Pedestrian Accident

Thanks to surveillance footage from an Oklahoma City convenience store, police officers were able to view a pedestrian being struck by a car that then drove away. According to a News 9 report, the hit-and-run accident occurred at 29th Street and Kentucky in Oklahoma City. Officials are trying to find the three young men who were in a green Ford Explorer that struck a man and drove away. The victim suffered injuries to his head and arms but has been listed in good condition. It is unclear at this time if the driver or vehicle involved in this crash has been tracked down.

It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident when someone has been injured or killed. According to Oklahoma Statute 47-10-102: “The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in a nonfatal injury to any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident.”

Victims of a typical Oklahoma pedestrian accident can pursue financial compensation for their losses by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. This process is more complicated, however, when the negligent party is a hit-and-run driver. A skilled personal injury lawyer will stay abreast of the official investigation to ensure that the victims’ legal rights and best interests are protected. When the authorities do not apprehend the at-fault driver, there still may be financial support available for the victim through his or her own auto insurance policy. Unfortunately, even dealing with your own insurance provider can be a complicated and stressful experience.

The hit-and-run victim lawyers in Oklahoma City at Maples Law Firm have a long history of helping victims of accidents. If a driver has hurt you or a loved one, please call our offices at (888) 226-6159 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

It is important to constantly remind children how to behave safely when trick-or-treating. Safekids.org recommends “repeated and consistent” messaging to instruct children about safety. Your reminders should include advice on how to cross the street. It is important to encourage safe pedestrian habits because it can be difficult to see small children who are dressed in dark costumes at night.

Children should also cross the road at intersections or crosswalks. They should also only cross after looking both ways and back again. Children younger than 12 years old should have adult supervision as they cross the street. All pedestrians should remain on the sidewalk or areas designated for pedestrians.

There are steps parents can take to help increase the visibility of their children and prevent child injury accidents. Giving children flashlights is a good start. Attaching reflective tape to trick-or-treat bags, shoes, and costumes can help as well. It can also help to give your child a glow stick or lighted jewelry that can be made a part of their costumes. If possible, planning a trick-or-treating route along well-lit roads can be helpful as well.

It is not always easy to convince a child of what a costume should look like, but there are certain outfits that are safer than others. Wearing makeup is preferable to masks that restrict their vision. It is also wise to wear outfits that are bright. Black witch gowns, for example, are extremely difficult to see at night.

The experienced Oklahoma pedestrian accident lawyers at Maples Law Firm have seen a number of Halloween-related accidents over the years. We wish you and your family a safe Halloween. If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver, please call our office at (888) 226-6159 for a free case evaluation.

A pedestrian was injured in an Oklahoma City car accident involving a suspected drunk driver who left the scene of the crash. According to a News9 report, the pedestrian accident occurred near N.W. 20th Street and Council Road in Oklahoma City. Officials say a 29-year-old woman was under the influence of alcohol when she struck the pedestrian and drove away. The victim has been listed in critical condition. The driver was tracked down by the authorities and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) with great bodily injury and leaving the scene of an injury accident.

Under Oklahoma Law, drivers are required to give information and offer assistance following an injury accident. According to Oklahoma Statute 47-10-104: “The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or damage to any vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall … exchange information and render aid to the victim.”

In such cases, in addition to facing criminal charges, the negligent driver can also be held civilly liable for the victim’s injuries. Compensation may be available to victims for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. If the hit-and-run driver is not found, victims can seek compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of their own auto insurance policies.

The experienced Oklahoma City pedestrian injury attorneys at the Maples Law Firm have a long history of helping victims of drunk driving and hit-and-run accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision, please contact us at (888) 226-6159 for a free case evaluation.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian fatalities are on the rise throughout the country. The NHTSA reports that 4,280 pedestrians were killed in the year 2010, reflecting a five percent increase from the previous year. According to a report in 24/7 Wall St, Oklahoma is now considered one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians.

Between the years 2008 and 2010, the rate of pedestrian fatalities in Oklahoma more than doubled. On average, the national death rate of pedestrians per 100,000 people was 1.38 in the year 2010. That is a slight increase from the 1.33 rate in the year 2009, which is significant for Oklahoma because it is one of only 10 states with a rate of at least 1.65 per 100,000 people. Oklahoma saw 62 pedestrian fatalities in 2010.

