Been In A
Car Wreck In Tulsa?

Most motor vehicle crashes happen on local city streets, followed closely by rural state highways and county roads. Statistically, the majority of these accidents occur during broad daylight and under clear weather conditions, meaning driver behavior—not the environment—is usually the primary factor.

Drivers between the ages of 15 and 34 face the highest risk of motor vehicle collisions, with the 20 to 24 age group seeing the highest crash volumes. Additionally, data shows that male drivers are involved in more collisions than female drivers, and those accidents are statistically more likely to result in fatalities.

The overwhelming majority of traffic collisions are caused by risky, negligent, or inattentive driving habits. Aggressive driving—specifically speeding and failing to yield the right-of-way—is a top contributor to severe wrecks.

According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, the most common driver behaviors leading to fatal crashes include:

• Speeding and driving too fast for road conditions
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failure to yield the right-of-way
• Improper or erratic lane changes
• Careless and reckless driving
• In-car or external distractions
• Failure to obey traffic signals and stop signs
• Overcorrecting or oversteering the vehicle
• Drowsy or fatigued driving

Distracted driving accounts for roughly 12% of all car accidents across Oklahoma. Young adults aged 20 to 24 cause the highest number of distracted driving wrecks, and male drivers across all age groups are statistically more likely to become distracted than female drivers.

According to state crash data, the primary sources of driver inattention break down as follows:

• Inside the Vehicle: 45% (Adjusting controls, passengers, objects)
• Outside the Vehicle: 33% (Rubbernecking, external events)
• Cell Phone Use: 17% (Talking, texting, browsing)
• Other Electronic Devices: 4% (GPS navigation, tablets)

While Oklahoma City has a larger population, Tulsa ranks number one in Oklahoma for speed-related car accidents. In fact, nearly 24% of all speed-related crashes in the state happen right here in Tulsa, compared to roughly 19% in OKC.

Speeding becomes particularly deadly when mixed with poor weather. Unsafe speeds on wet pavement or driving too fast for heavy traffic conditions account for nearly 48% of these speed-related wrecks.

Oklahoma sees nearly 3,000 alcohol-related traffic crashes every year. While drunk driving accounts for less than 5% of total statewide crashes, it is incredibly lethal—causing nearly 27% of all traffic fatalities in the state. Tulsa consistently records some of the highest numbers of fatal driving-under-the-influence (DUI) accidents in Oklahoma.

Teen drivers (ages 16 to 19) are involved in roughly 11% of Oklahoma's motor vehicle collisions and account for nearly 7% of the state's fatal crashes. Teen male drivers are more than twice as likely to be involved in a fatal wreck than teen females. However, teen female drivers are statistically involved in a higher number of injury-causing accidents.

The top five contributing factors to Oklahoma teen auto accidents are:

1. Failure to yield the right-of-way
2. Unsafe speeds
3. Driver inattention and distraction
4. Tailgating (following too closely)
5. Improper lane use or erratic movements

You should call as soon as possible after the accident, especially if you were injured, the other driver denies fault, or the insurance company is already contacting you. Securing legal representation early allows your team to preserve critical evidence before it disappears and prevents insurance adjusters from taking advantage of you.

A car accident attorney in Tulsa handles the legal side of your injury claim, gathers evidence, deals with the insurance company, and works to recover compensation for your losses. At Jeff Martin Law, we take the stress off your shoulders by investigating the crash scene, obtaining police reports, pulling medical records, and aggressively negotiating with insurance adjusters so you can focus entirely on your physical recovery.

Jeff Martin Law handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay attorney fees unless compensation is recovered for you. There are absolutely no upfront or out-of-pocket costs to get our team started on your case. If we don't win, you don't owe us a dime.

The moments following a crash are overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect both your health and your future legal claim:

• Call 911: Oklahoma law requires you to contact law enforcement immediately if an accident causes any injuries. The resulting official police report is vital evidence for establishing fault.
• Exchange Information Safely: Collect names, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, and insurance details from all drivers involved. Take photos of license plates and insurance cards.
• Be Polite But Don't Apologize: Never say "I'm sorry" or try to explain the cause of the crash to the other driver. Insurance adjusters frequently weaponize basic politeness as an admission of fault.
• Document the Scene: Take extensive photos and videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs. If witnesses are present, get their names and contact numbers.
• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Adrenaline can mask severe internal injuries or concussions. Go to an emergency room or urgent care right away to establish a direct medical link between the crash and your injuries.
• Notify Your Insurance Carrier: Report the wreck to your own insurance provider promptly. If your policy includes Medical Payments (Med Pay) coverage, this can help pay medical bills while fault is being disputed.

You should be incredibly cautious. Insurance claims adjusters—even the ones working for your own carrier—are trained to minimize payouts and close files as cheaply as possible. Keep these strict rules in mind if an adjuster calls you:

• No Legal Obligation: You are under no legal obligation to give a statement to the at-fault driver's insurance company.
• Say No to Recordings: Politely refuse to allow the adjuster to record your conversation. Recorded statements are frequently picked apart later to damage your claim.
• Don't Guess: Adjusters often ask leading questions about speeds, distances, or your injuries before you fully know the scope of your medical treatment. Never guess or assume details.
• Get It in Writing: If you choose to answer basic administrative questions, ask to submit them in writing so you have time to provide precise, accurate answers.
• Let Your Lawyer Handle It: The safest option is to tell the adjuster to speak directly with your attorney at Jeff Martin Law.

Depending on the facts of the case, you may be able to recover money for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, future care, and other accident-related losses. Oklahoma no longer places a statutory cap on the amount of damages you can recover. Your financial recovery generally falls into two categories:

• Economic Damages: Measurable financial losses including current and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity.
• Non-Economic Damages: Intangible losses that impact your quality of life, including physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, scarring, disfigurement, and loss of companionship.

In rare cases where the at-fault party's conduct was exceptionally reckless or malicious (such as severe drunk driving), punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer. Under Oklahoma law, punitive damages are generally not covered by insurance policies and must be paid directly by the defendant.

When you've been hurt in a wreck, you need an experienced legal team that understands Oklahoma personal injury law inside and out. At Jeff Martin Law, we have a proven track record of fighting big insurance companies to secure the maximum compensation our clients deserve. We handle everything from the initial investigation to final settlement negotiations or courtroom trials, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way. Contact our Tulsa office today to schedule your 100% free, no-obligation case evaluation.