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If you were recently hit by a drunk driver, you’re probably experiencing many emotions: hurt, stressed, and traumatized, to name a few. Drunk driving accidents can often lead to severe injuries, emotional distress, and steep financial expenses. As a result, you may wonder what your options are regarding seeking compensation and holding the at-fault driver accountable.
At Bryan Garrett PLLC, we have helped many clients throughout Oklahoma City seek compensation after drunk driving accidents. Read on to learn the answer to “I was hit by a drunk driver in Oklahoma. What are my options?” Then contact our team to schedule your free consultation.
Who Is Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?
If a drunk driver hit you, they will almost always be found liable for the accident. Drunk driving is illegal in Oklahoma. When drivers get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol, they often make poor choices that can lead to accidents involving others.
The police officer who comes to the accident scene will determine who is at fault. However, your attorney can help you review the accident’s circumstances to determine whether another party may have also been liable.
For example, the store, restaurant, or bar that sold the driver alcohol may be partially liable for the accident. Waiters and bartenders need to assess the amount of alcohol patrons order and cut them off when they’ve had too much to drink. If they don’t, they may be partially responsible for the patron’s actions once they leave the restaurant.
Ways to Seek Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you were injured in a drunk driving accident, you can seek compensation in a few different ways:
Insurance Claim
An insurance claim is the most straightforward way to receive compensation after a car accident. If the at-fault driver had car insurance at the time of the accident, you can submit a claim with their insurer for your property damage and medical bills.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for low-balling claimants. As a result, there’s a good chance the at-fault driver’s insurance company will not offer adequate compensation for the accident.
If this is the case, you may want to proceed with a lawsuit. Your attorney can help you determine the right strategy to improve your case outcomes.
Lawsuit
You may decide to sue the at-fault driver, their insurance company, or both after your drunk driving accident.
If the insurance company does not offer adequate compensation, you can consider suing the company to increase your payout. Meanwhile, if the at-fault driver does not have insurance, or you want to seek compensation beyond what their insurance company provides, you can consider suing the driver personally.
You can seek two main damages in a lawsuit: compensatory and punitive.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages seek to compensate you for the loss you incurred from the accident. These damages can include both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages consist of the monetary expenses resulting from your accident, such as:
- Medical bills
- Medications
- Damage to your car
- Loss of income
- Loss of ability to work
Meanwhile, non-economic damages may include consequences that do not equate to a monetary loss, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent physical deformity
- Loss of a limb
- Lowered quality of life
- Grief and loss of companionship
Punitive Damages
You may also seek punitive damages in a drunk driving accident. These damages punish the defendant for egregious or reckless behavior.
Contact our Car Accident Attorneys Today
If you were hit by a drunk driver and suffered injuries, contact our team at Bryan Garrett PLLC today at 405-358-2342 to schedule a consultation.
