Impact and Aftermath of Drunk Driving Accidents in Oregon

Every day, innocent people across the United States are killed by drunk drivers. But in Oregon, the devastating reality of drunk driver accident injuries is a fact too many face. From physical trauma to emotional pain, these crashes can leave long-lasting impacts on victims and their families.

The Consequences of Drunk Driving Crashes in Oregon

In Oregon, a person may be convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) if they are found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher while operating a vehicle. In fact, .08 is only the "presumptive" level for which you will be convicted if found to have .08 or above while operating a vehicle. You can be convicted for less than .08 BAC if you are still impaired while driving. Unfortunately, this law does not decrease the number of drunk driving crashes yearly in the state.

The consequences for those involved can be severe and life-altering. Victims may suffer serious physical injuries or even death from being involved in drunk driving crashes. Emotional trauma and financial hardship can also follow an intoxicated driver incident.

Financial Compensation for Victims' Losses

The financial burden of these accidents can be overwhelming for victims and their loved ones—and they should not have to bear this burden alone. Those injured by impaired drivers may be eligible to receive compensation from criminal and civil courts depending on their circumstances and state laws like Oregon's Dram Shop Act.

Victims may sometimes receive money for medical expenses; lost wages; pain and suffering; disability benefits; or even punitive damages if appropriate under the law. Additionally, compensation may be available from personal injury protection insurance policies held by either party involved in the accident or through uninsured motorist insurance coverage held by one or both parties involved in a crash due to lack of liability insurance coverage carried by either party at fault for an accident involving a drunk driver which causes injury or death to another person as required under Oregon Revised Statutes 806 (opens in a new tab).

Pacific Injury Law Firm Can Help

Experiencing an accident caused by someone else's negligence is never easy—especially when it involves alcohol use leading up to the incident itself—but you don't have to go through it alone with help from Pacific Injury Law Firm. We understand how overwhelming it can be trying to figure out your legal rights after such an event occurs, but we're here so that you don't need to do it alone! Our experienced attorneys will fight hard on your behalf so that you get what you deserve from any parties responsible for causing harm due to their recklessness while operating vehicles impaired because let's face it: no one should have their life turned upside down just because somebody else chose not to follow basic safety rules.