Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Two motorists were seriously injured in a wrong-way crash in Wagoner County, Oklahoma. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the accident happened when one driver was traveling south in the northbound lanes of Highway 69. Responding officers reported that the driver showed signs of alcohol use, including a strong odor, and later confirmed the driver was under the influence.
Both drivers were taken to local hospitals with serious injuries. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but the crash is a reminder of how quickly drunk driving can turn deadly.
Driving under the influence affects reaction time, decision-making, and control. These impairments increase the likelihood of drivers making critical errors, such as entering the wrong side of a divided highway.
Wrong-way crashes, often linked to intoxication, are among the most dangerous types of accidents. They usually happen at high speeds and involve head-on collisions, leading to severe injuries or deaths.
In Oklahoma, driving under the influence is considered both a criminal offense and a civil act of negligence. Victims of DUI crashes may have the right to file personal injury claims against the impaired driver. – Oklahoma Statutes Title 47, §11-902
Across the U.S., impaired driving continues to take thousands of lives each year. Oklahoma is no exception. Recent data shows the state has seen a steady stream of alcohol-related crashes, some with deadly outcomes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly one in three traffic fatalities in the U.S. involves a drunk driver.
In 2023, Oklahoma reported over 650 deaths related to alcohol-impaired driving. Wrong-way crashes caused by DUI remain one of the most fatal types of collisions. – Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.
Here’s a breakdown of how Oklahoma compares to the national averages:
Category | Oklahoma (2023) | U.S. Average (2023) |
| Alcohol-Involved Fatalities | 652 | ~13,500 |
| % of Total Traffic Deaths | 29% | 31% |
| Average DUI Arrests per 100k Residents | 450 | 370 |
| Wrong-Way DUI Crashes (Est.) | 110+ | 2,008 |
When someone drives under the influence and causes an accident, they are considered legally negligent. In Oklahoma, DUI is both a crime and a civil wrong. This means victims may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to the state’s criminal case.
Even if criminal charges are pending, you don’t have to wait to take civil action. You can begin building your claim for damages like hospital bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. If both drivers made mistakes, Oklahoma’s comparative negligence law could come into play, reducing damages based on each party’s share of fault.
If you’ve been injured by someone driving under the influence, you have the right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. This is separate from any criminal proceedings and is designed to help you recover financially and physically.
A personal injury case may include compensation for:
Victims injured by drunk drivers can pursue compensation beyond insurance claims, especially when criminal charges support a finding of negligence.
Accidents happen fast, but the steps you take afterward can help protect your health and legal rights. First, always call 911 and get medical attention. Even if you feel fine, internal injuries can show up later. Ensure a police report is filed and inquire whether the other driver was tested for alcohol. Take photos and collect witness names.
Later, consult with a personal injury attorney who is familiar with Oklahoma DUI laws. They can help you gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and take legal action if needed.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol confirmed that the driver in the Wagoner County crash was intoxicated and traveling the wrong direction at the time of the accident.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps individuals and families injured in DUI crashes throughout Tulsa and the surrounding areas. The firm is experienced in handling complex injury claims involving drunk drivers and works on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless they recover compensation on your behalf.
They understand that injury victims need more than legal advice—they need support, clarity, and someone who will take the burden off their shoulders.
Seek medical attention, call the police, document the scene with photos if it is safe, and gather witness information. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report and inquire whether the driver was tested for alcohol.
Yes. You can file a personal injury claim even if no arrest was made, as long as there is evidence the driver was impaired or acted negligently.
You may be eligible for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. Punitive damages may also be possible if the conduct was especially reckless.
Yes. A criminal case punishes the offender, while a civil claim seeks compensation for your losses. These cases can run concurrently and simultaneously.
You may be able to use your uninsured motorist coverage or pursue a civil lawsuit against the driver personally. A lawyer can help you explore all recovery options.
Oklahoma law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
Drunk driving accidents, like the wrong-way crash in Wagoner County, are preventable tragedies that leave lasting consequences. When impaired drivers make reckless choices, they put innocent lives at risk. Victims have legal rights, and they don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a drunk driving crash in Oklahoma, it’s essential to understand your legal options. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers provides experienced legal assistance to DUI injury victims, guiding you through your next steps with care and professionalism.
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.
