What to Do if You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver in Oklahoma
Published March 18
By The Chaney Law Firm — Oklahoma Personal Injury Attorneys
Being hit by a drunk driver is one of the most terrifying experiences a person can face.
These crashes are violent, unpredictable, and often leave victims with serious injuries and overwhelming stress.
If you were hit by a drunk or drug-impaired driver in Oklahoma, you have strong legal rights — and in many cases, you may be entitled to extra compensation that doesn’t apply in ordinary accident cases.
Here’s what to do immediately after the crash to protect yourself, your health, and your claim.
1. Call 911 Immediately
When alcohol is involved, calling the police is critical.
Impaired drivers often:
Try to flee the scene
Hide or deny their intoxication
Refuse to give insurance information
Attempt to negotiate privately
A responding officer will:
Conduct field sobriety tests
Document visible signs of impairment
Make an arrest if necessary
File a police report
Gather witness statements
This evidence is ESSENTIAL for your injury claim.
2. Gather Evidence — Safely and Quickly
If you're physically able, document everything:
Photos of the vehicles
Damage at all angles
Road conditions
Skid marks or debris
The other driver’s behavior
Any empty bottles or signs of impairment
Also collect:
Driver’s name
Insurance details (if they have any)
License plate
Witness names and phone numbers
If the drunk driver is hostile or aggressive, step away and wait for police.
Your safety comes first.
3. Get Medical Treatment Immediately
Alcohol-related crashes often cause severe injuries due to speeding, reckless driving, or high-impact collisions.
Even if you “feel fine,” adrenaline can mask symptoms.
Seek medical care right away because:
Your injuries need to be documented
Insurance companies will dispute delayed treatment
Head, neck, and spine injuries often worsen over time
Getting checked out early protects both your health and your case.
4. Do NOT Speak With the Drunk Driver’s Insurance Company
Insurance companies know drunk driving cases can lead to very high payouts, including punitive damages.
Because of that, they will try to:
Get a recorded statement
Minimize your injuries
Push a fast, cheap settlement
Blame you for part of the crash
Downplay their driver’s intoxication
Do not talk to them.
Don’t sign anything.
Don’t accept any early offer.
👉 Tell them: “Please speak with my attorney.”
5. You May Be Entitled to Punitive Damages
Unlike normal accident cases, Oklahoma law allows victims of drunk driving to pursue punitive damages — additional money meant to punish the impaired driver.
You may recover compensation for:
Medical bills
Future medical care
Lost income
Loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Motorcycle or vehicle replacement
PLUS punitive damages, which can significantly increase your settlement or verdict.
6. Call an Attorney as Soon as Possible
Drunk driving cases move quickly on the criminal side — but your civil case (the one that pays your medical bills and lost income) needs fast action too.
An experienced attorney will:
Preserve evidence
Obtain police body-cam and dash-cam footage
Request 911 calls
Secure crime-lab and BAC reports
Track down witnesses
Handle all insurance communication
Calculate full compensation, including punitive damages
At The Chaney Law Firm, we know how to build these cases aggressively and effectively.
You Are Not Alone — We’re Here to Help
Being hit by a drunk driver is traumatizing, but you don’t have to fight this battle by yourself.
You deserve justice, accountability, and full compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
📞Call The Chaney Law Firm today for a free consultation.
We’ll handle the insurance company — and help you rebuild your life.