Few things are more infuriating than being injured by a driver who chose to get behind the wheel impaired. In Oregon, drunk and drugged driving (DUII) causes hundreds of serious crashes annually. Beyond the criminal case the state may pursue, you have a separate civil right to compensation. Injury Claim Team connects victims of impaired drivers with attorneys who pursue full justice.
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Your Civil Claim Is Separate From the Criminal Case
When a drunk driver injures you, Oregon may prosecute them criminally — but that process is about punishment, not compensating you. Your civil injury claim is entirely separate. Even if the criminal case is dismissed or plea-bargained, you can still pursue full compensation for your injuries. And a DUII conviction can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in your civil case.
Punitive Damages in Oregon DUII Cases
Oregon law allows punitive damages in cases involving especially reckless conduct, and impaired driving often qualifies. Unlike ordinary damages, which compensate you for losses, punitive damages punish the wrongdoer and deter others. An experienced attorney knows how to present the evidence needed to pursue them.
Dram Shop Liability — Holding Bars Accountable
Under Oregon's dram shop law, a bar, restaurant, or social host who serves a visibly intoxicated person who then causes a crash may share liability. This can be critical when the drunk driver's own insurance is insufficient to cover your injuries. Investigating these third-party claims requires moving quickly to preserve receipts, surveillance footage, and witness accounts.
Compensation for DUII Crash Victims
Victims of impaired drivers can recover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing. Because impaired-driving crashes often cause severe or fatal injuries, the value of these claims can be substantial. A free case review helps you understand your options.
No fee unless we win. Our network attorneys handle Oregon drunk driving accident cases on a contingency basis. The case review is always free, and you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Your civil injury claim is completely separate from the state's criminal prosecution, and you can pursue it regardless of the criminal outcome.
Oregon allows punitive damages for especially reckless conduct, and drunk driving frequently qualifies. An attorney can evaluate whether your case supports them.
Possibly. Oregon's dram shop law allows claims against establishments that over-serve visibly intoxicated patrons who then cause harm.
Your UM/UIM coverage and potential dram shop claims may provide additional sources of recovery.
Talk to an Oregon Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured, don't navigate the insurance companies alone. Injury Claim Team connects you with an experienced Oregon attorney for free. Call 973-566-5599 or request your review online — a specialist will reach out within the hour.