Here are the consequences for drunk driving in Portland

Portland, OR – Oregon and other states around the country now impose serious penalties for crimes related to operating vehicles after consuming drugs or alcohol. In addition to sentences imposed by the state, anyone harmed by a drunk driver also has the option of suing them through the civil courts. 

Attorneys near me are always available to assist those who have been harmed by drunk drivers and provide advice.  

Penalties for drunk driving in Oregon

Oregon’s state laws that apply to all motorists in Portland are similar to the DUI statutes that are active in most other jurisdictions around the country. A person cannot drive any kind of motor vehicle, vessel, or various other forms of transportation if they have a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or greater, or if the presence of various controlled substances are found in their body. The state laws refer to this crime as driving under the influence of intoxicants or DUII, which is slightly different from the terminology used in other states. 

Jail time for a first DUI can range from forty eight hours up to one year. Fines can range from approximately one thousand dollars, all the way up to six thousand dollars. There is also a one year period of driver’s license suspension, along with another year of an ignition interlock device placed in the driver’s car for the first year that they resume driving. These penalties are increased with each prior offense that is on the defendant’s record. Those who cause accidents while drunk can also face serious felony charges for drunk driving that results in bodily injuries or fatalities. 

Financial consequences of causing an accident

Those who are hurt by another driver while on the roads have the option of trying to sue them for various forms of compensation with their Portland accident lawyers. This is true in crashes involving drunk drivers as well. A civil negligence case filed by an injury attorney can attempt to prove that the driver was negligent by driving after consuming drugs or alcohol, but this one fact is not always necessary to win the civil case. The plaintiff merely needs to show that the defendant deviated from the accepted standard of care on the roads, and that they actually caused the plaintiff’s losses. If the plaintiff is successful, the defendant or their insurance provider will have to pay for all of the costs associated with the crash, including things like their healthcare expenses and lost income. 

Portland DUI accident lawyers can provide more information about how to bring a civil lawsuit and negotiate a settlement. 

Advice from accident lawyers in Oregon

USAttorneys.com is a website that lists legal professionals throughout the country. Anyone who needs to file a lawsuit or get legal advice can choose a relevant practice area and their state to get connected with a local attorney.