Everyone is a pedestrian (as long as you are not in a motor vehicle) and with that comes some legal responsibility in the crash injury scenario between a car and person. There is an average of 10-15% of traffic fatalities which involve pedestrians each year. Just in 2004, there were over 550 pedestrians injured and 45 were killed in a motor vehicle crash in the state of Oregon alone.

With more people visiting and living in Oregon, our streets have became much busier and injury accident involving cars and people have increased. While we must remember that our streets must be shared equally by both drivers and pedestrians it’s a priority to understand their responsibility on the streets. Around 75% of motor vehicle – pedestrian car accidents are due to driver miscalculations when yielding to a pedestrian crossing the street in the state of Oregon.

Here are some safety tips for both Oregon drivers and pedestrians:

1 – Under Oregon state law there is always a crosswalk at all intersections.
2 – A vehicle must stop at least 30 feet before the first white line of a crosswalk. This is to help the drivers around the vehicle to see any pedestrians crossing.
3 – Never block an intersection. This act makes the pedestrian go around the car and therefore could be in more danger to passing cars.
4 – Also watch out for children or animals when leaving a place of business. Most driveways go through a crosswalk or walkway. Be on alert when you are driving in a heavily pedestrian area, such as a shopping center or park.
5 – Children and animals are unpredictable. Always go at a slower pace when you feel they might be around. It is safe to always think they might dart out in front of your vehicle.
6 – Also watch your surroundings. If you are driving around a business of a bar or tavern, be alert for pedestrians that are slowed with impaired judgment.
7 – During low light situations, be alert and ready. Low light makes it harder to see pedestrians, especially if they are wearing dark colored clothing.

A good tip is to always drive slowly and walk carefully to ensure no car – pedestrian accidents occur. If a car pedestrian crash does happen, make sure you get the help of an attorney with knowledge and experience. That’s my best advice in doing these cases over the last 16 years as an injury accident Oregon and Washington car accident lawyer.

Crosswalk laws in the State of Oregon were written to provide a buffer of safety for pedestrians on the roadway. Pedestrians are unfortunately the losers in any collisions with a car . Studies show that a walker hit at 40 mph has an 85% chance of dying from car accident trauma in the state of Oregon.

The current law in Oregon for crosswalks is as follows: A crosswalk is located at any public street junction marked by paint. A crosswalk maybe also be located between junctions but marked by solid white lines.

As a driver in Oregon state you must remember that you have responsibilities to pedestrians.
1. Remember to stop and continue to remain stopped until the pedestrian is cleared your lane and at least up to 6 feet into the following lane.
2. Do not continue across a crosswalk if a crossing guard is present and you are being directed not to continue.
3. Always remain stopped when a blind pedestrian is crossing. A blind pedestrian will either have a white cane or guide dog for assistance. Do not start to move until they have reached the other side of the crosswalk.

If the pedestrian is in a safety buffer when you enter the crosswalk, it is possible for you to be fined for any amount over $200.00.

As a pedestrian in Oregon state you must remember that you have responsibilities to drivers. Obey all traffic lights and signals. Never walk in front of a car or truck without first watching what they are doing. Though a car or truck must stop for you, it is your responsibility to make sure you are given the OK by the signal to cross into the crosswalk.

The best advice is to always make sure the walker is on the other side of the street before you continue your movement through the crosswalk. Saving your life or theirs is worth the couple minutes it will take for them to safely cross the street.

Given that pedestrians are always the underdogs it is best to consult with an experienced injury lawyer to determine your rights and how medical bills will be covered.

When a car backs up in a parking lot or any similar location (in the state of Oregon or the state of Washington) and hits a pedestrian the driver will, in most cases, be liable for the injuries which result. With more hybrid type cars like the Honda Prius backing up injuries may escalate as most pedestrians are use to the typical sounds made by a full carbon gasoline car.

When a car backs into a person the issue will be whether the driver was negligent by failing to keep a proper lookout. Every driver has a legal duty of care to turn their head and look over their shoulder before backing up. Most backing up pedestrian injury cases occur when the driver fails to look over their shoulder. With a new age in driving now arriving with hybrid electric cars and other non gasoline powered cars the pedestrian once again faces a perhaps uncertain future as cars get quieter and less noisy.