Do You Need A Pedestrian Accident Attorney In Portland?
Call Kivel & Howard today to discuss your pedestrian accident and your rights.
With the Spring and Summer months in Oregon, more people are finding the time to enjoy the nice weather while out on a walk. Going for a walk can be a great way to get exercise and clear your mind during stressful times, but can come to a drastic end if motor vehicle drivers aren’t paying attention. Pedestrian accidents in the United States are becoming more common each year.
Even if you believe you are safe because you are walking on a sidewalk or in a designated crosswalk and obeying all traffic signs, you could still be struck by a vehicle without any warning. At least 4,700 pedestrians, mostly children and older adults, are killed by vehicles in our country every year. More than 76,000 are injured by the reckless or careless behavior of drivers who are operating motor vehicles that are often massive in size.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Portland pedestrian accident due to a driver’s careless or reckless actions, you’re going to need the help of a skilled pedestrian accident attorney. Let our dedicated team of Portland pedestrian accident lawyers at Kivel & Howard take care of the stress of filing your injury claim while you focus on the road to recovery. Call us today for your free, no-obligation, and completely confidential consultation. No time for a consultation right now? No problem, you can also visit our website whenever you have the chance to schedule your consultation.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Portland and Throughout Oregon
The reasons for pedestrian accidents in Portland and throughout Oregon can vary greatly, and no two accidents are ever the same. Some reckless behaviors can be obvious, while others are more hidden and can be brought to light with an investigation done by your personal injury attorney. Reasons for a pedestrian accident can include:
- Negligent Driving- Negligent driving can be defined as operating a motor vehicle in a manner that is likely to endanger any person or property. If a person is driving negligently and strikes a pedestrian, the results can be deadly.
- Impaired Driving- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is never a good idea, also, it is illegal. Pedestrians need to take extra caution if it is obvious that a driver is impaired or under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
- Distracted Driving- Cell phone usage, changing the controls on the radio, even looking at directions all can steal a driver’s attention from the road and can result in a catastrophic pedestrian accident.
- Speeding- Speed limits are posted in areas to keep both motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians safe. A vehicle driving over the speed limit can be extremely dangerous to pedestrians as they’re less likely to be seen while a vehicle is speeding down the road.
- Failing to Stop for an Extended School Bus Arm- Unfortunately, some of the most common victims of pedestrian accidents are children. This is because passenger vehicle drivers sometimes fail to stop when a stopped school bus extends the stop sign to let a child on or off the bus.
Were you or a loved one seriously injured in a Portland pedestrian accident? Call Kivel & Howard today! Our aggressive team of pedestrian accident attorneys will guide you through the process of filing your claim and will stand by your side to protect your rights as a victim. Call us today for your free, no-obligation, and completely confidential consultation with one of our compassionate attorneys. No time for a consultation? No problem, you can schedule your free consultation at your earliest convenience on our website.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians in Oregon
Not only do drivers on the road have a duty to keep an eye out for pedestrians, but it is also the job of the pedestrian to make sure that drivers on the road can see them. Crosswalks are there for pedestrians to be able to cross the road safely, but sometimes drivers do not see them. Some guidelines that you can follow if you decide to go for a walk include but are not limited to:
- Follow and Obey Traffic Signals- Pedestrians may have the right of way while in a crosswalk, but that does not mean that you can step into the road while the light is yellow or if the light is red. Most marked crosswalks have “walk” and “do not walk” signals that need to be followed.
- Dress Appropriately- Wearing brightly colored clothing while going out walking can help drivers see you better. Darker colors blend in with the blackness of the night and you pretty much become invisible and more vulnerable to be struck by a car. Another way that you can make yourself seen is to wear a reflective vest if walking at night.
- Wear Lights- It is recommended for pedestrians to wear clip-on lights when it is dark outside. You can find these in the sports department of your local department store. These lights can flash and allow drivers to see you better if you are walking in the dark.
- Stay Alert- Even though it is the driver’s job to stay alert and watch out for you, it is important that you also stay alert and keep an eye out for vehicles on the road.
- Keep a Safe Distance from Vehicles- One of the safest ways to avoid a pedestrian accident is to assume that drivers are unable to see you at all times. It is also good to keep in mind that if you are walking in a blind spot, drivers might not be able to see you.
- Stay on the Sidewalk- It is highly recommended for pedestrians to stay on the sidewalk as long as one is available. If there is no sidewalk in the area, pedestrians need to walk on the side of the road that’s facing traffic so vehicle operators can see them and vice versa.
