PORTLAND
DRUNK DRIVING
ACCIDENT LAWYER
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Representing Victims and their Families in Portland and Beaverton
Being injured by a drunk driver in an accident is a scary and life-changing experience. If you’ve been injured by a driver who was impaired by drugs or alcohol, you shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s bad decision. Personal injury or wrongful death cases involving drunk drivers can be complicated, with dram shop laws, criminal charges, and civil claims all coming into play. Conducting a quick and thorough investigation is often also important. You don’t have to handle all this alone—and you shouldn’t settle for less than you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, you need an experienced and knowledgeable drunk driving accident lawyer who will fight for your rights. Let us deal with the insurance companies and legal details so you can focus on your recovery. Call us today to learn how we can help you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
5-STAR RATED DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT LAWYER
For over two decades, the Law Office of Benjamin B. Grandy has represented people in personal injury and wrongful death cases against major corporations, hospitals, motor vehicle carriers, and insurance companies. Our Portland and Beaverton Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer has recovered millions for our clients by building strong cases and not backing down. We aren’t intimidated by going to court. The Law Office of Benjamin B. Grandy has the experience, resources, and grit to fight for the compensation you deserve. Instead of trying to handle a complicated injury case alone, let our office guide you through it and protect your rights. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact us to learn how we can help.
The Harsh Reality of Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving remains a devastating problem on our roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 13,000 people die in alcohol-related crashes every year in the United States—accounting for nearly a third of all traffic fatalities. Beyond these tragic deaths, countless others suffer severe injuries and life-changing consequences.
Drunk drivers show a blatant disregard for the safety of others, and their actions often lead to catastrophic outcomes. Our office is committed to seeking justice for victims of these senseless acts and holding drunk drivers accountable for the harm they cause.
In Oregon, "drunk driving" is not limited to just people who are visibly intoxicated by alcohol. Oregon law prohibits anyone from driving while "under the influence of intoxicants," including alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, or other drugs. Under the influence means the driver is affected to a noticeable degree by alcohol or other substances that impair their ability to drive safely. This means it is illegal to drive with any degree of impairment that is caused by intoxicants.
Millions recovered For clients
30+ Years of experience
No Fee Unless we Win Your Case
What to Do If You've Been the Victim of a Drunk Driver
Being involved in a drunk driving accident is a traumatic experience, but the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly impact your safety, recovery, and legal options. Here's what to do:
Ensure Your Safety: If you are able, move to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights.
Call 911: Call 911 to report the accident and ask for emergency medical response if needed. Law enforcement can document the incident and may perform sobriety tests on the other driver. File a police report. This report can be vital evidence in your case.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time.
Document the Scene: If you're physically able to, take photographs of the vehicles and the accident site. This evidence can be critical in building your case.
Exchange Information: Ask the police to help you exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. You'll want to get the driver's full name, driver's license number, license plate number, and car insurance details.
Gather Information: If you're physically able to, collect contact information from any witnesses. If you're not able to, hopefully, the police will gather witness information.
Preserve Evidence: Keep copies of medical records, repair estimates, and any other documentation related to the accident. Hold off on making any statements to insurance companies until you've been able to consult with an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer.
Take Photos of any Visible Injuries: Most physical injuries, like cuts and bruises, heal with time. Document your injuries with photographs, they can be vital evidence later.
Consult an Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Attorney: Drunk driving accidents often involve complex legal issues, including criminal and civil liability. A skilled attorney can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Compensation Available to Drunk Driving Victims
Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation in a civil case, including:
Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation for time missed from work and diminished earning potential.
Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages: Additional compensation intended to punish the drunk driver's behavior and deter similar conduct in the future. Available in cases where someone has acted with malice or has shown a reckless and outrageous indifference to a highly unreasonable risk of harm.
Dram Shop Claims: Holding Establishments Accountable
Bars, restaurants, and other establishments may share responsibility for a drunk driving accident. Oregon's dram shop laws allow drunk driving victims to pursue claims against establishments that served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later caused an accident. These claims are particularly important in cases involving severe injuries or insufficient insurance coverage from the drunk driver. Our office has the experience and resources to investigate and pursue dram shop claims, holding all responsible parties accountable.
Hire a Crime Victim Lawyer If You're Hit By A Drunk Driver
Victims of drunk driving accidents will usually have to deal with two types of legal proceedings: criminal and civil. The criminal case will involve imposing a criminal sentence, like jail and fines, on the drunk driver. The civil case will involve the drunk driving victim suing the drunk driver and any third parties responsible for damages, such as pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses. Hiring a lawyer who can represent you in both arenas is critical.
Many lawyers don't represent their clients in criminal cases and just let the criminal process run its course. Civil cases, if they are filed, are often abated until the criminal case is over. But, depending on the charges, it could be years before the criminal case is over. There are drawbacks to just sitting back and letting the criminal case run its course, such as:
The drunk driving accident victim's preferences in the criminal case, such as for plea offers or jail time, may not be given due weight.
Being actively involved in criminal proceedings can uncover critical evidence that needs to be preserved and acted upon.
The result of the criminal case, such as whether the drunk driver pleads guilty or no contest, can significantly impact the civil case later.
