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Pedestrian Injury
Traffic accidents involving pedestrians often happen at intersections, crosswalks, or along roadways in Oregon where there is a mix of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
A “pedestrian injury” refers to harm or damage suffered by a person who is on foot and not in a vehicle. When a person is hit by a vehicle in a pedestrian accident, their injuries can be very serious.
Over 8,000 pedestrians were killed in 2021 by motor vehicles. [1] In Portland alone, there were 75 fatalities in 2023, 29 of which were victims on foot. This number was a little shy of the fatality rate of pedestrians in 2022, where 30 people walking lost their lives out of a total of 70 fatalities that year. [2]
Have you or a loved one recently been injured in a pedestrian accident?
Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with one of our pedestrian injury lawyers.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can occur in various ways, often involving interactions between pedestrians and vehicles. Here are some common types of pedestrian accidents:
- Vehicle Collisions: Pedestrians can be struck by vehicles while crossing the road at designated crosswalks, especially if drivers fail to yield the right of way. These accidents can also happen when pedestrians are crossing at intersections, and drivers fail to see them or ignore traffic signals.
- Vehicle Turns: Pedestrians can be at risk when a vehicle makes a right turn at an intersection, especially if the driver doesn’t check for pedestrians in the crosswalk. It may be hit by vehicles making left turns if they are not visible to the driver or if the driver fails to yield.
- Backover Accidents: Backover accidents occur when a vehicle moving backward strikes a pedestrian, often in parking lots or driveways.
- Non-Motorized Vehicles: Collisions between bicycles and pedestrians can happen on shared paths or sidewalks. Pedestrians may be injured by individuals using e-scooters, skateboards, or other personal mobility devices.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment can contribute to accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles. As per reports, it amounted to 10 percent of all fatalities caused in Portland. [3]
- Poor Visibility: Seventy-nine percent of accidents occurred in dark conditions which made pedestrians harder to see. [3]
Causes of Pedestrian Injuries
The causes of pedestrian injuries are diverse and can result from various factors related to both pedestrian behavior and environmental conditions. Here are the causes of pedestrian injuries:
- Distracted Driving
- Failure to Yield
- Inadequate Infrastructure
- Poor Visibility
- Speeding Vehicles
- Traffic Signal Violations
- Vehicle Blind Spots
- Weather Conditions
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Damages for Victims of Pedestrian Injuries
Individuals aged over 65 are three times more likely to get into a pedestrian accident than individuals of other age groups. [3]
Victims of pedestrian injuries may be entitled to various types of compensation, which can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of the injuries, and the applicable laws. Here are common types of damages available to victims of pedestrian injuries:
- Medical Expenses: Financial coverage of current and future medical bills related to pedestrian injuries, including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Lost Wages: Lost wages payments cover income lost due to the inability to work during the recovery period. This can include past and future lost earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages are awarded for physical and emotional distress experienced as a result of the pedestrian accident. This can encompass pain, anxiety, depression, and other non-economic losses.
- Permanent Disability: Compensation for long-term or permanent disabilities resulting from the pedestrian injury, which may affect the victim’s ability to work or perform daily activities.
- Disfigurement: Damages for any scarring, disfigurement, or other visible signs of injury that affect the victim’s appearance.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the negative impact the injuries have on the victim’s relationships. For example, loss of companionship, support, and intimacy.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In the unfortunate event of a pedestrian fatality, the surviving family members may be entitled to damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress through a wrongful death claim.
- Property Damage: Compensation for damage to the victim’s personal property, such as clothing, accessories, or electronic devices, that may have been damaged during the accident.
- Legal Fees and Costs: In some cases, the at-fault party may be responsible for covering the legal fees and costs associated with pursuing a personal injury claim.
Specific damages available can vary by the details of each case. Consult with our personal injury attorney to understand their rights and the potential compensation you may be entitled to based on the circumstances of their specific situation.
Deadline to File for a Pedestrian Injuries Case in Oregon
In Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases, including those related to pedestrian injuries, is generally two years.
This means you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. If the lawsuit is not filed within this time frame, the injured party may lose the right to seek compensation through the legal system.
Consult with our personal injury attorneys in Oregon to take timely legal action. We provide guidance on the specific deadlines relevant to the case and help gather evidence, assess damages, and navigate the legal process.
Benefits of Hiring Our Pedestrian Injury Lawyer
Hiring Goldberg & Loren, our experienced pedestrian injury lawyers, offers numerous benefits to ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve after a pedestrian accident. Here are some advantages of choosing us for legal representation:
- Expertise in Pedestrian Injury Cases: At Goldberg & Loren, we specialize in pedestrian injury cases. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling similar cases, allowing us to navigate the complexities and nuances associated with these types of accidents.
- In-Depth Knowledge of Oregon Laws: Our team is well-versed in Oregon’s laws and regulations related to pedestrian accidents. We stay updated on any changes in legislation, ensuring that we can build a strong case based on the most current legal standards.
- Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the accident. Our team gathers evidence, including witness statements, accident reports, and any available surveillance footage, to build a compelling case on your behalf.
- Effective Communication with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Our skilled attorneys handle all communications with insurance providers, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
- Accurate Assessment of Damages: We work closely with medical professionals and other experts to accurately assess the extent of your damages. This includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other relevant damages.
- Negotiation Skills: Our legal team has strong negotiation skills honed through years of experience. We strive to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf, but if necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to pursue the maximum compensation.
- Client-Centered Approach: At Goldberg & Loren, we prioritize our clients. We understand the emotional and physical toll of a pedestrian injury, and we provide compassionate and personalized legal representation. Our team is dedicated to keeping you informed and involved throughout the legal process.
Don't pay unless we win!
By choosing Goldberg & Loren, you are securing the services of a legal team that is passionate about advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your pedestrian injuries. Book a free consultation today!
FAQs About Pedestrian Injuries
Seek medical attention promptly. Document the scene by taking photos, obtain contact information from witnesses, and report the incident to the police.
Oregon follows a comparative negligence system. You can still pursue a case, but your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
You may still have options. Your insurance policy may include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can provide compensation. Consulting with our pedestrian injury lawyer can help explore your options.
Sources:
[1] Pedestrian Safety. (2024, April 29). Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Motorcycle Safety. https://www.cdc.gov/pedestrian-bike-safety/about/pedestrian-safety.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html
[2] Facts + Statistics: Product liability | III. (n.d.). https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-product-liability
[3] Oregon Walks Fatal Pedestrian Crash Report – Oregon Walks. (n.d.). https://oregonwalks.org/fatal-pedestrian-crash-report/
We fight hard for our clients who have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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