PEDESTRIAN INJURY ATTORNEYS Protecting Pedestrian Rights in Oregon When drivers fail to yield to pedestrians, we fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries and recovery.

Understanding Pedestrian Accident Claims in Oregon
How liability, comparative fault, and next steps work after an injury
If you've been injured as a pedestrian in Oregon, understanding your legal rights and the claims process is crucial for seeking fair compensation. Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of physical protection, making it essential to determine liability clearly and early.
Generally, a successful claim hinges on proving the at-fault driver's negligence — demonstrating they failed to exercise reasonable care, which directly led to your injuries and damages. This can involve violations like distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield.
Oregon uses a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, provided your fault is not greater than the combined fault of all other responsible parties. Seek medical attention immediately, document the scene with photos, and collect contact information from witnesses.
Our Client First Fee Structure
We charge our attorney fee only after your outstanding medical bills have been paid. Your physical recovery comes first — medically and financially — providing peace of mind during a challenging time after a pedestrian accident.
Oregon Pedestrian Rights and Traffic Laws
Understanding crosswalk rules, duties of care, and liability
Oregon law provides strong protections for pedestrians. ORS 811.028 requires drivers to yield the right‑of‑way to pedestrians lawfully within crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. These protections are central to determining liability in many claims.
Pedestrians also have responsibilities. You must use due care and may not suddenly leave a curb or other safe place and walk into the path of a vehicle when it is impossible for the driver to yield. Understanding these nuances is critical in assessing fault and building a strong case.
Our experienced attorneys have extensive knowledge of Oregon pedestrian laws and how they apply to your specific situation. We navigate these legal complexities to protect your rights and work to maximize compensation.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents We Handle
Pedestrian accidents occur in many contexts, each presenting unique legal challenges. We handle cases across Oregon, including:
- Crosswalk accidents and intersection collisions
- Parking lot incidents involving pedestrians
- Sidewalk and roadway shoulder accidents
- School zone pedestrian injuries
- Hit‑and‑run pedestrian cases
- Distracted driving incidents
- Night‑time and low‑visibility impacts
- Public transportation–related pedestrian injuries
Each scenario demands targeted strategies and evidence collection. We tailor our approach to the facts of your case.
Building a Strong Pedestrian Injury Case
Evidence, timing, and professional investigation
Success often turns on thorough evidence collection and a professional investigation. Critical evidence includes scene photographs, witness statements, surveillance footage, police reports, and comprehensive medical documentation.
We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to build compelling cases. Preserving evidence early is essential and often decisive with insurers and, if needed, in court.
Time matters: witnesses forget and video is overwritten. Contact us as soon as possible after the incident so key evidence is preserved.
Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims
You may pursue compensation for both economic and non‑economic losses. Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and property damage. Non‑economic damages address pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Recovery is subject to Oregon's modified comparative fault rule. Understanding your rights and the full scope of potential compensation is crucial. Our knowledgeable attorneys guide you through this process.
Navigating Insurance After a Pedestrian Accident
Multiple policies may be involved, including the driver's liability coverage, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Adjusters may seek quick, low offers, request recorded statements, or argue partial fault to reduce payouts. Strategic communication and documentation are essential.
We manage all communications and negotiations so you can focus on recovery while your rights remain protected.
Pedestrian Injuries: Medical Challenges and Long‑Term Care
Because pedestrians lack physical protection, injuries can be catastrophic. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, internal organ damage, and severe lacerations.
Care frequently involves emergency surgery, lengthy rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing specialist treatment. Costs can be overwhelming, and quality of life impacts significant.
We work with medical experts to document present and future needs so your claim reflects the full scope of necessary care.
Oregon Courts and Pedestrian Accident Litigation
Many cases resolve without trial, but litigation is sometimes required to reach a fair outcome. Oregon law imposes a two‑year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, with shorter timelines for government entities.
