Oklahoma City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Oklahoma City Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of preventable accidents in Oklahoma. These reckless acts of negligence often leave victims with serious injuries, costly medical bills, and emotional trauma. Being involved in such an accident can lead to temporary or even permanent disabilities that change a victim’s way of life. Understanding the full impact of these accidents is crucial for seeking appropriate compensation and support.

At Fulmer Sill, we believe no one should suffer due to another’s decision to drink and drive. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, our award-winning team is here to help you seek justice and compensation. Our drunk driving accident attorneys work tirelessly to analyze every aspect of the accident, leveraging extensive experience and innovative legal strategies to fortify your claims.

Understanding Local Oklahoma City Traffic Patterns

Oklahoma City has grown rapidly, with new businesses and developments affecting traffic patterns. Heavily-trafficked areas such as Bricktown and Western Avenue are prone to congestion, especially during weekends and holidays. This increases the risk of drunk driving accidents, making awareness and caution crucial for drivers. Local traffic laws are enforced strictly to manage the flow and safety on roads. However, drivers under the influence still present a significant risk to their community.

What Are Your Rights as a Victim of a Drunk Driving Accident in Oklahoma?

As a victim of a drunk driving accident, you have the right to seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered due to someone else’s recklessness. Drunk drivers violate not only traffic laws but the safety and well-being of everyone on the road. This breach of responsibility often results in life-altering consequences for victims, including extended recovery periods and the necessity of ongoing medical treatment and therapy.

By filing a personal injury claim, you can hold the drunk driver accountable for the losses you’ve experienced, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Oklahoma’s personal injury laws empower you to take legal action against the at-fault driver, allowing you to recover damages that can help ease the financial burden caused by the accident.

Do I Have a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, you may have a car accident claim if the following elements are present:

• Duty of Care: The driver had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely.
• Breach of Duty: DUI violates the standard of care owed to others on the road.
• Causation: The driver’s intoxication directly caused the accident and your injuries.
• Damages: You suffered financial or non-financial harm because of the accident (e.g., medical bills, lost income, emotional distress).

It’s not always easy for victims to determine whether they have a viable claim. You may be unsure whether your injuries meet the legal threshold for a claim or if the driver’s intoxication can be proven. At Fulmer Sill, we can help evaluate your situation and determine if you have grounds for a potential claim. Our Oklahoma City drunk driving accident lawyers can assess the details of your accident and guide you through your legal options so you can make informed decisions. We ensure transparency and constant communication throughout the process.

Oklahoma Dram Shop Laws: Holding Establishments Accountable

In Oklahoma, victims of drunk driving accidents may have another avenue to seek compensation beyond the at-fault driver. Dram shop laws allow victims to hold bars, restaurants, or other establishments liable if they negligently served alcohol to an intoxicated person who later caused an accident. This can significantly impact the accountability of establishments in preventing drunk driving.

Under Oklahoma’s dram shop laws, an establishment can be held legally responsible if it serves alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or to a minor under 21 years of age, and that person then causes harm to others, such as in a drunk driving accident. These laws are designed to curb reckless alcohol service and provide victims with another potential source of compensation.

Key points about Oklahoma’s dram shop laws include:

• Negligent Alcohol Service: An establishment can be held liable if it serves alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated, ignoring obvious signs of impairment.
• Serving Minors: Selling or serving alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age can also expose the establishment to liability if that individual causes harm.
• Civil Penalties: In addition to facing criminal penalties, these establishments can be sued in civil court by victims of drunk driving accidents for the injuries and damages caused.

Our Oklahoma City drunk driving accident lawyers have successfully litigated dram shop cases against establishments that negligently served individuals who later caused DUI accidents. We can help evaluate whether such a claim may be a worthwhile course of action in your case. Our comprehensive approach ensures no detail is overlooked in seeking justice for victims.

How Fulmer Sill Can Help After a Drunk Driving Accident

Fulmer Sill has experience holding negligent drivers accountable and pursuing maximum client compensation. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: We work with experts, gather police reports, interview witnesses, and obtain evidence of the driver’s intoxication to strengthen your claim.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, even in clear cases of drunk driving. Our attorneys will negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
• Taking the Case to Court: If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial, fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
• Pain and Suffering Damages: Beyond the obvious financial losses, our team helps calculate and pursue compensation for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of quality of life.

Examples of Our Results

Fulmer Sill has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for accident victims across Oklahoma. Here are some examples of our results:

• $5 million settlement: Secured for a school bus passenger injured in a crash involving a defectively maintained oil field truck.
• $2.35 million settlement: Recovered for a client who was injured in a truck accident.
• $1.3 million settlement: Our client was injured after being hit by a drunk driver.
• $275,000 settlement: Secured against a restaurant that over-served a customer involved in a DUI accident.

See more of our results

Oklahoma City Drunk Driving Accident FAQ

What Should I Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?

After a drunk driving accident, your safety and well-being come first.

Here are the steps you should follow:

• Call 911: Report the accident to local authorities. It’s important to ensure that police arrive at the scene and document the accident.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to see a doctor.
• Collect Evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene, gather witness information, and exchange contact details with the other driver. Note anything that may indicate the driver was impaired, such as slurred speech or erratic behavior.
• Contact a Lawyer: Speak with a qualified injury attorney as soon as possible. At Fulmer Sill, we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and options.

Can I File a Claim If the Drunk Driver Wasn’t Convicted?

Yes. A criminal conviction is not required to file a personal injury claim. In fact, civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases. This means you may still be able to hold the drunk driver liable for your injuries, even if they aren’t convicted in criminal court. Your claim will focus on proving that the driver’s negligence caused the accident and your resulting damages. It’s important to remember that each legal avenue operates independently, allowing for compensation even without a criminal verdict.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident?

Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Covers the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and medical care.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for lost income.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle or other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious misconduct, like repeat DUI offenders, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the drunk driver.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In Oklahoma, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, is strictly enforced. If you fail to file within this period, you may lose your right to seek compensation. That’s why it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.

What Are Common Challenges in Drunk Driving Accident Claims?

Drunk driving accident claims can present various challenges, including proving the driver’s intoxication level and connecting it directly to the accident. Collecting sufficient evidence like police reports, witness statements, and BAC tests can be time-consuming. In some cases, insurance companies might dispute the extent of the negligence or the validity of injury claims. It’s essential to work with knowledgeable legal professionals who can navigate these hurdles.

Call for a FREE Consultation: (405) 510-0077

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, don’t wait to get the legal help you deserve. Our team at Fulmer Sill is ready to stand by your side, providing the support and legal advocacy you need. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step!