Hillsboro Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
Over 15 Years Serving Washington County
Local Experience
Deep Knowledge of Hillsboro's Traffic and Legal Landscape
Understanding the unique factors that affect pedestrian accident cases
A pedestrian accident on Tualatin Valley Highway involves distinct factors compared to one in downtown Portland. The causes, the evidence, and the legal landscape are specific to our community. Understanding the significance of a crash happening during the 2 p.m. "Intel shift" rush hour or the known dangers of the at-grade MAX crossing on SW 185th Avenue is crucial for building a strong case.
Our experience with Hillsboro's streets allows us to understand the dynamics at play in pedestrian accidents. We are intimately familiar with the city's designated high-crash corridors, from the design flaws of Tualatin Valley Highway (OR-8) to the heavy traffic on Cornell Road. We know that aggressive driving is the number one cause of crashes here, often fueled by intense commuter pressure.
Our experience extends to the specific legal and law enforcement framework of Washington County. We know how to obtain and analyze critical evidence from the Hillsboro Police Department's Traffic Unit and the experienced Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART). We understand the procedures of the Washington County Circuit Court, where your injury claim will be filed—a completely different venue from the Hillsboro Municipal Court that handles the driver's traffic ticket.
Understanding the Dangers for Pedestrians in Hillsboro
Systemic issues and negligent driver patterns
Dangerous Road Design
Hillsboro's rapid growth has put immense strain on its infrastructure, creating a dangerous environment where busy roads slice through our neighborhoods. The city's own data reveals that a staggering 61% of all crashes occur at intersections, the primary points of conflict between vehicles and pedestrians.
We frequently handle cases arising from crashes on Hillsboro's most notorious roadways:
- • Tualatin Valley Highway (OR-8): Identified as one of Oregon's most dangerous roads, handling nearly 40,000 vehicles daily
- • SW 185th Avenue: Officially designated a "high crash corridor" with curb-tight sidewalks
- • Cornell Road & Century Boulevard: Major arterials choked with commuter traffic
- • MAX Light Rail Crossings: At-grade crossings create traffic backups and driver frustration
Common Causes of Accidents
While hazardous road designs create the conditions for collisions, it is almost always a specific, preventable driver error that turns a dangerous situation into a devastating one. Our investigations consistently uncover patterns of negligence:
Aggressive & Distracted Driving
The "Intel Effect" creates an unusually early evening rush hour from 2-7 p.m., with commuters rushing to Ronler Acres or Jones Farm campuses while speeding, tailgating, or using phones.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks
Under Oregon law (ORS 811.028), every intersection is a legal crosswalk. We hold drivers accountable when they ignore their duty to yield.
Impaired Driving (DUI)
Intoxication is a factor in 15% of all fatal or serious injury crashes in Hillsboro. We pursue maximum damages against these drivers.
Poor Visibility & Unsafe Speeds
Drivers must adjust speed for conditions like Tualatin Valley fog, rain-slicked pavement, or poorly lit sections near Jackson Bottom Wetlands.
Immediate Action
What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident in Hillsboro
Critical steps to protect your health and legal rights
Prioritize Safety and Call 911
If you are able, move out of the roadway to a safe location. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request police and emergency medical services. An official police report creates an essential record of the incident.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Accept ambulance transport to an emergency room, even if you feel you can walk away. Adrenaline can mask severe injuries. Insist on being taken to Hillsboro Medical Center or Kaiser Permanente Westside to create a direct medical record.
Document Everything at the Scene
If physically able, use your phone to take pictures of the car, license plate, surrounding scene, your injuries, and property damage. Capture nearby landmarks like the Main Street Bridge or Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station.
Gather Information
Get the driver's name, contact information, and insurance details. Ask any witnesses who stopped for their names and phone numbers. Their independent account can be invaluable later.
Do NOT Speak with Insurance
The at-fault driver's insurance adjuster will likely call you quickly. Their goal is to get a recorded statement they can use against you. Politely decline and tell them your attorney will be in contact.
File Your DMV Report
In Oregon, you are legally required to file your own Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report with the DMV within 72 hours if anyone is injured. A police report does not fulfill this obligation.
Contact a Local Attorney
Call our Hillsboro office as soon as possible. The sooner we can begin our independent investigation, the better our chances of preserving crucial evidence and building the strongest possible case.
Legal Process
Navigating the Hillsboro Legal System After an Injury
Understanding the two-court system and procedural requirements
Once you have taken these essential first steps, your focus must shift to navigating the legal process—a journey that can be daunting without an experienced guide. A single pedestrian accident in Hillsboro can trigger proceedings in two separate court systems, and understanding the difference is crucial.
