Jeffrey P. Waldrop, 54, was killed in a Portland car accident after he was hit by a vehicle at a city intersection. According to a news report in The Oregonian, Waldrop was struck near the corner of Southeast Foster Road and Southeast 65th Road the night of May 2, 2010. Portland police officials identified the driver as 30-year-old Nathan Russell Baxter. Waldrop died on the way to the hospital. An investigation is ongoing.

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My heart goes out to the family and friends of Jeffrey Waldrop for their tragic and devastating loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to them. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation's (ODOT) crash statistics, 11 fatalities and 154 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Portland, in 2007. During the same period in Portland, car accidents claimed 34 lives and caused 5,087 injuries.

Laws and Liability Issues

Under Oregon law, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Oregon law requires a driver to stop and stay stopped for a pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk (ORS 811.010). The driver cannot continue until the pedestrian is no longer in the lane in which the driver's vehicle is traveling or in a lane adjacent to the lane in which the driver's vehicle is traveling.

Based on this news report it is not entirely clear how or why this car accident occurred. There are still many questions here. We do not know where Waldrop was walking at the time? Was he in a marked or unmarked crosswalk? Was he crossing at the intersection? Was the driver, Baxter, under the influence, speeding, distracted or driving recklessly at the time of the collision? I trust officials are investigating these and other factors in determining who caused this fatal collision.

In such cases, injured victims' families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the collision. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. In Oregon, any claim against a governmental entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

Which are the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in your city?

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 Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.