By Maples Law Firm on March 6, 2013 -
Oklahoma City car accident fatality attorneys are extremely concerned about the upward trend in teen driver deaths. As data continues to come in, 2012 appears to be the second year in a row that the nation has seen an increase in teen driver deaths after eight years of decline. All 50 states and the District of Columbia are participating in the ongoing 2012 Teenage Driver Fatalities by State report conducted by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).
According to preliminary numbers, 16- and 17-year-old driver deaths in passenger vehicles were higher in the first six months of 2012 than they were in the first six months of 2011. Nationwide, deaths of 16-year-olds increased 24 percent from 86 to 107 fatalities and deaths of 17-year-olds increased 15 percent from 116 to 133. The final numbers for the second half of 2012 will not be available for months.
Oklahoma, however, is one of the few states that actually saw a slight decrease in the number of teenage traffic fatalities during the first six months of 2012 when compared to 2011. During the first six months of 2011, nine teenagers were killed in traffic accidents while seven were killed over the same period in 2012 in Oklahoma. Other states such as Washington, Florida, and North Carolina experienced fewer fatalities as well but it was not enough to statistically overcome the overall increase in deaths that occurred throughout the country.
One possible contributing factor to this upward trend is the growing popularity of cell phones and electronic devices. If you have a young driver in your household, it is absolutely necessary to remind him or her of the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of practicing safe driving habits at all times. Parents also need to be role models by adopting these safe driving practices themselves.
In addition, strong graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) programs are critical so young drivers get to practice in a safe and supervised environment before they become fully-licensed drivers. Anyone who has been injured in a car accident would be well advised to contact an experienced lawyer to obtain more information about protecting his or her rights.
By Maples Law Firm on October 8, 2012 -
Three men were killed in a Tulsa fatal car accident involving a head-on collision. According to a news report in The Associated Press, the fatal crash occurred on East 145th Avenue in Rogers County. Officials say a 29-year-old man was attempting to pass a semi-trailer when his car crashed head first into another vehicle. The driver was killed and two passengers from Tulsa, aged 21 and 23, in the other vehicle suffered fatal injuries as well. It is unclear if the driver of the second car was injured, but the driver of the semi-trailer was not hurt in the fatal crash.
Many of the most devastating Oklahoma car accidents involve head-on collisions. Unlike broadside or rear-end collisions, a head-on collision involves the combined speed of both vehicles. To prevent these types of high-impact crashes, Oklahoma Statute 11-311 states that wherever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways, “every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway.”
The victim or the victim’s family in such cases can hold negligent drivers liable for their actions. Families who have suffered a loss in a head-on collision would be well advised to discuss their legal rights and options with an experienced Oklahoma car accident attorney. Financial compensation may be available for medical bills, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, lost future wages, and other related damages.
The skilled Oklahoma wrongful death attorneys at Maples Law Firm have a long history of handling cases involving fatal car crashes. To discuss your potential claim at absolutely no cost, please call our offices today at (888) 226-6159.
By Maples Law Firm on July 5, 2012 -
A 27-year-old woman was killed in a Tulsa intersection accident involving a two-car collision at an intersection. According to a news report in Tulsa World, the fatal car crash occurred on Lynn Lane Road and 21st Street in Tulsa. Officials say the victim’s vehicle stopped before entering the intersection where a second car struck it. The driver suffered fatal injuries and her 17-year-old female passenger has been listed in critical condition. The 45-year-old woman driving the other vehicle sustained injuries that are not considered life threatening. It is unclear if she will be cited for the fatal crash.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, there were 616 fatalities and 24,445 injuries suffered in Oklahoma car accidents in the year 2010. During that same year, there were eight fatalities reported as a result of 9,687 car accidents in Tulsa.
Many Oklahoma car accidents occur at city intersections. In such cases, it must be determined if either driver failed to obey a traffic control device. Was either motorist speeding, distracted, or fatigued? Was alcohol a contributing factor? Did one of the drivers fail to properly yield the right of way? A skilled car accident attorney will stay on top of the official investigation to help determine liability for the crash. In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, the at-fault driver can be held accountable for injuries, damages, and losses sustained by victims.
An experienced Oklahoma City car accident wrongful death attorney at the Maples Law Firm can help families receive financial compensation for the loss of a loved one. We offer free consultations to anyone who has suffered a loss in a Tulsa car accident. Please contact us at (888) 226-6159.
By Maples Law Firm on December 28, 2011 -
An 80-year-old man and a 73-year-old woman from Osage County were killed in a car accident after their Dodge pickup was struck by a dump truck. According to a KJRH news report, the fatal Oklahoma truck accident occurred near the Lowe’s on Adams Boulevard in Bartlesville. Officials say the 80-year-old man was making a U-turn when a dump truck struck his pickup. The female passenger died at the scene of the crash and the male driver passed away that night. The driver of the dump truck was not injured and was not cited for the crash.
Under Oklahoma Law, drivers must only make a turn when and where it safe to do so. Under Oklahoma Statute 47-11-604: “No person shall turn a vehicle…unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway.” Drivers must not “move right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.” Additionally, drivers are required to signal appropriately to alert other motorists before they make a turn.
Anytime there is a fatal crash involving a left turn or U-turn, it must be determined if the driver turned at a dangerous time or location, if a signal was used and why the other driver involved was unable to avoid the collision. The family of someone killed in such a tragic accident would be well advised to contact an experienced Oklahoma City car accident wrongful death attorney who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
The skilled Oklahoma City personal injury attorneys at Maples Law Firm help families pursue their legal rights in car accident cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved. Please contact us at (888) 226-6159 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
