McAlester Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Fighting For Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Oklahoma
Drunk driving accidents are an unfortunate reality on our roads today. These accidents can cause serious injuries, property damage, and even death. If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident, it is important to seek legal representation from an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer.
At Stipe Law Firm, we have a team of skilled personal injury attorneys who have experience handling drunk driving accident cases. We understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on your life and we are committed to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Call Stipe Law Firm today at (918) 505-7741 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with our drunk driving accident attorneys in McAlester.
Understanding the Impairment Caused by Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a reckless act that dramatically impairs a person's ability to safely operate a vehicle. Alcohol affects various aspects of cognitive and motor skills, leading to a significantly increased risk of accidents. Here are some key ways in which alcohol impairs a driver's abilities:
- Slower Reactions: Alcohol slows down a person's central nervous system, leading to them having slower reaction times. This means, when a driver needs to react quickly to avoid an obstacle or a collision, they likely won't be able to.
- Reduced Coordination: Alcohol impairs fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, making it difficult for drivers to maintain control over the steering wheel, brakes, and accelerator pedals. This can result in swerving, erratic driving, and an inability to stay within a lane.
- Impaired Judgment: Alcohol diminishes a person's ability to make sound judgments. This often leads to risky behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or running red lights, all of which significantly increase the likelihood of accidents.
- Decreased Concentration: Alcohol affects a driver's ability to focus and maintain attention on the road. This can cause drivers to become easily distracted by their surroundings, their thoughts, or their passengers.
- Blurred Vision: Alcohol can impair vision, making it difficult for drivers to see clearly. This can lead to misjudging distances, missing road signs, or failing to notice pedestrians or other vehicles.
- Poor Decision-Making: Alcohol can lower inhibitions, leading to impaired decision-making. Drivers under the influence are more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors like overtaking on blind curves or driving at excessive speeds.
- Fatigue and Drowsiness: Alcohol can exacerbate fatigue and drowsiness, increasing the risk of falling asleep at the wheel. This can result in catastrophic accidents, especially on highways and long stretches of road.
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We offer no-obligation case evaluations.
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Our clients have unlimited accessibility to us.
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Our firm has secured millions in verdicts and settlements.
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We serve injury victims across Southeast Oklahoma.
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Our attorneys have 60+ years of legal experience.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents often result in very severe and life-changing injuries due to impaired judgment and reduced reaction times of intoxicated drivers. Common injuries in drunk driving accidents may include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The force of a collision can lead to traumatic brain injuries, affecting cognitive function, memory, and general quality of life.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Drunk driving accidents can provoke serious harm to the spinal cord, which could result in paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of a collision can cause fractures and broken bones, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: Injuries to internal organs may occur, leading to life-threatening complications and the need for surgical intervention.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are very common in drunk driving accidents, causing pain and limited mobility.
What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
Victims of drunk driving accidents could be qualified for various types of damages to help them recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Potential damages that may be recoverable may include:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for present and future medical costs that are related to the treatment of injuries caused by the accident.
- Lost Wages: Recovery of lost income because of the inability to work during the recovery period.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering endured as a result of the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairing or replacing damaged vehicles and other personal property.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In instances where a loved one has tragically lost their life in a drunk driving accident, surviving family members could be entitled to wrongful death damages, including funeral costs and loss of financial support.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Oklahoma?
The statute of limitations helps set a time limit within which legal action must be initiated. In the state of Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from drunk driving accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident.
Prompt action is essential in gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building a strong case. At Stipe Law Firm, our McAlester drunk driving accident lawyers are well-versed in navigating legal deadlines and ensuring that our client's cases are filed within the prescribed timeframe.
Why Contact Our McAlester Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Our drunk driving accident attorneys have extensive experience in handling cases involving:
- Wrongful death
- Property damage
- Serious injuries such as brain injury, spinal cord injury, and more.
We understand the complexities of drunk driving accidents and will work to build a strong case on your behalf. Our legal team will investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, gather evidence, and consult with experts to determine the full extent of your damages.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident, do not hesitate to reach out to Stipe Law Firm. Our McAlester drunk driving accident attorneys will fight for your rights and help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our McAlester drunk driving accident attorney. Call (918) 505-7741 today!
