A 30-year-old Jackson County police officer and his father suffered minor injuries in an Oregon car accident over the holiday weekend. According to the Mail Tribune, the car driven by officer Aaron Hull and his father Kenneth was struck nearly head on by an SUV. The SUV driver was reportedly cited for driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, four counts of reckless endangering, and second-degree criminal mischief. The Mail Tribune reported that the SUV driver was treated and released.
Civil Lawsuits Against Drivers Charged with Crimes
Prosecution for violating Oregon laws does not replace liability to victims. In addition to the criminal charges that an intoxicated driver may face, for example, he or she may incur civil penalties for any property damage or personal injury caused by driving drunk. A stiff fine or prison sentence does little to bring justice to victims and their families, who may have negligence claims against intoxicated drivers for damages. An Oregon personal injury lawyer can help bring those claims to trial in state or federal court.
Both drunk and sober drivers share the same duty of care on the road. Intoxication is not a defense to failing to act as a reasonable driver would in the same circumstances. Failure to meet the duty to act as a reasonable driver may cause serious personal injury or wrongful death. If it does, an Oregon personal injury lawyer may be able to recover compensation for victims or survivors.
Claim for Compensation
Unfortunately, the road to recovery may be even rougher for victims and families than for those who drive while under the influence. An Oregon car accident lawyer willing to stand and fight is essential in what often becomes a brawl for benefits against insurance companies whose goals are to avoid paying claims at almost any cost. If you or loved ones have been hurt by a drunk driver in a car accident in Portland, Salem, Gresham, or anywhere else in Oregon, contact us for a free attorney consultation. Call toll free (800) 714-3204 or use our online lawyer contact form.
Related Web Resources
Man Cited after Crashing into Police Car, Mail Tribune, July 6, 2010.
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