Following a fatal Oklahoma auto accident, a thorough investigation will be needed. Was the victim in a crosswalk or at an intersection? Why was the driver unable to avoid the collision? Was the driver distracted, speeding, impaired, or otherwise careless? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway? The answers to these and other questions could help determine fault and liability in pedestrian accident cases.

The experienced Oklahoma City pedestrian injury attorneys at the Maples Law Firm have a proven track record of handling a wide variety of car accidents in Oklahoma. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, please contact us at (888) 226-6159 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Distracted walking does not receive the same attention as distracted driving, but it is a serious problem that appears to be growing. According to The Washington Post, distracted walking accidents have quadrupled in the past seven years. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that 1,152 people were injured while walking and using a cell phone or other electronic device in the last year alone. Many experts believe that statistic is well under the actual number of injury accidents that involved a distracted pedestrian.

The Washington Post report included recent examples of incidents that resulted in injuries. A 12-year-old boy was struck by a pickup truck while crossing the road as he was playing a video game. A 53-year-old woman suffered facial injuries after falling off a curb while texting and walking. Other examples include a woman walking into a telephone pole, a man falling into a ditch, and a 67-year-old man stepping into the path of a bicyclist.

Just as it is important for drivers to remain focused, it is equally important for pedestrians to watch where they are going. It only takes a moment of walking without looking for a pedestrian to step into traffic or cross a driveway as a car is backing up. All pedestrians should make it a habit to keep their phones in their pockets until they reach their destination.

The skilled Oklahoma City pedestrian injury lawyers at Maples Law Firm help injured victims of auto accidents get fair compensation for their suffering. We offer free consultations to anyone injured in a car accident. Please contact us at (888) 226-6159 for a free consultation.

A 38-year-old man was killed in an Oklahoma City car accident after a car jumped the curb and drove on the sidewalk. According to a news report in The Oklahoman, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred near NW 10 and Western Avenue in Oklahoma City. Officials say the victim was walking on the sidewalk when a driver let her car jump the curb and strike him before leaving the scene of the crash. He succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. Anyone with information regarding the driver or the whereabouts of the 1980s Dodge or Plymouth four-door car with tag 120-DPM is asked to call the authorities.

Under Oklahoma law, it is a felony to leave the scene of an accident when someone has been injured or killed. Under Oklahoma Statute 47-10-102.1: “The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the death of any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident.”

The family of a deceased Oklahoma hit-and-run car accident victim may have it in their best interest to speak with a skilled personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights are protected in their Oklahoma wrongful death case. There are different legal options available for the victim’s family depending upon whether or not the at-fault driver is tracked down and arrested by the authorities.

The experienced Oklahoma City pedestrian accident attorneys at The Maples Law Firm help victims of Oklahoma car accidents get the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a hit-and-run accident or by an uninsured motorist, please contact us at (888) 226-6159 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

A 79-year-old man was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver as he crossed the street at Portland Avenue in Oklahoma City around 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 13 according to KFOR. Police stated that the victim was walking east when a southbound pickup truck struck him and then proceeded to drive away. The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the fatal Oklahoma pedestrian accident. Investigators state that the truck in question is a dark colored GMC or Chevrolet, full-size, extended cab with a chrome bumper and sustained front-end damage in the collision.

Pedestrian accidents in Oklahoma, as well as across the nation, occur more often than people think. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2009, there were a total of 4,092 pedestrian fatalities in the United States, with 31 deaths occurring in Oklahoma. California had the highest number of pedestrian fatalities at 563, while Wyoming had the least amount, with two.

If you are in a situation where someone has sustained fatal injuries in an Oklahoma pedestrian accident, stay at the scene of the accident until police and medical help arrives. Never leave the scene of an injury-causing accident until you have been authorized to do so.

Usually, pedestrian accidents in Oklahoma can be prevented. All motorists have a responsibility to practice safe driving techniques to ensure not only their own safety, but the safety of others on the road as well. If you or a loved one has sustained serious injury in a pedestrian accident, contact the skilled Oklahoma City pedestrian accident injury attorneys at The Maples Law Firm. Our lawyers understand how difficult a serious injury can be, especially if that injury was caused because of someone else’s negligence. You deserve to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. We will work diligently to ensure that you are fairly compensated for all expenses incurred because of your Oklahoma pedestrian accident. Contact The Maples Law Firm today at 1-888-226-6159 for a free and confidential consultation.

