A 24-year-old man, a storm chaser who has been featured on the Weather Channel, died in an Oklahoma auto accident after he was hit by a wrong-way driver. According to an Associated Press news report, the man’s vehicle was struck by a driver who was going the wrong direction on the Turner Turnpike in Sapulpa. Oklahoma Highway Patrol officials say alcohol was a factor in this head-on collision. Two other cars were also involved. Those drivers did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under Oklahoma law. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were a total of 738 fatal crashes in Oklahoma in 2009, of which 265 (or 36 percent) involved alcohol. Also, 32 percent of the drunk drivers involved in these fatal car accidents had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Under Oklahoma law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher.
Families of deceased DUI victims can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and other damages. In addition to facing criminal charges, drunk drivers can also be held civilly liable for the injuries, damages, and losses they cause.
If you have lost a loved one in an Oklahoma car accident involving a drunk or negligent driver, the experienced Oklahoma car crash wrongful death lawyers at The Maples Law Firm can help you seek fair compensation for your losses. Please contact us at 1(888) 226-6159 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
