It happens. Although we would like to believe that we are able to have a couple of drinks and drive safely afterward, usually, just the reverse is true. All too often, a drunk driver will be distracted, lose focus, or fail to see another car, pedestrian, or policeman about to pull him over. When an accident occurs, the drunk driver’s actions can result in severe injuries, or death.
These victims, already traumatized, need help in getting their injuries and other damages compensated. Whether you are the victim of an accident involving another driver who has been drinking, or whether you are the driver who was driving drunk, you will likely need the help of an Oklahoma City drunk driving accidents attorney to help you resolve the legal issues growing out of the drunk driving incident.
Understanding Oklahoma’s Drunk Driving Laws
Oklahoma is a zero-tolerance state concerning alcohol and driving. It continues to treat trunk driving seriously. In Oklahoma, it is forbidden to drive a vehicle of any sort upon a public roadway with a blood alcohol level of.08 BAC or higher, or if ingestion of alcohol or another substance makes it unsafe for a person to be driving. If the driver is a commercial driver, the limit is lower, .04.
All too often, accidents involving serious injuries or death are caused by drunk drivers. Criminal penalties for drunk driving in the state are stiff. Penalties escalate with repeated convictions and may be charged as felonies. A felony conviction means automatic prison time. Penalties escalate if a minor is in the car along with a drunk driver and if injuries or death is involved in the accident. This represents the criminal aspect of these cases.
Civil Liability Of a Drunk Driver
In addition to facing criminal liability, a drunk driver who is at fault in an accident may face civil liability. An injured party can bring a civil case based on the drunk driver’s negligence and recover their damages. Damages can include property damage, medical bills, lost wages, rental car reimbursement, pain and suffering, and more. If the accident involves, a death, the family of the deceased may file suit against the driver for wrongful death.
A civil suit can result in compensation for the victim even if the culpable driver is not convicted of a DUI. In order to prevail, the victim must prove that the driver was negligent, that the negligence led to the accident, and that the accident caused damages to the victim.
Other Culpable Parties Under Oklahoma Law
The drunk driver may not be the only culpable party if an accident occurs. The driver may share liability with whoever provided the alcohol to the driver. This can be a host at a party (social host liability) or a vendor, bar, restaurant, or other business. Liability adheres if the host or business employee continues to serve alcohol to an obviously inebriated person.
These cases can be complicated and the injuries severe. If you or a loved one have been injured, contact an Oklahoma City personal injury attorney to help you get the compensation that you deserve. Your Oklahoma drunk driving accidents lawyer may be able to work in conjunction with the district attorney handling the criminal matter.
Free Consultation: Oklahoma City Drunk Driving Accidents Attorney
Get help when you need it most. You pay nothing for our representation in personal injury cases until we get you the compensation you deserve. Before we even start working on your case, we want you to know where you stand. A call to the Personal Injury Law Office of Oklahoma City costs you nothing, but the information you receive could be invaluable.
For a free, no-risk consultation with a knowledgeable Oklahoma City personal injury lawyer, call today: (405) 716-4878 (716-HURT).
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