While many motor vehicle accidents are due to slight errors or driving mistakes, others are caused by the willful decision to drink and drive. Every year, thousands of lives are lost or changed after drunk driving crashes. After such vehicle crashes, accident victims or their survivors may be able to seek justice and accountability through a civil claim.
An experienced Oklahoma City drunk driving accident attorney from our OKC personal injury law firm can review your case and discuss your legal options during a free case review. Call us today to get started with yours.
How Is Drunk Driving Defined in Oklahoma?
Drunk driving occurs when a person’s driving ability is impaired by their consumption of alcohol. People are frequently charged when they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more. However, alcohol can impact a person’s driving ability at much lower BAC levels, and they can face civil claims for accidents they cause even if they are not charged criminally.
How to Prove Fault in a Drunk Driving Crash
Oklahoma is an at-fault state for car accidents, meaning that the driver found at fault for the accident is responsible for the damages they cause. You will need evidence to establish fault, such as:
- Blood alcohol content test results that show an elevated BAC
- Field sobriety test results, which might be available if the defendant was pulled over or charged with drunk driving
- Camera footage from traffic cameras, police dash cams, body camera footage, or surveillance cameras
- Photos of the accident scene that show property damage and physical evidence consistent with drunk driving
- Prior convictions of drunk driving
- Witness statements regarding the defendant’s actions before or after the collision
An experienced Oklahoma City drunk driving accident lawyer can gather the evidence you need to prove your claim. We can also explore your other legal options for recovery, such as holding the bar or provider of alcohol responsible for the drunk driver’s actions.
What Should I Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?
To establish liability, protect your legal rights, and safeguard your health, take these steps:
- Report the accident: Request law enforcement come to the scene and state your concerns about drunk driving. Police can respond, assess the situation, conduct interviews, and complete a preliminary investigation that can help your civil case. Ask how to obtain a copy of the police report.
- Seek medical attention: Request an ambulance if you or someone else was injured. Seek medical attention immediately after the accident, and continue with your follow-up care.
- Document the scene: Take photos or videos of the accident. Photograph damage to all involved vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any other relevant information.
- Talk to witnesses: Ask witnesses to write down their names and contact information. An Oklahoma City DUI accident lawyer can follow up with them later to obtain an official statement.
- Keep records: Keep all your medical bills, medical records, and other documentation of the accident.
- Contact an OKC Drunk Driving Accident lawyer: Speak to an experienced Oklahoma City drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
You have a limited amount of time to take legal action, so don’t delay. Contact Oklahoma Injury Law Firm or call us at (405) 310-8800 for a free consultation.