According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) statistics, during the most recent year in Oklahoma, there were 170 drunk driving-related fatalities which accounted for a quarter of all traffic-related fatalities. Also during the past year, there were 2,507 drunk driving-related accident injuries suffered by victims throughout Oklahoma. There were nearly 19,000 arrests for DUI during the most recent year in Oklahoma.
Victims of drunk driving accidents may, in an instant, face serious and unexpected physical, emotional and financial challenges. Surviving family members of victims killed in a drunk driving accident may unexpectedly face the unthinkable following the loss of a loved one. Family members of lost loved ones killed in a drunk driving accident may also face unexpected financial and emotional damages following a drunk driving accident.
Victims of drunk driving accidents, and their families, may be able to seek compensation for the damages they have suffered from the negligent party or parties involved in the drunk driving accident. Typically, a criminal charge or citation can be used as evidence to establish that a party, such as a drunk driver, was negligent when causing an accident. In addition, laws referred to as Dram Shop Laws protect victims when a drunk driver was over-served alcohol and victims are harmed in a drunk driving accident as a result. Social Host Laws also hold individuals who furnish alcohol to minors which results in a drunk driving accident responsible.
Different options are available to victims of drunk driving accidents to ensure they are protected from the significant costs and damages associated with a drunk driving accident as much as possible. It is important that victims, and their families, are familiar with the legal options available to them during the difficult period that follows a drunk driving accident.
Source: Mothers Against Drunk Driving, “Oklahoma,” Accessed Dec. 21, 2015
