The Oregonian reported that the City of Portland has recorded 12 traffic fatalities in the first half of 2016. This is an increase of approximately 40% from the same period the previous year. Five of those killed were pedestrians, and one was riding a bicycle.

These tragedies highlight the danger inherent in automobile vs. pedestrian (or bicyclist) collisions.

Automobiles are designed with a variety of important safety features that help absorb impact, distribute the energy throughout the frame of the vehicle, and try to minimize the damage done to the occupants. None of these protections are available to those who are hit while walking or riding a bicycle.

As a result, car collisions with pedestrians or bikes tend to result in significant injuries. These can include broken bones, severe lacerations, traumatic brain injury, and other potentially life-threatening conditions.

Furthermore, if someone is hit while walking or riding a bicycle, the insurance benefits available to them may be different from those who are hit while driving or riding in an automobile. People who have been injured by a vehicle while walking or riding a bike should learn about their rights as soon as possible. Corbridge Law Offices has helped numerous clients in this situation, and our attorneys are available to answer any questions you might have regarding a pedestrian or bicycle collision.

* The information obtained herein was from “‘Amid jump in traffic deaths, advocates say region missing chance to fund safety projects,” by Elliot Njus, The Oregonian (April 03, 2016).