Drunk driving accidents cause profound hardship for victims and their families. In Oklahoma, alcohol-related crashes result in around 2,500 injuries and 220 deaths each year.
At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact these incidents can have on victims and their loved ones. Our Oklahoma City drunk driving accident lawyers are committed to holding drunk drivers accountable and to helping victims secure the justice and compensation they deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
The reckless and unpredictable nature of impaired driving results in catastrophic injuries. Victims may face a long road to recovery or permanent life changes. Some of the most frequent injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Often causing cognitive impairments, memory loss, or permanent brain damage
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Potentially leading to paralysis, limited mobility, or chronic pain
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Requiring surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation
- Severe Burns and Lacerations: Painful injuries that may result in disfigurement or infection risks
- Internal Injuries: Damage to vital organs, often requiring emergency surgery and intensive care
Each of these injuries can result in overwhelming medical expenses, ongoing rehabilitation needs, and emotional trauma. The Oklahoma City car accident lawyers Parrish DeVaughn are here to help you recover physically and financially.
Determining Liability in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
When a drunk driver causes an accident, there are many factors to consider that may complicate the case. This is why choosing an experienced law firm is essential to a favorable outcome. Here are some of the factors to consider in these cases:
Establishing Fault
In most cases, primary responsibility and fault lies with the intoxicated driver. However, there are situation where other parties such as bars, restaurants, or social hosts may share liability. Proving fault can range from straightforward to extremely convoluted. Either way, these cases require experienced legal support.
Dram Shop and Social Host Laws
In Oklahoma, dram shop laws allow victims to pursue claims against businesses that overserved alcohol to the intoxicated driver. Also, Oklahoma has social host laws to hold individuals and businesses accountable if they serve alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age of 21. This means that in either situation, if someone enables reckless driving behavior, they can be held accountable — providing additional avenues for compensation.
Key Evidence in Proving Liability
Our team leaves no stone unturned when gathering evidence to build a strong case. Here are some examples of evidence we might gather for car accident victims:
- Police reports, including BAC test results
- Witness statements detailing the driver’s behavior or intoxication
- Traffic camera footage or dashcam videos
- Accident reconstruction analysis conducted by experts
Compensation for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
Victims of drunk driving accidents are entitled to compensation for the full extent of their losses. At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we fight for:
- Economic Damages: Covering medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and rehabilitation costs
- Non-Economic Damages: Addressing pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
- Punitive Damages: Seeking additional compensation to punish the reckless behavior of the drunk driver to prevent future offenses
We understand that no amount of compensation can erase the pain these crimes create, but it can help ease the financial burden as you start to rebuild your life.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you’ve been involved in a drunk driving accident, taking these steps can strengthen your case and protect your health and rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Always see a doctor, even if you feel fine at first. Injuries may not be obvious right away.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, damage, and any visible injuries if you can safely do so. Collect witness information and look for signs of the other driver’s intoxication.
- Contact the Police: A police report is crucial for legal and insurance purposes.
- Contact a Lawyer: Reaching out to an attorney early will ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled professionally from the start.
How Our Oklahoma City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Can Help
At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we take a comprehensive approach to handling drunk driving cases. All our clients can count on us for the following:
- Investigation and Evidence Collection: Our team gathers all necessary evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and expert testimonies, to build a solid case.
- Negotiation With Insurance Companies: We aggressively fight for maximum compensation via settlements and protect clients from lowball offers.
- Trial Representation: If a settlement isn’t reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for your right to maximum compensation.
Why Choose Parrish DeVaughn for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case
Choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after a drunk driving accident. Here’s why victims trust Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers:
- Proven Experience: We have a strong track record of success in handling car accident cases.
- Compassionate Representation: We treat clients with care and respect, understanding the unique challenges they face.
- Proven Results: Our results speak for themselves, with countless testimonials and significant verdicts that demonstrate our dedication to justice.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today
Don’t face the physical, emotional, and financial challenges associated with a drunk driving accident alone. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
