Portland Crosswalk & Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

We Represent Injured Pedestrians 
in Portland and Throughout Oregon

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It is crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible if you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident. The potential dangers for pedestrians in Portland are numerous. People walking in crosswalks, jogging on the road, cycling or even walking on sidewalks are especially vulnerable to motor vehicles and mass transit traffic such as buses and trains. When a negligent driver causes injury to a pedestrian, the driver is often at fault, even if the pedestrian was not in a marked crosswalk.

Several laws define the parameters for protected, unmarked road crossings, which may not be apparent except for Portland pedestrian accident lawyers. At Johnston Personal Injury Law Firm, P.C., we are well-informed of the laws that helps an injured pedestrian get the compensation they deserve. Drivers of cars and trucks are not the only ones who need to watch out for pedestrians. Bus drivers, transit drivers and even cyclists need to be aware of pedestrians and pedestrian rights of way. If you have been struck in a crosswalk, a parking lot, a driveway or anywhere else by a car, truck, bus or train, we can work on your behalf to obtain full and fair compensation for your personal injury cases.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Attorney Marc A. Johnston will independently investigate the cause of the Portland pedestrian accident. Compensation for your injuries are not automatic. We will advocate aggressively for the compensation you deserve and work to uncover important factors critical to your recovery. Remember that the first thing that you need to do before contacting our lawyers is to receive the medical attention needed for proper healing of your injuries!

What are some Common 
Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

Our Law Firm has been helping many accident victims heal and recover in many ways from their accidents. When it comes to being hit by a car, a bud, or any other vehicle there are some very common injuries that tend to happen. Some of those most common injuries include:

• Broken Bones
• Head & Brain Injuries
• Back & Spinal cord injuries

All of these and many other injuries make it hard for one to return back to normal. That is why every pedestrian accident victim needs to do their part to hold the responsible party accountable to hopefully help accidents like this from happening in the future. When a pedestrian accident occurs, contact our lawyers for help!

Portland Pedestrian Accident – A Real Life Story

On a sunny September day in Portland, Oregon, our client found herself in a pedestrian accident that changed the course of her life. While walking along NE Martin Luther King Boulevard, a vehicle struck her, casting a shadow over her bright future.

The incident unfolded in a matter of seconds. As our client moved across the crosswalk, a vehicle came hurling from her left. The driver, later admitting to being blinded by the sun, made a belated attempt to brake but not before colliding with our client, who walked legally in the crosswalk. The impact catapulted her off the car hood, sending her sprawling onto the asphalt of the intersection.

Lying on the road, unable to stand, our client awaited the urgent wail of approaching sirens. With each passing minute, she endured the agony of her injuries. As the ambulance whisked her away, our client slowly lost consciousness, but not before envisioning the life she had dreamed of dissipating before her eyes.

Having just relocated to Portland, our client found herself facing a daunting recovery, her life still packed away in unopened boxes. Bedridden, she was unable to partake in the simplest joys of life – laughing, sneezing, or even rising from bed was painful and challenging without assistance. This once-capable gymnast and musician found her newfound journey defined by the collision.

At the crossroads of a life-altering accident and uncertainty, our client reached out to us at the Johnston Law Firm. As our client’s advocates, we ensured her medical needs were addressed and the legal paperwork swiftly handled, allowing her to focus on recovery.

Today, the music that once faded into silence has begun to stir once more. Our client’s resilience, supported by our comprehensive care, has seen her regain control over her life. She is now back to gently playing music, her fingers crafting melodies on the saxophone, symbolizing a triumph over hardship.

If you are a victim of a pedestrian accident in Portland, Oregon, remember, you are not alone. The Johnston Law Firm strives to provide support beyond legal representation. We define our victories not just by winning cases, but also by the rejuvenation of our clients’ lives following pedestrian accidents. In the face of adversity, let us lead the path to your recovery.

We Handle a Full
Range of Pedestrian Injury Claims

Crosswalk Accidents

Under PBOT guidelines, there are crosswalks at major intersections throughout the city and in some cases, mid-block in busy locations. Regardless of whether there are painted lines on the road, motorists are required to slow down and yield to people who are attempting to cross the street. Unfortunately, they often fail to do so.

Turning Accidents

Intersections are inherently dangerous places, as are side streets where drivers may be attempting turns. Going too fast for conditions and not paying attention make these types of car accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists more likely in these locations.

