Were you injured by a drunk driver in OKC?

It is well known that driving drunk is illegal and a very bad idea – but in Oklahoma City, drivers and their passengers continue to be injured or killed by drunk drivers at a staggering rate. As reported by KOCO News, the city has had record-high numbers of drunk driving accidents – the highest in over a decade. More than 60% of the fatal crashes in the state are caused by alcohol or drug-intoxicated drivers. When driving in Oklahoma City, all of us are at risk of injury or death when sharing the road with a drunk driver.

Your advocate for justice in Oklahoma City: The Law Offices of Stipe & Belote

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a drunk driving accident, the legal team at the Law Offices of Stipe & Belote could seek justice and full compensation for all damages. The firm is well known throughout the legal community in Oklahoma City, and our legal team has a reputation for legal excellence in personal injury law. We are proud to have achieved a record of extraordinary results in negotiating fair settlements and in court.

We fight for justice and fair compensation from insurance companies who don’t want to pay, or if they do, make settlement offers far lower than the injured client deserves.

We are not an “advertising mill,” but we take our cases very seriously, giving them all the time and effort necessary to get results.

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Types of injuries in drunk driving accident cases

The injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident are often severe, catastrophic, or fatal. An impaired driver may drive the wrong way on a street or highway, swerve widely from lane to lane, speed, drive aggressively and recklessly, or cross a median, causing a head-on collision – with innocent people paying the price. The types of injuries sustained in these accidents include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Fractured bones
  • Internal organ damage
  • Disfiguring injuries
  • Burns
  • Amputations
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Head injuries
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Long-lasting psychological trauma 
  • Fatal injuries

Take the first step towards justice Empowering you through legal excellence

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After a drunk driving accident: Seeking justice and full compensation

Taking immediate action to handle your insurance claim with the help of an experienced attorney is crucial after a drunk driving accident causing serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries. You have the right to pursue financial damages but doing it on your own is not likely to lead to a fair settlement. Insurance companies are profit-based enterprises and typically make settlement offers far lower than the injured person deserves in the hopes that it will be accepted. Don’t take risks with this critical issue but contact one of our drunk driving accident lawyers in Oklahoma City to discuss your case. When we represent a victim in a drunk driving accident, whether an injury claim or wrongful death claim, we pour all our resources into the pursuit of justice and compensation for all damages.

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Types of damages in drunk driving injury and death claims

Our firm seeks the full scope of damages in drunk driving accident claims and lawsuits. The types of damages that can be pursued in such a case include the following:

Economic damages

These are damages that compensate the injured individual for the financial losses that can be directly tied to the drunk driver’s actions. Examples of economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, medications, transportation, skilled nursing care, and other out-of-pocket expenses.

Non-economic damages

These are damages that compensate the plaintiff for losses that are more difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering, emotional anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and other very real but intangible losses.

Punitive damages

Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are not designed to compensate the plaintiff for losses. Instead, they are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and to deter others from engaging in similar behavior. Punitive damages are typically only awarded in cases where the defendant’s behavior was particularly egregious or reckless.

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Why choose the Law Offices Of Stipe & Belote?

Our personal injury lawyers bring extensive experience and an impressive track record of success to every case. The firm practices strictly personal injury litigation and has focused on this area of the law since the firm was established. As trial attorneys, we are known for trying cases and winning, even when facing off against teams of corporate defense lawyers – we are professional, talented, and dedicated to pursuing justice for our clients. We listen to our clients and genuinely care about them, and we are responsive to their needs, returning calls and addressing all their questions and concerns. The practice’s successes are the result of honesty, hard work, and a profound dedication to the people we serve. 

Our motto is: Care, communicate, get results The Law Offices of Stipe & Belote.

  • You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
  • One-On-One, Compassionate Attention
  • Named Super Lawyers for 13 Consecutive Years
  • AV® Preeminent™ Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®
  • Numerous Million Dollar Settlements
  • Over 50 Years of Combined Experience

FAQs

What are the legal consequences of driving under the influence (DUI)?

If the driver refuses a breathalyzer, will this help my case?

What legal options are available to individuals injured in accidents caused by drunk drivers?

Can I sue the bar that served alcohol to the drunk driver responsible for my car accident?

How does the severity of the injuries impact the legal process in drunk driving cases?

What role does insurance coverage play in drunk driving accident claims?

How does the legal process typically unfold for drunk driving accident claims?

What resources and support are available to individuals and families affected by drunk driving accidents?

What are the legal consequences of driving under the influence (DUI)?

Driving under the influence (DUI) can result in serious legal consequences, including license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, and potential imprisonment. Repeat offenses and DUI-related accidents can lead to more severe penalties.

If the driver refuses a breathalyzer, will this help my case?

While a driver's refusal of a breathalyzer test may complicate the legal process, it does not necessarily guarantee a favorable outcome for your case. Other evidence, such as field sobriety tests, officer observations, and witness testimony, can still be used to establish impairment.

What legal options are available to individuals injured in accidents caused by drunk drivers?

Individuals injured in accidents caused by drunk drivers may have legal options to seek compensation for their damages. This can include filing personal injury claims and pursuing punitive damages due to the reckless behavior of the intoxicated driver.

Can I sue the bar that served alcohol to the drunk driver responsible for my car accident?

In some cases, individuals injured in accidents caused by drunk drivers may have grounds to pursue a dram shop liability claim against the establishment that served alcohol to the impaired driver. Dram shop laws vary by state and typically require evidence that the establishment knowingly served alcohol to an already visibly intoxicated individual.

How does the severity of the injuries impact the legal process in drunk driving cases?

The severity of the injuries resulting from a drunk driving accident can significantly impact the legal process, as it may necessitate extensive medical evidence, expert testimony, and a thorough evaluation of the long-term impact on the victim's life. This often requires a comprehensive approach to building a solid case and advocating for the full extent of the damages suffered.

What role does insurance coverage play in drunk driving accident claims?

Insurance coverage plays a critical role in drunk driving accident claims, as it can provide financial protection for individuals who have sustained injuries due to the actions of an intoxicated driver. Understanding the complexities of insurance coverage, including the potential for compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering, is essential for maximizing the benefits available to the injured party.

How does the legal process typically unfold for drunk driving accident claims?

The legal process for drunk driving accident claims often involves conducting a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the accident, including gathering evidence, assessing liability, and determining the full extent of the damages. Subsequently, negotiations with insurance companies or at-fault parties may occur to reach a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to litigation, potentially culminating in a trial to resolve the matter.

What resources and support are available to individuals and families affected by drunk driving accidents?

Individuals and families affected by drunk driving accidents can access a range of resources and support services, including medical care, rehabilitation programs, victim advocacy services, and legal representation from experienced drunk driving accident attorneys. At Stipe & Belote Personal Injury Law, we bring experience and compassion to every case and are standing by to guide you through this process. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation today.

Take the first step towards justice Empowering you through legal excellence

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