Portland has a lot of progressive minded pedestrians who prefer to stay healthy and preserve the environment by walking instead of driving. This means that motorists need to use extra caution when driving on Portland streets. They need to keep an eye out for pedestrians at all times, and especially at crosswalks to avoid causing injurious or fatal car versus pedestrian accidents.
Sadly, with the rising use of cellphones, drivers are often inattentive or distracted on Portland roads. This is especially dangerous in parking lots, school zones and crosswalks. Pedestrians are no match the weight of an automobile and it is not uncommon for individuals hit by cars to suffer permanently disabling spinal cord injuries, traumatic brainjuries, broken bones and even death.
Car drivers are required to have insurance that pays for damages in the event the driver negligently causes an auto accident, and injured pedestrians may be able to pursue claims against the insurance company in this regard. However, insurance companies may try to argue that the pedestrian was at fault in a motor vehicle crash in order to avoid compensating the pedestrian for damages relating to the costs of his or her medical care, pain and suffering and in ability to work following a serious crash. Therefore, whenever a pedestrian is hit and injured by a motorist, it is important to look at the accident to determine liability, and to start building a strong case for recovery immediately.
At Schoenfeld & Schoenfeld, PC, we have extensive experience helping pedestrians build strong claims for recovery against negligent drivers that hit and injure them. In some cases, we employ medical experts and accident reconstruction experts to help illuminate how the crash occurred and why a particular driver was at fault. These expert analyses often play a vital role in proving liability in cases.
