One of the major contributor of deaths in Oklahoma is DUI and DWI car accidents. According to the Oklahoma State Government, these types of accidents account for 25%-50% of fatal crashes. As you can see, DUI/DWI accidents happen all the time and can seriously damage the lives of those impacted by these deadly collisions.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI/DWI car accident, please reach out to Ylla | Gosney Attorneys at Law for a free case review and get the compensation you need after you’ve been injured in a DUI/DWI accident.
Difference Between DUI and DWI
A DUI and DWI are both terms for impaired driving offenses. In Oklahoma, a DUI and DWI are treated as two different types of offenses, with the key differences being attributed to the level of impairment (blood alcohol concentration BAC) and the severity of the penalties that go along with each. A DWI is considered a lesser offense than a DUI and applies when:
- BAC is between 05% and 0.07%
- There is evidence of impairment, such as erratic behavior or the inability to drive safely
- A driver’s blood alcohol level does not meet the requirement for a DUI, which is a BAC of 0.08%
Penalties for a DWI typically come with fines between $100-$500 or jail time of up to six months. DWI’s are misdemeanor offenses, even if they are repeated, whereas DUIs are considered felonies in the state of Oklahoma. Types of DWIs in Oklahoma City include:
- Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers in Oklahoma City
- Accidents Caused by Drivers High on THC in Oklahoma City
- Accidents Caused by Drivers on Illegal Drugs in Oklahoma City
DUI/DWI Accident Statistics in Oklahoma
DUI and DWI accident statistics in Oklahoma primarily focus on impaired driving caused by drugs or alcohol. While some states consider these offenses to be the same thing, Oklahoma differentiates a DUI and DWI, which will be covered later in the article. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the following statistics give an overview of the number of DUI/DWI incidents every year in Oklahoma:
- 2022: Out of 710 crashes, 361 involved drugs or alcohol
- 2023: There were 716 fatal crashes, with 339 involving alcohol or drugs. Alcohol accounted for 25% of all car accidents in 2023.
- 2024: Oklahoma landed in the top 10 worst states for drunk driving rates with 6.03 per 100,000 licensed drivers being involved in fatal accidents.
Fatal Crash Statistics in Oklahoma
With a population of over 700,000, Oklahoma City ranked near the top 20 cities in California with the most fatal car accidents, according to OSHO. As a city known for its year-round warm weather and popular tourist attractions, OKC’s roads see significant traffic from locals and out-of-town visitors alike. According to the CDC, Oklahoma City ranks as the third most dangerous city in the country for fatal car accidents. The combination of dense population centers, congested highways, and diverse driving habits from visitors contributes to the city’s elevated risk on the roadways.
Since 2021, U.S. traffic fatalities have continually fallen since surging to record highs in 2020 and 2021. However, despite these numbers, the number of fatal car accidents in the state of Oklahoma has remained relatively high, whereas other states’ fatal accidents have dropped substantially.
When Can I Sue a DUI/DWI Driver in Oklahoma?
In the state of Oklahoma, victims of impaired driving accidents can sue when they have been injured or suffered damages due to an intoxicated or drugged driver. A test performed by law enforcement will determine whether or not a driver’s inability to operate a vehicle safely can be attributed to alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, drunk driving is a common occurrence in Oklahoma. Here is a summary of Oklahoma’s DUI problem, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol:
- In 2023, there were 339 fatal crashes in Oklahoma where alcohol or drugs were involved
- Around 70% of DUI violations in Oklahoma end in convictions
- Oklahoma ranks high in traffic fatality rates, with impaired driving contributing to a majority of these crashes
- 73% of all DUI arrests are first-time offenders
How Ylla | Gosney Helps DUI/DWI Car Accident Victims:
If you find yourself involved in a car accident in Oklahoma, you may face life-altering injuries, impacting your health and financial security for the foreseeable future. This is, unfortunately, the frightening reality most car accident victims face. But that’s where Ylla | Gosney can help. Our firm specializes in helping you get your life back on track after a horrific accident. We do this by connecting you to immediate medical resources, protecting you from liability, and fully recovering compensation for the following damages:
- Special Damages: medical bills, ongoing treatment, costs that accumulate when you’re unable to work, like rent or mortgage payments
- General Damages: these are non-economic hardships like pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, mental trauma
- Wrongful Death Damages: these damages may be sought by a spouse or close relative for funeral arrangements, burial expenses, and medical treatment before a loved one’s death
- Punitive Damages: these damages are rare, but if the driver engaged in reckless driving with the intention of hurting you, then you could sue for punitive damages
Contact Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law
If you or your loved one has been injured in a car accident by an impaired driver in Oklahoma, Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law can help. While insurance companies will typically reduce your compensation or outright deny your claim, our firm stands up on behalf of injured car accident victims and protects their right to fair compensation. Taking the first step toward legal action can seem intimidating, but with us, you’re never alone in this fight. Contact Ylla Goseny today for a free consultation and see what legal options are available for your situation.