?
Contact our pedestrian accident lawyers in Lake Oswego today for a free consultation. Don’t wait to get the help you need and deserve – let us fight for you!
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Common causes of pedestrian accidents involve a variety of factors, often resulting from a combination of driver, pedestrian, and environmental elements.
Here are common reasons for pedestrian accidents:
- Disregarding Traffic Signals: Drivers failing to adhere to traffic signals, such as running red lights or failing to stop at pedestrian crossings, increases the risk of accidents. Ignoring these signals can lead to unexpected encounters with pedestrians, especially in areas with high foot traffic.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers distracted by various factors such as mobile phones, in-car entertainment systems, or other distractions are less likely to notice pedestrians crossing the road or walking alongside traffic. This distraction reduces reaction times and increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly in urban environments.
- Driver Inattention: Similar to distracted driving, general driver inattention can lead to accidents involving pedestrians. This includes situations where drivers are not fully focused on the road due to fatigue, daydreaming, or other distractions not necessarily related to electronic devices. Inattention reduces a driver’s ability to anticipate and react to pedestrian movements, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Failure to Yield: Failure to yield occurs when drivers do not give the right of way to pedestrians, especially at crosswalks or intersections. This may be due to aggressive driving behavior, impatience, or a lack of awareness of pedestrian rights. Failure to yield situations often result in pedestrians being struck by vehicles, causing injuries or fatalities.
- Left Turns at Intersections: Left turns at intersections pose a significant risk to pedestrians, especially when drivers fail to yield or misjudge the speed of oncoming pedestrians. Pedestrians crossing during a left turn may not always be visible to drivers, particularly if visibility is obstructed by other vehicles or environmental factors. This increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
- Car Accidents: When a car accident occurs near a sidewalk, with enough of an impact – one of the vehicles may be propelled near the walkway. If people are on that sidewalk, they may be injured.
Common Injuries Sustained by Pedestrian Accident Victims
The severity of pedestrian injuries depends on various factors, including the speed of the vehicle, the point of impact, and the overall circumstances of the accident.
Common injuries sustained by pedestrian accident victims include:
- Amputations
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Burn Injuries
- Psychological Trauma
- Road Rash
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Whiplash
What Compensation is Available For Pedestrian Accident Victims in Lake Oswego?
As a pedestrian accident victim in Lake Oswego, you may be eligible for various types of compensation depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the potential compensation you could pursue:
- Medical Expenses: You are entitled to compensation for all medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident. This includes hospital bills, doctor’s visits, medication costs, rehabilitation expenses, and any other necessary medical treatment related to your injuries. Be sure to keep records of all medical bills and expenses for reimbursement.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages. This includes both the wages you have already lost due to missed work and any future earning capacity you may lose if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous employment or performing the same job duties.
- Pain and Suffering: Pedestrian accidents can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish. You may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the accident and your injuries. This compensation is more challenging to quantify but is often determined based on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your daily life.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: If the accident results in permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation. This includes compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life, permanent impairment, and any necessary accommodations or modifications to your lifestyle due to your injuries.
- Property Damage: If your personal belongings, such as clothing, electronic devices, or other items, were damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement of these items.
- Wrongful Death: In the unfortunate event that the pedestrian accident results in the death of a loved one, certain family members may be entitled to compensation for wrongful death. This can include compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages.
To ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve as a pedestrian accident victim in Lake Oswego, consult with our experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
We will work diligently to protect your rights and help you recover fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Table of Contents
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Pedestrian Accidents in Lake Oswego
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Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
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Common Injuries Sustained by Pedestrian Accident Victims
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What Compensation is Available For Pedestrian Accident Victims in Lake Oswego?
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What if You're Partially At Fault for the Pedestrian Accident in Lake Oswego, Oregon?
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As a Victim of a Pedestrian Accident, What Steps Can You Take to Help Your Claim?
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Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Cases in Lake Oswego
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How Can Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Your Case?
Lake Oswego Practice Areas
What if You're Partially At Fault for the Pedestrian Accident in Lake Oswego, Oregon?
In Lake Oswego, Oregon, if you’re partially at fault for a pedestrian accident, it can impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule, specifically the 51% rule, which means that you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident.
As a Victim of a Pedestrian Accident, What Steps Can You Take to Help Your Claim?
The following steps are advisable after being involved in a pedestrian accident to increase your chances of getting maximum compensation:
- Contact Law Enforcement: Contacting law enforcement immediately will ensure that a police report is filed, which can be important for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Gather Information: Collect as much information as possible from the involved parties, including their names, contact information, insurance details, and witness statements. Take photographs of the accident scene and any injuries.
- Avoid Making Statements: Refrain from making any statements to anyone, including insurance companies, before consulting with legal counsel. Anything you say could be used against you later.
- Seek Immediate Medical Treatment: Even if you do not immediately feel injured, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Many injuries from pedestrian accidents may not be immediately apparent.
- Consult with Legal Counsel: Finally, consult with our qualified personal injury attorney who has experience in pedestrian accident cases. They can help protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Taking these steps after a pedestrian accident is important in protecting yourself and reinforcing your legal rights.
Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Cases in Lake Oswego
The Statute of Limitations for pedestrian accident cases in Lake Oswego typically allows a victim to file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident. However, there may be exceptions to this standard time frame, such as if the victim is a minor or if the identity of the responsible party is not immediately known. In these cases, the time limit for filing a lawsuit may be extended.
Statute of Limitations may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, and it’s key to seek legal advice promptly to ensure compliance with the deadlines. Failing to file a lawsuit within the specified time limit can result in the victim being barred from seeking compensation for their injuries and damages.
How Can Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Your Case?
A pedestrian accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed, physically hurt, and unsure of your next steps. Navigating the legal system while recovering can be daunting. That’s where our pedestrian accident lawyers come in.
Here’s how we can be your champion:
- Handling Legal Complexities: Let us deal with the paperwork, deadlines, and insurance companies, giving you the peace of mind to prioritize your recovery. We understand the intricacies of pedestrian accident cases and will ensure that all legal requirements are met while you focus on healing.
- Expert Negotiation: Don’t face insurance companies alone. Our team knows the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts. We fight tirelessly for your rights, seeking maximum compensation rather than a quick settlement. With our expertise and experience, we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
- Uncovering Hidden Damages: Our experts are dedicated to ensuring that you receive compensation for all your losses, including not only current medical expenses and lost wages but also future medical needs and lost earning potential. We thoroughly evaluate your case to uncover hidden damages and ensure that you are fairly compensated for all aspects of your injuries and losses.
- Building a Stronger Case: A successful outcome depends on the strength of your case. Our team conducts a thorough investigation, gathering evidence and expert testimony to prove fault and liability convincingly. We leave no stone unturned in building a robust case on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and upheld.
- Prepared for Anything: While we strive to negotiate a fair settlement out of court, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if needed. Our attorneys are seasoned litigators with extensive courtroom experience, maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome should litigation become necessary.
Contact our injury lawyers in Lake Oswego today for a free consultation regarding your pedestrian accident. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and guide you through the next steps.
You don’t have to face this challenging time alone. Let us be your advocates and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Sources:
[1] Bieber, C. (2023, February 3). Pedestrian Accident Causes, Injuries & Legal Options. Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/pedestrian-accident/
[2] Pedestrians and Car Crashes – Injury Facts. (2023, April 25). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/pedestrians/
We fight hard for our clients who have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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