Pendleton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Representing Injured Pedestrians Throughout Umatilla County

When a driver strikes a pedestrian, the consequences are almost always severe. Pedestrians have no physical protection, and even a low-speed collision can cause life-changing injuries or death. At Hess Injury Law, we represent pedestrians and families in Pendleton and across Eastern Oregon who are facing the devastating aftermath of these crashes.

Whether you were hit in a crosswalk, while walking along the side of the road, or in a parking lot, our Pendleton pedestrian accident lawyers are here to make sure you don’t face the legal and financial burden alone.

We hold negligent drivers accountable. We deal directly with insurance companies. And we work to secure full compensation for our clients, whether that means a fair settlement or a trial verdict.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Pendleton

Most pedestrian accidents are preventable. They happen when drivers make reckless decisions, ignore pedestrian rights, or fail to pay attention in areas where foot traffic is expected. We routinely represent clients injured in accidents involving:

  • Failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections
  • Distracted driving, including texting or GPS use
  • Left-turn and right-turn collisions at traffic lights
  • Speeding in residential areas, near schools, or in parking lots
  • Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Reckless or aggressive driving
  • Backover incidents involving large trucks or SUVs
  • Hit-and-run drivers who flee the scene

Even if you’re unsure who was at fault, or if the driver left the scene, we can investigate and determine all available sources of recovery.

Serious Injuries Deserve Serious Legal Support

Because of the vulnerability of the human body, pedestrian injuries are often catastrophic. We’ve handled cases involving:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Complex fractures and broken bones
  • Internal organ damage
  • Permanent disability or loss of mobility
  • Severe facial trauma or disfigurement
  • Wrongful death

These cases require more than just filing a claim—they demand a thorough understanding of how injuries affect every aspect of a client’s life. We work closely with medical providers, life care planners, and financial experts to document long-term needs and ensure your case reflects the full scope of your losses.

Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Claims

Oregon law allows injured pedestrians to recover damages for both economic and non-economic harm. Depending on the specifics of your case, this may include:

  • Emergency medical care, hospitalization, and surgeries
  • Ongoing treatment, therapy, and future medical needs
  • Lost income and future earning capacity
  • Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life
  • Emotional distress, trauma, and anxiety
  • Permanent impairment or disfigurement
  • Funeral and burial costs (in wrongful death cases)

In hit-and-run cases or situations involving uninsured drivers, we can also explore claims through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if available.

Proving Fault in a Pedestrian Accident

Drivers often claim that the pedestrian “came out of nowhere” or wasn’t paying attention. Insurance companies may try to reduce or deny compensation by suggesting you were at fault.

But under Oregon’s comparative fault system, even if you’re partially responsible, you may still be entitled to recovery.

We build strong, evidence-based cases by:

  • Securing police reports and traffic citations
  • Interviewing witnesses and first responders
  • Collecting surveillance, dashcam, or traffic camera footage
  • Analyzing vehicle damage and scene evidence
  • Consulting accident reconstruction experts, when needed

The sooner we can begin this process, the better positioned we are to protect your interests.

Why Hess Injury Law

We’re not a billboard law firm or an out-of-town operation. Hess Injury Law is built on deep roots in Pendleton and a track record of results throughout Umatilla County.

When you work with us, you get a legal team that is local, experienced, and completely focused on personal injury and wrongful death.

Our clients choose us because we offer:

  • Dedicated experience with complex pedestrian injury cases
  • Local knowledge of the roadways, intersections, and court system
  • A hands-on, high-access approach to every case
  • A reputation for taking cases to trial when necessary
  • No upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win

We treat every case as if it’s going to trial—not because we expect it to, but because it’s the best way to prepare and protect you.

Time Is Limited—Don’t Wait to Take Action

In Oregon, most pedestrian injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the incident. If a public entity (such as a city-owned vehicle) is involved, you may need to provide notice in as little as 180 days. Delaying can also make it harder to gather evidence, locate witnesses, or preserve key records.

Talk to a Pendleton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love was hit by a vehicle while walking in Pendleton, Hess Injury Law is here to help. We offer free, confidential consultations to review your rights, explain your options, and begin protecting your future. There’s no obligation and no cost unless we recover compensation for you.

Reach out through our website today to schedule your free case evaluation.