Car accidents take place in cities and towns across Oklahoma. They have a significant impact on motorists and pedestrians across the state. If you are involved in an Oklahoma car accident, you may be able to pursue compensation by suing the at-fault driver.
At BDIW Law, we offer legal help in auto accident cases. To learn more, please get in touch with us. Our car accident attorney can review your case and help you determine if now is the ideal time to file a lawsuit.
5 Oklahoma Car Accidents Statistics that You Need to Know
In Oklahoma, the state’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) tracks car accident statistics and reports on them annually. These statistics illustrate how frequently car crashes happen in Oklahoma. They also provide insights into whether Sooner State motorists are doing everything in their power to remain safe behind the wheel.
Here are five notable statistics from the DPS’s most recent car crash facts report:
1. Traffic Fatalities Rose Annually Dating Back to 2019
In 2021, DPS reported 762 traffic fatalities. Previously, it recorded 654 traffic fatalities in 2020 and 640 in 2019. Those who lost a loved one in an Oklahoma traffic accident may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault motorist.
2. The Number of Serious Injuries Reported in Car Crashes Has Increased
In addition to Oklahoma traffic fatalities increasing between 2019 and 2020, the number of serious injuries has gone up during this period as well. DPS reported 2,094 serious injuries in car crashes in 2021. Previously, DPS indicated that there were 2,061 serious injuries in car crashes in 2020.
3. Drivers Are Ignoring Posted Speed Limits and Causing Fatal Accidents
In 2019, there were 112 speed-related fatalities reported in Oklahoma. Since that time, the number of speed-related deaths has increased. There were 185 speed-related fatalities recorded in 2020 and 206 reported in 2021.
4. Alcohol Continues to Play a Role in Car Crashes
Oklahoma alcohol-related fatalities totaled 195 in 2021. Comparatively, there were 199 alcohol-related fatalities recorded in Oklahoma in 2020 and 165 such deaths reported in 2019. If you are hurt in an auto accident caused by a motorist operating their vehicle under the influence of alcohol, you can sue the drunk driver for damages — and help make Oklahoma’s roads safer than ever before.
5. Many People Were Killed by Drivers Who Chose to Use Drugs
Nearly 300 car crash fatalities were linked to drugs in 2021, DPS reported. These fatalities could have been avoided if motorists under the influence had decided against getting behind the wheel. Conversely, these motorists made poor decisions — and hundreds of people were killed as a result.
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SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYOklahoma Ranks Among the Most Dangerous States for Driving
Recent data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed Oklahoma ranked eighth among the most dangerous states for driving. NHTSA noted that the state had 1.44 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles. This represented a decline of 57 percentage points between 1975 and 2018.
There are several reasons why car accidents occur in Oklahoma, such as:
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drowsy driving
A clear understanding of the rules of the road can make a world of difference. If an Oklahoma motorist prioritizes safety, they will follow these rules. The result: this motorist can lower their risk of accidents and help other drivers do the same.
Tips to Drive Safely in Oklahoma
Car accidents and intersection accidents remain problematic in Oklahoma. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to limit the risk of an auto accident. These include:
- Follow the rules of the road. Avoid speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and other violations of Oklahoma’s laws.
- Do not drive while distracted. Turn off your cell phone and eliminate any other potential distractions when you drive.
- Take extra precautions if you have to drive in poor weather conditions. If the weather is bad but you still need to drive, proceed with extra caution.
- Give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go. Rather than rush to travel from point A to point B, plan ahead, so you will have sufficient time to travel safely.
- Hold an at-fault driver responsible for an accident. If you know the steps to take after a car accident, you can get the help you need to recover from the incident and seek damages from the negligent motorist who caused it.
At BDIW Law, we encourage safe driving at all times. If you have been involved in an auto accident caused by a negligent driver, please let us know. We can help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and pursue the most damages possible from them.
Deal with a Negligent Driver as Best as You Can
You may come across a negligent driver at any time. Regardless, you should continue to practice caution when you drive. If you are involved in an accident with a negligent motorist, remain calm, cool, and collected, and make sure this individual is held accountable for their actions.
Following an accident involving a negligent driver, make sure that you, the other motorist, and anyone else involved in the incident are safe. You can call 911 to make sure that emergency responders arrive to assist anyone who is hurt. Police officers can also come out to collect information from you and others involved in the accident and put together a report on it.
Do not wait to sue a negligent driver if they harm you in any way. You can partner with an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you file your lawsuit and pursue an appropriate amount of compensation. This allows you to request money from the negligent driver and reduce the risk that this motorist will cause similar problems for someone else down the line.
File a Car Accident Lawsuit with Help from BDIW Law
BDIW Law has a team in place to help you with your auto accident lawsuit. To get started, please contact us today.