Another advantage of having a lawyer who can represent you in both civil and criminal cases is making sure your rights as a crime victim are honored. In Oregon, victims of drunk drivers are protected by statutory and constitutional Crime Victims' Rights. These rights include the following:
The right to be informed of court proceedings and major developments.
The right to be present at critical stages of the criminal process.
The right to restitution for out-of-pocket crime-related expenses.
The right to privacy, including protection of personal information.
The right to refuse to speak to the defendant's attorney or investigator. Victims are not obligated to talk to the defendant's legal team, even if they contact you.
Right to disclosure in collisions involving an intoxicated (DUII) driver: Upon request, in collisions involving a drunk driver, victims have the right to obtain a copy of all discovery produced to the defendant and their attorney.
Our office represents drunk driving accident victims in both criminal and civil proceedings, ensuring that their voices are heard in the criminal case and giving them the best chance of obtaining just compensation in the civil case. For more information on crime victims' rights and the differences between civil and criminal proceedings, visit our Crime Victims practice area page.
Why Choose the Law Office of Benjamin B. Grandy?
When you choose our office, you're choosing a dedicated advocate committed to your case and recovery. Here's what sets us apart:
Proven Success: Our office has a track record of achieving favorable outcomes for personal injury victims, including those injured by drunk drivers.
Thorough Investigation: We meticulously gather evidence, analyze case details, and do all the work necessary to get you the compensation you deserve.
Personalized Service: We understand that every case is unique. We provide tailored legal strategies to address your specific needs.
Protect Your Rights as a Crime Victim: We can represent you in both criminal and civil proceedings, giving you the best chance of obtaining the compensation you're entitled to.
Peace of Mind: Our clients don't have to talk to the insurance adjusters anymore, and the insurance company will stop calling them. Our office will represent you both in the criminal and civil cases. Our office will work to get all the medical expenses paid by the right insurance coverage. And our office will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Serving Portland & Beaverton Today
Drunk driving accidents cause unimaginable pain and hardship. You don't have to face this alone. Contact the Law Office of Benjamin B. Grandy today for a free consultation. We proudly serve Portland, Beaverton, and surrounding communities. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Last Updated: 12-7-2024
Written by: Benjamin B. Grandy
Drunk Driving Accident Victim Frequently asked questions
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A: In Oregon, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is generally three years. Additionally, if a dram shop case is involved, a Dram Shop Notice must be served on the bar, restaurant, or other establishment. The injured drunk driving accident victim must generally provide the Dram Shop Notice to the alcohol provider within 180 days of the accident. If the intoxicated person caused a death, then the Dram Shop Notice must generally be given within one year. However, specific deadlines may vary, and there can be exceptions, so it's critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Letting too much time pass can prevent you from pursuing whatever claim you may have.
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A: Yes. You can often pursue compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or other applicable policies if the drunk driver is uninsured. Our law office can help you explore all available options.
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A: Encountering a suspected drunk driver on the road can be alarming. Your safety and the safety of others depend on how you respond. Here are steps to help protect yourself and others:
Stay Alert and Keep Your Distance: Your safety and the safety of others is of paramount importance. Maintain a safe following distance and avoid trying to pass the suspected drunk driver. Erratic movements can make their behavior even more unpredictable.
Do Not Attempt to Intervene: Never try to stop the vehicle or confront the driver. Your intervention could put you or others at risk.
Take Note of Key Details: Safely observe the vehicle's make, model, color, and license plate number. Note the location and direction of travel.
Pull Over to Report the Driver: When it is safe to do so, pull over and call 911. Provide the dispatcher with all relevant details, including the driver's behavior and vehicle description.
Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on the road and avoid using your phone to report the driver while driving. If possible, ask a passenger to assist.
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A: Recognizing the Signs of a Drunk Driver
Spotting a drunk driver can prevent potential accidents and save lives. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), some signs of an intoxicated driver include:
Weaving or Swerving: Difficulty maintaining a straight course or frequent lane changes.
Erratic Speed: Driving too fast, too slow, or inconsistently.
Ignoring Traffic Signals: Running red lights, failing to stop at stop signs, or disobeying traffic laws.
Delayed Responses: Hesitation at green lights or slow reactions to changing traffic conditions.
Driving Without Headlights: Operating a vehicle at night without headlights or with lights improperly used.
Exaggerated Turns: Making wide or unusually sharp turns.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving. "How to Spot an Impaired Driver and Prevent Someone from Driving." Accessed December 7, 2024. www.madd.org/concerned-citizen/
Our law office accepts cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means that you will not pay any legal fee unless we get you compensation.
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THE LAW OFFICE OF BENJAMIN B. GRANDY, PC, REPRESENTS PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUFFERED PERSONAL INJURY OR WRONGFUL DEATH THROUGHOUT OREGON INCLUDING IN
Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, McMinnville, Woodburn, Canby, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Corbett, Wood Village, Hood River, Gladstone, Tigard, King City, Newberg, Dundee, Molalla, Kaiser, Silverton, Estacada, Astoria, Cannon Beach, Seaside, St. Helens, Scappoose, Damascus, Tillamook, and Oregon City, and in the counties of Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Clatsop, Columbia, Marion, Tillamook, Yamhill, Hood River and Lane.