call today for your free evaluation
call today for your free evaluation
A proven record of verdicts and settlements
Pedestrian accidents are becoming an increasing problem throughout the United States. Nationwide, approximately 4,700 people are killed and another 76,000 are injured in these types of accidents every year. The victims of many of these accidents are older adults and children, and leading causes of pedestrian accidents include driver intoxication and driver distraction.
Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC is a fierce advocate for injury victims. We have been voted one of the “Best Law Firms” by US News for our work representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases. We are experienced Portland pedestrian accident trial attorneys who do whatever it takes to secure justice for our clients. For example:
The client was walking her dog through a marked crosswalk with the traffic signal in her favor. As she proceeded through the intersection, a TriMet bus made a left turn and failed to yield to her. The bus struck the client and knocked her to the ground. She became trapped beneath the vehicle and sustained catastrophic injuries. Emergency responders freed her, but the injuries were severe and life-altering. The client suffered serious head trauma and extensive injuries to her leg. Despite multiple surgical attempts to save the limb, the damage was irreparable, and a below-the-knee amputation was required. What should have been a routine walk resulted in permanent disability. The investigation identified clear safety failures. The bus operator failed to maintain proper awareness, did not yield to a pedestrian with the right of way, and was unable to safely complete the turn. These were basic operational errors with devastating consequences. This case reflects a recurring issue in pedestrian injury cases involving public transportation: when safety protocols are not followed, pedestrians bear the greatest risk. At Paulson Coletti, we represent pedestrians seriously injured by preventable vehicle collisions. These cases are about enforcing traffic safety standards and holding operators and institutions accountable when failures result in catastrophic harm.
Portland Pedestrian Accident Involving a City Bus
A majority of pedestrian accidents in Portland, OR, occur at crosswalks. Although Portland is one of the most pedestrian-friendly urban areas in the nation, there are still an unfortunate number of crosswalk accidents. Pedestrian injuries can be caused by:
If the wrongful or negligent actions of a driver led to you or a loved one being seriously injured, you may have legal recourse. We invite you to discuss your case with our firm. From crashes caused by drivers that were texting to drunk driving accident lawsuits in Portland, we can help.
Portland residents who’ve experienced pedestrian injuries should not be thinking about dealing with insurance companies. They should focus on healing, not medical expenses and medical bills. It is the goal of our pedestrian accident attorneys to take the burden off you so you can focus on healing.
Every civil pedestrian accident claim in Portland is going to revolve around the concept of negligence. Negligence may mean one thing in a regular context, but when discussing legal cases, negligence has an entirely different meaning. In order for a civil claim to move forward successfully, the following four elements of negligence must be in place:
Unfortunately, pedestrian accident injuries are often severe due to the very nature of the mechanics behind the incidents. Pedestrians do not have any protection from the force of a heavier object slamming into them. Even a slower-moving vehicle can lead to a pedestrian sustaining significant injuries in a collision. Accidents that occur at higher speeds often result in catastrophic injuries or death for a pedestrian.
Some of the most common injuries that we assist pedestrians with after a crash in Portland include the following:
In addition to the physical injuries pedestrians often sustain as a result of a vehicle collision, we must also be aware of the just local and emotional pain and suffering these victims endure. This can include significant physical pain caused by the injuries as well as long-term emotional and psychological trauma caused by the injuries, the recovery process, and any disabilities sustained. We regularly help clients recover complete compensation for their losses, including coverage of these less visible types of injuries.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration calculated 55 pedestrian fatalities resulting from motor vehicle accidents in 2012 out of a total 336 fatalities. In other words 16.4% of all traffic crash fatalities are pedestrians.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (DOT), there are approximately 850 accidents that involve pedestrians annually. In 2013, the pedestrian fatality rate was down 7.12% but 52 people were still killed in avoidable traffic accidents. The DOT also revealed that 814 pedestrians were injured in 2013 traffic accidents.
Statistically, the number one driver error in accidents involving pedestrians is failure to yield the right-of-way, while the number one pedestrian error is crossing between intersections.
No Fees Unless We Win
Pedestrian accident victims in Portland are often able to recover a wide range of compensation types. Our goal is to recover “special” and “general” damages on behalf of each client that we assist.
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded. In Oregon, punitive damages are reserved for situations where the actions of a plaintiff are grossly negligent or intentional. The decision to award punitive damages typically rests with a jury if the pedestrian accident claim goes to trial, and these damages act as a punishment to the defendant as well as a deterrent to others.
At Paulson Coletti, “liberty and justice for all” is more than just a phrase – it is our mandate. Our team of trial lawyers is driven to pursue justice for the injured, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. With a high success rate both in and out of the courtroom, you can trust our Oregon personal injury lawyers to be the legal advocates you need so your voice can be heard.
In many cases, fault for a pedestrian accident will lie completely with another party and not the pedestrian victim. However, there are times when shared fault situations could arise. For example, if a pedestrian failed to cross the street at a crosswalk when there was one available but was subsequently struck by an impaired driver, there may be questions about shared fault and compensation.
In Oregon, there is a “modified comparative negligence” system in place. This means that there’s a way to apportion compensation depending on the percentage of fault an individual had for a particular incident. In Oregon, individuals can recover compensation if they are less than 51% responsible for causing their own injuries. Anyone 51% or more responsible for causing their injuries will not be able to recover compensation.
