Portland injury attorney

Portland Pedestrian Accident Attorney

As a pedestrian, you are one of the most vulnerable people on the road. Because of this, under Oregon law, you should also be one of the most protected. Thankfully, our Portland pedestrian accident lawyers specialize in personal injury cases and can help if you are hit by a car and injured as a result.

As knowledgeable Portland personal injury lawyers, it is our duty and our goal to help pedestrians who have been seriously injured as a result of a driver’s inattention, recklessness, or complete disregard for the law. To do that, we offer a FREE initial phone consultation at  (503) 222-4411.

In 2007, Oregon introduced what is called “vulnerable user laws” to help protect those who are not protected by the shell of a car. And because pedestrians are so unprotected on the street, they suffer serious injuries and even death.

Portland Pedestrian Accident Resources

Why Choose A Portland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer From DuBois Law Group?

  • Our Portland injury lawyers have represented thousands of injured Portland residents in their accident claims, including pedestrian collisions. We will leverage our experience and resources to craft a compelling case in your favor.
  • We understand the financial hardship that accompanies a serious injury. That’s why our firm operates on a contingency fee basis—if our attorneys do not secure compensation in your case, you will not be charged legal fees.
  • Navigating complex litigation or insurance processes can be a challenge after a pedestrian accident. Our attorneys will handle all aspects of your case, from negotiations to paperwork and evidence collection, so you can focus on recovery.

The Reality Of Pedestrian Accidents

In most traffic situations, pedestrians have the right of way. Motorists are supposed to be mindful of their surroundings and in control of their vehicles to avoid potential hazards. However, our Portland car accident lawyers will tell you that when a motorist operates their vehicle carelessly and an accident occurs, the motorist can be held liable for expenses associated with a person’s injuries resulting from the accident. Unfortunately, as described by our hit-and-run accident attorneys in Portland, a handful of pedestrian accidents are hit-and-runs, meaning that the motorist leaves the scene of the car crash. This puts the life of the injured pedestrian in more danger due to a potential delay in emergency help arriving if the accident is not reported.

Portland pedestrian accident lawyer

Moreover, being a pedestrian means that an individual’s vehicle insurance does not matter. Even if a pedestrian owns a car and has insurance, that doesn’t mean that insurance can be used in the event of a pedestrian accident. For most car wrecks, a person’s personal injury protection coverage (PIP), will cover medical bills for up to a year or $15,000, whichever comes first. On the other hand, during a pedestrian-car accident, the driver’s PIP should pay according to the state of Oregon.

In an Oregon pedestrian accident, pedestrians’ injuries range from minor to catastrophic. More serious injuries, such as a brain injury (TBI) or a spinal cord injury, can alter a person’s way of life forever, just ask our brain injury lawyers in Portland. Extensive physical therapy may also be required, which further impacts a person’s life. In severe Oregon pedestrian accidents, victims may even lose their lives. When a family loses a loved one in a pedestrian accident, they may seek compensation from the negligent individual in a Portland wrongful death lawsuit.

What Are Some Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents can occur for several reasons, from dim lighting, bad weather, and as mentioned by our product liability lawyers in Portland, vehicle defects/product liability and poorly maintained roads. However, a large number of these collisions occur due to negligent driving behaviors. Some of the most common causes of Oregon pedestrian accidents include the following.

Failure to yield the right of way:

There are many situations where pedestrians have the right of way, such as while crossing an intersection. Unfortunately, a driver may ignore these rules and collide with an oncoming pedestrian.

Drunk driving:

Alcohol and drugs impair many of the functions necessary for safe driving, including reaction times and judgment. An intoxicated driver may lose control of his or her vehicle and collide with a pedestrian on the road. if you were hit by a drunk driver, speak to a Portland drunk driving accident lawyer today.

Running a red light or stop sign:

Signs and traffic lights control the flow of traffic and ensure that pedestrians have a safe opportunity to cross the street. If a driver ignores a red light or stop sign, he or she may hit a crossing pedestrian.

Turning or backing up without checking for people:

In some cases, a driver may turn left or right without checking for individuals crossing the intersection, resulting in an unexpected accident. In some cases, a driver may back out of an alleyway, driveway, or parking spot while a person is crossing behind the vehicle, leading to a collision.

Identifying the cause of your pedestrian accident is crucial when filing a claim because if someone else’s actions are responsible for your injuries, one of our Portland accident lawyers can help ensure that you receive the compensation you are owed. If your accident involved a motorcycle, please reach out to our Portland motorcycle accident attorneys today.

What Damages Are Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims?

