Drunk Driving Accidents

If you've been the victim of a drunk driver, you may be wondering what your rights are. How can you make sure justice is done? How can you find the money you need to cover your medical bills, time off work and other expenses?

At the law firm of Mario F. Riquelme & L. Todd Wilson Partners At Elliott, Riquelme & Wilson LLP, in Bend, Oregon, we will be your strong advocates. If you choose to be a resource for the prosecutor and assist with the criminal side of the case, we can assist you and communicate with the district attorney on your behalf. If you simply want to recover money for your damages, we will aggressively pursue the maximum amount possible under the law.

If you were harmed by an impaired driver, you have the right to:

• Obtain a copy of the police report
• Pursue a personal injury claim to recover full compensation for your losses
• Be consulted by the criminal prosecution
• Seek to have a portion of your medical bills paid by the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund, if your insurance will not cover the full cost

The law recognizes a variety of substances that may affect a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. These substances include:

• Marijuana (cannabis)
• Hallucinogens
• Narcotic analgesics (painkillers)
• Central nervous system depressants
• Stimulants
• Dissociative anesthetics (PCP)
• Inhalants

Because we also have extensive experience as criminal lawyers, we have a far deeper knowledge of impaired driving matters than most personal injury attorneys do. We are skilled in dealing with the evaluation method to determine if impairment exists and then recovering on that theory.

We understand what one Valium can do to a person's driving ability, for instance. We don't just defer to what the law enforcement officer said. We will use our knowledge to build a strong case for compensation on your behalf.

To learn more about your rights after a drunk driving accident in Oregon, contact Mario F. Riquelme & L. Todd Wilson Partners At Elliott, Riquelme & Wilson LLP, today. Call us at 541-323-2013, or send our office an email.