Average Settlement if You Are Hit by a Drunk Driver in Oklahoma

If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver in Oklahoma, you’re likely facing a host of challenges – medical bills piling up, time missed from work, and the pain and trauma of the accident itself. During this difficult time, it’s natural to wonder what kind of compensation you might be entitled to.

While every case is unique, this post will give you a general idea of the average settlement for drunk driving accidents in Oklahoma and the factors that can influence that amount. We’ll also share some real-life examples of settlements obtained by our firm.

Factors Influencing Drunk Driving Accident Settlements

Several key factors come into play when determining the value of a drunk driving accident settlement:

Severity of Injuries

The more severe your injuries, the higher the potential settlement. Catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or injuries resulting in permanent disability will typically result in larger settlements to account for ongoing medical needs and loss of earning capacity.

Medical Expenses

Your settlement should cover all accident-related medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, medication, rehabilitation, and any expected future medical needs. The higher your medical bills, the more compensation you’ll likely receive.

Lost Wages

If your injuries have caused you to miss work, those lost wages should be part of your settlement. For severe injuries that affect your future earning potential, your settlement may also include compensation for loss of future income.

Pain and Suffering

The physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident are compensable damages. While harder to quantify, this “pain and suffering” compensation often makes up a significant portion of drunk driving accident settlements.

Punitive Damages

Sometimes, particularly egregious drunk driving accidents, the court may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior in the future.

Shared Fault

Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your settlement may be reduced proportionately. However, as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages.

Average Settlement Amounts for Drunk Driving Accidents

Given these many variables, there’s no one “average” settlement amount for drunk driving accidents in Oklahoma. However, settlements can range from tens of thousands to over a million dollars, depending on the specifics of the case.

For example, a case resulting in minor injuries might settle for $20,000 to $50,000. A case with more significant injuries requiring extensive medical treatment could settle for $100,000 to $500,000. The most severe cases, such as those resulting in permanent disability or death, could see settlements of $1 million or more.

Real-Life Settlement Examples We’ve Obtained

At 222 Injury Lawyers, we’ve handled numerous drunk driving accident cases. Here are a few examples of settlements we’ve obtained for our clients:

• $6,500,000: Recovered for the family of a father who lost his life due to a careless motorist
• $3,500,000: Recovered for the family of a son who lost his life due to a careless semi driver
• $3,000,000: Judgment against a reckless trucking company whose carelessness led to our client being severely injured
• $750,000: Obtained for a client who suffered a herniated disc in a rear-end collision case involving minimal property damage

These examples demonstrate the wide range of potential settlement amounts and the importance of having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side.

Protecting Your Rights After a Drunk Driving Accident

If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, taking the right steps can help protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your top priority. Seek medical care immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not be apparent right away.
2. Report the Accident: Call the police and file an accident report. This creates an official record of the incident.
3. Gather Evidence: If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Get contact information for any witnesses.
4. Avoid Discussing Fault: Stick to the facts when speaking with the police or insurance companies. In the heat of the moment, you might apologize or claim fault when the wreck isn’t your fault at all. Insurance companies know this and often try to use it against you later.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Look for a firm with a track record of success in drunk driving accident cases.

At 222 Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact a drunk driving accident can have on your life. We’re here to help. With decades of combined experience and a commitment to aggressive client advocacy, we’ll fight to get you the settlement you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. Remember, you don’t pay unless we win your case.