Drunk driving accidents are devastating enough but when a driver flees the scene, it adds another layer of trauma and complexity for victims. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driving hit-and-run in Oregon, knowing your rights and taking the right steps can make a major difference in your recovery both physically and legally.
In this post, we’ll explain what to do immediately after a hit-and-run crash, who to contact, and how to seek trusted drunk driving hit-and-run legal help in Oregon
Also Read:
- Do I need to get a lawyer for a car wreck that was my fault?
- What to do after an accident with a DUI driver
- Top Car Crash Lawyers
Understanding Oregon’s DUII and Hit-and-Run Laws
In Oregon, driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) is a serious criminal offense. It’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Fleeing the scene of an accident is another crime entirely, making a hit-and-run involving DUII a dual violation of state law.
Key facts to understand:
- Oregon law requires any driver involved in an accident to stop immediately and exchange information or render aid if necessary.
- Leaving the scene can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the injury severity.
- DUII penalties can include fines, license suspension, jail time, and mandatory treatment programs.
When both offenses occur together, the penalties and the civil consequences are significantly more serious.
Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Drunk Driving Hit-and-Run in Oregon
Being hit by a drunk driver is frightening. When they speed away instead of helping, it leaves you in a confusing and vulnerable position. Here’s what you should do immediately after the incident:
1. Call 911 Immediately
If you are injured or even suspect injury call 911 as your first priority. Request emergency medical assistance if needed and inform the dispatcher it was a hit-and-run. Oregon police officers are trained to respond quickly, gather witness statements, and look for the fleeing driver.
2. Stay at the Scene and Gather Evidence
If you can safely remain at the scene:
- Write down everything you remember: the make and model of the vehicle, license plate (even partial), color, driver’s appearance, and direction they fled.
- Take photos of vehicle damage, road debris, skid marks, and injuries.
- Ask any witnesses to stay and speak with police, or collect their contact information.
Even the smallest detail could help law enforcement locate the hit-and-run driver.
3. Seek Medical Care
Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, visit an urgent care clinic or ER as soon as possible. Internal injuries and concussions can take time to appear and having medical documentation will support any legal or insurance claims you pursue later.
4. Contact a Local Personal Injury Attorney
Once your immediate safety is secured, it’s crucial to reach out to a personal injury lawyer experienced in Oregon DUI and hit-and-run cases. These cases can get complicated quickly, especially if the driver isn’t found. An attorney can:
- Help track down the offender using legal tools and police collaboration.
- Guide you through dealing with your own insurance under Oregon’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
- Build a case to recover damages, even if the other driver remains unidentified.
Why You Need Drunk Driving Hit-and-Run Legal Help in Oregon
Even if the hit-and-run driver is caught, criminal charges alone won’t get you the compensation you need. Victims of drunk driving collisions often face steep medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term physical and emotional trauma.
Legal representation ensures you don’t have to navigate this alone. Here’s how a dedicated Oregon personal injury attorney like Ryan Hilts can help:
Investigation Support
Hit-and-run cases often involve unclear liability and a missing party. An experienced attorney can work with private investigators, surveillance footage, crash forensics, and witness interviews to help find the responsible driver or prove your version of the events.
Insurance Negotiations
Oregon drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which may be the only compensation source if the other driver isn’t identified. However, even your own insurance company may resist paying a fair amount. A lawyer can:
- Handle all communication with insurers
- Ensure all deadlines are met
- Push back against lowball offers or denials
Civil Lawsuit Representation
If the drunk driver is found, your attorney can help you file a civil lawsuit for damages beyond what insurance covers. This may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (in some cases)
When to Contact an Attorney
You should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after a drunk driving hit-and-run in Oregon. Delaying can hurt your case, especially when evidence is fresh and witnesses’ memories are sharp.
Here’s when to call a lawyer:
- Immediately after receiving medical attention
- Before speaking in-depth with any insurance adjusters
- If the police identify the suspect but criminal proceedings haven’t started
- If your insurance company is slow to respond or denies coverage
- If you’re unsure of your rights or what compensation you may be entitled to
At Ryan Hilts
Attorney at Law, we help victims of Oregon DUII and hit-and-run crashes navigate these stressful situations with confidence and care.
Oregon Hit-and-Run Victims: Know Your Rights
Here are a few Oregon-specific protections and facts that may apply to your case:
- Uninsured motorist coverage is required in Oregon and should cover hit-and-run damages up to your policy limit.
- Oregon law allows punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct like knowingly fleeing a drunk driving crash.
- There is a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims in Oregon, but it’s best not to wait.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Navigate This Alone
A hit-and-run caused by a drunk driver is more than an accident; it’s an act of recklessness that can destroy lives. If you’ve been injured in such a crash in Oregon, you deserve justice, accountability, and fair compensation.
Getting the right drunk driving hit-and-run legal help is the first step toward rebuilding your life. The team at Ryan Hilts is here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and fight for your future.
