Are there any civil suits that can be filed after a drunk driving accident?

Yes, if a drunk driving accident occurs in the state of Oregon, a civil lawsuit can be pursued. The injured party(ies) may be eligible to recover damages by filing a “wrongful death lawsuit” or “personal injury lawsuit” against the at-fault driver. In the case of a wrongful death lawsuit, the deceased’s family or estate may be able to recover damages from the driver or their insurer as compensation for medical bills, funeral, and burial costs, lost earnings, and other similar losses. In the case of a personal injury lawsuit, the injured party may be able to recover damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other types of losses incurred in connection with the accident. In Oregon, a criminal DUI charge can be used as evidence of negligence in a civil case, which can greatly increase the chances of success for a plaintiff. The plaintiff in a civil case does not need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the driver was drunk; rather, they only need to establish that the driver more likely than not acted in a negligent manner. In Oregon, it is sometimes possible to pursue civil damages in a civil lawsuit even if the at-fault driver was not convicted of a DUI charge in the criminal case related to the accident. Therefore, anyone who has been involved in a drunk driving accident in Oregon should always consult with an experienced attorney to determine if filing a civil lawsuit is a viable option.

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