Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law proudly stands up for the rights of Tulsa car accident victims. We’ll help explain your legal options and what you need to do to recover financially and physically. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Tulsa car accident, don’t wait. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
Population and Car Accidents in Tulsa
The starting point for looking at the issue of car accidents in Tulsa isn’t complicated: it involves looking at the population–more to the point, the number of drivers and vehicles on the road that you’ll have to interact with.
According to the most recent data from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO), Tulsa County had a total population of:
- 669,279 people in 2021.
This makes the county the second-biggest in the state in terms of population, behind only Oklahoma County. So, when you consider the fact that Tulsa County is one of the most populated areas in all of Oklahoma, it’s not surprising that it had the second-most vehicle miles traveled that year at over six million.
All of this adds up to numerous opportunities and instances of car accidents in Tulsa and the surrounding area.
Car Accidents in Tulsa in 2021
These figures are based off of OSHO data from 2021, and they show just how many car accidents Tulsa had–and just how impactful they were in terms of injuries and fatalities. According to the data, Tulsa had:
- 1,506 total car accidents
- 84 people killed
- 1,851 people injured
Even with these statistics, it’s important to understand that every car accident is unique. What this means for you is that when you are in a car accident, you may be hurt badly. But there’s also the chance that you won’t be hurt at all or at least have minor injuries. So, whether or not you need a lawyer is going to depend on your circumstances and needs. Regardless, our experienced team of lawyers will be there to help you by:
- Investigating the accident
- Helping you gather evidence
- Explaining the process
- Working and negotiating with insurance companies
When Are Car Accidents More Frequent?
In looking at the data on these accidents, it becomes clear that a car accident can happen at any time, and often leave you facing huge financial and physical challenges. But a closer look at the data shows when car accidents are more likely to happen. According to the data, of the 1,056 total car accidents in Tulsa in 2021, they were the most frequent during:
- Fridays (264)
- April (158)
- Between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM (123)
This data is rather telling. It shows that car accidents are more likely to happen:
- At the end of the work week and on weekends
- When the weather is milder
- During peak rush hour traffic, as people are driving home from work
What can make this difficult is that, even though you know when a car accident is more likely to happen, it can still happen at any time. Worse yet, the outcomes and damage that you suffer can happen often when you can least afford it. Here’s what you need to do anytime you’re in a car accident to protect your legal options:
- Get to safety and assess the damage, including any injuries
- Call the police to report the accident and an ambulance for emergency medical care
- Take pictures or videos of the scene with your phone
- Talk to any witnesses
- Get insurance and contact information from anyone else involved
Who’s Involved in Tulsa Car Accidents?
In terms of demographics, there’s also plenty of evidence that certain people are more likely to be involved in car accidents in Tulsa. This isn’t surprising when you consider two of the biggest demographics: teens and older adults. Both of these groups have certain markers that make it more likely to lead to car accidents:
- Inexperience and complacency
- Distractions
- Failing to understand traffic rules or other regulations
- Risk-taking behavior
- Physical challenges or health issues
According to the data, there were the following number of car accidents in Tulsa among these two groups:
- 181 car accidents among teens
- 7 were fatal
- 237 were injured
- 277 car accidents among older adults
- 16 were fatal
- 370 were injured
While these are two of the most well-represented demographics in tulsa car accidents, the fact remains that everyone in a car–regardless of age or any other demographic traits–is vulnerable to being hurt in an accident.
What Are Your Legal Options?
If you or any of your passengers are hurt in a car accident, Oklahoma law gives you the legal option to file an injury claim for damages. Typically, this is done either by filing:
- An insurance claim
- A personal injury lawsuit
This is simply a formal legal action that lets you ask an insurance company or the person responsible for causing your injuries to cover your injuries and other losses. In a typical car accident, you can potentially recover things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income from missing work
- Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Despite the legal process sometimes being difficult, our team of Tulsa car accident lawyers at Ylla Gosney can guide you through the entire process with dedication and experience. To learn more about our approach or to learn more about what your options are, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.