Edmond Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Edmond, OK

It is always an unwise decision to get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of alcohol. Unfortunately, people make this decision every day, and innocent people around them get seriously hurt. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, you deserve the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Contact a seasoned Edmond drunk driving accident lawyer to help you take the first steps toward recovery.

About Fulmer Sill

At Fulmer Sill, we know that your case is not part of a day’s work to you. That is why we handle every case that comes to us with the respect, empathy, and attention our clients expect and deserve. Many law firms have experienced attorneys, but what sets Fulmer Sill apart is that we employ a teamwork approach to all of our cases. Instead of getting the knowledge and experience of one attorney behind you, when you choose us, you get the whole team.

Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience to bear for all of our clients, and while we make an effort to settle cases outside of courtrooms, we are fully equipped and ready to litigate when necessary. Clients may walk into our office at 14005 North Eastern Avenue feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and unsure of the future, but they walk out with confidence because they know we have what it takes to advocate for them.

Drunk Driving in Oklahoma and the United States

Drunk driving is defined under Oklahoma law as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, of 0.08% or more. Unfortunately, people choose to drive drunk every day, both in our state and across our country. In the United States, an average of 32 people are killed by drunk drivers every day.

In 2023, 25% of all fatal crashes in Oklahoma involved at least one driver with a BAC of at least 0.08%. This demonstrates how significant a factor alcohol impairment can be in fatal traffic accidents.

What Compensation Can You Claim for an Injury Sustained in a Drunk Driving Accident?

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Edmond, OK, you may be facing astronomical medical bills, financial strain from lost wages, and the daunting prospect of recovery in the midst of your physical pain and psychological suffering. When a person is injured by the reckless actions of another in this way, the law provides an avenue to seek compensation from the liable party.

In most car accident cases, regardless of whether the driver was intoxicated or not, the first step toward compensation is usually to file a claim with the liable driver’s insurance company. In fact, you may already have heard from the insurance company because they often contact victims to express concern about their well-being and to offer a settlement.

It is important that you never accept an initial settlement offer from an insurance company without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies exist to make money, so their initial offers are almost always much lower than what is actually necessary for the injured person to recover what they have lost.

The next step in seeking compensation is to file a personal injury claim against the person who caused the crash. Through this civil action, you can seek compensation for all of your medical expenses, lost wages if you have had to miss work, and pain and suffering.

Why You Should Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

Taking any legal action can be complicated, and you likely need the help of an experienced attorney to successfully recover compensation. If you are dealing with an injury from a drunk driver, you should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as you can.

Your attorney can work with you from the earliest stages of your case, first taking steps to learn about what happened and investigate, and then helping you move forward by handling the communication between you and the insurance company. If negotiations with insurance do not result in an adequate settlement, your attorney can file a civil claim for you in the Oklahoma County District Court and advocate for you there, as well.

FAQs About Edmond, OK Drunk Driving Accident Laws

Can I File a Civil Claim Even if There Are Criminal Charges Filed?

Yes. Any civil claim you bring against a drunk driver who injured you is completely separate from any criminal proceedings that may be underway. The driver may face legal consequences, but you deserve personal justice, as well. If you are concerned about how legal proceedings may affect the timeline of your civil claim, your attorney can help you answer any questions you may have.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Edmond?

Many people who are facing serious injuries, such as those sustained in a drunk driving accident, are already under significant financial stress by the time they begin seeking compensation. Therefore, most attorneys in Edmond who accept personal injury cases use a contingency fee structure, meaning they receive a portion of any settlement as payment for their services.

What if My Injuries Require Long-Term Medical Care?

It often happens that injuries sustained in a serious car accident require the injured person to have long-term medical care. In these cases, the costs of that care should be projected and included in the total of the personal injury settlement. Your attorney can help you understand the particulars of this.

How Long Could It Take to Settle My Case in Edmond?

It is difficult to predict how long it might take to settle any personal injury case in Edmond, including one resulting from a drunk driving accident. Generally, personal injury cases cannot be settled until the injured person has either fully recovered or has reached a point of maximum recovery. Consult your attorney for additional insights.

Need an Attorney? Contact Fulmer Sill Today

When you are burdened by the medical bills and missed work associated with injuries from a drunk driving accident, it may feel like you can never move on. We at Fulmer Sill are here to help you get your life moving again, one step at a time. Contact us today to discuss your needs.