Drunk driving accidents cause severe injuries and needless loss of life every year. In Oklahoma City, impaired drivers endanger everyone on major roadways like I-35 and I-40, as well as local streets and intersections. Unlike many crashes, drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable, yet victims often face long-term physical, financial, and emotional consequences.
At Pasquali Law Firm, our Oklahoma City drunk driving accident lawyers represent victims harmed by reckless and impaired drivers. We pursue justice and full compensation for our clients. If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver, call 405-605-8380 for a free consultation.
Why Drunk Driving Accidents Are Especially Dangerous
Alcohol impairs nearly every skill required for safe driving. Even small amounts can:
- Slow reaction time
- Reduce coordination and vision
- Impair judgment
- Increase risky behavior such as speeding or running red lights
Under Oklahoma law, a driver is legally intoxicated at a 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Many drunk driving crashes involve drivers well above this limit, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic injuries.
Common Causes of Drunk Driving Crashes
Drunk driving accidents often involve:
- Wrong-way driving
- Failure to yield or obey traffic signals
- Lane drifting or swerving
- Excessive speeding
- Falling asleep at the wheel
These behaviors frequently result in high-speed head-on or T-bone collisions.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Drunk Drivers
Because of the force involved, victims often suffer serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Whiplash and chronic back injuries
- Emotional trauma such as PTSD
Many crashes are fatal, leaving families to pursue wrongful death claims.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?
The impaired driver is typically responsible, but other parties may share liability, including:
- Bars or restaurants under Oklahoma’s dram shop laws if they overserved a visibly intoxicated patron
- Social hosts in limited circumstances
- Third parties, such as vehicle manufacturers or entities responsible for unsafe road conditions
Identifying all liable parties is critical to maximizing compensation.
Compensation Available to Victims
Drunk driving accident victims may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In fatal cases, families may recover wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
Punitive Damages in Oklahoma Drunk Driving Cases
Unlike standard car accidents, drunk driving cases may qualify for punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish extreme recklessness and deter similar conduct. Oklahoma courts may award punitive damages when a driver’s conduct shows a willful disregard for safety.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
To protect your health and legal rights:
- Call 911 and report the crash
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Document the scene and your injuries
- Collect witness information
- Obtain the police report
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters
- Contact an Oklahoma City drunk driving accident lawyer
Why Choose Pasquali Law Firm?
Clients choose Pasquali Law Firm because we offer:
- Local knowledge of Oklahoma law and courts
- Aggressive representation against insurers
- Compassionate, client-focused service
- No upfront costs — we only get paid if we win
Can punitive damages be awarded?
Yes, courts may award punitive damages in cases involving extreme recklessness.