Tulsa Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Premier representation when vehicles strike a pedestrian in Oklahoma
Walking is a great way to exercise, explore neighborhoods, run errands, or walk the dog. Sadly, all too often drivers fail to respect the rights of pedestrians or to even look for pedestrians. The consequences of being struck by a vehicle are often deadly. Survivors are likely to suffer catastrophic injuries. Construction accidents may also have deadly or catastrophic consequences.
Biby Law Firm is the right choice for Oklahomans who are looking for compassionate, experienced injury lawyers. If you were injured while walking around Tulsa, we are here to help. We work with law enforcement, investigators, and your doctors to build a case for liability and damages on your behalf. We have a strong record of settlements and verdicts. To schedule a free consultation with a Tulsa pedestrian accident attorney, give us a call today.
How can we help?
- How dangerous are pedestrian accidents?
- Why do pedestrian accidents happen?
- What are common injuries for pedestrians in Tulsa?
- Who is liable for a pedestrian accident in Tulsa?
- What if I’m injured in a hit-and-run?
- How can we avoid pedestrian accidents in Tulsa?
- Do you have a pedestrian accident lawyer near me?
How dangerous are pedestrian accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, 6,516 pedestrians were killed and nearly 55,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. According to Oklahoma Highway Safety, 104 pedestrians died in traffic accidents in 2021. Another 149 pedestrians had serious injuries. The leading categories of Oklahoma pedestrian fatalities were at non-intersections, darting, walking with traffic, improper crossing, and crossing at intersections.
Pedestrians are simply no match for the weight and metal of even the smallest vehicle.
Why do pedestrian accidents happen?
Many car and truck drivers think they own the roads. They fail to recognize that pedestrians do have the right to cross at the light and where there are stop signs. Some of the reasons drivers hit pedestrians include the following:
- Driver distraction. The driver is talking on the phone, texting while driving, eating, drinking, grabbing for a cigarette, or doing something that takes his/her eyes off the road and hands off the wheel.
- Driving under the influence. Drivers who have too many alcoholic beverages are a danger to themselves and to anyone nearby. Pedestrians who are in the path of a drunk driver have little chance of survival.
- Bad weather conditions. It’s no excuse that the weather is too icy, too snowy, too foggy, or even too sunny. When the weather is bad, drivers should either get off the road completely, or they should slow down so that they can control their vehicles. Drivers who can’t see, or who can’t control their vehicles, can kill pedestrians or cause walkers to suffer catastrophic injuries.
- Improper turns or other faulty intersection driving. Drivers need to respect the right of walkers to cross at intersections when the light turns green for the pedestrians. Car and truck drivers should never run a red or yellow light. They must stop at stop signs. They need to position their car properly when making turns.
- Speeding. Speeding is a leading cause of all vehicle accidents, and it can be deadly when the victim is a pedestrian. Even if the pedestrian is not hit directly by the vehicle, the victim can still end up falling in the road, or hitting another object, person, or vehicle.
Drivers may also be liable even when visibility is low, such as in areas with obstructive vegetation or with “blind” curves, and if they are fatigued while they’re driving. Drivers should take extra precautions if there are children walking or playing – especially if they’re driving through a residential neighborhood.
What are common injuries for pedestrians in Tulsa?
Pedestrian injuries are often catastrophic. Many victims require surgery. Victims should seek immediate help. Our Tulsa pedestrian accident lawyers represent victims who suffer all types of serious injuries including:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck, shoulder, and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Organ damage and/or internal bleeding
- Other serious injuries
- Death
A car doesn’t have to strike the pedestrian to cause harm, either. A pedestrian who runs to avoid a collision can trip and fall, leading to broken bones or head trauma. People can also be crushed by other pedestrians who are attempting to flee an oncoming vehicle or avoid a collision.
Who is liable for a pedestrian accident in Tulsa?
The driver is usually liable when a vehicle causes a collision, but not always. In addition to the driver, the owner of the vehicle (if different than the driver) may be liable too. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation or other state or county agencies may also be liable if they failed to properly design a crosswalk or an intersection.
A pedestrian who darts into traffic or doesn’t obey the rules of the road may be found partially, if not fully, liable for his or her injuries. In cases like these, the award could be reduced by the percentage the pedestrian was deemed at fault. This is because Oklahoma has a contributory negligence statute. It is also one reason why working with an experienced Tulsa personal injury lawyer is so important. Biby Law Firm can help prove that you are entitled to damages.
What if I’m injured in a hit-and-run?
Sometimes a driver will hit a pedestrian and then flee. We work with investigators and the police to find people who refuse to own up to their public duty to identify themselves after a car accident. If the liable party cannot be found, you may be able to make a claim through your own UM/UIM insurance policy depending on the language and circumstances of your injuries.
How can we avoid pedestrian accidents in Tulsa?
The NHTSA provides these recommendations for drivers:
- Always be on the lookout for pedestrians.
- Be extra-careful when driving at night, in bad weather, and where it’s difficult to see.
- Be prepared to slow down and stop before entering a crosswalk or turning.
- Position your car so other vehicles can also see when pedestrians are walking in a crosswalk.
- Never pass other vehicles stopped at a crosswalk.
- Anticipate that pedestrians may be behind your car when you back up.
Pedestrians should use the following safety precautions:
- Look both ways before crossing.
- Wear bright clothing and/or reflective clothing at night and when riding or walking in more rural areas.
- Carry flashlights when walking.
- Keep cellphones charged in case of an emergency.
- Use sidewalks when available.
- Obey traffic signals.
- Walk facing traffic – and as far away from traffic as possible.
- Cross streets at crosswalks.
- Cross where it’s well lit.
- Use caution near driveways and in parking lots.
Do you have a pedestrian accident lawyer near me?
Biby Law Firm has two Tulsa offices located at 1646 S. Denver Ave and 6305 E 120th Ct., Suite K9. We also meet clients at their homes or healthcare facilities when necessary and conduct video conferences when desired or required by the circumstances.
We’ll help you hold negligent drivers accountable for failing to drive safely. We demand compensation for all your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Make the call to an experienced Tulsa pedestrian accident attorney today
Time is of the essence when a loved one is killed or injured. At Biby Law Firm, we work aggressively to examine the scene of the accident, speak with witnesses, and work with the police to show why someone else caused your injuries. For immediate help with any pedestrian accident in or near Tulsa, call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
We handle catastrophic injury cases on a contingency fee basis. We proudly serve all of Oklahoma including the communities of Broken Arrow, Bixby, Claremore, Grove, Jenks, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Wagoner, Muskogee, Owasso and the surrounding areas.