Holding Impaired Drivers Accountable Under Oklahoma Law

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.