Medford Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Medford, OR

Following any accident, you may feel frightened and in pain. When you realize it was the fault of a drunk driver, your emotions may escalate. As a drunk driving accident lawyer in Medford, OR, we have handled a large number of these cases. Many of the victims will face  long term or permanent injuries, while the drunk driver often escapes unscathed. Drunk driving is unacceptable, and a punishable criminal offense. Whether the driver is prosecuted will be up to the state, but regardless of their decision, if you were injured by a drunk driver, you may recover compensation. Please do not delay in consulting a drunk driving accident lawyer in Medford, OR now. 

What to Do If You’re Injured by a Drunk Driver

Knowing what to do when you’re in a car accident can help you remain calm and collected to take care of yourself and the occupants of the car.. Being involved in a drunk driving accident can be even more stressful because the other driver may not fully understand what happened. Here’s what to do if you think you’ve been hit by a driver who is intoxicated.

Call the Police 

You need to document the accident. Having an officer respond to the accident ensures that the drunk driver doesn’t get back behind the wheel without consequences. You also get crucial evidence for filing a claim or lawsuit against the other driver’s insurance. Don’t worry about whether your injuries seem serious or not. Call 911 to make sure the authorities register your accident. If the other driver drove away without stopping, try to remember as many details as you can about the other car to report it.

Seek Medical Treatment   

After an accident, you may not feel any pain due to adrenaline or shock. Soft tissue injuries may not show up right away. Tell the officer who responds to the scene that you’re unsure if you are hurt or not. Don’t refuse medical treatment. Let your healthcare provider diagnose, treat and document any injuries. You also should seek medical treatment as soon as possible after the accident. The longer you wait, the harder it is to show that the accident was the actual cause of your pain.

Collect Information

If possible, take pictures of the accident and the scene. Get photos of your cars, both close-up and far away. Try to document the conditions of the weather, construction, and any other elements that could have contributed to the accident. Try to get the other driver’s contact and insurance information, as well as potential witnesses. The responding officer should gather that information for the police report. It could take a few days to get the report and you’ll want to give that information to your insurance company as soon as possible. Your drunk driving accident lawyer in Medford, OR will also need a copy of it. Don’t forget to get the officer’s identification and a claim number for the report.

Will My Car Insurance Be Affected by a DUI?

Following a DUI you may have many questions, especially related to the potential penalties. These might include:

• Whether you need a special DUI insurance?
• How much your insurance rates will go up?
  Can you even be insured after a DUI?
• Is it worth it to hire a DUI lawyer?

These are understandable questions to ask, and are important to know. If you would like immediate answers from a qualified DUI lawyer, call Andersen & Linthorst.

Will My Car Insurance Be Affected by a DUI?

A DUI conviction can result in a criminal record and license suspension. Amongst many other consequences can include an increase in your insurance premium. If you’ve already been found guilty, there is generally not much a DUI lawyer can do. That being said, when the circumstances are favorable, a DUI lawyer may be able to help you avoid a conviction and adverse consequences that may follow. The sooner you call a DUI lawyer after your arrest, the better.

A DUI Conviction Will Likely Increase Your Insurance Premium

A DUI is a considerable criminal offense. Insurance companies, as well as the legal system, feel this way because by driving under the influence you put your life, and those around you, at risk. Regardless of how much your insurance policy is, your coverage won’t save you from fines and penalties if you are found guilty. Furthermore, it may not be easy to get insurance after a DUI – especially if this is not your first conviction. 

Depending on your insurance provider and the circumstances of your arrest, you may face:

An increase in your insurance premium

Mandatory purchase of high risk insurance

An immediate cancellation of your coverage

Your premium is based on the risk the insurance company takes when they choose to cover you. Because a DUI is considered to be one of the highest forms of high risk behavior, you become a greater risk after a conviction. Therefore, it can be said with certainty that your insurance coverage will increase. As a DUI lawyer, we know of people whose insurance premium increased by 25 – 60 percent. The average increase is 56%. This means if you pay an annual premium of $1000, you will be required to pay $560 more each year for the next 3-5 years. 

When Your Policy Has Been Cancelled

Offering coverage to a person who has engaged in high risk behavior, such as a DUI, is considered to be risky business. Therefore, it may be possible for your insurance company to cancel your coverage. If this should happen, you might expect your options to be limited. Some providers will not accept high risk drivers, and many might refuse to offer you their service for at least 5 years. Until the DUI is off of your record, your insurance rates will likely be high. Furthermore, it will depend on the severity of the offense. As a DUI lawyer might explain, if you received a DUI while on your way home, and your were not speeding, the increase may be lower than if you were speeding down the highway. 

Call a DUI Lawyer

Just because you have been arrested for a DUI does not mean you are guilty, nor does it mean you will be convicted. It is your right to fight the charge. Call a DUI lawyer now. 

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Open a claim with your insurance company as soon as you can. Let your insurance company start to collect evidence and information before it gets too old. If you can’t come to a fair settlement with the other driver’s insurance company, you may want to reach out to a drunk driving accident lawyer in Medford, OR who can help you negotiate or file a claim or  lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. Bear in mind calling a lawyer first may be a good idea. 

To speak with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Medford, OR, call Andersen & Linthorst now. 

Navigating Drunk Driving Accidents

When you’re facing the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, having a Medford OR drunk driving accident lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the local legal system can make all the difference. The legal team at Andersen & Linthorst is not just a legal expert but also a local advocate who understands the specific challenges you may face in this region.

Navigating Oregon’s Drunk Driving Laws

Oregon has stringent laws regarding drunk driving, and being aware of these laws is crucial when dealing with a drunk driving accident case. Each drunk driving accident lawyer at our firm is well-versed in Oregon’s legal framework and can guide you through the complexities, ensuring that your rights are protected and your case is handled appropriately.

Building a Strong Case

A successful outcome in a drunk driving accident case often depends on the strength of your evidence. A seasoned drunk driving accident lawyer has the skills and resources to thoroughly investigate your case, gathering crucial evidence such as police reports, witness testimonies, and medical records. This meticulous approach strengthens your position whether you’re negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing legal action.

Negotiation Expertise

In many instances, reaching a fair settlement is the goal. Each Medford drunk driving accident lawyer at our firm possesses excellent negotiation skills honed over years of legal practice. They will tirelessly advocate for your interests, striving for a resolution that provides you with the compensation you deserve.

Litigation when Necessary

Sometimes, negotiation doesn’t lead to a satisfactory outcome, and litigation becomes necessary. In such cases, our drunk driving accident lawyers is ready to represent your interests in court. With their legal expertise and dedication, you can rest assured that you have a formidable advocate on your side, ready to fight for justice.

Taking Action Today

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a drunk driving accident, don’t hesitate to seek the legal guidance you need. Contact a Medford drunk driving accident lawyer at Andersen & Linthorst for a free consultation. Let us be your partners in pursuing justice and securing the compensation you deserve. Your path to recovery and justice begins with taking action today.

Free Consultation

Client Review

"It was an absolute pleasure working with this team. They eased my anxiety every step of the way. They were all very professional, kind, understanding and knowledgeable. I would recommend them to anyone seeking help. Thank you all so much!"
Nichelle Laabs