Across the country, auto collisions involving pedestrian injuries and deaths are on the rise. According to one estimate, the total driving miles increased by 10 percent, while pedestrian deaths increased by 50 percent between 2009 and 2019. The pandemic also seems to have made this trend more alarming, as reckless driving behaviors like speeding and driving while intoxicated have surged in the last two years. As we work to identify the factors contributing to this rise in pedestrian injuries and deaths, it appears that the expansion of SUVs and small trucks is leading to more severe injuries. If you’ve suffered an injury as a pedestrian in the Portland or Vancouver area, you should enlist the guidance of a compassionate personal injury attorney to help you recover the compensation you need to support your recovery.
Cars and SUVs Are Growing in Size
Cars, trucks, and SUVs on the market today are much larger than they were a few decades ago. Since 2018, SUVs and trucks have consistently outsold traditional passenger vehicles. Some vehicles sold in the U.S. are nearly as large as military tanks used in World War II. Currently, the U.S. has no regulations in place requiring automakers to consider the safety of anyone besides the vehicle’s occupants. As a result, vehicles are coming on the market that can cause significant damage to others on the road, including motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Rise in Pedestrian Injuries in Oregon and Washington
A report released in February 2022 highlighted a concerning rise in pedestrian deaths in 2021. According to the report, 27 pedestrians were killed in Portland during 2021, the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in 50 years. Additionally, there was a rise in auto accident injuries among pedestrians, and these injuries tended to be more severe and require more lengthy and costly medical interventions. For now, Portland transportation safety advocates are trying to find ways to address this alarming rise in pedestrian injuries and deaths.
What to Do After an Auto Accident in Portland or Vancouver
If you’ve suffered an injury due to another driver’s negligent or reckless behavior, you have the right to seek compensation to support your recovery. First, seek medical treatment to ensure that you obtain the therapy, surgery, or medications you need to heal. While you focus on your physical recovery, reach out to a skilled and compassionate personal injury lawyer to discuss the best strategy for securing a fair and favorable settlement. Together, you can work to obtain the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
Call Henderson Taylor Law Firm today at (360) 737-1478 to speak with a knowledgeable and compassionate Portland and Vancouver personal injury attorney.
