Two vehicle struck pedestrian on eastbound side near North Hurst Way
December 05, 2025 | Portland, OR
Portland authorities have confirmed the identity of a pedestrian who lost his life in a tragic traffic incident.
James J. Hatton, 65, died after two vehicles struck him on the eastbound side of North Columbia Boulevard near North Hurst Way in Portland.
What Happened in the Crash?
On Dec. 5, at around 7:17 p.m., 65-year-old James J. Hatton was struck by two vehicles while on the eastbound side of North Columbia Boulevard near North Hurst Way. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite immediate response efforts.
Key details include:
- Date and Time: Dec. 5, 2025, approximately 7:17 p.m.
- Location: Eastbound North Columbia Boulevard near North Hurst Way, Portland, OR
- Victim: James J. Hatton, 65
- Vehicles Involved: Two eastbound vehicles, and both drivers remained at the scene
- Outcome: Fatal injuries, and the victim deceased on-site
- Investigation Status: Ongoing by Portland Police Bureau, and tips welcomed via email at tips@police.portlandoregon.gov
Both drivers cooperated fully with investigators, and no charges have been announced as the investigation continues.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrians remain highly vulnerable on roadways, often due to factors beyond their control. Common contributors include driver distraction, poor visibility, and failure to yield.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pedestrian deaths have risen in recent years, with over 7,000 reported annually nationwide. In Portland, the Police Bureau notes 41 traffic fatalities in the city so far in 2025.
Factor |
Contribution to Pedestrian Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Driver Distraction |
25% of cases involve cell phone use or inattention |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Poor Lighting/Visibility |
Nighttime accidents account for 75% of pedestrian fatalities |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Failure to Yield |
Drivers often ignore pedestrian right-of-way at intersections |
CDC |
Speeding |
Increases severity, and 40% of fatal crashes involve excess speed |
NHTSA |
Bright headlights and attentive driving can help mitigate risks, especially in low-light conditions.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on incidents involving pedestrians and vehicles.
“In cases such as this, pedestrians typically hold the right of way when crossing streets or intersections, even outside marked crosswalks,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Bond emphasizes the need for thorough investigations to establish negligence.
“Factors like road conditions, visibility, and lighting must be examined to understand contributing elements,” added Bond, a national legal analyst with Newsline.
Key takeaways:
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for losses including income, companionship, and emotional distress.
- Attorneys can advocate against lowball insurance settlements to secure fair compensation.
- “It’s the driver’s responsibility to yield to pedestrians,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Proper legal guidance helps navigate these complex situations compassionately.”
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).