Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Every year, drunk driving accidents in Tulsa leave victims facing serious injuries, financial strain, and emotional trauma. While Oklahoma laws prohibit driving under the influence, alcohol-related crashes still happen—often with devastating consequences. Whether you’re a victim, a family member, or someone trying to understand your legal options, knowing what to do after a DUI crash can make a real difference.
This guide explains how Oklahoma law treats drunk driving accidents, what steps to take after a crash, and how victims can seek compensation for their injuries.
In many cases, drunk driving accidents happen without warning. A driver under the influence may run a red light, veer out of their lane, or fail to stop in time. These crashes often involve high speeds, late-night driving, and reckless behavior.
One recent example was a fatal crash near the Highway 75 interchange in Tulsa. Reports confirmed the driver had been drinking and was speeding before losing control. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car. No one else was hurt, but that’s not always the case.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for over 25% of all traffic deaths statewide in recent years.
In Oklahoma, If a driver has a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08% or above, they are deemed legally impaired. For drivers under 21, the threshold is just 0.02%. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charges carry both criminal and civil consequences.
In Oklahoma, driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more is considered legally impaired and can result in both criminal and civil liability.
The criminal case may result in fines, jail time, or license suspension. However, victims can also file a civil lawsuit to recover damages. These two processes happen independently.
When you’re injured in a drunk driving accident, The law permits you to pursue monetary compensation for a variety of losses. These include costs already incurred and those you may face in the future.
You have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in Oklahoma under the state’s statute of limitations.
| Type of Damage | What It Includes |
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, rehab, prescriptions, future care |
| Lost Wages | Time off work, reduced earning capacity |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma |
| Property Damage | Vehicle repair or replacement |
| Punitive Damages (if applicable) | Additional damages for reckless conduct (e.g., DUI) |
The immediate aftermath of an accident can be stressful. However, taking the proper steps can help protect your health, rights, and ability to pursue compensation.
First, seek medical care, even if you feel fine. Injuries often surface later. Make sure a police report is filed at the scene. If possible, gather evidence like photos, witness contacts, and insurance information.
Civil claims against a drunk driver involve more than just showing who caused the crash. They require proof of liability, damages, and sometimes evidence from the criminal DUI case. A skilled lawyer will handle this investigation while you focus on recovery.
Insurance companies may offer a fast settlement. It might seem helpful, but it’s usually far less than what you actually deserve. In DUI cases, insurance adjusters may even try to downplay the driver’s responsibility or deny coverage if alcohol was involved.
An attorney can deal with these tactics and ensure your case is handled correctly. They can also explore if a third party—like a bar or restaurant—could be liable under Prohibitions against dram shops that serve alcohol to those who are obviously drunk.
Every driver can take small steps to help keep roads safe. Planning when you go out is one of the best ways to prevent drunk driving.
Always buckle up. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent serious injury during a crash.
If you see signs of drunk driving—swerving, speeding, or ignoring signals—stay clear and call 911. Reporting a potentially impaired driver could save a life.
Get medical help, contact law enforcement, avoid speaking to insurance companies without a lawyer present, and, if feasible, acquire evidence. This protects your rights and strengthens your future claim.
Yes. Criminal charges do not prevent you from filing a civil lawsuit. In fact, a DUI conviction can help support your personal injury case, but it is not required to win.
The drunk driver’s auto insurance typically covers amages. If the coverage is insufficient, other parties—like a bar that overserved the driver—may be held liable in some cases.
Yes. Under Oklahoma law, you usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This deadline can vary slightly in wrongful death or minor cases.
Yes. If you lost a family member in a drunk driving accident, you might be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This allows eligible survivors to seek compensation for funeral costs, lost support, and other damages.
Criminal charges can strengthen your civil case but don’t guarantee a result. Your personal injury lawyer can use evidence from the criminal proceedings to support your claim.
Drunk driving accidents leave more than just wrecked cars behind—they can cause lifelong pain, financial stress, and emotional loss. In Tulsa, victims of DUI crashes have the legal right to seek compensation for their injuries and losses
Understanding your rights and getting help early can make all the difference. At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, we investigate every detail and help you take the proper steps forward. You don’t pay unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
If you or someone you love was injured in a drunk driving accident, you deserve answers, support, and a path to justice.
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.
