Navigating the Path to Justice
Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving, a serious concern in Oregon and across the nation, involves operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, impairing the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. Also known as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), this reckless behavior demands attention and decisive legal action.
Effects of Alcohol on Driving Abilities
Alcohol, a central nervous system depressant, compromises cognitive and motor skills, reaction times, judgment, and coordination. When combined with driving, it leads to poor decisions, erratic maneuvers, and a failure to respond appropriately to traffic signals.
Oregon’s Legal Limits and Penalties
In Oregon, driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal for most drivers over 21. Commercial drivers face a lower limit of 0.04%, and those under 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance policy. Penalties for drunk driving in Oregon can be severe, including fines, license suspension, mandatory education or treatment programs, probation, and imprisonment.
Our personal injury law firm is uniquely suited to represent seriously injured victims of drunk driving accidents, because we defended these types of injury claims for 50 years.
Why Choose Our Oregon Personal Injury Firm for DUI Accidents?
Defending Insurance Companies for 50 Years
The first rule of a successful negotiation is: Know Your Opponent. In an injury case, your opponents are (1) the insurance industry, and (2) their highly skilled defense law firms.
Fortunately for Spooner Staggs clients, no law firm knows the insurance industry better than we do―we spent 50 years as one of the insurance industry’s top defense firms for their biggest, toughest cases. We’ve walked in their shoes, analyzed thousands of cases for them, and encouraged fair outcomes for thousands of drunk and impaired driving accidents and injuries.
This rare experience has given us an insider’s knowledge and understanding into how the insurance industry analyzes, evaluates, prices, and settles cases. We’ve walked in their shoes, so we know all their tools, tricks, and techniques. We know the buttons to push and the levers to pull to motivate them to settle cases more quickly and for more money.
With an unparalleled understanding of insurance companies cultivated through years of defending them, we bring a uniquely powerful advantage to those seeking justice after a crash caused by an impaired or drunk driver.
Fierce DUI/DWI-Injury Trial Lawyers
Boasting a track record of successful jury trials that few Oregon firms can equal, we are relentless advocates for our clients. We are always ready to take cases to trial, ensuring that our seriously injured clients receive genuine justice.
Insider Knowledge
Understanding the mindset of insurance companies is crucial when seeking fair compensation. We possess a nuanced insight into how insurers operate, evaluate cases, and make settlement decisions. This knowledge allows us to strategically leverage that insight to ensure our clients receive the maximum settlement for their injuries.
Trial Mastery
In an era where fewer cases proceed to trial, we stand as fierce and effective trial lawyers. With a track record of successful jury trials that few law firms in Oregon can equal, we’re ready to expertly take your case to trial if necessary. Our commitment to real justice for injured accident victims sets us apart from “paper tiger” lawyers who shy away from the courtroom.
Seeking Justice Through Lawsuits
Drunk driving accidents can result in serious or fatal consequences, impacting drivers, passengers, and other road users. Lawsuits against drunk drivers serve to seek compensation for victims and convey the gravity of driving under the influence. These lawsuits, categorized as personal injury or wrongful death cases, aim to hold the drunk driver accountable for their actions and provide restitution for victims’ losses.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in Oregon
Understanding Oregon’s auto insurance system is crucial. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) offers coverage for medical expenses up to $15,000, providing prompt financial support regardless of fault. PIP benefits apply to occupants injured in a motor vehicle accident under the vehicle’s insurance policy or the injured person’s own policy.
Determining Liability for Compensation
In accidents potentially caused by a drunk driver, determining liability is crucial for seeking compensation. Injured parties may pursue a personal injury claim against the drunk driver’s insurance company to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and related costs. Other potential sources of recovery, such as businesses or social hosts that served alcohol to the drunk driver, may also be explored.
Your Advocates for Justice
Our firm, with five decades of defending personal injury claims, is here to leverage our inside knowledge to assist those seriously injured by drunk or impaired drivers. If you’ve suffered an accident or injury due to a drunk driver, call us to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys.