What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Oregon City
Knowing what to do after a pedestrian crash can make all of the difference. By taking a few relatively simple steps, you can put yourself and your family in the best possible position to get justice. Here are the crucial steps you should take after an accident in Oregon City:
- Report the Pedestrian Crash to Police: Notify the authorities as soon as possible and file an official report. The report can serve as crucial evidence for an insurance claim. Be sure to get a copy of the accident report. You can report your pedestrian collision to the Oregon City Police Department or another local or state law enforcement agency.
- Get Medical Care for Any Injuries: Seek medical attention without delay. To be sure, emergency medical needs always take priority over anything else. Of course, all pedestrian accident injuries in Oregon City should be assessed by a doctor. Here is a key thing to remember: You cannot bring a personal injury claim unless you have medical records.
- Thoroughly Document the Crash: To bring a successful pedestrian accident injury claim in Oregon, you will be required to prove fault. Take pictures of the scene, the vehicle involved, and your injuries, and secure and record other pertinent information. The more evidence that you have, the better position you will be in to recover full and fair financial relief.
- Work With Insurers Through an Oregon City Attorney For the most part, pedestrian accident claims are defended by insurance companies. No matter the situation, the big insurance company is not on your side. Protect your rights and your interests by working with insurers through our experienced Oregon pedestrian accident attorneys.
A Pedestrian Crash Can Result in Life-Changing Injuries
- Scrapes, cuts, and serious bruises;
- Muscle sprains and strains;
- Whiplash and other soft tissue damages;
- Torn ligaments;
- Back injuries
- Broken bones;
- Concussions and TBIs;
- Spinal cord trauma;
- Internal organ damage; and
- Amputations.
If you are wondering if you have a case to file wrongful death claims, we can also help with that! Give us a call today for a free consultation!
What to Know About Pedestrian Accident Claims in Oregon
As pedestrian collisions remain an unfortunately all-too-common risk in Oregon City, you must know how these claims are handled under our state’s laws. Here are some important things to understand about pedestrian rights and pedestrian claims in Oregon:
- Pedestrians and the Right-of-Way in Oregon: Oregon law requires that drivers yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections. Pedestrians also have the right-of-way when they are crossing the street in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. A driver should yield to pedestrians who have the right-of-way in Oregon City. However, pedestrians do not have the right-of-way in other situations, such as when a “no crossing” signal applies or outside of a marked/unmarked crosswalk.
- Fault for Pedestrian Accident Injuries: Oregon uses a fault-based standard of liability for all types of automobile accident claims—pedestrian collisions are no exception to the rule. The party found to be at fault for a crash—the driver, truck company, or even the pedestrian—will be held responsible for the resulting damages.
- Apportioning Liability (Comparative Negligence): In some cases, the fault for an accident may be shared between the pedestrian and the driver. Oregon law uses a system of comparative negligence to apportion liability in these situations (ORS § 31.600). A pedestrian who is found to be partially at fault for the accident may still be able to recover damages, but the amount may be reduced. Protect yourself from being unfairly blamed for a pedestrian crash in Oregon City.
- Statute of Limitations (Two Years): In Oregon City, there is a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury cases (ORS §12.110). Other cases, such has criminal defense, might have a different stature of limitations, so check with a lawyer before you file a claim. Very few exceptions apply to the statute of limitations. What happens if you wait too long to file your claim? You may not be able to pursue compensation for your damages. Be proactive: Consult with a car accident lawyer right away after an auto accident to file your pedestrian accident claim today!
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