Bend Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Hit by a drunk driver?
You deserve more than their insurer offers.
Passionately Seeking Justice for Clients
Over 10,000 people die from drunk driving incidents every year in the U.S. Despite the progress we’ve made to lessen the chances of people dying in DUI accidents, drunk driving is still a leading cause of death and injury on American roadways. If you’ve been hurt or a drunk driver has killed a loved one, we can help you get the compensation you and your family deserve.
At Precision Litigation Northwest, our skilled lawyers have won and settled numerous accident lawsuits for drunk-driving-related injuries.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today by calling 541-948-8830 for your free injury consultation. You don’t pay any money up front, and our fees are on a contingency basis only.
Who Is Responsible After a DUI Incident?
Not only is the drunk driver held accountable for your pain and suffering — the bar, social host, or restaurant who supplied the driver with alcohol may also be responsible. Drunk driving accident lawsuits are complex, and other people may have some responsibility for the accident. Unfortunately, what we’ve seen time and time again is that drunk driving victims tend to experience much more severe and debilitating injuries than other car accident victims. Sober, but distracted or careless, drivers usually take evasive action to lessen the severity of a wreck, but a drunk driver is too impaired to do this.
Common Injuries from Drunk Driving Collisions
Our clients often come to us with these types of devastating and painful injuries:
- Strains, sprains, and slow-healing soft tissue injuries
- Airbag- or seatbelt-related injuries
- Broken collarbones and arms that prevent them from working or fulfilling family responsibilities
- Spinal injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Hemorrhages
- Herniated disks and whiplash
- Femoral head fractures
- Shoulder injuries
- Wrist fractures
- Wrongful death
If a drunk driver killed a family member of yours, we can help obtain a settlement for you and your loved ones.
Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents in Bend, OR
In Bend, the scenic beauty and vibrant community life can sometimes be overshadowed by the harsh reality of drunk driving accidents. With the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office actively working to combat impaired driving, local residents are reminded of the importance of safe driving practices. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, drunk driving remains a significant concern, leading to devastating accidents that affect families and communities.
Recognizing Common Stressors Our Clients Face
Local resources, such as the Bend Police Department, are dedicated to addressing DUI incidents, but the aftermath can leave victims and their families feeling overwhelmed. Many individuals face not only physical injuries but also emotional and financial burdens. The stress of mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the uncertainty of recovery can be daunting. We understand that navigating these challenges can feel isolating, especially when dealing with the repercussions of someone else’s reckless behavior.
In addition to the physical injuries that often result from drunk driving collisions, victims in Bend may also experience long-term emotional trauma. The impact of these accidents can ripple through families and communities, making it essential to seek support and legal guidance. Our team can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident in Bend, we encourage you to reach out for assistance. Local organizations and support groups are available to help victims cope with the aftermath of these incidents. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and we are committed to standing by your side as you seek justice and recovery.
Commonly Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a DUI accident?
How can I prove the other driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident?
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a drunk driving accident in Oregon?
In Oregon, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including those related to drunk driving accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the incident. Delaying legal action can complicate your case and may result in losing your right to compensation.
Will my case go to trial, or can it be settled out of court?
Many drunk driving accident cases are resolved through settlements before they go to trial. A settlement allows both parties to avoid the time and expense associated with a courtroom trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to litigation. An experienced attorney can negotiate on your behalf and build a strong case, whether for settlement or for trial.
Financial Recovery for Drunk Driving Accident Victims
When our clients come to us with these types of serious injuries, they’re often buried under a pile of mounting medical bills and are in a panic about how much more work they are going to miss while they heal. We can’t tell you how long it will take for your injuries to heal, but we can put a stop to the bill collectors. When you file a claim against a negligent driver, we will negotiate with your medical providers, so they won’t send unpaid bills to collection.
