Pedestrian Accidents Continue to Plague Oregon

Hit by a Car As a Pedestrian, Portland Man Dies on Valentine’s Day

Being hit by a car as a pedestrian was probably the farthest thing from Portland resident Tommy Gann’s mind on Valentine’s Day as he crossed the street near his home. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of February 14, 2013 as Gann diagonally crossed Southeast Holgate Street and 14^th Avenue. Portland police reported that Gann “died after being taken to an area hospital.” Originally designated as a hit-and-run, the incident was high-publicized as police asked the public for help in locating the driver of a white Ford Econoline with a damaged grilled. Just one day later, a suspect was identified and Gann’s family held a vigil on Sunday night at the location of the accident in a show of solidarity while they await the driver to turn himself in to authorities.

85,000 Pedestrians Suffer Personal Injuries Annually

Approximately 85,000 people are injured or killed annually in accidents where they are hit by a car as a pedestrian. Most often occurring at intersections and in crosswalks when vehicles fail to stop for traffic signs, yield the right of way, or stop for lights, pedestrian accidents almost always result in either a fatality or a serious injury. Extremely fragile, the human body is not equipped to withstand the impact of a large, powerful motor vehicle. Pedestrian accidents in any metropolitan area like Portland are most often the result of:

• Distracted drivers
• Speeding drivers
• Negligent drivers
• Drunk drivers
• Reckless drivers
• Inexperienced drivers

The most frequent cause of a person like Tommy Gann being hit by a car as a pedestrian is distraction of the driver, especially during dusk or during the night when it is difficult to notice pedestrian movement. However, limited visibility is never an acceptable excuse for hitting a pedestrian. Drivers are expected to be aware and on the lookout for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, animals and other movement around them at all times.

Being Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian Can Result In Serious Injury or Death

Pedestrian accidents result in a number of injuries that include skull fractures, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, broken bones and sprains, amputation of limbs and other disfiguring injures as well as death. Victims of pedestrian accidents may require expensive and extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and physical therapy, all of which may be collectible in the form of damage compensation from an insurance company or the responsible party.

If you or a family member has been hit by a car as a pedestrian in Portland or the surrounding areas and have suffered injury as a result of a pedestrian accident, DuBois Law Group can assist you with your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Offering legal assistance to people who have been injured as a result of accidents of all types, the lawyers at DuBois Law Group are experienced Portland pedestrian injury lawyers you can count on for helpful information and solid legal representation. Contact us for a free evaluation of your pedestrian injury claim or other personal injury issues.