Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
A deadly crash in Glenpool has once again highlighted the serious risks of drunk driving in Oklahoma. Early on January 25, a driver ran a stop sign and collided with another vehicle at the intersection of U.S. Route 75 and 181st Street. The crash killed one person and injured another. Police arrested the driver at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence.
This tragic incident is part of a larger pattern in Oklahoma, where drunk driving results in hundreds of injuries and fatalities annually. Understanding your rights after this type of crash—and how the law applies—is an essential first step for victims and their families.
On January 25, just after midnight, police responded to a serious accident at the intersection of the U.S. Route 75 and 181st Street in Glenpool. According to reports, the driver of a GMC Yukon was headed westbound on 181st when he ran a posted stop sign. As he entered the intersection, he crashed into the side of a Dodge Charger that was traveling north on U.S. 75.
The collision was severe. The passenger in the Charger died at the scene. The driver of that car sustained injuries that were not disclosed publicly. The Yukon driver, who showed clear signs of alcohol impairment, was unharmed but arrested at the scene. Police confirmed he had slurred speech and red eyes and failed the field sobriety test. He now faces charges of DUI, vehicular manslaughter, and not coming to a stop at a stop sign.
Oklahoma law sets the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit at 0.08%. However, you can still be arrested and charged with DUI even if your BAC is below that level—especially if there are visible signs of impairment like slurred speech or failed sobriety tests.
DUI in Oklahoma is a serious criminal offense. If someone dies in a crash involving an impaired driver, The offender may be charged with a felony, such as vehicular manslaughter, or in severe circumstances, second-degree murder. Additional penalties may apply if the driver has prior DUI convictions.
In Oklahoma, a BAC of .08% or higher is legally impaired; drivers may also face DUI charges at lower levels if signs of impairment are evident.”
Police officers typically perform a field sobriety test at the scene, followed by a breathalyzer or blood test. Refusing these tests may result in license suspension under the state’s implied consent laws.
Oklahoma has long battled high numbers of drunk driving incidents. Though some progress has been made, the statistics are still concerning—especially when it comes to fatal crashes.
| Year | Crashes | Injuries | Fatalities |
| 2012 | 4,291 | 3,153 | 261 |
| 2013 | 3,825 | 2,696 | 189 |
Tulsa ranked fourth in the U.S. for drunk-driving fatal crashes between 2010 and 2012, with 74 lives lost.
The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office also reports an average of about 2,950 alcohol-related crashes per year. These accidents cause nearly 200 deaths and over 1,600 injuries annually.
Victims injured by drunk drivers—or families who have lost someone—may have the right to pursue compensation through a civil claim. Unlike the criminal charges the drunk driver faces, a personal injury or wrongful death case focuses on financial recovery for victims.
To build a strong case, your attorney must prove the driver was negligent or reckless. In DUI crashes, this often includes showing:
Potential compensation may cover:
If a bar serves someone already visibly intoxicated, the business may be held liable under Oklahoma dram-shop laws.
Dram-shop liability may also apply if a restaurant, bar, or club served the impaired driver when they were visibly drunk.
Evidence in drunk driving cases is often substantial. Police reports, body cam footage, and toxicology results are key pieces. A reasonable attorney will also work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and economists to build a complete picture of what the victim has lost. These cases can be complex, especially if multiple parties are involved or if insurance companies attempt to shift blame.
Preventing drunk driving isn’t just a legal matter—it’s a community responsibility. Campaigns like Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over have helped raise awareness nationwide. In Tulsa, police often increase DUI patrols during holidays and significant events to keep roads safer.
Oklahoma Highway Safety Office data shows about 2,950 alcohol-related crashes annually, causing nearly 200 deaths.
Despite these efforts, the work is far from done. Each crash—like the one in Glenpool—is a reminder that impaired driving can ruin lives in an instant.
A BAC of .08% or higher, or any visible impairment, can lead to DUI charges.
Criminal charges include DUI and vehicular manslaughter. Civil claims may consist of injury or wrongful death with damages.
Yes—if the establishment served alcohol to someone under 21 or visibly impaired, it may be financially responsible.
Immediately—early legal support ensures better evidence preservation and handling of insurance or defense tactics.
Victims may be entitled to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and wrongful death benefits.
No—Graves McLain operates on a contingency basis, meaning clients pay nothing unless there’s a recovery.
Drunk driving continues to harm too many families in Oklahoma. Crashes like the one in Glenpool show how quickly lives can change when someone chooses to drink and drive. Victims deserve support, accountability, and a path forward.
If an impaired driver has hurt you or someone you love, it’s essential to know your rights. An experienced legal team can help you understand your options, investigate the crash, and pursue fair compensation.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our firm has handled many serious car accidents and DUI injury cases throughout Tulsa. We fight to protect victims, and we never charge a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
