Tulsa Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Tulsa Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Car accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths in Oklahoma each year. While most accidents are the results of negligence, or failure to use reasonable care while driving, it is also possible for intentional and illegal misconduct to result in a serious accident. In Tulsa and throughout the state, drunk driving is one of the most common examples of this. Whenever a driver breaks the law against driving under the influence (DUI) and operates their vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they put themselves and others at grave risk.

Legal Representation for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Tulsa, OK

If you or a family member recently experienced an accident caused by a drunk driver, you probably have lots of important questions regarding your recovery options. Under the state’s fault rule for car accidents, whichever driver is responsible for causing an accident absorbs liability for the resulting damages. This may sound straightforward enough, but whenever an accident happens because the at-fault driver broke the law, this can significantly complicate the victim’s recovery efforts.

222 Injury Lawyers offers compassionate and responsive legal counsel to victims of drunk driving accidents and other car accidents in Tulsa. Our firm has earned a solid reputation as a top choice for legal counsel for all types of civil claims, and we approach every case with a focus on the individual client. You can rely on our team to take the time to get to know you and learn as much as possible about the drunk driving accident you recently experienced. In every case we accept, our goal is maximum client recovery in the shortest amount of time.

What to Expect After a Drunk Driving Accident in Tulsa

State law requires drivers to notify 911 of any accident that results in property damage, injury, or death. Drunk driving accidents tend to cause worse damage than standard accidents caused by negligence, and a relatively immediate police response to your drunk driving accident is likely. If you are hurt, do not move and risk making your injuries worse. First responders will provide medical attention and take you to the hospital if necessary. If your injuries seem mild, make sure the police are on their way and remain at the scene until they allow you to leave.

The police are likely to arrest the drunk driver who caused your accident. It’s important to note that driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal when the driver has a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more, but it is illegal to drive after consuming any amount of illicit drugs. It is also possible for a driver to face criminal charges if they were impaired by prescription medications, as most of these medications clearly warn users not to drive after taking them.

After the initial aftermath of your accident, you should speak with a Tulsa drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible. Even though fault for the accident might seem perfectly clear to you, you will still need to gather solid evidence to prove that the drunk driver not only caused the accident but also inflicted your damages.

Recovering From a Drunk Driving Accident in Tulsa

The typical process of recovering from any motor vehicle accident begins with a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. Every driver in the state is required to have auto insurance, and your Tulsa drunk driving accident attorney can help to ensure the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier handles your claim properly and delivers an acceptable settlement offer.

It’s possible to recover from a minor accident with insurance alone, but drunk driving accidents tend to cause severe injuries. Once you have exhausted the compensation available from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance, any outstanding damages must be claimed with a personal injury suit. However, the state is likely to open a criminal case against the drunk driver. Your attorney can advise you as to how this may influence your civil case.

You have the right to claim compensation for all damages the defendant inflicted in the accident. For most drunk driving accident claims, these are likely to include your medical expenses, both immediate and future, your lost wages, your lost earning capacity, and property damage the defendant’s insurance can’t cover. The average person may be able to account for immediately recognizable losses like their hospital bills, but calculating lost earning capacity and other long-term damages is more difficult.

Other Factors That Affect Recovery From a Drunk Driving Accident

In addition to these economic losses, you also have the right to hold the defendant accountable for the pain and suffering they inflicted, and there is no limit to the amount of pain and suffering compensation you can seek for a drunk driving accident. Plaintiffs who suffer life-changing injuries are likely to recover substantial pain and suffering compensation. Additionally, the illegal nature of the defendant’s actions could also enhance your recovery.

You could be awarded punitive damages or restitution. A judge in civil court may award punitive damages to a plaintiff when a defendant’s actions have exceeded the scope of typical negligence or when they were illegal in nature. In the criminal case filed by the state, the judge who handles the defendant’s sentencing may add restitution to the victim as one of their penalties. DUI conviction usually leads to fines, loss of driving privileges, and jail time, and these penalties almost always increase significantly when a defendant has injured or killed someone in a drunk driving accident.

222 Injury Lawyers knows how devastating any accident can be and the many legal questions you are likely to have in the wake of a drunk driving accident. Time is a crucial concern for anyone in this situation, and if you want to maximize your recovery, it is vital to connect with legal counsel you can trust as soon as possible. The more time your attorney has to work on your case, the more likely you are to maximize your total compensation from the defendant.

FAQs About Tulsa, OK Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Can You Sue a Drunk Driver for Hitting You?

Yes, you have the right to pursue legal recourse against any driver who causes an accident with you. The typical recovery process from an accident is an auto insurance claim filed by a personal injury claim, but when a drunk driver has caused an accident with you, they will face prosecution from the state as well. Your Tulsa drunk driving accident attorney can advise you as to how this criminal case from the state may influence your recovery.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Drunk Driving?

Oklahoma law requires every driver to have auto insurance, and an at-fault driver’s insurance pays for damages they inflict on other motorists. If a drunk driver hits you, you may file a claim against their auto insurance policy. They will likely see their insurance premium rate increase, and they will also face criminal charges for DUI. An experienced attorney is invaluable for resolving any issues that arise with an insurance company after an accident in Tulsa.

How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim for a Drunk Driving Accident?

If you cannot fully recover your losses through insurance alone, you will need to file a personal injury claim against the drunk driver who caused your accident. The state’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years, and this time limit begins on the date an injury occurs. Failure to file your claim within this time limit would mean losing your ability to recover compensation from the defendant.

How Much Is My Drunk Driving Accident Claim Worth?

The total value of any accident claim in Tulsa hinges on the severity of the victim’s damages. State law allows you to hold a defendant accountable for all the economic losses they inflicted, including your medical expenses for treatment of your injuries, lost income when you are unable to work due to your injuries, and property damage. Additionally, a plaintiff may claim compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced. Your Tulsa drunk driving accident attorney can add up the total of your claimable damages and estimate your case’s potential value.

What Does It Cost to Hire Legal Counsel for a Drunk Driving Accident in Tulsa?

it’s natural to worry about the potential cost of legal counsel for your accident, but this is no cause for concern when you choose 222 Injury Lawyers. We only get paid when our client gets paid because we take civil cases on a contingency fee basis. With this billing arrangement, our client only pays a percentage of their total case award as our fee, and only if we win their case. If we are unsuccessful with your claim for any reason, there is no fee, so there is no financial risk to choosing our firm to represent you.

The right legal team can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your impending accident claim. It’s natural to experience frustration, uncertainty, and other strong emotions in the aftermath of any accident, especially one caused by reckless and illegal actions like drunk driving. 222 Injury Lawyers is ready to help you secure accountability and compensation for the losses you suffered. Contact us today and schedule a free consult with a Tulsa drunk driving accident attorney you can trust with your case.