December is one of the most festive times of the year in Portland — but it’s also one of the most dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. Holiday parties, office celebrations, winter events, and New Year gatherings lead to a seasonal rise in alcohol-related crashes across the city. From downtown nightlife to neighborhood get-togethers, impaired driving poses a serious risk on Portland roads such as Powell Boulevard, Burnside, Sandy, and the I-5 and I-405 corridors.
At Peterson Law Offices, we’ve represented injury victims in Oregon and Washington since 1991. Drunk driving cases are among the most devastating we see, especially during the holiday season. Understanding how liability works, what evidence matters, and when to pursue compensation is crucial for anyone hurt by an impaired driver.
Why Drunk Driving Spikes in Portland Each December
While impaired driving is a year-round issue, several seasonal factors make the problem worse in December:
- Holiday parties at workplaces, restaurants, and private homes
- Downtown events and nightlife drawing large crowds
- Travel to and from winter celebrations, often late at night
- Increased alcohol use combined with early sunsets
- Tourists and seasonal visitors unfamiliar with Portland’s roads
- Rideshare shortages leading some drivers to risk getting behind the wheel
Even one poor decision can cause catastrophic injuries — and under Oregon law, impaired drivers are fully responsible for the harm they cause.
Common Types of Drunk Driving Crashes in Portland
Impaired driving affects reaction time, judgment, coordination, and depth perception — all of which increase the risk of high-impact crashes. Portland sees a range of DUI-related collision types, including:
- Head-on collisions on two-lane roads like SE Stark or NE Fremont
- Rear-end crashes at stoplights when impaired drivers fail to brake
- Side-impact crashes at intersections such as 82nd Avenue or MLK Boulevard
- Pedestrian and cyclist collisions in areas like Downtown, Hawthorne, and North Williams
- Wrong-way crashes on highway on-ramps or I-5 corridors
These incidents often result in severe or permanent injuries for victims.
Understanding Liability in Drunk Driving Injury Cases
The impaired driver is typically the primary at-fault party — but in some cases, additional parties may share responsibility.
You may have a claim against:
1. The Drunk Driver
If the driver operated a vehicle while impaired, they are liable for damages including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
2. The Driver’s Insurance Company
Oregon requires minimum liability coverage, but many drunk driving injury claims exceed these limits.
3. A Social Host (in limited circumstances)
Under Oregon’s social host liability laws, a host may be responsible if they knowingly served alcohol to a minor who later caused a crash.
4. A Bar or Restaurant (Dram Shop liability)
While Oregon’s laws are strict, an establishment may be liable if they served a visibly intoxicated person who later injured someone.
Determining which parties can be held accountable requires a detailed legal analysis — something our firm has handled successfully across decades of practice.
What Evidence Helps Prove Impairment and Negligence
Drunk driving injury cases often rely on a combination of scientific, eyewitness, and circumstantial evidence. Important evidence may include:
- Police reports indicating impairment
- Breathalyzer or blood test results
- Witness statements from partygoers, bar patrons, or bystanders
- Traffic camera or surveillance video
- 911 recordings
- Vehicle damage and crash reconstruction data
- Admissions by the driver at the scene
We work quickly to preserve this evidence before memories fade and video footage disappears.
What To Do If You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver in Portland
Victims often feel overwhelmed, but taking the right steps early strengthens your claim significantly:
- Call 911 immediately — insist on law enforcement involvement.
- Document the scene with photos of vehicles, injuries, and road conditions.
- Collect witness contact information — many DUI cases hinge on their testimony.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible, even if symptoms seem minor.
- Do not speak to the drunk driver’s insurance company before consulting a lawyer.
- Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in DUI-related crashes.
Drunk driving cases often involve aggressive defense strategies, making early legal support essential.
Types of Compensation Available to Injury Victims
Victims of DUI crashes in Portland may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency room bills
- Ongoing medical care or rehabilitation
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Property damage
- Long-term disability or permanent injuries
In some cases, victims may also receive punitive damages, designed to punish egregious or reckless conduct — especially relevant in drunk driving cases.
Why Local Knowledge Matters for Portland DUI Injury Claims
Portland has unique traffic patterns, road structures, and pedestrian hotspots. Our firm’s long-standing experience handling cases throughout the metro area gives us insight into:
- Dangerous intersections with frequent DUI arrests
- Seasonal enforcement patterns by Portland Police
- How local courts evaluate alcohol-related injury claims
- Where surveillance cameras may have captured the crash
With more than three decades of experience, Peterson Law Offices builds strong cases rooted in deep local understanding.
Read stories from past clients in our testimonials, reach out through our contact page, or visit our office.
Protect Your Rights After a Holiday DUI Crash
If a drunk or impaired driver injured you in Portland, you deserve justice — not excuses and not lowball insurance offers. Peterson Law Offices will fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue the full compensation you’re owed.
