If an impaired driver caused the accident that led to your injuries or the loss of your loved one, a Portland drunk driving accident lawyer can help you seek financial recovery.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 to discuss your case.
The Dangerous Effects of Driving Drunk
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that of the 495 traffic fatalities in Oregon in 2016, and that 100 of these instances involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15% or higher. At this level, even walking and talking become difficult.
Alcohol affects the central nervous system, which can lead to the impairment of your thinking, reasoning, and coordination. Some other dangers of driving drunk include a decrease in:
- Visual function
- Ability to divide your attention
- Ability to steer properly and stay in your own lane
- Response time to emergency situations or hazards
- Ability to concentrate
- Ability to control speed and brake properly
The Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) §813.010 prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. If you or a loved one suffered severe or fatal injuries as the result of an accident caused by an impaired driver, a Portland drunk driving accident lawyer can help you seek financial awards.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accidents lawyer serving Portland, call (844) 730-0233
Holding a Drunk Driver Accountable for Your Damages
While most states have either a fault or no-fault insurance system, Oregon uses a hybrid method to give accident victims options. All drivers must carry a minimum of $15,000 of personal injury protection (PIP), which they can use to cover their injuries regardless of who caused the accident. However, they also have the option of filing a claim against the at-fault driver in their accident, and Oregon does not have financial or injury thresholds on these claims.
A lawyer can help you hold the driver accountable for your drunk driving accident by proving negligence in your case. This consists of demonstrating that the driver had a duty to exercise reasonable caution to protect your safety, they breached that duty of care by drinking and driving, and their breach of duty caused your injuries or the loss of your loved one, which led to your significant damages.
Once you have established liability, a lawyer can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Portland Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
A Portland Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help You Fight for Fair Compensation
Whether you choose to go through your own insurance or file a claim against the at-fault driver in your accident, insurance companies often hesitate to provide you with an adequate settlement amount. They work for a profit, and making money on you matters more to them than helping the victims who need it.
If you file a claim on your own, you may find that an adjuster will try to undermine your injuries or find a way to point the finger at you in an effort to intimidate you and prevent you from pursuing a higher settlement. An attorney can handle all of the communication and negotiations on your behalf to fight for a fair settlement and, if necessary, take your case to trial.
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Compensation for Drunk Driving Accident Victims
The amount of financial recovery you may qualify for and the types of compensation you can pursue depends on the details of your case, such as the severity of your injuries, whether or not you had to take time off work, if you lost a loved one, and the availability of insurance coverage. Awards may include:
- Emergency medical care, rehabilitation, and other accident-related healthcare needs
- Lost wages for the time you missed at work due to your injuries
- Loss of earning capacity if you lost a loved one who provided for you financially or if your injuries prevented you from returning to work long-term or permanently
- Property damage for your vehicle and other personal effects
- Pain and suffering for the various forms of trauma you suffered as a result of the accident
- Funeral and burial expenses if you lost a loved one in the accident
A Portland drunk driving accident lawyer cannot guarantee a certain amount, but they can assess your damages and help you seek adequate compensation.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Oregon Statutes of Limitations on Drunk Driving Accident Claims
Victims and their families have a certain amount of time, known as a statute of limitations, during which they can file their drunk driving accident claim in Oregon. As a rule, victims have up to two years to settle their claim or file a lawsuit against the driver who caused their injuries, while family members of victims who lost their lives in an accident can usually file a wrongful death claim within two years of their loved one’s passing. A lawyer can determine how much time you have remaining and get started on your case right away.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today
Drinking comes with responsibilities, and when people choose to consume alcohol and get behind the wheel, their reckless decision puts everyone around them in danger.
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, our lawyers understand the long-term effects drunk driving accidents can have on the lives of victims and their families, and we can help you pursue the financial awards you deserve for your suffering. Contact us today at (844) 730-0233 to speak with our legal team about your free case evaluation.
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