Portland is a great town for walking. Neighborhoods like the Pearl District, Nob Hill, and Downtown all have high “walk scores” for access to restaurants, shopping, and parks.
In fact, Portland is leading the nation with its citywide pedestrian plan, PedPDX, which offers resources such as sidewalk maps. It is a terrific way to connect with the thriving pedestrian community. These resources also highlight areas that might not be ideal for walking.
There is no such thing as a “good accident,” but when it comes to pedestrian accidents, they are especially catastrophic. A pedestrian does not have the protection of a steel frame or airbags that a car driver has. When that driver is distracted or not following the traffic laws, pedestrians are at risk of being struck and left with devastating injuries.
If you or someone you care about was struck by a vehicle, you’re entitled to seek compensation for any damages you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. Obtaining that compensation is not without challenges.
That is why you need to discuss your options with a qualified Portland pedestrian accident lawyer like you’ll find at Dozier Law Group. We have helped many Portland residents pursue claims against reckless drivers.
We’re proud to be strong advocates seeking out the maximum benefits they are entitled to.
Pedestrian accident claims are inherently complex because of the potential for conflicting versions of the same accident. A driver might try to argue it was the pedestrian who stepped out into traffic without looking.
At the very least, they will try to apply Oregon’s modified comparative negligence law in the hope of shifting some blame towards the victim.
Insurance companies know that if they succeed in shifting blame, the amount of their obligation to settle can be reduced. A skilled Portland pedestrian accident attorney will be prepared to take on all those challenges.
The attorneys at Dozier Law Group are familiar with these tactics and counter the argument with solid evidence. Some of that evidence, such as traffic surveillance footage, might not be readily available to you, but we know how to access and preserve the footage.
Retaining the services of an attorney also means you won’t have to deal with the insurance company. We will take over all communications and push to keep the claim process on track.
Our goal is to help our clients find a fast and fair resolution every time.
With years of expertise in Portland and throughout Oregon, we navigate pedestrian accident laws with precision. Our proven results demonstrate our commitment to holding negligent parties accountable. Trust our team for effective representation in seeking justice for accident victims.
A pedestrian crash is rarely unavoidable. Most of these accidents happen because of a driver’s negligence. When a motorist fails to follow basic traffic safety rules in areas with heavy pedestrian foot traffic, the risk of accidents rises.
It is important to drill down and identify the cause of the accident to establish liability clearly.
Distracted driving remains a persistent cause of accidents. In an attempt to reduce the distraction, drivers are training themselves to wait until they stop at a red light before checking their phones.
Unfortunately, it often means reaching for the phone as they approach a crosswalk, which takes their eyes off the road. In addition to texting, a driver can also become distracted by drinking, eating, using GPS, or adjusting the controls. It only takes a fraction of a second for distraction to trigger a pedestrian accident.
Oregon traffic laws are very specific when it comes to pedestrians. Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the street in marked or unmarked crosswalks. When a driver rushes through an intersection, ignores flashing beacons, or turns without checking for pedestrians, accidents happen.
A driver speeding is a recipe for disaster. When a driver speeds through pedestrian-heavy areas like downtown Portland, around schools, or residential neighborhoods, it reduces the reaction time and stopping distance.
When a driver is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain prescription medications, their judgment, reaction time, and vision can be impaired. That can lead to missing pedestrians or misjudging distances.
A driver who is exclusively focused on oncoming traffic might fail to see a pedestrian when making a left or right turn.
Portland residents are no strangers to harsh weather. Rain, fog, and reduced visibility are the norm. If a driver fails to adjust their speed and awareness to the conditions, they can still be held responsible for an accident involving a pedestrian.
Determining liability in a pedestrian accident depends on establishing which party violated traffic laws. Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule.
That means an injured pedestrian can still recover compensation as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If a pedestrian is found partially at fault, their final settlement amount will be reduced by that percentage.
Your Portland pedestrian accident lawyer will help gather all the supportive evidence, including the following:
Even if a pedestrian shares some of the blame, a knowledgeable attorney can work to minimize assigned fault. The goal remains to protect your right to compensation.
When a pedestrian suffers the full blunt force impact of a car in motion, the injuries often require extensive treatment and prolonged recovery time. The last thing the victim of a pedestrian accident in Portland needs to think about is how they are going to get their bills paid.
When you file a personal injury claim, you can seek the following compensation:
When the attorneys at Dozier Law Group calculate the damages, we ensure that our clients are seeking both immediate and long-term remedies for the accident.
In Oregon, fault is determined by negligence, and even if a pedestrian was not in a marked crosswalk, the driver may still be liable for failing to exercise due care. Oregon’s comparative negligence laws allow victims to recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% at fault. An experienced attorney can help prove the driver’s negligence outweighed any pedestrian error.
If you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Portland, you may be able to file a claim through your own auto insurance policy’s Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage often extends to policyholders even when they are walking. Dozier Law Group can review your insurance policy to identify all available avenues for compensation.
Settlement values vary based on the severity of injuries, the total of medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and the degree of driver liability. Cases involving permanent disability or surgery typically command higher settlements. Our firm evaluates the full impact of the injury on your life to pursue a settlement that covers both current and future needs.
Dozier Law Group approaches pedestrian accident cases with the same thorough preparation and strategic advocacy that we apply to all our practice areas.
Our legal team will investigate the accident from every angle. We also work with medical professionals and accident reconstruction experts when necessary. Our goal is to document the full scope of your injuries and losses.
Once we have a thorough understanding of the accident, we’ll negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we might advise filing a civil complaint as the next step to pursue a remedy, and we’re fully prepared to deliver a strong, comprehensive presentation to a jury.
Our proven track record of success demonstrates that we have the skills and experience to provide the right negotiation and litigation support to our clients.
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, we want to hear what happened. Call to schedule a free consultation today. You don’t need to take on the insurance companies on your own.