Were you or someone you love seriously injured in a pedestrian accident in Portland? At Kivel & Howard, we understand that you don’t deserve the extra stress of medical expenses and missing work due to your injuries. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on the road to recovery. Visit our website at your earliest convenience to schedule a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation with one of our aggressive pedestrian accident attorneys, or you can call us today to answer any questions you may have about your case.
What Kind of Injuries Can be Suffered in a Pedestrian Accident?
Unlike motor vehicle drivers who can be cushioned by airbags in the event of an accident, pedestrians have no protection from the vehicles on the roads. Injuries can be more severe for pedestrians as some vehicles such as semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded. Some of the severe injuries that can be sustained in a pedestrian accident can include but are not limited to:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)- When the normal functioning of the brain is disrupted by a jolt, bump, or blow to the head. This injury can be life-threatening depending on what area of the head was injured. Commonly known TBIs include brain hemorrhaging and concussions.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries- Back injuries can quickly occur and are often severe. Some injuries include a slipped or herniated disc, a severed spinal cord, and other serious, sometimes deadly spinal injuries.
- Broken Bones- An impact with a heavy solid object at a high speed can lead to broken bones. Unfortunately, broken bones don’t just hurt badly, they take several weeks to heal and small fragments in the bloodstream can lead to more serious issues. Some broken bones can lead to internal injuries, as well.
- Internal Injuries- Internal injuries can be fatal if they’re not treated soon enough. Being struck by a vehicle can cause serious injuries such as internal bleeding or punctured organs caused by broken ribs or other splintered bones.
- Wrongful Death- Due to the size of the vehicle compared to the pedestrian, it could be a simple clip in the wrong area to cause the tragic end of a person’s life.
If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident in Oregon and you feel that driver negligence was the call, don’t hesitate to call the compassionate team of pedestrian accident attorneys in Portland at Kivel & Howard today. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about your accident and will help you get your pedestrian accident claim started right away. Visit our website today to schedule a free consultation at your earliest convenience, or you can call us today.
What Kind of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Portland Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Being seriously injured in a Portland pedestrian accident due to the carelessness of a motor vehicle operator can leave victims in a state of pain, confusion, and anger. Added stressors like having to miss work or stacking household and medical bills can greatly hinder your healing process. If you were severely injured in a pedestrian accident anywhere in Oregon, you have the right to demand compensation for damages such as:
- Pain and Suffering- Any physical pain or mental anguish that wouldn’t have been suffered if you didn’t suffer injuries in a sudden accident. Pain and suffering damages cover this unnecessary and undeserved anguish. Compensation from this claim can help cushion any financial hardship your accident has caused you.
- Medical Expenses- This includes past medical expenses from the time of the accident up to the court date. These include emergency room bills and hospitalization bills. Future medical expenses are calculated by health care professionals based on the extent of your injuries. Future medical expenses can cover any doctor’s appointments, surgeries, physical therapy, or any other medical treatment needed after the court date.
- Punitive Damages- Meant to punish the at-fault party for their actions that led to your accident, punitive damages can also be used to deter the at-fault party and other individuals from participating in similar activities.
- Loss of Consortium- The relationship between spouses has been historically worthy of legal protection. If your marital relationship has suffered or been lost because of your injuries, you may have the right to demand loss of consortium damages as part of your pedestrian accident claim.
- Lost Wages- Any time lost from work due to injuries sustained in an accident can be recovered in a pedestrian accident claim. An economic specialist can be brought in to determine how much income the injury has caused you to lose from the time of the incident until your predicted time of release from medical care.
- Loss of Earning Capacity- If your injuries leave you unable to perform your job to the full capacity you did before your accident, you may lose out on being able to earn a raise. Loss of earning capacity damages makes up for those raises you could have earned had you not been struck by a vehicle.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured while walking outside due to the carelessness and negligence of a motor vehicle driver, you have the right to demand compensation.
The compassionate and dedicated team of pedestrian accident lawyers at Kivel & Howard is always happy to answer any questions you may have about your unique situation and help you get your claim started right away. Call us today for a free, no-obligation, and completely confidential consultation. If you don’t have time for a consultation today, that’s no problem! You can also visit our website to schedule your consultation at your earliest convenience.
Calling a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Portland, Oregon
At Kivel & Howard, our compassionate and dedicated personal injury lawyers in Portland understand the stress of sustaining serious injuries due to the carelessness and negligence of others. With decades of combined experience, you can depend on us to keep your best interest in mind while we fight by your side to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation that you deserve.
At Kivel & Howard, we strive to provide excellent legal guidance to our clients to ensure the best possible outcome in their personal injury claims. Call us today at (503) 796-0909 for your confidential, free, and no-obligation consultation, or you can visit our Contact Us page to schedule your consultation at your earliest convenience.