Every year, drunk driving accidents claim thousands of lives and leave countless others with devastating injuries. In Oklahoma City, impaired drivers put everyone at risk — from families traveling I-35 or I-40 to pedestrians crossing busy intersections downtown. Unlike ordinary accidents, crashes involving drunk drivers are entirely preventable, and victims often face physical, financial, and emotional hardships that last a lifetime.

At Pasquali Law Firm, our Oklahoma City drunk driving accident lawyers are committed to standing up for victims of reckless and impaired drivers. We pursue justice and compensation for those harmed by these senseless crashes. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, call us today at 405-605-8380 for a free consultation.

Why Drunk Driving Accidents Are So Dangerous

Alcohol severely impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Even a small amount of alcohol can:

• Slow reaction times.
• Blur vision and reduce coordination.
• Impair judgment and decision-making.
• Increase risky driving behavior such as speeding or running red lights.

In Oklahoma, a driver is legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Unfortunately, many impaired drivers get behind the wheel well beyond this limit, putting everyone else in danger.

Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents

While alcohol is always the root factor, drunk driving accidents often involve dangerous behaviors such as:

• Wrong-way driving – entering highways or streets against traffic.
• Failure to yield – ignoring stop signs or red lights.
• Swerving or drifting – weaving into other lanes.
• Excessive speeding – reducing the chance to stop in time.
• Falling asleep at the wheel – caused by alcohol-induced fatigue.

These reckless actions increase the risk of high-speed, head-on, or T-bone collisions that cause catastrophic injuries.

Injuries from Drunk Driving Crashes

Victims of drunk driving accidents often suffer severe injuries due to the violent nature of these crashes. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – concussions or permanent brain damage.
• Spinal cord injuries – including paralysis and loss of mobility.
• Broken bones and fractures – especially in arms, legs, and ribs.
• Internal organ damage – life-threatening bleeding or ruptures.
• Whiplash and back injuries – chronic pain and reduced movement.
• Severe emotional trauma – PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Sadly, many drunk driving crashes result in fatalities. Families who lose loved ones may pursue a wrongful death claim for financial recovery.

Who Is Liable in an Oklahoma Drunk Driving Accident?

In most cases, the drunk driver is held responsible. However, liability may extend further, such as:

• Dram shop claims – Under Oklahoma law, a bar, restaurant, or establishment that overserved alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person may share responsibility.
• Social host liability – In some situations, those who provide alcohol at private gatherings can be held accountable.
• Third-party negligence – Faulty roads, defective car parts, or improperly marked construction zones may also contribute.

An experienced Oklahoma City drunk driving accident lawyer will investigate every possible source of compensation.

Compensation Available for Victims

Victims of drunk driving crashes are entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical bills – emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, therapy, and future treatment.
• Lost wages – income lost while recovering from injuries.
• Reduced earning capacity – if injuries prevent you from returning to work.
• Property damage – repair or replacement of your vehicle.
• Pain and suffering – emotional and physical distress.
• Loss of enjoyment of life – inability to participate in daily activities or hobbies.
• Wrongful death damages – funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support for families.

At Pasquali Law Firm, we fight to ensure drunk driving accident victims receive full and fair compensation.

Punitive Damages in Drunk Driving Cases

Unlike most car accident claims, drunk driving cases may qualify for punitive damages. These are additional damages awarded to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. Courts in Oklahoma may award punitive damages if the evidence shows extreme negligence or intentional misconduct.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Oklahoma City

If you are involved in a crash caused by a drunk driver, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical and police assistance.
2. Get medical care – Even if injuries appear minor, some symptoms may develop later.
3. Gather evidence – Take photos of the vehicles, accident scene, and visible injuries.
4. Collect witness details – Independent witnesses may be crucial in proving fault.
5. Obtain the police report – It may contain results of sobriety or breathalyzer tests.
6. Do not speak with insurance adjusters – Insurers may try to minimize your claim.
7. Contact Pasquali Law Firm – An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer will protect your rights from day one.

Why Choose Pasquali Law Firm?

At Pasquali Law Firm, we believe victims of drunk drivers deserve strong representation. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Local experience – We know Oklahoma laws and the local court system.
• Aggressive advocacy – We take on insurance companies and negligent drivers head-on.
• Proven results – Our team has secured compensation for countless accident victims.
• Compassionate service – We guide clients through every step of the process.
• No upfront costs – We only get paid if we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents

1. What is the statute of limitations for drunk driving accident claims in Oklahoma?
You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim.

2. Can I sue a bar or restaurant for serving the drunk driver?
Yes. Under Oklahoma’s dram shop laws, bars and establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated customers may share liability.

3. Are drunk driving accident cases criminal or civil?
Both. The drunk driver may face criminal charges, but you also have the right to file a civil lawsuit for financial compensation.

4. Can I recover punitive damages?
Yes, courts may award punitive damages in drunk driving accident cases to punish reckless behavior.

Contact an Oklahoma City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

Being injured in a drunk driving accident can leave you with overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. You deserve justice and financial support to move forward.

At Pasquali Law Firm, we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and fighting for the maximum compensation available under the law.

Call us today at 405-605-8380 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation. Let us stand by your side and protect your future.