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In Portland, pedestrian safety and traffic fatalities are significant concerns. With a significant portion of the population walking to work, pedestrian accidents keep growing. Behind the statistics of rising traffic fatalities lie stories of dreams unfulfilled, of families torn apart, and of a city grappling with more and more victims.
Here's where Siefman Law LLC steps in. As experienced Portland pedestrian accident lawyers, we understand the hurt and confusion that follow such incidents and are committed to fighting for your rights.
Our law firm has a range of Portland pedestrian accident resources that can be used to support your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal battles while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Pedestrian accident victims may pursue different forms of compensation to offset their losses. Compensation covers costs such as:
Compensation for medical expenses includes immediate medical bills and anticipated future medical treatments arising from pedestrian accident injuries. Therefore, proving damages in a pedestrian accident case requires experienced personal injury lawyers.
Pedestrian accident victims have a legal right to recover lost wages resulting from their inability to work post-accident. Injuries from pedestrian accidents may cause short-term and long-term career limitations, altering the victim’s career and potential for future earnings. Securing compensation for lost wages and loss of future earnings is an essential aspect of a pedestrian accident claim.
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, can be recovered in personal injury cases since it encompasses emotional distress and a lowered quality of life following a personal injury. Victims of such injuries may also experience mental health issues such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression, which contribute to emotional distress.
In the wake of a pedestrian accident, victims may find themselves facing a myriad of challenges, from dealing with injuries and medical bills to handling insurance claims and pain from injuries.
This is when the expertise of a Portland pedestrian accident attorney becomes invaluable. In the chaotic aftermath of pedestrian accidents, victims need a knowledgeable ally to navigate the complex legal landscape. Here is what you can expect from an experienced Portland pedestrian accident lawyer:
Insurance companies can be challenging to negotiate with, especially for victims unfamiliar with the intricacies of insurance claims and personal injury cases. In these situations, pedestrian accident lawyers leverage their experience to steer these negotiations. They can ensure the victim’s best interests are represented and strive for fair compensation.
Establishing liability in a Portland pedestrian accident case is a critical step in the legal process. Liability is based on negligence – when a party's irresponsibility results in harm to another person. In pedestrian accident cases, establishing liability requires a comprehensive understanding of Oregon traffic laws, as well as an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. A Portland pedestrian accident lawyer can effectively advocate for the victim's rights and pursue the compensation they are entitled to.
Establishing responsible parties for a pedestrian accident is vital in any personal injury claim. Establishing fault is a nuanced process that requires an understanding of both the laws governing road use and the specifics of the incident in question.
Comparative negligence influences the amount of compensation victims can receive based on their level of fault in the accident. In Portland, a pedestrian accident victim’s ability to recover compensation is contingent upon them being less than 51% at fault for the accident.
This means that if a court finds the victim 20% at fault in an accident, for instance, any compensation awarded will be reduced by that percentage.
If you don’t have a way to cover medical bills, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, or the other driver’s PIP, can pay for your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
PIP coverage can be a lifeline in the aftermath of a pedestrian accident. It can help cover your immediate medical and other expenses while you wait for your personal injury claim to be resolved. However, dealing with insurance companies can be complex and frustrating, especially when you're trying to recover from your injuries. A personal injury attorney can make the process less stressful for you and your family.
Pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable road users, which is why these types of accidents often lead to severe injuries. Every traffic-related incident has a unique cause, but some of the most common include:
When drivers speed in pedestrian zones, they endanger themselves and others. Speeding is never okay, but it’s especially reckless around pedestrians. The higher the speed, the greater the impact force, which lessens the chances of avoiding a pedestrian crash and escalates the likelihood of severe injury.
Drivers who speed through yellow lights, ignore traffic signals, or fail to abide by applicable right-of-way laws put pedestrians in danger. If drivers were more patient at intersections, they would be able to prevent pedestrian accidents.
People backing out of driveways or parking lots often focus on other vehicles and fail to notice pedestrians passing behind them. This common cause of Oregon pedestrian accidents can lead to a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
Unfavorable weather can lead to pedestrian injuries because it lowers visibility and makes it harder for drivers to see them. Portland pedestrians frequently get hurt when drivers speed or act recklessly in bad weather conditions.
Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to many types of traffic accidents. Drunk driving impairs one's ability to concentrate and slows a driver’s reaction time. Even if a drunk driver notices a pedestrian crossing the road, they may not react as quickly as they would if they were sober. Unfortunately, a drunk driver often turns into a hit-and-run driver when it leads to a car accident.
Oregon pedestrian accidents often occur due to distracted driving. In the technology era, people are caught up in their cellphones, fussing with the radios, GPSs, and so on. These distractions often lead to drivers not noticing pedestrians, especially in low-light conditions, leading to unfortunate car accidents.
Oregon law specifies right-of-way rules designed to protect pedestrians by outlining when they have the legal precedence to cross a road or street. Drivers who don't abide by these rules might be liable for their irresponsible driving. Here is an overview:
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious harm. Here are some common pedestrian accident injuries:
The long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can include physical disabilities, cognitive issues, and behavioral changes. Depending on the severity, serious injuries can require long-term care, including ongoing rehabilitation and specialized medical treatments.
In an automobile accident, pedestrians take the blunt force of the impact, making broken bones one of the most common consequences of pedestrian accidents. Recovery from broken bones involves careful medical supervision to ensure proper healing. These types of injuries can take months to recover and require physical therapy. Severe breaks can lead to life-long impairment.
Spinal cord injuries require ongoing medical treatment, home modifications, and prolonged pain management. Victims of spinal cord injuries frequently experience a profound impact on their life quality and ability to work. It often takes a serious physical and emotional toll as they adapt to their new reality. Pedestrians injured are at serious risk of sustaining these types of injuries because the impact in an auto accident can be so forceful.
With a dedicated Portland personal injury attorney by your side, you can recover from your injuries while we handle the legal hurdles, ensuring that your rights are fiercely protected. We have a track record of representing injured pedestrians in cases of driver negligence, insurance claims, and any other instance where at-fault drivers caused a serious accident.
The Portland pedestrian accident attorneys at Siefman Law LLC investigate the auto accident, interview witnesses, collect medical records and police reports, identify the at-fault parties, and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
If the other side refuses to offer fair compensation, we’ll be prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit and pursue your case in court. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Hiring legal representation gives victims an edge when battling insurance claim issues, negotiating settlements, and building a strong pedestrian accident claim for financial recovery.
An injured pedestrian can seek compensation for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of future earning capacity, and property damage caused by the accident.
In Portland, if a pedestrian is found to be 51% or less at fault for an accident, they may recover compensation under Oregon's comparative negligence system. This means their ability to recover compensation hinges on their level of fault in the accident.
While it's possible to negotiate a claim directly with the insurance company, it is important to remember that insurance adjusters are skilled at minimizing payouts. An experienced Portland pedestrian accident lawyer can increase your chances of receiving fair financial compensation in a personal injury case.