Parking Lot Accidents

These are some of the most common places for pedestrians to be injured in Portland. Whether at paved lots serving local stores, restaurants, and office buildings or in larger pay parking areas throughout the city, pedestrians need to pay close attention. Backover accidents, in which drivers fail to look when pulling out of spaces, can happen easily and often impact children.

Sideswipe Accidents

Pedestrians are urged to use sidewalks whenever possible. In areas without them, keeping far to the side of the road when walking helps increase your safety but is not foolproof. Drivers who swerve due to being distracted or to avoid other drivers and poor road conditions can easily sideswipe pedestrians, resulting in potentially life-threatening injuries.

Loss Of Control Accidents

Loss of vehicle control can happen due to collisions with other motorists or as a result of reckless driving behavior. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), speeding and driving under the influence are two of the most common factors contributing to pedestrian accident injuries and deaths.

Recovering Compensation 
for Pedestrian Injuries

If you were injured as a pedestrian in Oregon, our law firm can help you recover from a number of losses, including:

• Loss of expected future earnings/wages. A serious pedestrian accident may leave you with injuries that are temporarily or permanently disabling, undermining your ability to work and earn an income. For many people, this can mean the loss of hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars in the form of lost wages, benefits, and lost earning potential.

• Pain and suffering. It’s not just economic losses that a person will suffer as a result of a serious pedestrian crash, but also non-economic losses such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress. While these damages don’t directly correspond to a dollar amount, your attorney will calculate them based on your degree of suffering and for how long your suffering is expected to last.
• Reimbursement for medical expenses. The bulk of your pedestrian accident claim may be high medical bills. Healthcare in America is incredibly expensive and if you’ve suffered serious injuries, you may be facing costs related to hospital stays, emergency care and transportation, surgeries, medications, and more, resulting in a sum that’s hard to even think about. You deserve to be compensated in full for your medical bills and your future medical expenses.
• Rehabilitation costs. After you have received initial treatment for your injuries and your condition has stabilized, rehabilitation may be recommended. Like other types of medical care, rehabilitation can be expensive and is something that you should be compensated for in full.
• Long-term care/disability costs. When crosswalk/sidewalk accidents are serious, those impacted may suffer injuries that do not completely heal, and instead, result in permanently disabling harm that requires long-term care. Long-term care costs are astronomical; this is certainly not something that an injured party or their family members should have to pay for.
• Any other costs applicable to your case. If you have suffered any other costs related to your case, you should be compensated for these costs. By working with a pedestrian accident attorney, they can thoroughly investigate your case and make a determination about the value of your claim and how much you should request in a settlement.

We represent clients who have been victimized by the negligence of MAX Rail System drivers as well. Each year, people throughout Portland are injured in light rail accidents. Whether the train did not see you crossing the tracks, it took off too fast after taking on passengers or it did not stop in time for an emergency, you may have a case for financial compensation. It is best to consult with our Portland pedestrian accident lawyer to gain a full understanding of your options concerning a valid personal injury claim.

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.

Hit and Run Pedestrian Accident Proves Fatal In Portland

Oregon Live recently did a news report highlighting some alarming statistics. Based on police reports, they show a total of 26 pedestrian deaths over the course of 2021. This sets an unfortunate record as the highest number of fatal pedestrian accidents in close to 50 years.

Sadly, this year is already off to a bad start in terms of these types of crashes. A January 3, 2022 KGW News 8 report detailed a fatal pedestrian accident that happened in Northeast Portland. Police have not released many details, other than to say that a driver struck and killed an unidentified victim who was walking at roughly 5:30 a.m., near Northeast Alderwood Road and Cornfoot Road. Rather than stopping, the driver fled the scene.

What would cause someone to not just attempt to avoid financial responsibility for a pedestrian accident in Portland but to actually leave an injured victim lying on the street rather than render help? At-fault drivers often make the decision to flee in a split second. Among the most common reasons include:

• Momentary panic;
• Fear of getting into trouble with police;
• Having a prior criminal record or outstanding warrants;
• Driving with a suspended license or without insurance;
• Doubts over immigration status and fear of deportation.

Holding Hit and Run
Drivers Accountable

According to the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 20 percent of all fatal pedestrian accidents throughout the U.S. involve a hit-and-run driver. Even in cases where the victim is able to make a complete recovery, medical expenses and lost wages can end up totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Rather than having to pay out of pocket for these and other costs, our Portland pedestrian accident attorneys help victims and their families in this situation. Steps we can take to help hold hit-and-run drivers accountable include:

• Make sure BOLO (Be On The Lookout) reports are distributed among law enforcement officials.
• Get the word out to the general public via news reports and social media;
• Subpoena surveillance tapes from nearby stores or traffic signals where the accident happened;
• Visit local repair shops, where the at-fault driver may have taken their vehicle.