The compensation will be decided depending on the percentage of fault for an individual. For example, if a pedestrian accident victim is awarded $100,000, but a jury then decides that they were 10% responsible for the incident because of their actions, then they would receive $90,000 instead of the full $100,000.
One of the most common tactics used by insurance carriers and at-fault parties is to try to shift some or all of the blame onto a victim for a pedestrian accident claim. You need to work with a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in Portland who can help push back against any allegations of fault to help recover maximum compensation for your losses.
We understand how challenging it can be to get by financially after a pedestrian accident occurs. The prospect of paying for an attorney can be scary. At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, we handle pedestrian accident claims in Portland on a contingency fee basis. This means clients only pay legal fees after our team successfully recovers compensation for their losses.
The total legal fee will revolve around an agreed-upon percentage of the final settlement or jury verdict. Clients pay no costs upfront or out-of-pocket related to their claim, and if we do not win, clients do not pay a dime.
“Most cases settle, but each of our cases is prepared as if it’s going to trial. The insurance companies know it and so do the defense lawyers defending them. That’s why we get such great results for our clients.”
There are various steps that pedestrians can take to help protect their well-being and their claim against an at-fault party:
No Fees Unless We Win
The Portland pedestrian accident attorneys at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC have more than 100 years of collective legal experience and have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients. We have been awarded for our work representing the rights of accident victims with recognition such as:
We take on cases we believe in and believe we can win. If you would like to learn more about being represented by the Portland pedestrian accident lawyers at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC , call us at (503) 226-6361 or fill out an online form. Our Portland personal injury attorneys are always available to offer a free consultation.
Find directions to our Portland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer’s office.
At Paulson Coletti, a local firm based in Oregon, justice is our mission. As experienced trial attorneys, we fight for injury victims across Oregon and Washington, holding negligent parties accountable. With a proven track record in and out of the courtroom, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. We take a client-centered approach, focusing on cases we believe in and delivering results that matter. No fees unless we win-because justice should never come with financial risk.
Client Reviews
John and Lisa were extremely helpful with my family as we navigated damages sustained in a tragic car accident. They were very knowledgeable throughout the entire process. Their communication and empathy to our situation was greatly appreciated.
I can’t imagine working our way through the tragedy without them by our side. I would highly recommend Paulson and Coletti!
Working with John was an excellent experience from start to finish. He fought long and hard to secure a fair and just settlement in our case, and his dedication never wavered. John and his staff were consistently considerate, helpful, and communicative throughout the entire process, always taking the time to answer our questions and keep us informed. Given the complicated and sensitive nature of our case, I’m truly grateful we had John in our corner. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, we achieved a better outcome than we could have hoped for.
I had an excellent experience working with Jane and her team on my accident case. From start to finish, their team was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about getting the best possible outcome for me.
I highly recommend Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys to anyone who needs legal representation. They made a stressful situation much easier to navigate, and I’m extremely grateful for everything they did for me.
I recently engaged John Coletti to represent me in a challenging legal matter, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From our initial consultation, it was evident that John possessed an exceptional depth of knowledge, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to his clients. He took the time to thoroughly understand the nuances of our case, explaining complex legal concepts in clear, accessible terms while always keeping me informed and involved throughout the process.
John not only delivered outstanding results but also provided compassionate support during what could have been an overwhelming stressful time.
If you’re seeking an attorney who combines professionalism, integrity, and proven success, look no further than John Coletti.
My family is profoundly grateful for his representation.
View More Reviews on Google Maps.
No, drivers are not always at fault. Fault depends on the full circumstances of the crash. Pedestrians who jaywalk, cross against a signal, or are inattentive may share responsibility. Oregon’s modified comparative negligence rule allows recovery provided the pedestrian bears less than 51% of the fault.
Do not provide a recorded statement or accept any settlement offer before speaking with an attorney. Early offers rarely reflect the full value of a claim. Refer all communications to your attorney and document every contact initiated by the insurer.
Oregon law gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Under ORS 12.110, missing this deadline bars recovery. Claims involving government entities, such as a city bus, may carry shorter notice periods, making early consultation important.
Yes, crossing outside a marked crosswalk does not eliminate your right to compensation, but it may affect how fault is apportioned. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, crossing between intersections is the leading pedestrian error in accident cases. An attorney can evaluate how these circumstances affect your ability to recover.
Compensation accounts for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Oregon courts may award punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.
Strong evidence establishes how the crash occurred and who bears responsibility. Key documentation includes photos of the scene, the police report, witness contact information, medical records, and traffic or surveillance camera footage. Preserving this evidence early is critical, as recordings can disappear quickly. A Portland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can help protect this information.
Yes, most pedestrian accident claims resolve through settlement rather than trial. Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys prepares every case for trial, which is why our negotiations produce stronger outcomes. A Portland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer from our team pursues maximum recovery through negotiation or at trial.
This page has been written, edited, and fact-checked by our team of legal writers in accordance with our editorial guidelines. It has been approved by partners Jane Paulson and John Coletti—respected trial attorneys with decades of experience representing personal injury victims.
385 First Street, Ste 217 Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Get directions
(503) 226-6361 