PORTLAND DRUGGED DRIVING ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

We Represent Clients
Injured by Drugged Drivers in Portland and Throughout Oregon

Drug-impaired drivers put everyone on Portland’s roads at risk. It doesn’t matter if the impairment involves marijuana, prescription medications, illegal drugs, or a combination of substances; a driver’s poor decisions can leave innocent people with life-changing injuries. Johnston Law Firm proudly represents clients in Portland and throughout Oregon, helping victims pursue compensation after serious drugged driving accidents.

Have you been injured by a driver under the influence of drugs? Contact Johnston Law Firm today for a free consultation, or call us at 503-546-3167. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and begin pursuing the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.

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How Johnston Law Firm Can Help You After Being Injured by an Intoxicated Driver

Drug-impaired driving cases often require more investigation than standard car accident claims. Proving that drugs contributed to the collision may involve toxicology reports, expert testimony, surveillance footage, and extensive evidence collection. Our attorneys handle every aspect of your claim from the very beginning.

Here’s what our drugged driving accident lawyers can do for you:

• Conduct a comprehensive accident investigation to identify every liable party and preserve critical evidence.
• Obtain police reports, toxicology results, and witness statements supporting your claim.
• Work with medical experts to document your injuries and future treatment needs.
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies while protecting your rights throughout the process.
• Prepare your case for trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.

Our goal is to maximize your recovery while making the legal process as straightforward as possible during a difficult time.

Drugged Driving in Oregon and the Dangers of Marijuana Impairment

Driving under the influence of drugs remains a significant safety issue throughout Oregon. While marijuana is legal for recreational use under Oregon law, driving while impaired by marijuana or any other intoxicating substance remains illegal and dangerous. Prescription medications, illegal drugs, and even certain over-the-counter medications can reduce reaction times, impair judgment, and affect coordination behind the wheel.

Oregon continues to average approximately 25,000 DUII arrests each year. According to the Atlas Addiction Treatment Center of Oregon, drugs or alcohol are involved in roughly 40 percent of all traffic fatalities statewide. Local enforcement efforts continue to target impaired drivers. In 2025 alone, Portland’s Traffic Division issued 7,546 citations, 1,396 warnings, and made 311 arrests, including 222 DUII arrests, reflecting the city’s continued commitment to improving roadway safety.

Marijuana remains one of the most common substances involved in impaired driving cases. The active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can interfere with several skills necessary for safe driving, including:

• Judgment: Increasing reckless decisions such as speeding or unsafe lane changes.
• Reaction Time: Delaying responses to sudden traffic hazards.
• Attention: Making distractions more difficult to overcome.
• Coordination: Reducing the ability to safely control a vehicle.

Unlike alcohol, marijuana impairment may require additional evidence beyond field sobriety testing. Blood tests, toxicology reports, witness testimony, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction may all become important pieces of evidence during a personal injury claim.

Don’t miss out on these common personal injury mistakes.

Get the legal counsel you need to guide you through the process of filing an injury claim.

Oregon Intoxicated Driving Laws

Oregon law prohibits operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, inhalants, or any combination of intoxicants. Under ORS 813.010, a person commits the offense of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) if they drive while impaired or while having a prohibited blood alcohol concentration.

Unlike alcohol impairment, Oregon law does not establish a specific legal limit for marijuana or most other controlled substances. Instead, prosecutors generally rely upon toxicology evidence, police observations, field sobriety tests, witness testimony, and expert opinions to demonstrate impairment.

Although a DUII arrest may lead to criminal penalties, your personal injury case is separate from the criminal prosecution. A driver may still be held financially responsible for your injuries even if the criminal case has not concluded or results in a different outcome.

Time Limitation for Filing a DWI Lawsuit in Portland

If you were injured by a drug-impaired driver, it is important not to delay seeking legal advice. Under ORS 12.110, most Oregon personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation altogether.

Certain situations may affect the filing deadline. Cases involving government entities, minors, or other unique circumstances may have different procedural requirements or notice deadlines. Acting quickly also allows your attorney to preserve evidence before it disappears, interview witnesses while memories remain fresh, and obtain surveillance footage that may otherwise be lost.

Speaking with an experienced Portland drugged driving accident lawyer as soon as possible gives you the best opportunity to build a strong claim.

Seeking Compensation After a Drugged Driving Accident

Drugged driving accidents often result in severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and significant time away from work. When another person’s impaired driving causes your injuries, Oregon law allows you to seek compensation for both financial and personal losses.

Depending upon your circumstances, compensation may include:

• Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and future medical care.
• Lost wages: Income lost while recovering and diminished future earning capacity.
• Property damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and long-term discomfort.
• Emotional distress: Anxiety, PTSD, depression, and psychological trauma.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
• Punitive damages: In limited circumstances where the driver’s conduct was especially reckless.

Successfully proving drug impairment frequently requires extensive investigation, including reviewing police reports, obtaining surveillance footage, collecting toxicology evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting medical experts.

Frequently Asked Questions About DWI Claims