If Portland’s death toll increases by just three more deaths, 2020 fatalities will exceed total traffic fatalities in 2019. This is a staggering reality after the city’s mandatory stay-at-home order that kept many off the roads for months.
Even with implementing Vision Zero and various safety measures around the city, Portland’s driving behavior has not improved compared to earlier years. In fact, the city is deadlier in 2020 than in seven of its last 20 years.
If you lost a family member in a traffic death in Portland, you may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim for your losses. The attorneys at Rizk Law are committed to holding parties accountable when their negligent actions cause injuries or deaths. Call our firm to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more. There is no obligation to hire our services after this meeting.
What the Statistics Show
More than just numbers, the data reported reveals grim statistics over the last year. The Oregonian / OregonLive reported that, according to Hannah Schafer, a transportation spokesperson for the city, there was an initial drop in in traffic at the onset of the pandemic. However, traffic volume has now returned to near-normal levels. Even during the early months, when there was less traffic on the road, there were multiple citations issued to motorists for dangerous speeding. Portland police reported that many of these reckless drivers were clocked at excessive speeds that were 20 miles or more over the legal limit.
In addition to speeding, many car crashes have happened because of drivers who were operating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Traffic deaths in Portland during 2020 include:
- Twelve fatalities that occurred on I-5 and other roads managed by the Oregon Department of Transportation
- Three cyclists killed in traffic deaths this year, the most in recent years – except for 2016
- Eleven pedestrians killed by motorists (compared to 13 in 2019 during the same timeframe)
Traffic deaths may be down in the rest of Oregon – according to state data, by 16 percent over the same period in 2019. However, in Portland, the statistics are trending similarly to what is happening across the country. There are fewer miles being traveled, but the accidents are resulting in more deaths.
Get Legal Help When You Need Answers to Your Questions
Nothing can change the traumatic circumstances caused by the death of a family member, but our Portland wrongful death attorneys are ready to hold the at-fault parties accountable for their reckless actions. We have spent nearly 20 years representing the injured in Portland and throughout Oregon, and we have recovered millions in compensation for our clients during that time.
At Rizk Law, we can take calls and schedule your free initial consultation at a time that is convenient to you. We do not charge upfront costs or attorney fees while we represent you. We do not get paid unless you do. Call to schedule your free initial consultation and learn more about how our knowledgeable lawyers may be able to help.
