400 N Walker Ave #130, Oklahoma City, OK Phone: 405-605-2426
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Clayton T. Hasbrook who has years of legal experience as a personal injury lawyer. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
In Oklahoma City, the repercussions of drunk driving accidents are profound and far-reaching. Victims often face not only physical injuries but also emotional trauma and financial burdens. The law firm of Hasbrook & Hasbrook stands ready to support those affected, offering expert legal guidance to navigate these challenging times.
Selecting the top legal representation will impact the outcome of your case. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, our dedicated drunk-driving accident lawyers understand the complexities of Oklahoma law and how to fight firmly for our client’s rights. Our Oklahoma City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer would be honored to fight for you after a drunk driving crash. Learn more about these car accidents below. Then, contact Our drunk driving accident attorneys to schedule a free consultation.
Advocate for Justice with an Oklahoma City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
When you or a loved one has been impacted by a drunk driving accident, it’s crucial to have a strong advocate on your side. A skilled Oklahoma City drunk driving accident lawyer from Hasbrook & Hasbrook can be that advocate, fighting for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
The Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving crashes frequently lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. This leaves victims and their families to face a long road to recovery. Beyond the immediate physical harm, these accidents can inflict lasting emotional and financial distress. The cost of medical treatment, along with lost pay and other bills, can quickly accumulate. This places a heavy burden on accident victims.
Why Legal Representation is Crucial
After a drunk driving accident, victims often find themselves up against well-resourced insurance companies that aim to minimize payouts. Without knowledgeable legal representation, it can be challenging to negotiate fair compensation. An experienced attorney can equalize the playing field. Your lawyer makes sure that your rights are protected and your case is presented effectively.
Recovering compensation requires more than just filing a claim; it requires a thorough understanding of legal procedures, evidence gathering, and negotiation tactics. Our attorneys have the ability and resources to build a strong case, advocating for your best interests and striving for the maximum compensation possible.
Understanding Your Rights After a Drunk Driving Accident
Oklahoma laws provide protections for victims of drunk driving accidents, allowing them to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. It’s important to understand these rights and the types of compensation accessible, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A knowledgeable drunk driving accident lawyer is there to shepherd you through these legal waters, ensuring that you are fully informed and your rights are upheld.
Compensation for Victims of Drunk Driving
Victims of drunk driving collisions can be deserving of different types of compensation. This might include damages for lost pay, pain, suffering, and loss of pleasure. This compensation can mount if someone passes away in a drunk driving accident.
Oklahoma DUI Laws and Victim Rights
Oklahoma’s DUI laws are designed to penalize drunk drivers and provide recourse for victims. Knowing these laws is crucial for building a strong accident claim. Our lawyers are well-versed in Oklahoma DUI statutes and how they apply to drunk driving accident cases, ensuring that our client’s claims are grounded in a solid legal foundation.
Steps Follow After a Drunk Driving Collision
If you’re involved in a drunk driving accident, following the right steps immediately after the crash can be crucial for your safety and your legal case. First and foremost, ensure the safety of all parties and call emergency services. Documenting the scene and gathering information from witnesses can also be invaluable for your claim. Reach out to us as soon as possible to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Immediate Actions for Safety and Legal Preparedness
In the aftermath of a collision involving drunk driving, your immediate focus should be on safety. This includes calling 911, seeking medical attention, and ensuring that the accident scene is secure. Once these priorities are addressed, it’s important to gather information that may be crucial for your legal case, such as the contact and insurance details of the other driver. Do not forget to collect the names and contact information of witnesses.
Documenting Evidence and Seeking Medical Attention
Documenting the accident scene and your injuries is critical in building your case. This includes taking photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any injuries you’ve suffered. Seeking medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel injured, is also crucial, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. This can have a major impact on car accident claims and your ability to recover compensation.
Who can be held accountable for drunk driving?
The drunk driver
Even though the drunk driver is likely facing criminal charges, a civil case can be filed against the individual who caused the drunk driving accident. The victim in the civil case is the Plaintiff suing the drunk driver. The defendant’s insurance company will generally be defending the lawsuit but is not a named party.
Oklahoma’s Social Host Law
In Oklahoma, the “Social Host” law holds individuals accountable for providing alcohol to impaired people. This means that if you are a host at a party and someone gets drunk, you may be liable for their actions. The most common example is when some parents decide to be the “cool parents” and host a party at their house for their high school student and his or her friends. If one of the students gets drunk and drives, injuring themselves or someone else, the parents could be held liable. Generally, the parent’s homeowner’s insurance would be defending and paying for the claim.
