Oregon Department of Transportation is reporting that seven people died in five motor vehicle accidents between 6pm and 11:59pm on December 31, 2008. These figures are an increase from the same period beginning December 31, 2007, when five people were killed in four motor vehicle accidents. There were four Oregon auto deaths on New Year’s Eve 2006.
Poor road conditions were a contributing factor in four of this New Year’s Eve deadly accidents, while intoxicated driving was a factor in the fifth collision that took place in Bend, Oregon, on Highway 20. Five people who survived these crashes have since been released from local hospitals.
Holiday Drunk Driving
The Oregon State Police say they made 52 DUI arrests between December 31, 2008 and January 1, 2009 at 8am. Between 6pm on New Year’s Eve through 11:59pm on January 4, 2009, they made 85 DUI arrests—that’s 13 less than for the same time period last year. Police throughout the state had increased their efforts to stop drunk drivers and prevent them from causing Oregon motor vehicle accidents.
What to Do If You Are Involved in an Oregon Car Accident:
• Do not leave the scene of the Oregon motor vehicle crash without stopping to see if anyone was hurt and exchanging contact and insurance information with the other party.
• Document any injuries or property damage to your vehicle.
• If applicable, talk to police who arrive at the crash scene and make sure you tell them exactly what happened.
• Do NOT try to settle your claim with the other party’s insurance company without exploring your legal options.
• Talk to an experienced Portland personal injury lawyer about your case.
OSP holiday patrols net 85 DUI arrests, StatesmanJournal.com, January 6, 2009
OSP Troopers Report Over 50 DUII Arrests During New Year’s Eve, January 1, 2009
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Throughout Oregon, Portland Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Matt Kaplan represents victims and their families in their efforts to receive personal injury or wrongful death recovery from all liable parties.