While walking is a great form of exercise, pedestrian accidents in Portland are unfortunately common. Indeed, over a three-year period in our city, there were 48 pedestrians killed. What’s more, even when pedestrians have the right of way, they are often hit by negligent drivers; Oregon Walks found that more than two-thirds of pedestrians were hit while legally within a crosswalk.
In order to curb the rate of pedestrian injuries and deaths in Portland, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is seeking funds for urgent pedestrian safety improvements. Here’s what you need to know—
ODOT’S Pedestrian Safety Improvement Plan
According to an article published in KGW8 News, $10 million would be allocated to statewide safety improvements. Of that $10 million, $3.35 would specifically be directed to one of the most dangerous areas in the state for pedestrians: the busiest stretch of 82nd Avenue. On 82nd Ave, the funds would be allocated towards:
An emergency speed reduction plan that would reduce the speed limit from 35 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour;
The installation of new pedestrian-activated crossing signals at Northeast Pacific Street and Southeast Mitchell Street;
The addition of more lighting, new signs, and crosswalk striping to pedestrian areas without traffic signals; and
The installation of new pedestrian crossings throughout the area.
An additional $26 million has already been allocated to improvements on 82nd Avenue over the next five years.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Pedestrian Crash
Pedestrian safety improvements are desperately needed in our city. However, even when the safety improvements are completed, negligent drivers will still be on the road. If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, here are the steps that you need to take to protect your right to compensation:
- Seek medical care.
- File a police report and request a copy of that report.
- Get the other driver’s information.
- Gather evidence at the scene if your injuries do not preclude you from doing so.
- Call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident to report the crash.
- Hire a skilled Portland pedestrian accident attorney.
If the crash was caused by the negligence of the driver who hit you, you can bring forth a claim for damages against the driver. Similarly, if the crash was the result of unsafe conditions—such as improperly marked pedestrian crossing areas, defective traffic lights, or depressions in the road/walking areas—the party responsible for the maintenance of these items could be found liable. Note that if you are pursuing a claim against the government, there are certain requirements that differ from bringing forth a claim against a private party.
Call Our Portland Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
At the office of the Johnston Law Firm, our Portland pedestrian accident attorneys strongly support pedestrian safety improvements in our city and our state. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, our team is here to support you. To learn more about your rights and how we can help, please call our law firm directly today. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis.