Hit By a Drunk Driver in Oklahoma? We Can Fight For Justice For You
Our Oklahoma drunk driving accident attorneys can demand financial compensation
There are few things more upsetting than being hit by a drunk driver. Every motorist knows that drinking and driving is against the law, but some choose to break the law anyway - and too often, innocent victims end up paying the price. You may be badly hurt and unable to work. Our drunk driving accident lawyers know how to make things right.
It's normal to feel lost, confused and overwhelmed after a car accident caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs. That's why we're here. Let Lawter & Associates, PLLC take care of the paperwork and deal with the insurance company while you focus on getting better.
Our Oklahoma drunk driving accident attorneys have more than 40 years of experience handling such complicated cases. We know how to analyze accident reports and find the facts that matter to build a strong legal case. Experience matters - and so does your crash.
What makes drunk driving accidents so complicated?
Drunk driving can result in any type of car crash. You could be rear-ended by a drunk driver or involved in a hit-and-run by a drunk driver.
No matter how the accident happened, your attorney must prove that the motorist who hit you was driving under the influence or otherwise negligent in order to recover the compensation you need. You might think that after a drunk driving crash, liability would be clear-cut, but that’s not always the case. Although drunk driving is a crime, that doesn’t necessarily mean the drunk driver is always at fault for the accident. To prove fault , we’ll talk to witnesses, review the accident report, investigate the accident scene and explore any other leads that may help us get to the bottom of what happened.
In drunk driving crashes, the at-fault driver is often not the only source of compensation. Oklahoma has strict laws regulating bars and establishments that sell alcohol. If an establishment violated the law by serving alcohol to the motorist who hit you, we can hold them accountable as well. For example, we may be able to file a lawsuit against a bar that served an underage driver, or that continued to serve someone who was already visibly intoxicated. These are called "dram shop" claims, and they are often the key to recovering full compensation for your injuries - but they can also be difficult and complex to prove. That's why an experienced attorney can make a massive difference.
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What can I be compensated for if a drunk driver causes my accident?
The bottom line is you can and should be financially compensated for all your injury-related expenses if an impaired driver caused your crash. This includes all expenses immediately after your accident as well as any future expenses, including:
- Vehicle repair and replacement costs
- Emergency medical care
- Ambulance fees
- Overnight hospital fees
- Medical diagnostic tests
- Prescription medications
- Follow-up doctor’s appointments
- Physical therapy
- Replacement income during recovery
- Lost future income if you cannot return to work
- Pain and suffering certain circumstances
Remember, you didn’t do anything wrong. A drunk driver caused your crash which resulted in your injury. You should not have to pay for their mistakes. You should be financially compensated for all your expenses.
Settlements for drunk driving accidents vary depending on the specifics of your case. Since all cases are unique, there is no true average settlement amount because the financial compensation for drunk driving accidents depends on various factors. These factors include the severity of injuries, medical expenses, treatments, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
If you want to know how much your case might be worth, you need to talk to an attorney. Our drunk driving accident lawyers will listen to your story and explain the possible value of your claim.
What are Oklahoma’s drunk driving laws?
Oklahoma’s laws are very clear when it comes to driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. If a driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, they are considered legally intoxicated.
In addition, Oklahoma takes a tough stance against impaired underage DUI drivers, as well as professional drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). If a driver is under 21 years old, they are considered legally drunk if their BAC is 0.02 or higher. If a commercial driver has a BAC of 0.04 or higher, they can be charged with DUI in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma also has strict DUI laws for repeat offenders and drivers with a high BAC, which is defined as a BAC of 0.15 or higher. Whatever the circumstances of your drunk driving accident, our legal team can work with you to hold the impaired driver who caused your crash responsible for their actions.
Contact our law firm today
Insurance companies often fight tooth and nail to minimize these claims. They know that crashes caused by drunk drivers can cost them thousands or even millions of dollars, which is why they'll send their best lawyers and adjusters to reduce or deny your claim by any means necessary. We know how to deal with the insurance company, counter their tactics and protect your legal rights.
If you've been hit by a drunk driver, you deserve to be compensated for your pain and suffering. Take control of what happens next. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation with an Oklahoma drunk driving accident lawyer who cares. You can meet with us in our offices in Oklahoma City or Tulsa, or we can come to you.