GRESHAM PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER

We Represent Pedestrian
Injury Victims in Gresham
& Throughout Oregon.

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Of all the people that have to share the road together, pedestrians are at the greatest risk. Pedestrians have no protection when they make their way about Gresham. They do not have any seat belts, airbags, and nothing to shield them from the impact of a car when they are struck. There are a number of causes of pedestrian accidents in the city but the vast majority of collisions are entirely preventable and are only the result of the negligent at fault driver.

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If you or someone you love has been hurt, it is important to determine what caused the crash so you can identify the liable party. You can then file a claim against the at-fault party to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost income, and more. In some instances, you may also be able to file a claim with your own insurance company. A Gresham pedestrian injury lawyer can help you claim the full settlement you are entitled to.

Common Causes of 
Pedestrian Accidents in Gresham
Pedestrian Injuries

Any careless action can leave a pedestrian injured but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are some injuries that are more common than others. These are as follows:

• Failure to yield the right of way: Generally speaking, motorists must yield the right of way to pedestrians in most situations. This is particularly true when a pedestrian is crossing the street using a crosswalk, regardless of whether it is marked or unmarked. When drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians, a very serious accident will ensue.
• Impaired driving: Impaired drivers exhibit poor judgment, have slower reaction times, and experience perception issues. All of this can result in an impaired driving accident involving a pedestrian. These crashes often occur at high speeds, which makes it even more devastating for the person on foot.
• Turning accidents: Drivers must exercise great caution any time they are turning, either onto another road, an alley, or a driveway. Pedestrians are often crossing these areas but when motorists do not watch out for them, they can easily crash into them.
• Poor weather conditions: Poor visibility, heavy rain, and high winds can all make it more difficult for a driver to safely operate their vehicle. This can cause a driver to slide off the road or otherwise act in an unsafe manner that puts pedestrians at risk. Still, drivers should know how to operate their vehicle safely in all weather conditions and when they cannot, they should refrain from driving at all.
• Reckless or aggressive drivers: When motorists drive recklessly, they can easily violate the rights of pedestrians and cause a collision. Drivers sometimes become aggressive around pedestrians as well, and mistakenly believe that they have more rights to the road. They may intentionally try to cross an intersection before a pedestrian, or otherwise place the pedestrian in danger.

Common Injuries Sustained
During a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrians suffer catastrophic injuries in a number of different ways when they are involved in a collision with a vehicle. Still, there are some types of injuries that are more common than others. These are as follows:

• Head and traumatic brain injuries: Of all the injuries pedestrians sustain during a crash, head and traumatic brain injuries are some of the most common. These injuries generally occur after a pedestrian is struck and they fall to the ground, hitting their head as they do. This can result in head injuries such as skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries such as concussions and more. They can be the hardest injuries to recover from. You should seek medical care as soon as possible if you have sustained a head or brain injury.
• Facial injuries: It is not only the head and brain that are vulnerable when a person falls to the pavement. The facial area is also exposed and can sustain fractures, eye injuries, and more.
• Spinal cord injuries: The spinal cord is one of the most important parts of the body, but it is also one of the most fragile. When it becomes damaged during a pedestrian accident, it can result in some of the most serious injuries, including paralysis.
• Internal injuries: Broken ribs, collapsed lungs, organ damage, internal bleeding, and ruptured spleens are just a few of the most common, and the most devastating, injuries accident victims sustain.
• Pelvic injuries: Due to the fact that the front of a vehicle is often aligned with a person’s pelvis, pelvic injuries are very common in pedestrian accidents.
• Broken bones: YAs a person falls to the pavement during a pedestrian accident, the impact is often too great for the bones. Pedestrians often suffer multiple broken bones during a crash, and they often require extensive surgery to correct.

Unfortunately, the above are just a few of the most common types of injuries a pedestrian sustains due to car accidents. If you have been hurt, it is critical that you know how to claim compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Don’t miss out on these common personal injury mistakes.

Get the legal counsel you need to guide you through the process of filing an injury claim.

How to Claim Compensation 
In Personal Injury Cases

As a pedestrian, you may have many options for claiming compensation after a pedestrian accident. These are as follows:

• Your own PIP benefits: If you have your own auto insurance policy, you can file a claim with your own insurance company for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. These benefits can cover your medical expenses as well as a portion of your medical expenses.
• Your own uninsured motorist coverage: If you have your own auto insurance policy but the motorist that struck you does not, you can file a claim for compensation under your own uninsured motorist coverage. All auto policies require this type of coverage.
• Filing a claim against the at-fault driver: Oregon is not a pure no-fault auto insurance state. If you are seriously hurt, you can file a claim against the negligent driver, even if you have your own auto insurance company.