Pedestrian Deaths Are Rising in Portland and Across the U.S. Mayor Law, LLC Can Help

Published by Mayor Law, LLC Portland, Oregon

Pedestrian deaths and serious injuries are increasing nationwide, and Portland is no exception. Recent national reporting shows that pedestrian fatalities have risen by roughly 70 percent since 2010 in the U.S., despite more than 45 major cities adopting Vision Zero plans intended to eliminate roadway fatalities. Yet, almost every Vision Zero city saw pedestrian deaths stay the same or rise. (Washington Post, 2025)

What is unfolding across the country is also happening here at home. Pedestrians in Portland are now facing the most dangerous conditions in decades.

Portland and Oregon: A Crisis Close to Home

Portland has now recorded back-to-back historically high levels of pedestrian fatalities:

  • 69 total traffic deaths in 2023, the highest in decades
  • 24 were pedestrians, representing 35 percent of all traffic deaths
  • 58 total traffic deaths in 2024
  • 22 were pedestrians, representing 36 percent of all deaths

Over the past five years (2020 to 2024), Portland has averaged about 24 pedestrian deaths per year, up from 15 per year during 2015 to 2019. That is a 60 percent increase, and it has not slowed.

East Portland Hit the Hardest

High speed arterials such as:

  • SE Powell
  • 82nd Avenue
  • TV Highway
  • SE Division
  • NE Halsey

remain Portland’s most deadly corridors, where residents face nearly double the pedestrian fatality rate compared to the rest of the city. Despite crosswalk upgrades, speed reductions, and signage improvements, fatalities continue at levels never seen in prior decades.

Why Pedestrian Collisions Are Increasing

Both nationally and locally, the same conditions are driving death rates higher:

  • Distracted Driving: Phones, in dash screens, streaming, and navigation apps leave drivers visually and cognitively distracted more than ever.
  • Larger, Deadlier Vehicles: SUVs and trucks now dominate the road. These vehicles strike higher on the body, causing traumatic brain injuries, spinal fractures, internal organ trauma, and fatal chest and abdominal injuries.
  • Speed: Many Portland pedestrian deaths occur on 35 to 45 mph roads. At those impact speeds, pedestrians have less than a 20 percent chance of surviving without catastrophic injury.
  • Failing Road Design Priorities: Vision Zero promised redesigns, lighting, protected crossings, and speed enforcement, but budget limitations, political resistance, and community pushback stalled many plans.
  • Nighttime and Lighting Conditions: A large share of Portland’s pedestrian fatalities occur after dark, when visibility and street lighting become critical, yet insufficient.

“I Was Just Crossing the Street”

Every pedestrian case Mayor Law, LLC handles begins the same way:

  • “I looked. I had the walk signal.”
  • “I never even saw the car.”
  • “The driver said they didn’t see me.”

Pedestrian victims have no steel frame, no airbags, and no protection. The collision lasts one second. The recovery can last a lifetime.

What Injured Pedestrians Can Recover Under Oregon Law

Mayor Law, LLC aggressively pursues full rightful compensation, including:

Economic Damages

  • Medical bills and hospitalization
  • Future surgeries and rehabilitation
  • Mobility devices and long term care
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity

Non Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Emotional and psychological trauma
  • Scarring, disfigurement, and permanent disability

Wrongful Death Damages

For families who have lost a loved one:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Financial loss to the family
  • Lost earnings over remaining working lifetime
  • Loss of companionship and guidance

What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Collision

  • Seek medical attention immediately
    Even mild symptoms may later reveal brain injury, internal bleeding, or ligament damage.
  • Do not speak to insurance adjusters
    Their goal is to minimize payout, not assist you.
  • Preserve evidence
    Photos of the scene, vehicle, lighting, crosswalk, and injuries
    Witness contact information
    Police report number
    Clothing and shoes worn at the time
  • Contact legal counsel early
    Evidence disappears fast including traffic video, phone data, dash cams, skid marks, and lighting conditions.

These Are Not Accidents They Are Preventable

Nationwide failures in street design, enforcement, and speed control have left pedestrians exposed. Portland’s decades high death rates confirm what many already feel walking their neighborhoods. Our streets are not built for people, they are built for cars. Mayor Law, LLC believes pedestrians deserve better.

How Mayor Law, LLC Helps

We represent injured pedestrians and grieving families with the full weight of:

  • Experienced trial advocacy
  • Accident reconstruction
  • Traffic engineering analysis
  • Speed and visibility studies
  • Crosswalk, lighting, and infrastructure review

If a dangerous roadway, poor lighting, speed environment, or design flaw contributed to the crash, we pursue all liable parties, not just the driver.

If You or a Loved One Has Been Hit While Walking

You do not need to navigate this system alone.

Mayor Law, LLC Pedestrian Injury and Wrongful Death Attorneys
Portland, Oregon

Call: (503) 444 2825
Visit: www.mayorlaw.com
Email: travis@mayorlaw.com