Through an Oregon pedestrian accident lawsuit or insurance claim, you can recover financial losses for any money you may have lost in the accident. Additionally, our Portland accident lawyers, who also work in pedestrian accidents, may also recover compensation for non-economic damages, which are also known as pain and suffering.

Portland pedestrian accident attorney

Common damages in pedestrian accident cases include the following.

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Disability accommodations and mobility equipment
  • Rehabilitation programs and physical therapy
  • Property repairs and replacements
  • Lost wages and loss of future earnings
  • Chronic pain, disability, or disfigurement
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Emotional distress

In certain cases, you may be eligible for a third category of compensation known as punitive damages. While economic and non-economic damages are designed to reimburse you for your losses, punitive damages are meant to punish those responsible, especially for reckless or egregious behavior.

Under Oregon law, courts may award punitive damages in cases that involve malice, outrageous indifference to a highly unreasonable risk of harm, or conscious indifference to the health and safety of others. To identify the damages you qualify for and accurately calculate your estimated settlement, speak to a Portland pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible.

How Can You Prove a Portland Pedestrian Accident Claim?

To secure compensation in a Portland pedestrian accident case, you will need to supply enough evidence that establishes the other driver’s fault. During the insurance process, a representative will conduct an investigation of your accident, review evidence from both sides, and determine how the collision occurred. During a lawsuit, you will need to supply sufficient proof to establish four key facts.

  • The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care. All drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely.
  • The at-fault driver breached his or her duty of care through a negligent act or failure to act.
  • The at-fault driver’s breach of duty caused your pedestrian accident.
  • You sustained damages in the collision that you can collect in your lawsuit.

For example, say that you are crossing a street when a driver runs a red light and hit you while you are in the middle of the intersection. You can establish a duty of care by the fact that the driver was operating a vehicle at the time of the collision. His or her breach of duty would be running a red light, which is illegal. You can use surveillance footage, police reports, and witness testimony to establish this element.

Pedestrian accident attorney in Portland

When it comes to causation, you can use those same pieces of evidence along with your medical records to prove that the driver’s actions led to the crash and your injuries. For complex cases, your lawyer could also enlist the help of expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals, who can testify on your behalf. To prove damages, your attorney can help you gather documents such as medical records, pay stubs, invoices, and journal entries, along with a long-term care plan with the help of expert witnesses.

How Does Comparative Negligence Work in Portland Pedestrian Accident Cases?

Although you may be able to prove the at-fault driver’s liability in your accident, the insurance company may claim that you are partially responsible. For example, the company may claim that you were jaywalking or failed to look for oncoming traffic before the collision. During the insurance process, the company may use this information to deny or reduce your award.

In a lawsuit, the court may apply Oregon’s comparative negligence rules to reduce your settlement by the amount of fault you share. If you are more than 50 percent responsible for the collision, you will not recover any compensation.

In these situations, you need a knowledgeable lawyer on your side. Here at DuBois Law Group, we are confident in our attorney’s ability to defend you against accusations of shared fault and prove the other driver’s liability, protecting your right to recovery.

Pedestrian Accident Client Testimonials

  • ” I never felt stressed about the case. I never felt worried, because I felt like he was really on it, and I trusted him, and he had it covered.”
  • “I was very impressed with the timely response to all of my phone calls. I never felt like I was pushed aside because you were too busy.”
  • “I was impressed by the initial interview process. It felt like everyone genuinely cared. Minimal meetings and paperwork has been great due to my busy schedule.”

Case Results In Portland Pedestrian Accidents

  • $115k in a crosswalk accident injury
  • $100k in a brain injury case
  • $150k following a herniated disk

Contact A Portland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer From DuBois Law Group

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident in Portland, you deserve justice—and the lawyers at DuBois Law Group can fight for your right to compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options. (503) 222-4411

Areas We Serve:

Arlington Heights, Forest Park, Goose Hollow, Hillside, Linnton, Northwest District, Old Town, Pearl District, Downtown, Sylvan – Highlands, Arnold Creek, Ashcreek, Bridlemile, Collins View, Crestwood, Far Southwest, Hayhurst, Hillsdale, Homestead, Marshall Park, Multnomah, South Burlingame, South Portland, Southwest Hills, West Portland Park, Arbor Lodge, Bridgeton, Cathedral Park, East Columbia, Piedmont, Portsmouth, St Johns, University Park, Alameda, Concordia, Eliot, Lloyd District, Cully, Hollywood, Rose City Park, Hazelwood, Parkrose Heights, Pleasant Valley, Woodland Park, Brooklyn, Eastmoreland, Kerns, Laurelhurst, Montavilla, North Tabor, Richmond, Sunnyside, Woodstock