How Oregon’s Dram Shop Laws Help Drunk Driving Victims Secure Compensation

Oregon’s dram shop laws indicate that when you are hurt in an accident by a drunk driver, it can be possible to hold the establishment or social host who served the driver with alcohol accountable for your damages. Essentially, it is illegal in Oregon for commercial entities and social hosts to serve or make available alcohol to someone who clearly shows visible signs of intoxication. For example, if a person who has been drinking is unsteady on their feet, slurring their speech, having bloodshot eyes, or any other indication of intoxication, commercial providers and social hosts must not serve or make available alcohol to the individual.

Violations of the dram shop laws can put a commercial provider or social host in legal jeopardy as they can be held liable for damages that victims suffer should the intoxicated person cause a car accident. The dram shop law of the state is an essential safeguard to obtaining full compensation for individuals who are harmed by drunk drivers.

If you were injured by a drunk driver in Oregon, then you may be able to hold the entity that served them alcohol responsible for your financial losses. To have your case reviewed, you are welcome to speak with an experienced Portland Dram shop liability attorney at the Rosenbaum Law Group.

How Dram Shop Laws Protect Drivers, Passengers, and Pedestrians

 As mentioned earlier, there is a fundamental reason that dram shop laws act as essential protections for victims of drunk driving accidents. Mainly helping victims injured by drunk drivers obtain fair and full compensation for their damages.

Since it is often the case that drunk driving accidents produce severe injuries and destruction, the amount of money owed to a victim can be pretty high. However, drunk drivers who drive without insurance or who have insufficient insurance are plentiful. As a result, when a drunk driving accident happens, a victim who sustains considerable injuries and other damages may not be able to be fully compensated by the drunk driver’s insurance alone. Even though it is possible to sue a driver who does not have insurance or enough insurance to secure payment through their assets, this can be very difficult. In many instances, when a driver is uninsured or underinsured, they typically don’t have the assets necessary to cover the costs of the losses their victims suffer.

This is where dram shop laws come into play. Suppose the driver was over-served at a hotel, bar, restaurant, or other establishment (including private parties hosting parties, etc.). In that case, it can be possible to file a claim against the alcohol provider for compensation that a victim was unable to obtain from the drunk driver. Liquor providers in Oregon must have liquor liability insurance. The minimum insurance is $300,000. However, many businesses that serve liquor choose to have more coverage than the minimum.

There are important notice requirements involved in pursuing any dram shop case.  It is very important that you speak to a personal injury lawyer right away if you were injured to try and ensure that you are not accidentally missing these important deadlines.

Speak to an Oregon Dram Shop Liability Attorney Today 

Dram shop laws can allow a victim of a drunk driving accident to not only hold the intoxicated driver liable for their damages, but also, in some situations, a business that served the drunk driver alcohol.

For more information and help with an Oregon car accident claim, please call the experienced Portland personal injury lawyers at the Rosenbaum Law Group today at (503) 288-8000. Initial consultations are complimentary.

Source:

oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors471.html