As a pedestrian, you are one of the most vulnerable people in the city. Whether you were out for your morning stroll, or just enjoying the (rare) sunny weather, if you or a loved one was involved in an accident with a bike or vehicle, you are protected under Oregon law. In 2007, Oregon introduced what is called “Vulnerable User Laws” to help protect those who are not protected by a car. Through the use of legal knowledge and expertise on Oregon Pedestrian Laws, Portland Personal Injury Attorneys can help you and your family receive the compensation you deserve for pain, suffering, and lost wages. Being a pedestrian, if you have vehicle insurance, this does not always cover you if you were on foot at the time of the accident. In Oregon, for most car accidents, a person’s PIP, or personal injury protection coverage, will cover medical bills for up to a year or $15,000, whichever comes first.
Quick Statistics
- In general, accidents involving pedestrians are more like to lead to serious injury or even death in some cases, when compared to similar incidents where a pedestrian isn’t involved.
- In 2007, 4,654 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States, according to the NHTSA, and 70,000 were injured. In Oregon that same year, there were 455 traffic deaths – 48 of those were pedestrians.
- In 2008, over 4,000 pedestrians were killed in the United States in traffic accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
An Overview
In most, if not all situations, pedestrians have the right of way. One of the responsibilities of drivers to be mindful of their surroundings, and that includes being weary of pedestrians and cyclists. If a motorist is involved in an accident with a pedestrian and is at fault, they are liable for the damage and expenses associate with the victim’s injuries. Injuries caused by vehicles can range from mild to severe for the person on foot. Because the pedestrian isn’t protected by the hard, outer shell of a car like the driver is, injuries are usually more severe than not. From spinal chord injuries to traumatic brain damage, the damage you or a loved one receives from being hit by a bike or car can be life changing. Medical expenses can pile up over the months, even years it may take to recover. In addition, you may not be able to function like you could while you heal, putting extra stress on your family. Loss of wages is also common while you recover, as many people are not able to return to their job after weeks, sometimes months.
A Final Word
Do not let being involved in an accident as a pedestrian take control of your life. Contacting Portland Personal Injury Attorneys is the best thing you can do, and the peace of mind knowing that you will be put in the hands of a professional lawyer will help ease the stress. Let an expert help you get the compensation you deserve for your terrible injury.