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DUI Injury Lawyer

A drunk driver caused this. Oregon law holds them accountable.

When you are injured by an impaired driver, the sense of injustice is profound because the harm was so preventable. While the DA pursues criminal charges, that process is separate from your path to healing. Our purpose is to secure civil justice for you — holding the driver accountable for the full impact on your life and clearing the way for your recovery.

High Desert Law’s DUI accident lawyers guide those injured by drunk drivers through the civil claims process — clearly, directly, and with full knowledge of how these cases work.

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Drunk Driver Victim

Civil claims operate separately from criminal charges. That’s important to understand.

As a victim of a drunk driver, a DUI conviction can support your civil case — but you don’t need one to recover.

Civil courts use a lower standard of proof than criminal courts. If you were injured by an impaired driver, the evidence of intoxication itself (a blood alcohol test, a police report, witness accounts) builds the foundation of your claim.

You also don’t need to wait for criminal proceedings to conclude before pursuing civil recovery.

Suing a Bar For Overserving

When a bar overserves the driver, they’re held responsible.

Oregon’s Dram Shop law (ORS 471.565) holds licensed alcohol service providers liable when they serve a visibly intoxicated person who then causes injury to others. If the driver who hit you was overserved at a bar, restaurant, or by a social host, that establishment should be a responsible party in your claim.

Suing a bar for overserving requires prompt investigation. Evidence of service patterns, security footage, and staff records can disappear quickly. We know what to look for and how to secure it before it’s gone.

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Drunk Driver Lawsuit

What a drunk driving accident lawsuit involves.

A civil claim against a drunk driver pursues compensation for your injuries: medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term impact.

But when you are hit by a drunk driver, the case is about more than just negligence. It’s about recklessness. Oregon law recognizes this by allowing for punitive damages (ORS 31.730) in a drunk driver lawsuit, designed not just to compensate you, but to punish the conduct that went beyond negligence into deliberate disregard for others’ safety.

We assess your full damages picture from the first consultation and pursue every avenue available under Oregon law.

Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Experience with DUI injury cases means knowing how the evidence works.

Whether you were hit by a drunk driver, rear-ended by an impaired driver, or harmed by a driver whose blood alcohol was over the legal limit, these cases involve criminal evidence, the district attorneys’ office, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, insurance disputes, and potentially multiple defendants.

High Desert Law’s DUI accident attorneys have handled these cases across Oregon and know how to coordinate the civil claim alongside criminal proceedings, moving your case forward without compromising either.

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Best Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Finding the right DUI accident lawyer for your situation.

A top drunk driving accident attorney for your case understands Oregon’s Dram Shop law, knows how to use criminal evidence in civil proceedings, and pursues every liable party — not just the driver. That’s a specific skill set, and it matters.

But beyond the legal strategy, the best drunk driving accident attorney is the one who resonates with you—the guide you trust to help you navigate the path forward.

We earn that trust by being there for families in their darkest moments. As one client shared, we were the team they had “by their side when they had to deal with a parent’s worst nightmare.”

We bring that same unwavering support to every drunk driving accident case we guide. A free consultation is the first step to understanding your rights.

The first step is a conversation, not a commitment.
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Give us a call now

Drunk Driving Accidents FAQs

Can I sue a drunk driver in Oregon even if they weren’t convicted?

Yes. Civil cases operate independently from criminal proceedings and use a lower standard of proof. Evidence of intoxication (blood alcohol levels, police reports, witness statements) is often sufficient to establish liability in civil court without a criminal conviction.

What is Oregon’s Dram Shop law?

Oregon’s Dram Shop statute (ORS 471.565) allows injured parties to bring claims against licensed alcohol service providers that served a visibly intoxicated person who then caused harm. If a bar, restaurant, or social host overserved the driver who hit you, they may be liable alongside the driver.

What damages can a DUI accident victim recover in Oregon?

Recoverable damages include medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs. In cases involving extreme recklessness, Oregon law allows parties to pursue punitive damages (ORS 31.730) — designed to penalize conduct that went well beyond ordinary negligence.

Should I talk to the drunk driver’s insurance company?

Not before speaking with an attorney. Insurers act quickly after a crash to limit their exposure. Early statements, even seemingly routine ones, can affect your recovery. Let us handle those communications.

How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident lawsuit in Oregon?

Generally two years from the date of injury (ORS 12.110). Dram Shop claims against alcohol providers may have different considerations, including notice to the place that served the alcohol within 180 days (ORS 471.565). Speak with an attorney promptly — evidence in these cases degrades quickly.

What if I was a passenger in a car with a drunk driver?

If you were injured as a passenger in a vehicle driven by an impaired driver, you may have a claim against that driver. Depending on the circumstances, liability could also extend to third parties: other drivers, or an establishment that overserved them.

Drunk Driving Accident Settlement Calculator

Being injured by a drunk driver isn’t just an accident; it’s an injustice. An insurer’s low settlement offer can feel like another blow.

Our Drunk Driving Accident Settlement Calculator is a tool for empowerment in the face of this. It takes the insurance company’s current offer and computes the gross settlement an attorney must obtain for you to net a better financial result.

This calculation provides a powerful data point, helping you determine if hiring an attorney is the most effective path to achieving full and fair compensation.

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