The Restaurant or Bar That Over-served the Driver
Oklahoma’s dram shop law may also hold a restaurant or bar liable for a drunk driving accident. This law allows injured people to sue the establishment that served too much alcohol to the driver.
3 Ways Restaurants and Bars Can Be Liable for Drunk Driving Wrecks
- Serving a customer who is already obviously intoxicated.
- Over-serving a customer.
- Serving alcohol to minors.
Building a Strong Drunk Driving Accident Claim
Building a strong claim after a drunk driving accident involves a detailed understanding of the law, thorough evidence gathering, and effective negotiation strategies. Our attorneys handle drunk driving cases and are committed to building the strongest possible claim on your behalf, ensuring that all aspects of your case are meticulously prepared and presented. Our attorneys for car accidents are committed to fighting for you.
The Role of Police Reports and Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Tests
Police reports and BAC tests are critical components of any drunk driving accident claim. These documents provide official evidence of the other driver’s intoxication and fault in the accident. Our legal team places a high emphasis on these pieces of evidence, utilizing them to establish liability and strengthen your case.
In addition to these documents, we also consider other forms of evidence, such as witness statements and accident reconstructions, to provide a comprehensive view of the accident. This multi-faceted approach ensures that we have a strong foundation to negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, present your case in court.
Utilizing Expert Witnesses in Drunk Driving Cases
Expert witnesses can have a crucial impact in drunk driving cases, offering knowledge that can clarify the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Whether it’s medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, or forensic toxicologists, our firm has access to a network of experts whose testimony can significantly bolster your case.
These professionals provide invaluable insights that can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. We know how to use their testimony to support your claim. This is critical in helping you maximize your compensation.
Challenges in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
Drunk driving accident cases can present numerous challenges, from disputing fault to negotiating with insurance companies. Our experienced attorneys are well-equipped to navigate these obstacles, ensuring that your rights are protected and your case is presented in the strongest possible light.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often employ strategies to minimize payouts to victims of drunk driving accidents. This can include disputing the extent of injuries or the circumstances of the accident. Our lawyers have plenty of experience in dealing with insurance companies and are proficient in negotiation tactics that ensure our clients receive the compensation they’re entitled to.
We are familiar with the tactics insurers may use. Our team is prepared to counter them effectively. We aim to ensure that the compensation you recover reflects the full extent of your losses. This should include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Overcoming Defense Tactics in DUI Injury Claims
Defendants in drunk driving cases may employ various tactics to minimize their liability, such as disputing their level of intoxication or blaming the victim for the accident. Our legal team is adept at overcoming these defense strategies, utilizing evidence and legal experience to refute such claims and protect our client’s interests.
Our dedication is to ensure that justice prevails, working tirelessly to overcome any obstacles that may arise during your case. By anticipating and effectively countering defense tactics, we strive to secure a favorable outcome for our clients, holding responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Why Choose Hasbrook & Hasbrook for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case
- Personalized Attention: Each case at Hasbrook & Hasbrook receives personalized attention from our experienced attorneys. We understand that every client’s situation is unique, and we customize our legal strategy to meet your specific needs and objectives.
- Knowledge of Oklahoma Law: Our deep understanding of Oklahoma DUI laws and personal injury litigation ensures that we are well-equipped to handle your drunk driving accident case. We stay updated on legal developments to provide the most effective representation possible.
- Proven Track Record: Hasbrook & Hasbrook has a long and demonstrated track record of success in representing victims of drunk driving car accidents. Our dedication to earning the best possible outcomes for our clients is evident in our history of securing favorable settlements and verdicts.
- Comprehensive Legal Support: From the initial consultation through to the resolution of your case, we provide comprehensive legal support. We handle all aspects of your claim, from evidence gathering to negotiation and litigation, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
- Commitment to Justice: Our law firm is dedicated to every client. You are our top priority. We want to ensure that we fight for your rights every step of the way.
FAQs: Oklahoma City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
What compensation can I expect in a drunk driving accident claim?
Victims of accidents involving drunk driving can seek compensation for medical bills, lost pay, pain and suffering, and more. The specific amount depends on the details of your case, including the severity of your injuries.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a drunk driving accident?
In Oklahoma, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the crash date. It’s important to find an attorney quickly to secure your claim is filed within this timeframe.
Can I sue if a loved one was killed by a drunk driver?
You could submit a wrongful death claim if a family member was fatally injured in a drunk-driving crash. You could recover compensation for lost income and funeral costs.
Contact an Oklahoma City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer at Hasbrook & Hasbrook for Dedicated Representation
If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal representation. The attorneys at Hasbrook & Hasbrook are here to support you through this difficult time. Call our Oklahoma City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer today to schedule a free initial consultation.