What Happens If the Person Who Hit Me Was Drunk?

The holidays, big football games, and nights out with friends should be times to celebrate. But for far too many families, these moments turn into heartbreak when a drunk driver gets behind the wheel, leading to the need for a personal injury attorney.

Drunk driving crashes happen far too often, and the numbers prove it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 37 people die every single day in drunk driving accidents across the U.S. That means every 39 minutes, someone’s life is cut short because of a decision that should never have been made.

Right here in Oklahoma, the reality is just as devastating. The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office recorded 816 alcohol-related crashes in 2021 alone. Nearly 1,000 people were injured, and 195 lives were lost. And those numbers don’t just represent statistics—they represent someone’s mother, father, child, or best friend who never made it home.

If you or someone you love was hit by a drunk driver, the situation can feel overwhelming. Medical bills pile up. You may be out of work. And on top of that, you’re dealing with anger, frustration, and the unfairness of it all.

We understand. At Aizenman Law Group, our Tulsa car accident lawyers have helped countless families in your situation, and we’re here to help you too.

What Does Oklahoma Law Say About Drunk Driving?

Oklahoma law takes drunk driving seriously, and for good reason. Driving under the influence puts everyone on the road at risk, and the penalties reflect that.

Here’s how the law breaks it down:

Driving While Impaired (DWI): If a driver has a BAC between 0.05 and 0.08 and there’s proof that their ability to drive was affected, they can be charged with DWI. This includes reckless driving behaviors like swerving, running red lights, or ignoring traffic signals.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Under Okla. Stat. tit. 47, § 11-902, it’s illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08 or higher or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs—even if the drug was legally prescribed.
Underage Drunk Driving: Oklahoma has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21. Under the Oklahoma Drunk Driving Prevention Act, anyone under 21 with any alcohol in their system is breaking the law.

Drunk drivers can face fines, license suspensions, community service, and even jail time. But these penalties don’t do anything to help you recover from the accident. That’s why filing a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim is so important.

What Are Your Legal Options After a Drunk Driving Accident?

If the driver who hit you was arrested, you might think justice is being served. But here’s the reality: criminal charges do nothing to compensate victims. The legal system punishes offenders, but it doesn’t pay for your medical bills, your lost wages, or the pain you’ve endured.

That’s where a personal injury lawsuit comes in.

At Aizenman Law Group, we handle everything so you can focus on healing. Our team will:

Investigate your accident—gathering police reports, video footage, and witness statements.
Determine liability—which may include the driver, their insurance company, or even a bar or restaurant that overserved them (thanks to Oklahoma’s Dram Shop Act).
Negotiate with insurance companies—so they don’t try to lowball you.
Take your case to trial—if that’s what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Recover?

A drunk driving accident can flip your world upside down. Oklahoma law allows you to seek compensation for:

Medical Expenses—Emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments.
Property Damage—Repair or replacement costs for your car.
Lost Wages & Earning Potential—If you’re out of work or unable to return to your previous job.
Pain & Suffering—For the emotional and physical toll of the accident.
Wrongful Death Damages—If you lost a loved one, you can recover funeral costs, medical bills, and loss of financial support.
Punitive Damages—To punish the drunk driver and prevent others from making the same mistake.

Many people underestimate how much their case is worth. That’s why working with a Tulsa personal injury lawyer who has helped many clients, knows how to maximize compensation.

What to Do If a Drunk Driver Hits You

The moments after a crash are chaotic and stressful. But the steps you take can protect your health and your legal case. Here’s what to do:

Call 911. Always report the accident and ask for medical help if needed.
Seek Medical Attention. Even if you feel okay, injuries like concussions and internal trauma may not show symptoms immediately.
Document Everything. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, damage, and any visible injuries.
Get Witness Info. Collect names and contact details from anyone who saw what happened.
Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters. They will try to minimize your claim—never provide a recorded statement without legal guidance.
Call a Tulsa Car Accident Lawyer. The sooner you have legal representation, the better your chances of recovering maximum compensation.

Aizenman Law Group Is Ready to Fight for You

Drunk driving crashes cause life-changing injuries and heartbreak, but you don’t have to go through this alone. At Aizenman Law Group, we’re dedicated to fighting for victims and their families. We know how these accidents affect lives, and we’re committed to getting you the compensation—and justice—you deserve.

If a drunk driver has hurt you or someone you love, don’t wait. Time is critical when it comes to gathering evidence and dealing with insurance companies.

By taking action now, you’re not just standing up for yourself—you’re helping to hold reckless drivers accountable and making Oklahoma’s roads safer for everyone. Let our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers stand by your side and fight for the justice you deserve.

Call Aizenman Law Group at 918-215-8856 any time day or night for a no-cost consultation. Let’s work together to get you the compensation you need to move forward.