You’re entitled to a multitude of damages under Oregon law if you have been hit and injured by a drunk driver, which may include compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, decreased quality of life, negligent infliction of emotional distress, loss of consortium, medical bills, and more.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Why Choose Precision Litigation Northwest for Your DUI Accident Case
Don’t make the mistake of trying to negotiate with the insurance company alone. Their job is to give you the least amount of money they can for the drunk driver’s negligence and reckless behavior.
Contact Precision Litigation Northwest for your free injury consultation with our DUI attorney in Bend, Oregon. There’s no fee unless we win your lawsuit. Call 541-948-8830today!
Drunk Driving Accident lawyers near you
Serving clients in central and wider Oregon. Local pages for the communities we serve most:
Oregon’s dram shop law and the 180-day notice
A bar, restaurant or social host that served the driver while the driver was visibly intoxicated can be held responsible alongside the driver (ORS 471.565). The proof standard is high, and Oregon requires written notice to that business within 180 days of the injury, or the claim against it is lost. Receipts, the bar’s cameras and the DUII police file (ORS 813.010) show where the driver was drinking, and we send that notice early.
When the drunk driver’s insurance is not enough
Drunk drivers often carry the minimum coverage, and the injuries they cause are rarely minimum. Your own policy’s uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which Oregon requires, adds to a policy that is too small, and personal injury protection pays reasonable medical bills incurred within two years of the injury, up to $15,000, regardless of fault (ORS 742.520 to 742.524). We find every policy that applies, including the bar’s, before valuing the claim.
How comparative fault is argued after a drunk driving crash
Even against a drunk driver, the insurer looks for a share of fault to assign to you: speed, a late brake, a phone in your hand, or that you had been drinking too. Oregon’s comparative fault rule (ORS 31.600) reduces a recovery by your share of fault and bars it above 50 percent, so the argument is answered with the record, not dismissed. The DUII arrest, the breath or blood result and the plea in the criminal case are powerful evidence that the driver’s impairment caused the crash, and we obtain the full police file, the toxicology and any dash or body camera footage.
One limit to know: the claim against the bar is not available to someone who helped get the driver drunk, by buying the drinks or urging more (ORS 471.565). If you were the driver’s passenger, tell us exactly how the evening went at the first meeting, so the strategy is built on the facts.
Uninsured and underinsured coverage, liens and the first offer
Oregon requires your uninsured motorist limits to match your own liability limits unless you signed a written election for less, and underinsured coverage pays the gap between what the drunk driver’s policy pays and what you are owed, up to those limits (ORS 742.502). More than one policy can apply, including the policy on the car you were riding in. The driver’s insurer will offer its limits early and call it generous. Our demand goes out once treatment is understood, with the police file, the medical records and bills, the doctors’ opinions on future care, the wage loss and the bar evidence, to every insurer at once. Your PIP carrier and health insurer will claim repayment from the recovery, and we negotiate those liens before anything is paid out.
Frequently asked questions
How can I prove the other driver was intoxicated?
Proving intoxication involves gathering police reports, breathalyzer or blood test results, eyewitness testimonies, and any available video footage.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Oregon?
The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including drunk driving cases, is typically two years from the date of the accident.
Who Is Responsible After a DUI Incident?
Not only is the drunk driver held accountable for your pain and suffering — the bar, social host, or restaurant who supplied the driver with alcohol may also be responsible. Drunk driving accident lawsuits are complex, and other people may have some responsibility for the accident. Unfortunately, what we’ve seen time and time again is that drunk driving victims tend to experience much more severe and debilitating injuries than other car accident victims. Sober, but distracted or careless, drivers usually take evasive action to lessen the severity of a wreck, but a drunk driver is too impaired to do this.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a drunk driving accident in Oregon?
In Oregon, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including those related to drunk driving accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the incident. Delaying legal action can complicate your case and may result in losing your right to compensation.
Will my case go to trial, or can it be settled out of court?
Many drunk driving accident cases are resolved through settlements before they go to trial. A settlement allows both parties to avoid the time and expense associated with a courtroom trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to litigation. An experienced attorney can negotiate on your behalf and build a strong case, whether for settlement or for trial.