Oregon Drunk Driving Accident Statistics

Drunk driving, known legally as driving under the influence or DUI, is a serious crime that can have potentially devastating consequences. People can be injured or killed due to the decision to consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel. The question is, how bad is this problem in Oregon? Let’s take a look at some Oregon drunk driving accident statistics to get a clear idea of the scope of the problem in the Beaver State.

What the Numbers Have to Say

Each year, approximately 25,000 people are arrested for DUIs in Oregon. In 2023, 200 people were killed in drunk driving crashes. That accounts for around 34% of all traffic fatalities. Overall, two out of three people are affected by drunk drivers in their lives.

4 Tips to Avoid a Drunk Driving Car Accident

Here are a few tips to avoid a car accident involving drunk driving:

1. Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before drinking alcohol
2. If you have been drinking, do not get behind the wheel of a car – call a taxi, Uber, or Lyft instead
3. Do not let your friends or family members drive drunk
4. If you see someone driving drunk, please report it to the police. By reporting drunk drivers, you can help keep our roads safe and prevent accidents from happening.

By following these simple tips, we can all help make our roads safer and prevent tragedies from happening. Thank you for your efforts in keeping Montana and Oregon safe!

Why Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

If you’ve been injured in a crash with a drunk driver, you should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to help you file a claim. Your attorney can help you with all aspects of the claim-filing process, from filling out paperwork to gathering evidence and negotiating with the liable party’s insurance company. They can identify damages and make sure that you get fairly compensated for the harm that you have suffered.

Hiring an Oregon drunk driving accident attorney also means you won’t have to worry about managing the details of your case while you are healing from your injuries. You don’t want to put off filing your claim for too long because Oregon has a two-year statute of limitations under ORS 12.110. Instead, contact our firm immediately to get the help you need.

Types of Compensation Available After Drunk Driving Accidents

You can demand compensation for any financial losses you suffered as a result of an accident with a drunk driver. The fair compensation obtained for injuries and other losses is known legally as damages. Damages in drunk driving accidents can include:

• Medical bills. You may be entitled to compensation for any medical bills you or your health insurance provider has already paid.
• Future medical expenses. If you’ve suffered injuries that may require long-term medical care, you can also demand damages for future medical expenses. These can include potential surgeries, physical therapy, and medications. You may need to have a physician testify about the care you are likely to need going forward.
• Lost wages. If you’ve missed work as a result of your accident, you can recover lost wages via a civil claim.
• Lost future income. If your ability to do the same kind of work as you did before the accident has been impaired, it could affect your future earning capacity. Your attorney can demand damages for the loss of future income that results from this disparity.
• Property damage. If your vehicle was damaged during a drunk driving accident, the other driver could be liable for paying for car repairs or, if your car was totaled, the fair market value of your vehicle.
• Pain and suffering. You may also be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress you experienced as a result of the accident.
• Punitive damages. MCA 27-1-220 allows the court to impose punitive damages in order to punish defendants who engaged in exceptionally reckless behavior like drunk driving. Punitive damages are capped at $10 million or 3% of the defendant’s net worth.

Your Montana drunk driving accident attorney can help you identify all of your damages so that you can be fairly compensated for all of the harm you have suffered.

FAQs

What Percentage of Drunk Drivers Cause Crashes?

There is no known research on what percentage of drunk drivers cause crashes. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 30% of all fatalities nationwide involve drunk drivers. This statistic alone points to a substantial number of drunk drivers causing crashes when you consider the fact that most crashes do not lead to fatal injuries.

What Is the #1 Cause of Motor Vehicle Crashes in Oregon?

The #1 cause of motor vehicle crashes in Oregon is driver error. Driver error encompasses many forms of negligence, including not just drunk driving but also speeding, distracted driving, drowsy driving, and failures to follow traffic laws. If you’ve been in an accident caused by another person, you can contact an Oregon car accident lawyer to help you file a claim against the liable party.

What Is the DUI Percentage in Oregon?

The DUI percentage in Oregon is 0.08%. However, it is illegal to drive while intoxicated in any way by any substance. People can still be convicted of driving under the influence with a BAC of less than 0.08% if the police observe them to be driving recklessly as a result of their alcohol or drug use.

Why Are 40% of Car Accidents Related to Drinking?

Slightly less than 40% of fatal car accidents are related to drinking in Oregon. This number is so high for several reasons. First, the Beaver State has a heavy drinking culture. Second, polysubstance use is pervasive in Oregon. Third, enforcement of drunk driving laws is underfunded, particularly in rural areas, where driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is common.

Contact Our Montana and Oregon Car Accident Lawyers Today

Drunk driving car accidents are all too common in Montana. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident with a drunk driver, it is important to seek the help of a qualified Montana and Oregon personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

The Oregon car accident lawyers at Bliven Law Firm, P.C. represent individuals who have suffered injuries in drunk driving accidents across the state. Our lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal system and make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve. We also work tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. Contact our firm today for a free case evaluation by calling 406-604-1764.