A pedestrian was killed in an Oregon car accident the afternoon of April 7, 2010 after he was struck by an elderly driver on the Highway 30, near milepost 59. According to a KOIN news report, the man was driving a Hyundai Sonata west on Highway 30. The driver told officials that he stopped his vehicle when he felt "something" strike the windshield. The man had actually hit a pedestrian who was walking on the highway. The accident victim died at the scene. Anyone who saw the crash is asked to contact Oregon State Police officials at 800-452-7888.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this deceased victim for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

In all of Oregon, in 2007, 50 fatalities and 583 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008, 4,378 people died in pedestrian accidents nationwide. That amounts to 12 pedestrian fatalities each day. Also, in 2008, 69,000 people were injured in pedestrian versus vehicle accidents in the United States.

What Caused this Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this fatal pedestrian accident occurred. Where exactly on the highway was the pedestrian walking? Why did the elderly driver fail to see him? Whose fault was this accident? Did the driver fail to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian? Was he speeding, impaired, distracted or otherwise negligent? Also, did this senior driver have a valid license and the necessary skills to drive? A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds fatality rates for drivers begin to climb after age 65. In 2005, about 11 percent of fatal car accidents in the United States had involved drivers 65 or older.

Liability Issues

If the elderly driver is determined to have been at fault, then, he could be held liable for the accident and resulting wrongful death. Victims or their families in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the accident and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable injury lawyer will also be able to advise victims' families about how their own car insurance policy applies to an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Lawyer Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

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