Portland Drunk Driving Accident Victim Lawyer

Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Victim Lawyers Serving Portland, Oregon

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol is involved in approximately 28 percent of all traffic-related fatalities. MADD estimates that two in three individuals will be involved in a drunk driving accident at some point in their lives. While drunk driving is against the law, incarcerating a drunk driver does very little for the person who has been injured or died as a result. Unfortunately, many victims of drunk driving accidents in Portland are left to file personal injury claims against the drunk driver to get the critical help they need after being injured by a drunk driver. If you have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver, you are not alone. Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of accidents around the country today. These serious accidents leave victims with mounting medical bills, wage loss, property damage, and, all too often, life-altering injuries. At Dawson Law Group, our Portland drunk driving accident victim lawyers know the suffering and financial overwhelm that victims endure after a serious accident. That is why we are dedicated to the rights of the injured party after a drunk driving accident.

Getting Fairly Compensated After A Drunk Driving Accident

Fortunately, victims are not limited to whatever restitution they get from a drunk driver’s criminal conviction. They can file a civil claim against the drunk driver to get compensated for their damages. There are also other possible points of liability in drunk driving accidents.

An accident caused by a drunk driver is different from other car accidents because of the recklessness of the driver’s choice to get behind the wheel and drive while drunk. Not only can you hold the drunk driver accountable for your injuries and damages, but you may also be awarded punitive damages, which are typically not awarded in most civil cases. Furthermore, you may be able to hold a bar or restaurant liable if they continued to serve the individual alcohol after they were visibly drunk.

If you were injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you might be entitled to compensation for:

• Your immediate medical expenses, including emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medications, physical therapy, specialized medical equipment, and any other costs as they are related to your injuries
• Any future medical expenses as they may relate to your injuries
• Lost wages if you are unable to work as you recover
• Future loss of earning capacity if you are unable to return to your job because of your injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• If the accident resulted in a fatality, family members may be entitled to bring a wrongful death claim against the drunk driver.

Negligence And Drunk Driving Civil Claims

In a typical civil claim, the fault must first be determined. This usually requires proving all the elements of negligence to establish the percentage of liability between parties.

But drunk driving accidents are caused by unlawful conduct. These are more than just negligent. When a drunk driver has caused an accident, they are considered liable under the negligence per se principle. Negligence per se exists when:

• There is proof that the at-fault party violated the law
• That the law was intended to protect the injured party
• The drunk driver’s violation directly led to an accident, causing the victim’s injuries
• Had it not been for the breaking of that law, the victim would not have suffered injuries and damages

If the driver’s failure to follow the law results in an accident causing injuries, negligence per se will make it easier to establish liability and for the victim to be awarded fair compensation. Punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the driver and to send a message to other drivers about the consequences of drunk driving. For this reason, settlements and verdicts in drunk driving car accidents tend to be higher than in other car accident cases.

Getting The Guidance Of A Portland Drunk Driving Accident Victim Lawyer

If you have suffered injuries in a drunk driving accident, the Portland drunk driving accident victim lawyers at Dawson Law Group are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact us or through our online contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. You owe us nothing until we recover compensation on your behalf.