A DUI car accident can cause devastating injuries and financial hardship. Drunk drivers put lives at risk, and victims often suffer from serious injuries, high medical expenses, and lost income. If a drunk driver caused your crash, you may have the right to seek compensation for your losses.
Holding the at-fault driver accountable is not always easy. Insurance companies try to minimize payouts, and legal challenges can slow the process. This is why you need a skilled attorney to fight for you. Richardson Richardson Boudreaux helps car accident victims recover damages and get justice.
Our Tulsa car accident lawyers understand the impact of alcohol-related crashes. We build strong cases, handle negotiations, and take legal action when needed. If you or a loved one was injured by an intoxicated driver, we are ready to help.
Why You Need a Tulsa DUI Car Accident Lawyer
DUI crashes cause severe harm, and victims deserve justice. Insurance companies often try to reduce payouts or deny claims. A skilled Tulsa car accident lawyer can protect your rights and help you seek compensation for your losses.
Understanding DUI Car Accident Laws in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has strict laws against drunk driving. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% for most drivers. For commercial drivers, it is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, any alcohol is illegal.
When a drunk driver causes a crash, they may face both criminal convictions and civil lawsuits. A conviction can lead to fines, license suspension, and jail time. However, victims must file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.
Proving liability in DUI car accident cases requires strong evidence. This may include police reports, breathalyzer results, and witness statements. A Tulsa car accident lawyer can gather this evidence and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a DUI Crash
A drunk driving accident lawyer provides critical support after a crash. They handle legal paperwork, investigate the case, and negotiate with the insurance company. Their goal is to secure maximum compensation for your losses.
An attorney will determine all damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, they can file a personal injury lawsuit. DUI crashes often cause life-changing injuries. If you or a loved one was hurt, an experienced lawyer can help you seek compensation for long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and emotional distress.
DUI Car Accidents in Tulsa – Common Causes and Consequences
Drunk driving remains a major cause of car accidents in Tulsa. Here are some of the common causes and consequences of DUI accidents in Tulsa:
What Causes DUI Accidents?
Driving under the influence affects coordination and decision-making. The risk of a car wreck increases when a driver consumes alcohol. Common causes of alcohol-related crashes include:
- Impaired Judgment: Alcohol reduces the ability to make safe driving decisions. Drunk drivers take risks they normally wouldn’t.
- Slowed Reaction Time: Intoxicated drivers react slower to traffic signals, other vehicles, or sudden road hazards.
- Distracted Driving: Drinking affects focus, leading to swerving, failure to stop, or ignoring road signs.
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: Many DUI crashes happen at high speeds, increasing the severity of injuries.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Drunk drivers often fail to follow traffic laws, leading to dangerous intersections collisions.
When a drunk driver causes a car crash, victims have the right to hold them accountable. A Tulsa car accident lawyer can help gather evidence and prove fault.
Injuries and Damages in DUI Crashes
Victims of DUI car accident cases often suffer severe physical and financial harm. Common injuries and damages include:
- Brain Injuries: Head trauma from a crash can lead to memory loss, cognitive issues, and long-term disability.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash and muscle damage cause pain and limited movement.
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation costs add up quickly.
- Lost Wages: Many victims are unable to work while recovering from their injuries.
- Physical Pain: Broken bones, burns, and spinal injuries cause lasting pain.
A personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for these damages. They negotiate with the insurance company and take legal action if needed.
Who Is Liable in a Tulsa DUI Car Accident?
DUI crashes don’t always involve just the at-fault driver. Determining liability is key to holding all responsible parties accountable.
The Drunk Driver’s Responsibility
The intoxicated driver is usually the primary person at fault. Driving under the influence violates Oklahoma law and puts others at risk. When a drunk driver causes a car wreck, they can be held responsible for damages.
Victims can file a personal injury claim against the driver to seek compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and lost income. If the crash results in death, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
A criminal conviction does not automatically result in compensation for victims. Civil claims must be filed separately. A Tulsa car accident lawyer can guide you through this legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.
Third-Party Liability (Bars & Establishments Serving Alcohol)
Oklahoma’s dram shop laws allow victims to hold bars, restaurants, or other businesses liable for DUI crashes. If an establishment serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person, they may be responsible for any resulting car accidents.
Proving third-party liability requires evidence that the business knowingly overserved the driver. This can include witness statements, receipts, and surveillance footage. A personal injury lawsuit against the establishment can help victims recover compensation beyond what the at-fault driver’s insurance covers.
A Tulsa car accident lawyer can investigate whether a bar or restaurant shares responsibility for the crash. Holding these establishments accountable can prevent future alcohol-related crashes.
Employer Liability for Drunk Driving Accidents
Some DUI crashes happen while a driver is working. If an employee was drinking during work hours or at a company event, their employer may be liable. Businesses that allow employees to drink and drive could face lawsuits.
Employers can be held responsible if they failed to enforce safety policies. This applies to companies that provide alcohol at corporate events without ensuring employees get home safely. A Tulsa car accident lawyer can investigate employer liability and help victims seek compensation.
When businesses neglect their duty to prevent car accidents, victims have the right to take legal action. Holding all liable parties accountable ensures justice for those affected.
How to Prove Fault in a Tulsa DUI Accident Case
Proving fault in a DUI car crash requires strong evidence. Courts and insurance companies need clear proof that the intoxicated driver caused the accident. Without solid evidence, victims may struggle to seek compensation for their losses.
Here are some of the key elements needed to establish fault in a DUI case.