Our attorneys are experienced in Oregon state courts, including Washington County and throughout the state. When necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Recent court decisions continue to clarify pedestrian rights and driver responsibilities. We stay current with legal developments to benefit our clients.
Why Choose Johnson Law, P.C.
Experienced Pedestrian Injury Representation
Our attorneys have the comprehensive knowledge and dedication to help injured pedestrians secure maximum compensation for the unique and often severe injuries they sustain.
Oregon Pedestrian Law Knowledge
We have comprehensive knowledge of pedestrian rights and traffic laws in Oregon, allowing us to effectively establish liability in complex pedestrian injury cases.
Catastrophic Injury Experience
We have extensive experience handling serious and catastrophic injuries common in pedestrian accidents, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and multiple fractures.
Professional Network
We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and life care planners to build compelling cases for pedestrians with serious injuries.
Multiple Insurance Sources
We identify all possible sources of compensation, including the driver's insurance, your own insurance, and potentially municipal liability for unsafe conditions.
Medical Bills Paid First
Our "Client First Guarantee" fee structure ensures attorney fees are only charged after your outstanding medical bills are paid, putting your physical recovery first.
Personalized Support
As a boutique law firm, we provide individual attention to each client, with direct access to the attorney handling your case throughout your recovery.
Client Reviews
What Our Pedestrian Accident Clients Say
Real experiences from clients we helped after serious injuries
"They all helped me a lot when I got ran over. They're great!"
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Claims
Find answers to common questions about pedestrian accident claims and how our law firm can help injured pedestrians through the legal process.
What should I do immediately after being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian?
Your health is the top priority. Call 911 or have someone call for you to get immediate medical attention. If possible, collect the driver's contact and insurance information, and get contact details from witnesses. Have someone take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicle, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Follow all medical advice and contact our law firm as soon as possible before giving statements to insurance companies.
Do pedestrians always have the right of way in Oregon?
While Oregon law provides strong protections for pedestrians, they don't always have the right of way in every situation. Pedestrians have the right of way in marked or unmarked crosswalks, but must obey traffic signals and not suddenly leave the curb when it's unsafe. However, even when a pedestrian may share some responsibility, drivers have a heightened duty of care toward pedestrians due to the potential for serious harm.
What types of compensation can I recover after a pedestrian accident?
As an injured pedestrian, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including medical expenses (past and future), rehabilitation costs, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages. Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
What if the driver who hit me fled the scene or doesn't have insurance?
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident or by an uninsured driver, you may still have options for compensation. Your own auto insurance may cover you through uninsured motorist coverage, even though you were walking rather than driving. Additionally, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage may apply regardless of fault. Our attorneys will identify all potential sources of recovery.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Oregon?
Oregon has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents. This means you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, there can be exceptions, and it's important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, under Oregon's modified comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault is less than 51%. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.
How do Oregon's crosswalk laws protect pedestrians?
Oregon law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has completely crossed their lane and the adjacent lane. Oregon also has enhanced penalties for failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, including increased fines and potential license suspension.
What evidence is crucial in a pedestrian accident case?
Critical evidence includes police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, photographs of the accident scene, medical records, employment records for lost wage claims, and expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better chance we have of preserving and collecting this evidence.
How does Oregon handle hit-and-run pedestrian accidents?
Hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians are serious crimes in Oregon. Law enforcement will investigate to identify the driver. Even if the driver isn't found, you may still have options for compensation through your own insurance coverage, including uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection benefits.
What medical expenses are covered after a pedestrian accident?
Covered medical expenses typically include emergency room treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and medical equipment. In Oregon, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage provides immediate coverage regardless of fault, and additional expenses can be recovered from the at-fault driver's insurance.
How can Johnson Law, P.C. help with my pedestrian accident case?
Our experienced attorneys handle all aspects of your pedestrian accident claim, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary. We understand Oregon pedestrian laws and work to maximize your compensation while you focus on recovery. Our "Client First Guarantee" fee structure ensures attorney fees are only charged after your outstanding medical bills are paid.
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