Suffering an injury due to someone else’s reckless or negligent actions can be debilitating. As you cope with a lengthy physical recovery, you may experience additional anxiety about the costly medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens stemming from the injury. Auto accident victims are not just other drivers and passengers on the road—pedestrians are especially vulnerable to severe (and even fatal) injuries. Unfortunately, cities across the country are noticing a steady rise in pedestrian injuries and deaths caused by auto collisions. Both Portland and Vancouver have seen a spike in pedestrian deaths, underscoring the need for more public safety outreach to curb this worrisome trend. If you have suffered a serious injury as a pedestrian or cyclist, reach out to a trusted and compassionate personal injury attorney to discuss your options for pursuing and obtaining the compensation you need to support your recovery.
A Rise in Pedestrian Accidents
In recent years, metropolitan areas across the country saw a higher number of pedestrian-related accidents, many of which involved serious injuries or death. In 2021 alone, Portland reported that 62 people were killed in auto collisions, 26 of whom were 26 pedestrians—the most in almost fifty years. Many of these incidents involved impaired drivers or drivers traveling at excessive speeds. Since the pandemic began, law enforcement saw an increase in drivers exceeding posted speed limits by 20 to 30 miles per hour. Many of the fatal pedestrian accidents involved victims who were experiencing homelessness. City and safety officials are seeking ways to improve pedestrian safety, including creating more visible crosswalks, better lighting on darker streets, and other ways of boosting pedestrian visibility.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents
There are several ways that cars can collide with and injure pedestrians. Drivers are expected to look for pedestrians at all designated intersections and crosswalks. Unfortunately, distracted drivers may fail to register that a pedestrian is crossing in front of them, leading to a pedestrian injury. Many pedestrians are injured when a driver is turning right or left and fails to see if the road is clear of pedestrians. Pedestrian accidents may occur in busy parking lots or even on the sidewalk—a distracted driver may veer into the bike lane or even on the sidewalk if they are intoxicated or texting while driving.
Collecting Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident
If you have suffered an injury while walking or crossing the road, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by your physical recovery and the financial stress stemming from the incident. However, it’s important to recognize that you have options for pursuing the compensation you need to support your recovery. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to obtain monetary compensation to help cover medical expenses (including hospital bills, medications, physical therapy, and other injury-related costs). If your injuries cause long-term damage, you may also be able to procure compensation for this loss of future earnings. It’s highly recommended that you discuss your situation with a dedicated personal injury attorney to determine the amount of compensation you need to get your life back on track.
Steps to Take After Sustaining a Pedestrian Injury
The aftermath of an auto collision is often chaotic and overwhelming. However, by taking certain steps at the scene and within the days immediately following the incident, you can maximize your chances of obtaining a fair and favorable settlement. First, assess yourself and others at the scene for any injuries requiring immediate medical attention. As a pedestrian colliding with a car, your injuries may be serious enough to warrant a visit to the hospital. While you wait for the ambulance to arrive, gather as much information as possible, including the names of the driver and any witnesses. Even if you do not think you need immediate medical care, you should visit a doctor within the next few days to have your injuries assessed and documented. This information will prove useful when you pursue compensation later on, as the paperwork will detail the extent and nature of your injuries. Be sure to enlist the guidance of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to support you through every step of the recovery process.
Keeping Your Future as Bright as Possible
Coping with an auto accident injury can be stressful, especially if it prevents you from working. Financial anxiety is common, and it’s important that you know you are never alone in this process. Working with a compassionate personal injury lawyer is the best way to ensure you secure the compensation you need to support your physical, emotional, and financial recovery. Your attorney can answer your questions, address your concerns, and advocate for a fair and favorable settlement that allows you to move forward with confidence.
If you need help collecting compensation after an auto accident in Portland or Vancouver, call Henderson Taylor Law Firm today at (360) 737-1478 to speak with a trusted and compassionate personal injury lawyer.