Key Evidence in DUI Accident Claims
- Police Reports: Officers document the crash scene, note signs of intoxication, and record BAC levels.
- Breathalyzer or Blood Test Results: These show whether the drunk driver caused the crash by exceeding the legal limit.
- Witness Statements: Passengers, bystanders, or bar staff may provide details about the driver’s condition before the car wreck.
- Surveillance Footage: Video from traffic cameras, businesses, or nearby homes may capture reckless driving.
- Medical Records: Proof of serious injuries, soft tissue injuries, and treatment costs support a personal injury case.
- Accident Reconstruction: Experts analyze the scene to determine how the crash happened and who was at fault.
A Tulsa car accident lawyer can collect and present this evidence to strengthen your claim.
Challenges in DUI Accident Cases
Proving liability isn’t always simple. Even if a criminal conviction exists, the insurance company may still try to deny or minimize payouts. Some insurance adjusters argue that the victim shares responsibility, reducing the amount they owe.
In some cases, the intoxicated driver may not have enough insurance coverage to fully compensate victims. This makes it important to explore other sources of liability, such as bars, employers, or other third parties.
Legal procedures can also delay settlements. A personal injury lawyer understands the legal process and can fight for fair compensation. Without legal help, victims may struggle to recover what they deserve.
What to Do After a DUI Car Accident in Tulsa
A DUI car accident can leave victims in shock and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps after a crash is crucial for protecting your health and legal rights.
Why You Shouldn’t Accept the First Insurance Offer
After a car wreck, the insurance company may quickly offer a settlement. While it might seem tempting, accepting the first offer can be a mistake. Insurers often try to pay as little as possible, ignoring the full extent of your damages.
Many victims don’t realize the long-term costs of serious injuries. Medical bills, lost income, and ongoing care can add up over time. If you accept a low offer, you may not get enough to cover future expenses.
A Tulsa car accident lawyer can negotiate for a fair settlement. They will assess the full impact of your injuries and ensure you receive proper compensation. Before signing anything, it’s best to seek legal advice. Once you accept an offer, you may lose the right to seek compensation for additional damages.
How a Tulsa DUI Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
DUI accident cases are complex. Victims often deal with insurance adjusters, medical treatments, and financial stress all at once. A skilled lawyer can handle the legal side while you focus on recovery.
Here are some of the ways an attorney can support your case:
Handling Insurance Negotiations and Legal Claims
Dealing with the insurance company after a car crash can be frustrating. Adjusters may delay, deny, or undervalue your claim. They work to protect their profits, not your best interests.
A Tulsa car accident lawyer knows how to handle insurers. They will collect evidence, calculate damages, and push for a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer reasonable compensation, legal action may be necessary.
Your attorney will also handle deadlines, paperwork, and legal filings. This ensures your personal injury case moves forward without unnecessary delays. The goal is to maximize your recovery and secure the best outcome possible.
Filing a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Lawsuit
If settlement negotiations fail, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the next step. A lawsuit can help victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering. For fatal DUI crashes, surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This allows them to seek damages for funeral costs, lost financial support, and emotional loss.
A personal injury lawyer will guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether handling a personal injury claim or a wrongful death case, an experienced attorney makes all the difference.
FAQs
How much compensation can I recover after a DUI car accident?
The amount varies based on your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A Tulsa car accident lawyer can evaluate your case and determine the maximum compensation you can pursue.
What if the drunk driver doesn’t have enough insurance coverage?
If the intoxicated driver lacks enough insurance coverage, you may still have options. You could file a personal injury lawsuit or seek compensation from a third party, such as a bar or employer.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma law typically gives car accident victims two years to file a personal injury claim. However, waiting too long can hurt your case. It’s best to contact a Tulsa car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Can I sue a bar or restaurant for over-serving the drunk driver?
Yes. Under Oklahoma’s dram shop laws, bars and restaurants can be held liable for alcohol-related crashes if they served a visibly intoxicated person. A personal injury lawyer can investigate if this applies to your case.
What should I do if the insurance company offers a low settlement?
Never accept an offer without reviewing it with an attorney. Insurance adjusters often offer less than you deserve. A lawyer can negotiate for a higher amount and ensure your rights are protected.
Contact Our Tulsa DUI Car Accident Lawyer Today
A DUI car accident can leave victims with severe injuries, financial losses, and emotional trauma. You shouldn’t have to face this fight alone. A skilled Tulsa car accident lawyer can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable and pursue the compensation you need.
At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, our legal team has experience handling car accident cases involving drunk drivers. We work hard to help our clients recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck, don’t wait. Contact our Tulsa law firm today for a free consultation. We will review your case and explain your legal options. Call now to get started.
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Charles "Chuck" Richardson is a highly respected attorney and Managing Partner of Richardson Richardson Boudreaux Injury and Accident Attorneys. Renowned for his expertise in handling complex personal injury cases, including medical malpractice, commercial truck accidents, and catastrophic injury claims, Chuck has a proven track record of securing large verdicts and settlements. With an unwavering commitment to justice and a reputation for fearlessly taking on tough cases, Chuck has established himself as a powerful advocate for his clients' rights and financial recovery.
This page was written, edited, and reviewed & approved by Charles L. “Chuck” Richardson. Chuck has secured some of the largest verdicts in Oklahoma, including $6.9 million, $10 million, and $6.5 million. He’s known for taking on tough cases involving medical malpractice, commercial truck accidents, and catastrophic injuries. If you’ve been injured or harmed, Chuck has the experience to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
