Lake Oswego Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Compassionate Legal Support When You Need It Most

Despite widespread awareness of the dangers, some individuals still make the reckless decision to drive under the influence of alcohol, often leading to devastating consequences for innocent people. If you or someone you love has been affected by such an incident, Lance D. Youd, a seasoned Lake Oswego drunk driving accident attorney, is here to help. With over 30 years of experience in personal injury claims throughout Oregon, he understands the intricacies of dealing with insurance companies and securing justice for victims.

Drunk Driving Accidents in Oregon

Drunk driving remains a critical issue in Oregon. A report by the CDC highlights that between 2009 and 2018, 1,176 lives were lost in Oregon due to alcohol-impaired drivers—a significantly higher rate than the national average. These accidents can occur even if the driver’s blood-alcohol concentration is below the legal limit of 0.08 percent, making any level of impaired driving a potential hazard.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident

If you’re involved in an accident and suspect the other driver is impaired:

Call 911 immediately to ensure that law enforcement can document the scene and conduct necessary sobriety tests.
Document everything you can about the scene and the behavior of the other driver, as this can be crucial in proving intoxication.
Seek medical attention promptly, even if you feel unharmed. Some injuries, like whiplash or brain trauma, may not show symptoms immediately.

Following these steps, it’s vital to consult with a drunk driving victim’s attorney in Lake Oswego. Lance D. Youd offers compassionate, expert advice on navigating the legal avenues available for seeking compensation, without the immediate pressure of filing a lawsuit.

Your Rights to Compensation

In Oregon, the at-fault driver and their insurer are liable for damages. However, insurance companies often resist paying rightful claims. Damages you may be entitled to include:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Other out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages for physical and emotional suffering
Punitive damages to penalize grossly negligent behavior

Additionally, under Oregon’s Dram Shop Law, establishments that served alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors can also be held accountable.

Proving Civil Responsibility

Even if a drunk driver was not criminally convicted, they can still be held civilly liable. A conviction can serve as strong evidence of negligence, but the burden of proof is lower in civil cases, focusing on the balance of probabilities rather than beyond a reasonable doubt.

IT'S FREE TO
ASK LANCE

Practical Advice for Victims and Families

Supporting a Loved One After a Drunk Driving Accident

Experiencing or having a loved one involved in a drunk driving accident can be both traumatic and overwhelming. Here are some ways you can offer meaningful support during this difficult time:

Be Present and Listen: The simple act of being there and listening without judgment can provide immense comfort to someone who is struggling. Allow them to express their feelings and fears about what has happened and what lies ahead.
Encourage Professional Help: Traumatic events can have long-lasting psychological impacts. Encourage your loved one to seek help from a professional counselor or therapist. Mental health support is crucial in dealing with trauma and can provide strategies to manage stress and anxiety.
Assist with Daily Tasks: After an accident, the physical and emotional toll can make daily tasks challenging. Offer to help with everyday activities such as grocery shopping, cooking, or childcare. This practical support can relieve some of the stress and allow your loved one to focus on recovery.
Stay Informed: Learn about the legal and medical processes involved in drunk driving accidents. Being informed can help you provide accurate advice and make well-informed decisions. It can also prepare you to assist in managing medical appointments and legal consultations.
Encourage Participation in Support Groups: There are many support groups for victims of drunk driving accidents and their families. These groups provide a platform to share experiences and coping strategies, which can be incredibly healing. Encourage your loved one to attend meetings or participate in online forums. One advocacy group you can recommend is Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) who are dedicated to assisting victims at no charge.
Plan for Financial Needs: Drunk driving accidents can lead to significant financial strain due to medical bills, lost wages, and other unexpected expenses. Help your loved one plan financially, whether it’s navigating insurance claims, setting up crowdfunding campaigns, or exploring other financial assistance options.
Legal Guidance: Advocate for seeking legal advice to understand the rights and options available. Lance D. Youd can provide the necessary legal support to navigate the complexities of claims and compensation, ensuring that your loved one’s rights are protected and they receive the justice they deserve. Because he works on a contingency basis, your loved one has nothing to lose.

By offering your support in these ways, you can help ease the burden for a loved one affected by a drunk driving accident and aid in their journey towards healing and recovery.

FAQs

What should I do if the driver who hit me was under the influence but fled the scene?

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident where the other driver was potentially under the influence, it is crucial to call the police immediately. Try to remember and note any details about the vehicle or the driver. This can include the car make, model, color, any part of the license plate number, and the direction in which the vehicle fled. These details can assist law enforcement in locating the driver. Your safety is paramount, so ensure you and any passengers receive the necessary medical attention.

Can family members of a victim who was fatally injured in a drunk driving accident pursue a lawsuit?

Yes, family members of a deceased victim may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party. In Oregon, eligible family members typically include spouses, children, or parents of the deceased. A wrongful death claim can seek compensation for medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, loss of future income, loss of companionship, and emotional distress suffered by the family members.

How long do I have to take legal action after a drunk driving accident?

In Oregon, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including those involving drunk driving accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you must file a lawsuit within this timeframe. However, there are exceptions that might alter this period, so consulting with an attorney as soon as possible is important to ensure your rights are protected. Lance D. Youd can help clarify these timelines and ensure that all necessary legal actions are taken promptly.

Hit By a Drunk Driver? Get Help Today!

Lance D. Youd is dedicated to standing up for the rights of victims and navigating the complexities of drunk driving cases. To discuss your case and explore your legal options, contact Lance D. Youd Personal Injury Law today at (503) 773-5484 for a free, confidential consultation.

call now

Our clients say it best

At Youd Law, we pride ourselves in offering unmatched service. Lance and his staff are responsive and respectful, providing efficient, expert assistance in a kind and courteous manner.

SEE MORE REVIEWS

We cannot thank you enough for your generous intervention for our dear friends. It shows how God used you to answer prayer!

K H Family Family Law 2019

I wouldn’t want to go up against you Lance. Thanks to you and your team for your hard work.

KW July 2019

It’s been a long battle and I want you to know I appreciate all you have done.

RD July 2019

God answers…..One of our dear friends reached out to a lawyer she knows for me. What a great man! He contacted me and spent over a half an hour on the phone answering my questions.

D & D FAMILY LAW 2019

SEE MORE POSTS