Bing Liu, 19, was seriously injured in an Oregon car accident after he was struck by a driver at a McMinnville intersection the evening of January 7, 2010. According to a news report in The Oregonian, the accident occurred at the intersection of Southwest Baker Street near Keck Drive. The driver, 22-year-old Christina Hansing, was pulling out of a parking lot on Keck Drive and turned left on Baker before striking Liu. He was airlifted to an area hospital where he is listed in good condition. Hansing has not yet been cited pending an investigation. This is apparently the second vehicle versus pedestrian accident at this particular intersection just over the last one month.

I'm pleased to note that the victim in this case, Bing Liu, is recovering from his injuries. Liu is apparently a student at Linfield College. I wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery. He will be in my prayers.

Oregon Pedestrian Accidents

According to ODOT, pedestrians account for 10 to 15 percent of traffic fatalities each year in Oregon. More than 550 pedestrians were injured and 45 were killed in traffic accidents in Oregon in 2004. And nearly 75 percent of driver errors in pedestrian accidents involve failure on the part of the driver to yield to the pedestrian. Half of the pedestrians who are struck by vehicles are hit when they are in a crosswalk.

What Caused this Collision?

Based on this news report, it appears that Liu was in a crosswalk at the time of this injury accident. The question is why did Hansing not see Liu crossing the street. Was she distracted, driving recklessly, speeding, inattentive or otherwise negligent at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, such as an obstruction, which prevented Hansing from seeing Liu?

Who Should be Held Liable?

If Hansing is found to be at fault for failing to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian, she could be held liable for Liu's injuries. An experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this accident. If that was the case, then the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any such claim against the governmental agency in Oregon must be filed within six months of the accident or injury.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

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