If you have been involved in a hit and run Portland Pedestrian accident, there still might be a way to get you compensation to get you back on your feet! Contact our Portland pedestrian accident attorney today to schedule your free initial consultation!

When Pedestrian
Accidents
Result In
Long Term Disabilities

With little to protect them in collisions with motor vehicles, the injuries sustained by a pedestrian have the potential to be severe. These can result in long term disabilities. In the majority of cases, the reckless and negligent behaviors of motorists are to blame. Factors that not only increase the risk but also the severity of the injuries include:

• Speeding and driving too fast for conditions;
• Running red lights and stop signs;
• Failing to yield in crosswalks;
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs, or medications.

In all of these scenarios, drivers are likely to be traveling over 30 miles per hour and may not see a pedestrian until it is too late. At this speed and without slamming on the brakes, pedestrian accident injuries can result in long-term disabilities.

The speed at which a driver is traveling and whether they hesitate before striking the victim are major factors in pedestrian accidents, as is the height of the pedestrian and the point of impact. For example:

• With small children, who are among the most common pedestrian accident victims, crushing injuries frequently occur, causing permanent damage to body limbs and internal organs.
• For teens and adults under 5’5, impacts are likely to be in the center of the body, resulting in multiple broken ribs and internal bleeding. They are also likely to be thrown, resulting in road rash, head injuries, and other types of trauma.
• With taller individuals, the car may initially strike their legs or hips before throwing them up and over the vehicle or into the windshield, resulting in severe lacerations, multiple fractures, and head and neck trauma.

Considering the violent nature of pedestrian accident injuries, long term disabilities often occur as a result. While you may be entitled to compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance, filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit may be the best way to ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to for your pain, suffering, current medical expenses, and lost income, as well as for the future costs you are likely to incur.

Pedestrian Deaths
In
Portland At A
50 Year High

A December 1, 2021 Oregon Live news report shared some troubling statistics about pedestrian accident cases. According to local police reports, fatal pedestrian accidents have reached historic levels. In total, roughly 60 people have been killed in Portland motor vehicle accidents over the past year, with close to half of these being pedestrians. This is the highest rate in over 50 years. With increased hours of darkness and the potential for bad weather in the coming months, Portland Police expect this number to continue rising. 

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users. Common types of accidents that can result in serious and life-threatening personal injuries include:

• Crosswalk accidents;
• Pedestrian accidents that happen near bus stops or train stations;
• Parking lot pedestrian accidents;
• Pedestrian accidents involving children in residential areas;
• Pedestrian accidents that happen when walking on highways;
• Pedestrian accidents involving motorists who suffer vehicle breakdowns. 

Steps To Prevent
Pedestrian Accidents
In Portland

City officials are working on ways to reduce pedestrian accidents in Portland. This includes installing more sidewalks, traffic signals, crossing islands, and lowering speed limits. At the same time, local residents are urged to use caution and take steps necessary to keep themselves safe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends the following: 

• Wear the proper shoes when out walking to avoid slips and falls;
• Wear light, bright colors to increase visibility, particularly when walking at night;
• Walk only in areas with designated sidewalks;
• Always use crosswalks at intersections;
• Look both ways before stepping into the street;
• Never assume a driver sees you or will stop;
• Avoid using ear buds, which could silence car horns, screeching tires, or other sounds of an impending crash;
• Avoid distractions and keep your eyes on the sidewalk in front of you;
• Avoid walking if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications. 

When a pedestrian accident does happen, report it to the police immediately and seek medical care for your injuries, regardless of severity. Make note of exactly where and when it happened and any witnesses at the scene. This is useful information, particularly in hit and run pedestrian accidents where the at-fault driver attempts to flee the scene. If you would like more Portland pedestrian accident resources, reach out to our lawyers and they will be happy to help you!

Pedestrian Injury
FAQS

Even if you own a car and drive often, you are still a pedestrian on a daily basis, even if it is just walking from your car into a building. While walking is good for the environment and for your health, walking near traffic always comes with the risk of serious accidents and injuries. Below are some answers to some Portland pedestrian injury FAQs you may have.