First, the driver who hit you will likely face a traffic citation, which is handled at the Hillsboro Municipal Court (150 E. Main Street). While we monitor this case, it is important to understand that the outcome there—whether the driver is found guilty of the ticket or not—has no direct bearing on your right to compensation.
Your claim for damages will be filed in a completely different venue: the Washington County Circuit Court (150 N. First Avenue). This is the state court where all major civil personal injury lawsuits are heard. Our team is intimately familiar with the specific judges, procedures, and unwritten rules of this court.
Most importantly, you must act quickly. Oregon law imposes a strict deadline, known as the Statute of Limitations, which gives you only two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to seek compensation forever.
Washington County Legal Experience
The Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure (ORCPs) strictly limit the use of interrogatories and expert witness disclosure in personal injury cases. This makes the ability to conduct powerful, strategic depositions of the at-fault driver and key witnesses absolutely critical to securing maximum compensation.
Additionally, Washington County operates under a 9-month trial rule—meaning your case must be ready for trial within nine months of filing. This aggressive timeline demands an attorney who can immediately and proactively work up your case file, including securing expert witnesses, completing medical evaluations, and preparing comprehensive evidence packages. There is no room for delay or passive case management in Washington County Circuit Court.
Proven Results
Real Results for Injury Victims
Actual case outcomes from our practice
Hillsboro Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Common questions from pedestrian accident victims
How much is my Hillsboro pedestrian accident case worth?
The value of your case depends entirely on your specific losses. There is no average settlement amount. We meticulously calculate the full extent of your damages, including all current and future medical expenses (from ER visits to ongoing physical therapy at facilities like the Hillsboro Medical Center Orthopedic Clinic), all lost wages and diminished future earning capacity, and the significant non-economic costs of your pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.
What if I was jaywalking or partially at fault?
Don't assume you have no case. Oregon follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule, which means you can still recover damages as long as you were not 51% or more at fault for the accident. Insurance companies will almost always try to shift blame to the pedestrian to reduce their payout. We are skilled at fighting back against these unfair tactics and proving the driver's primary responsibility.
The accident happened near the MAX tracks on SW 185th. Is that important?
Yes, absolutely. The specific location is often a key piece of evidence. The known hazards of that crossing—including the frequent traffic backups and the driver frustration it causes—help us argue that the driver should have been exercising a higher degree of caution. This local knowledge helps us build a more compelling case by demonstrating that the risk was foreseeable.
Do I really need a lawyer? Can't I just deal with the insurance company?
Insurance adjusters are trained professionals whose goal is to protect their company's profits by minimizing your claim. They are not on your side. Studies consistently show that accident victims who hire an experienced personal injury attorney receive significantly higher settlements than those who do not, even after legal fees are accounted for. Having experienced legal representation ensures your rights are protected from the very beginning.
What hospitals should I go to in Hillsboro for pedestrian accident injuries?
For serious pedestrian accident injuries, we recommend <span class="text-jl-gold">Hillsboro Medical Center (335 SE 8th Avenue)</span> or <span class="text-jl-gold">Kaiser Permanente Westside (2875 NE Stucki Avenue)</span>. These facilities have emergency departments equipped to handle trauma cases and can provide the immediate medical documentation that links your injuries directly to the accident.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Oregon?
Oregon law imposes a strict <span class="text-jl-gold">two-year statute of limitations</span> from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is absolute—if you miss it, you lose your right to seek compensation forever. However, it's important to contact an attorney much sooner to preserve evidence and protect your interests while dealing with insurance companies.
Community Partners
Your Local Advocates for Justice
More than just attorneys—we are your neighbors
At Johnson Law, our connection to Hillsboro runs deeper than the cases we handle. We are your neighbors. Our children attend the same schools, we shop at the same local businesses, and we share your desire for a community where our families can walk safely. This personal investment is the foundation of our practice and the driving force behind our pursuit of justice for injured residents.
This commitment extends beyond the courtroom. We are actively invested in the well-being of our city, from sponsoring local events to supporting vital safety initiatives like the "Safe Routes to School" program that protects our youngest community members. We believe that by holding negligent drivers fully accountable for the harm they cause, we are not only securing the compensation our clients desperately need but also helping to make our streets safer for every resident.
From those living in the historic downtown district to families in the newer developments around South Hillsboro, when you choose our firm, you are gaining a dedicated local partner who understands exactly what is at stake and who will fight tirelessly to protect your future and the safety of the community we all call home.
Do Not Fight Insurance Companies Alone
Let Experienced Trial Lawyers Fight For You
Available 24/7 • No Fee Unless We Win
Over $50 Million Recovered for Oregon Injury Victims