Portland’s newest bridge recently opened—but not for vehicles. Flanders Crossing, which connects two halves of Northwest Flanders Street over Interstate 405, is available to cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians. The new pedestrian bridge is part of a more significant expansion of a neighborhood greenway that will connect the West Hills to the Willamette River.
While Flanders Crossing is an excellent example of prioritizing pedestrian and bicyclist safety, Portland still has a ways to go. Many areas of the city and surrounding areas do not have dedicated pedestrian walkways, putting people on sidewalks at risk of being hit by a vehicle. If this happened to you, do not hesitate to contact the Portland pedestrian accident lawyers at Rizk Law.
Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Portland
Traffic accidents killed 49 people, including 16 pedestrians, in Portland throughout 2019. Pedestrian accidents commonly occur when a driver:
- Speeds
- Texts behind the wheel
- Fails to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
- Disobeys traffic signs or signals
- Drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Disregards poor weather or road conditions
- Fails to check for pedestrians when turning
Unfortunately, pedestrians are more likely to sustain severe injuries when a vehicle hits them since they lack the protection passengers have in vehicles. Pedestrians may suffer from broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, or organ damage. These injuries may require ongoing medical treatment costing thousands of dollars. An experienced accident attorney in Portland can help determine the value of your damages and secure the compensation needed to cover accident-related costs.
Steps to Take after a Vehicle Hits You as a Pedestrian
Being hit by a vehicle when walking or riding a bicycle can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, and you might be in shock. While the situation will likely be stressful, you must take steps at the accident scene and after the collision to protect your legal rights.
At the Accident Scene
Once a vehicle hits you, contact 911. Police officers can write an incident report detailing the accident and documenting parties involved, which may aid in your injury claim. Taking photographs at the accident scene may also be helpful. Ensure you photograph your injuries and the vehicle involved.
You should also speak to any witnesses. They may have seen the driver acting distracted, reckless, or careless. Before they leave the scene, write down their name and contact information. Most importantly, avoid making any statements to the other party that they can use against you.
After the Accident
The first thing you should do after being struck by a vehicle is seek medical attention. You might be suffering from severe injuries, and a doctor can diagnose any internal damage. Not only is scheduling a doctor’s appointment necessary for your health, but it may also be vital to your injury claim. When you don’t seek medical attention as an accident victim, insurance agencies tend to interpret this as exaggerating the severity of your injuries. This makes it easier for them to deny or reduce your claim.
After receiving medical attention, you should contact a Portland injury attorney. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner they can investigate the collision and begin negotiations with the insurance company. Additionally, you only have two years to file an injury claim in Oregon. After that, you may miss your chance of securing compensation.
Contact an Experienced Accident Attorney in Portland Today
If you were in a pedestrian accident because of a driver’s negligent actions, contact the experienced injury lawyers at Rizk Law. Our experienced accident attorneys handle many types of personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents. We advocate on behalf of injured accident victims and diligently pursue compensation for our clients.
Our firm works on a contingency basis, meaning that there are no upfront costs or hidden fees, and you only pay for our services if we obtain compensation for your injuries and losses. Our attorneys also offer free consultations to determine if you have a claim. To schedule one, call (503) 852-5761 or complete our contact form.
