Are there any civil liability options available to victims of drunk driving accidents?

In Oregon, victims of drunk driving accidents may have several civil liability options available to them. The first is filing a lawsuit against the drunk driver that caused the accident. Civil suits, such as this, are used to seek monetary damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and the loss of wages. Victims of drunk driving accidents may also be able to pursue a claim against a bar or establishment that served alcohol to the driver if the alcohol was a factor in the accident. This is known as dram shop liability. In the event of an accident, victims may have other civil liability options available to them. For example, Oregon’s “guest statute” allows a person who is injured while in another person’s car to pursue a claim against the driver’s insurance company. In addition, a person who is injured in an accident that was caused by a defective product may have a claim against the manufacturer of the product. In many cases, victims of drunk driving accidents may be able to receive compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. This type of lawsuit can be used to seek damages for losses beyond those covered by insurance, such as pain and suffering. Depending on the severity of the accident, victims may also be able to seek punitive damages, which are designed to punish the person or company responsible for the accident. In summary, victims of drunk driving accidents in Oregon may have a variety of civil liability options available to them. These may include filing a lawsuit against the driver, utilizing the state’s “guest statute”, or pursuing a claim against a bar or establishment that served alcohol to the driver. Victims may also be able to receive compensation through a personal injury lawsuit, and in some cases, punitive damages may be available.

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