Oregon is a very pedestrian-friendly state, and its pedestrian law is complicated. It outlines the responsibilities of drivers and of pedestrians. If you were injured as a pedestrian, in Oregon, you need to know that simply being a pedestrian does not mean you will not be found at fault or partly to blame for your injuries. Pedestrians are expected to use due care and your opponent will try to prove that you were not. You need an experienced Oregon pedestrian injury attorney fighting for you.
Marked and Unmarked Crosswalks
In Oregon, pedestrians are required to yield the right of way to vehicles when crossing the road outside of a crosswalk. There is a crosswalk at every intersection, even if it’s not marked. However, the width of the unmarked crosswalk varies depending on whether the road has or lacks a sidewalk or shoulder.
There are no “unmarked” crosswalks mid-block. If you aren’t crossing at an intersection, you only have the right of way if you are crossing in a marked crosswalk.
Roller Skates, Horses and Tractors
Oregon classifies a pedestrian as a “vulnerable user of a public way”, but this designation is not limited to people walking on foot or in a wheelchair. It also applies if you are on:
- A horse or other animal
- Roller skates
- In-line skates
- Skateboard
- Scooter
- Bicycle
- Farm equipment
Highway workers are also considered vulnerable users.
Hitchhikers
Oregon requires pedestrians to get as far as they can from moving cars when walking on a road that has a shoulder and no sidewalk. You’re supposed to walk on the far edge of the left shoulder of the road. Failure to do so constitutes an offense of “pedestrian with improper position upon or improperly proceeding along a highway.”
However, there is a specific exception for hitchhikers that allows them to be on the right-hand shoulder, as they must be to get a ride, as long as they are facing traffic, not walking with their backs to traffic.
If you have been injured as a pedestrian in Oregon, do not assume you will automatically win your case. Call the Law Office of J. Clay McCaslin at 503-239-1910 or email us today and schedule your free initial consultation.