Portland Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer
There is never any excuse for drunk driving. Yet we all know it still happens. Even in an age when you can schedule a ride using your smartphone, too many people still choose to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using drugs. And the consequences of these decisions are often borne by the innocent victims who are seriously injured–or killed–in the car accident that follows.
The criminal justice system can prosecute drunk drivers and put them in jail. But this does not cover a victim’s medical bills and other financial losses arising from the accident. This is where an experienced Portland drunk driver accident lawyer can help. Rosenbaum Law Group, PC, is an Oregon personal injury firm dedicated to helping car accident victims seek compensation and accountability. We can represent you in seeking compensation from a drunk driver and the various insurance companies that may be responsible for an accident.
How Insurance Can Help You Following an Accident with a Drunk Driver
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, an average of thirty two people are killed by drunk drivers every day in the United States. Even in non-fatal accidents, victims often sustain serious injuries that require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. This leads to further financial hardships, such as lost income due to time missed from work.
There are a number of options for seeking compensation following a drunk driving accident. Your own insurance policy includes personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, which can be used to cover medical expenses and other out-of-pocket losses, both for you and any passengers in your vehicle. But most people only have the state-required minimum amount of PIP medical coverage, which is just $15,000 per person.
If the drunk driver was insured, you can file a claim against their insurance carrier. All drivers must carry at least $25,000 in liability coverage per person (up to $50,000 per accident), and $20,000 in coverage for any damage to property such as a vehicle. Keep in mind, if you file a personal injury lawsuit against a drunk driver and obtain a judgment, you can also go after any personal assets they own.
If the drunk driver is uninsured–or their insurance is still not enough to fully compensate you–you can turn once again to your own car insurance policy. Oregon requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage essentially fills in any gaps left by the drunk driver’s insurance, or lack thereof.
Contact Rosenbaum Law Group Today
While it is generally not difficult to establish a drunk driver’s liability for causing a car accident, the same cannot always be said when it comes to obtaining compensation. Dealing with insurance companies is often a struggle unto itself. And if you are still recovering from your injuries, the last thing you likely want to do is get into a lengthy process of negotiating a potential insurance settlement.
That is where we can help. The Portland drunk driver accident attorneys at Rosenbaum Law Group, PC, can negotiate with insurers on your behalf–and if necessary, file a lawsuit to help ensure you receive the maximum recovery you are entitled to under the law. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