With more and more people concerned about the environment and their own overall health, many people are beginning to utilize cars less and walk more. However, millions of people still drive more than they walk or bike, which means that the risk of getting into an Oklahoma pedestrian accident is still fairly high.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 69,000 pedestrians are injured by motor vehicles every year in the United States, with roughly 5,000 of those injuries being fatal. In 2008, 51 of those fatalities were residents of Oklahoma.

Anyone who operates a motor vehicle has a responsibility to drive carefully and pay attention to all traffic signals and signs. Many Oklahoma pedestrian crashes occur at intersections and crosswalks, and oftentimes driver inattention is the cause of those crashes. Pedestrians are at a much higher risk of injury because they have nothing to protect them in an accident, unlike the driver of a motor vehicle. In addition, children are especially at risk for involvement in a pedestrian accident because of their impulsiveness and short stature. Some injuries that can be sustained in an Oklahoma pedestrian crash include:

• Amputation;
• Broken bones;
• Fatal injuries;
• Head/brain injury;
• Internal bleeding;
• Paralysis; and
• Spinal cord injury.

While many pedestrians take the proper precautions to ensure their own safety, such as watching for other cars, only crossing the street at designated crosswalks and wearing reflective gear, oftentimes those precautions aren’t enough. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Oklahoma, you would be well advised to contact Ray Maples, dedicated Oklahoma City pedestrian accident injury attorney and founder of The Maples Law Firm. Mr. Maples has successfully handled a wide variety of pedestrian accident cases over the years. You deserve to know your legal rights and be compensated fairly under Oklahoma law. Call Ray Maples at The Maples Law Firm at 1-888-429-0609 to schedule a free and comprehensive evaluation of your Oklahoma pedestrian accident case.

Two women who were attempting to cross a highway in Oklahoma City three hours apart were both struck by vehicles, according to NewsOK.com.

Around 7 a.m. on October 8, a woman in a wheelchair was crossing Martin Luther King Avenue south of NE 23 in Oklahoma City when she was hit by an SUV, who stopped at the scene. The woman died at the hospital from injuries sustained in the fatal Oklahoma pedestrian accident.

A few hours later, around 10 a.m. another woman was struck by a vehicle as she attempted to cross NE 23 just east of the road’s intersection with Martin Luther King Avenue. According to witnesses, the victim went over the hood and the top of the car. The driver continued driving and witnesses called 911. The victim was transported in an ambulance to the hospital. One of the witnesses followed the car and talked to the police on her cell phone until the police were able to stop the perpetrator and arrest him. His windshield was broken but he was uninjured.

Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians are not uncommon. Drivers who hit pedestrians and leave the scene of the accident can be subject to not only criminal charges, but a civil case for damages as well. If you are a pedestrian who has been injured in an Oklahoma traffic accident, contact the Oklahoma City pedestrian accident attorneys at the Maples Law Firm at 888-429-0609. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. Our attorneys have extensive experience in Oklahoma pedestrian accident cases.

A fatal Oklahoma hit and run accident occurred on September 12th on U.S. Highway 62 just north of County Road 1370. A man was found lying in the road at about 2:29am by Police Troopers, according to a report from Newson6.com. The man was pronounced dead at the scene and the cause of death, evidence suggested, was fatal injuries due to the hit and run driver. Police say that the man smelled of alcohol.

Pedestrian accidents occur all too frequently and can almost always be prevented. In 2008, 4,414 pedestrians were killed in car accidents in the United States with 50 fatalities taking place in Oklahoma. While it is unclear as to whether or not the man may have stepped in front of the driver, the fact of the matter is that it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident, let alone an accident resulting in a fatality. Should you or a loved one find yourself in a situation where someone has sustained fatal injuries due to an Oklahoma auto accident, stay at the scene until help arrives. Do not ever leave the scene of an injury or fatality crash.

Experienced Oklahoma pedestrian accident attorney Ray Maples, founder of Maples Law Firm, has extensive experience in successfully handling auto accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Injuries sustained as a result of a motor vehicle collision can place a heavy burden on a family. Additionally, if a family member is wrongfully killed, the burden can be even greater. Injured individuals and family members of victims who were wrongfully killed in pedestrian related auto accidents have the right to seek compensation from negligent parties for damages including medical bills, loss of wages and funeral expenses in the event of a death. To learn more about how the skilled attorneys at Maples Law Firm can help you understand your rights, call 1 (888) 429-0609 today.