Lindsay A. Leonard, 23, was killed in a Portland car accident the night of November 1, 2009 after she was struck by a car while trying to cross a street with her friend. According to a news report in The Portland Tribune, the pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Foster Road and 80th Avenue. Leonard and her friend Jessica Finlay, 29, were walking in a marked crosswalk when a westbound Chevy Impala hit them. Leonard was pronounced dead at the scene. Finlay has been hospitalized with critical injuries. The fatal accident is under investigation.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Lindsay Leonard for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. I also hope and pray that Jessica Finlay makes a quick and complete recovery from her critical injuries. Please keep Leonard's family and the injured Finlay in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents in Portland

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.

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 crosswalk -- whether it is marked or unmarked (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.

Car Accident Liability Issues

In this particular case, it is not clear why the driver of the Impala did not see the pedestrians or stop for them. Was the driver under the influence? Was he or she distracted in some way? Was the driver speeding or negligent in any way? The answers to these questions could help determine what exactly happened here. Leonard's family certainly deserves to know the answers.

Leonard's family as well as the injured victim, Jessica Finlay, would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Portland personal injury attorney who will fight for their rights and make sure they receive fair compensation in this case. A skilled car accident lawyer should also look into whether there was a dangerous condition at that intersection. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is 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 us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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