Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of automobile accidents across the country. Unfortunately, many drunk driving accidents result in death. In 2018, 10,511 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes. In this blog, we will discuss some of the different drunk driving accidents that we have seen here in Bend, Oregon. We will also discuss the importance of hiring a personal injury attorney to represent you or someone you may know who was the victim of a drunk driving accident. 

Different Types of Drunk Driving Accidents

Here at Dwyer Williams Cherkoss Attorneys, we have seen our fair share of drunk driving accidents over the years. In fact, there is a commonality amongst the types of accidents that we have witnessed. Here are some of the common drunk driving accidents that we often see: 

• Pedestrians Getting Hit: Plenty of people get around on foot in Bend, Oregon. Unfortunately, this means drunk drivers have been known to strike pedestrians — even on the sidewalks. This type of accident tends to cause serious injuries, and often death. 
• Wrong Way/Head-On Collisions: When a person drives inebriated, he or she has the potential to lose track of direction on the road. This kind of disoriented mindset often leads to head-on collisions. We often see fatalities in these types of accidents due to the sheer head-on physical force that takes place. 
• Rear-end/Side-Swipe Accidents: Those who drive while impaired often lose track of where they are on the road. Not only are their motor skills decreased, but they also have trouble judging distances between them. This leads to rear-ends and side-swipes. While these types of accidents aren’t usually fatal, they can still cause serious injuries and damages. 
• Bicyclists Getting Hit: Just like above with pedestrians, we have seen many bicyclists as victims in drunk driving accidents. Getting around on a bike is pretty common in Bend. It’s so unfortunate to see these types of accidents which can be very deadly at times.

What Should You Do If You Were The Victim Of A Drunk Driving Accident? 

The answer to this question is simple enough: hire an experienced car accident attorney here in Bend, Oregon. A car accident attorney will know how to break down the facts of your case in ways that will ensure that you come away with the compensation that you deserve. 

Not only will you seek compensation from the negligent driver, but you may have a case against the place of business that served the driver. In the state of Oregon, licensed drinking establishments and social hosts are also liable to third persons injured by adults who were served or provided alcohol while visibly intoxicated. An experienced personal injury attorney will know how to approach these components of the state and local laws. 

Oregon Drunk Driving Laws

Oregon is fairly unique in how it approaches DUIs. Actually, the term used in Oregon is DUII, which means driving under the influence of intoxicants. Even if a person’s driving wasn’t imparied, he or she can still be charged with a DUII if his or her blood alcohol level is .08% or higher. Under Oregon law, “under the influence” is when someone’s mental facilities are "adversely affected to a noticeable or perceptible degree” as the result of ingesting drugs and/or alcohol.

Hiring a personal injury attorney will give you peace of mind that your case is being handled with professionalism. With so many intricacies of the law — especially here in Oregon — you won’t need to worry about the ins and outs of all of the legal procedures that take place. As a victim, your focus will be to work with your attorney to lay out the facts that will help get you in place to receive the proper compensation that will help support your injuries. 

If you or someone you know was the victim of a drunk driving accident here in the state of Oregon, contact us today for a free case evaluation. You can also reach us directly at: 1-800-285-8678. Our team of highly skilled personal injury attorneys has many years of experience with drunk driving cases. We will do everything possible to make sure you receive the justice that you deserve!