An officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department found himself behind bars after he caused a head-on car crash. Authorities say he was drunk at the time of the collision and he allegedly had a loaded gun in his vehicle. Oklahoma residents who suffer injuries in car accidents caused by drunk drivers may seek compensation for their losses.
According to reports, this particular incident occurred Friday, Aug. 20. The off-duty officer was operating his vehicle near Newcastle Road and S. Meridian when he struck another vehicle. In a video report that accompanied the written news report, the accident was called in as an injury accident. However, the victim did not accept transportation to an area hospital for treatment. It is unclear if the victim sought treatment on his or her own.
The individual responsible for the crash was promptly arrested and transported to jail. The charges against him include DUI and possession of a loaded weapon. Investigators say that no preferential treatment will be given to the accused because of his position within the police department. It is unclear when his case will go to court.
Victims of drunk driving-related car accidents have the right to pursue compensation for their losses through legal means. While this victim may have refused transport for medical care, it does not mean that any injuries he or she suffered did not need care or that the injuries did not have an impact on the accident victim’s life. With the assistance of legal counsel, the victim in this case can seek relief by filing legal claims against the police officer in an Oklahoma civil court in an effort to achieve fair compensation for all documented losses.