Drunk driving is one of the biggest threats to Gresham, Oregon residents’ safety. In 2019, there were around 167 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in Oregon, with 20 of those deaths including those under the age of 21. When driving down the road, it’s hard not to consider these dangers and how they might affect our daily lives. While we might want to keep ourselves and others safe from harm, some people may disregard the law and put you at serious risk.

The injuries and property damage you face in a DUI accident may place heavy financial burdens on you and your family. Our Rizk Law DUI accident lawyers have the knowledge and resources to thoroughly investigate your claim and provide you with the best possible outcome. As soon as you are able, contact our law office to discuss the details of your accident.

What Is Considered Driving Under the Influence in Oregon?

Under Oregon State Law, drunk driving falls under the term “driving under the influence of intoxicants,” or DUII instead of DUI. In order for a driver to face DUII consequences, their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) must be .08% or higher. For drugs and other intoxicants, a police officer has the right to arrest someone they believe to be under the influence of these substances.

If a person has a BAC over .08% within two hours of driving may still face the consequences of a DUII. They may also be exhibiting symptoms of intoxication, like swerving or making dangerous decisions on the road. For the safety of everyone on the road, law enforcement takes drinking and driving very seriously.

Am I Eligible to Recover Compensation After a DUI Accident in Gresham?

When a drunk driver causes a severe accident due to their impaired and reckless driving behavior, you have the right to pursue legal action and recover the losses you suffer. With the help of an experienced Gresham, Oregon DUI accident lawyer, you may be able to recover the following damages:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Treatment and hospital bills
  • Cost of prescription medication
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses
  • Lost wages or income
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Punitive damages

You may require extensive medical care depending on the severity of your accident damages. The financial and emotional burdens placed on you during this time may seriously impact your life. You deserve to receive compensation for the stress and challenges you encounter.

5 Elements to Look For in a Gresham DUI Defense Attorney

After a DUI accident, you will want to find an experienced DUI defense attorney in Gresham, Oregon who meshes well with you and your needs. Not every lawyer is the same, and choosing the wrong lawyer may put you at risk of losing your compensation. Below are a few elements to look for when determining who should represent your claim:

Experience

With a complex case, you’ll want someone with experience in the field who understands your claim’s intricacies. If you work with a DUI accident attorney who is not well versed in your area, they may make critical mistakes in your claim and cost you your compensation.

Past Results and References

Checking past results and references from other clients is essential when choosing a DUI defense lawyer in Gresham, Oregon. Someone with a good relationship with past clients shows dedication and a passion for providing for their clients. If someone doesn’t have reliable references, they may hide something below the surface.

Responsiveness

Many people find it frustrating when a lawyer is not responsive to their questions and concerns. This causes a rift between the client and attorney, which may translate into the claim. When a lawyer takes the time and effort to actively listen and respond, you know they care about you and your claim.

Payment Structure

There are many different payment structures, and each attorney may choose a different path than another. Before you start working with a lawyer, you’ll want to discuss the payment options and methods. For example, our Rizk Law team works on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid until you receive or agree on a settlement.

Dedication to Clients

When you’re going through a difficult situation, you want legal representation that actively desires and supports your success. If your DUI attorney treats you like a number, you won’t get the representation or compensation you deserve. It is essential to speak with your Gresham DUI defense lawyer about how they work to stay updated with their clients.

Many have the misconception that any lawyer will work for their case, but that’s not true and can even cause more harm than good. You need a Gresham DUI accident attorney on your side who will do everything in their power to protect your rights and seek justice for your damages.

Contact a Dependable Gresham DUI Accident Lawyer Today

Even though drinking and driving is widely known to be illegal and unsafe, some people still choose to act negligently and disregard the rules. If you suffer severe injuries in an accident, speak with a Rizk Law lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner we can speak to you, the more time we have to investigate and gather the required documents.

Our DUI accident attorneys have years of experience protecting Oregon residents from unjust and unfair rulings. We have first-hand experience and knowledge of how the negligence of others may turn our lives inside out. Call (503) 342-0783 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation today with Attorney Richard Rizk.