Auto accident claims exist to help protect us from any kind of negligent driver out on the road. Whether someone made an honest mistake or committed an illegal act, like driving under the influence, they (or their insurance) can be held accountable for the injuries they’ve caused. However, when alcohol plays a role in an Oregon accident, it creates some added elements of which you should be aware. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, one important aspect can work in your favor: Juries are less forgiving of this negligent behavior. Even if the injuries you’ve sustained are similar to those a sober individual may have caused you to suffer, the court will often take a firmer hand with cases involving intoxication. Anyone can make a mistake behind the wheel, but driving drunk is a selfish choice, one that juries are rarely, if ever, sympathetic toward. Take this into account if their insurance company has offered you a settlement for your injuries. THE JURY
evidence” of the drink provider’s culpability, but under the right circumstances, they can be very effective. They hold bars, party hosts, and others accountable — hopefully ensuring they do their part to prevent their patrons from getting behind the wheel in the future. If you plan on making an injury claim against an alcohol provider, you must give them six months’ notice in order to give them time to respond. On top of your injury claim, a driver accused of intoxicated driving will also face criminal charges. While this case is largely between the driver and the state of Oregon, the evidence gathered during the criminal investigation and the trial’s verdict can vastly impact your personal injury case. The other driver can’t claim they were not negligent if they’ve already been proven guilty of driving under the influence in a court of law. THE CRIMINAL CASE
THE ‘DRAM SHOP’ CLAIM
The intoxicated driver who injured you may not be the only entity you have a claim against. Oregon allows for claims against the “provider of alcohol” in cases where you can prove the business or person provided the driver with alcohol while they were “visibly intoxicated.” These “dram shop” claims require “clear and convincing
VEGAN BANANA PANCAKES Inspired by My Darling Vegan
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups flour • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 2 extra ripe bananas, mashed • 1 cup soy milk
• 2 tbsp maple syrup • 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted • 1 tsp vanilla extract • Cooking spray
Directions
1. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk bananas, soy milk, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla together. 3. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir. Don’t overmix. Lumps are okay. 4. Spray a heated pancake griddle with cooking spray, and scoop 1/4 cup of the mixture onto the griddle. Repeat until the griddle is filled. 5. After 3 minutes or when bubbles appear, flip each pancake. 6. After each pancake has risen to double its initial height, remove from griddle. Repeat as necessary until batter is gone. 7. Serve with your favorite toppings!
The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
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