What Are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Tulsa Pedestrian Accidents: A Closer Look at the Numbers
Tulsa has seen a steady rise in pedestrian activity, from daily commuters to students and visitors walking downtown. But as more people take to the streets on foot, the risks they face have increased. In many parts of the city, the layout prioritizes vehicles, leaving walkers vulnerable.
Pedestrian safety has been a growing concern across Tulsa, especially in areas with heavy traffic, limited walkability, or aging infrastructure. The City of Tulsa has documented this risk in detail. Between 2011 and 2016, there were 921 pedestrian-involved crashes citywide, resulting in 91 fatalities. That same report noted that pedestrians in these crashes were nine times more likely to suffer serious injuries or die compared to individuals in vehicle-to-vehicle collisions.
More recently, the Tulsa Police Department confirmed that the trend remains troubling. In 2022, officers responded to 19 fatal pedestrian crashes, highlighting the continued danger for people walking in and around high-traffic areas.
While Tulsa has introduced public safety campaigns and infrastructure updates in recent years, pedestrians still face risks—especially in poorly lit corridors, near construction zones, or along roads designed primarily for fast-moving vehicles.
If you or someone close to you has been struck while walking, it’s important to connect with a trusted Tulsa pedestrian injury attorney who can help you understand your legal rights. In many cases, the responsible party may be:
- A reckless or distracted driver
- An employer or company, if a work vehicle was involved
- A city agency or contractor who failed to maintain a safe roadway or crossing
Navigating the legal aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming. That’s why the team at Aizenman Law Group focuses on helping injured pedestrians and their families pursue justice—so they can focus on recovery without added stress.
The Reality of Pedestrian Injuries
Unlike drivers, pedestrians are not protected by airbags or seatbelts. There’s nothing between them and a moving vehicle. Even a slow-speed impact can result in broken bones, head trauma, or lasting internal injuries.
From a national perspective, the issue is growing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that pedestrian deaths in the U.S. rose by more than 50% between 2013 and 2022. At the same time, overall traffic fatalities dropped by nearly 25%.
One of the driving forces behind this trend may be the increasing number of SUVs and trucks on the road. These vehicles sit higher, which often results in more severe injuries when someone is struck while walking.
What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents?
As any skilled Tulsa pedestrian accident lawyer can tell you, most of these crashes aren’t freak events. They stem from specific problems that can be prevented with better attention or planning.
Here are the most common causes:
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Drivers who go above the speed limit have less time to react. At intersections or near crosswalks, this delay can be deadly.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, using GPS, or glancing at a device pulls a driver’s focus away from the road. When someone is walking nearby, the consequences can be immediate.
- Pedestrian Distraction: It’s not just drivers. Pedestrians who step into a road while looking at a phone or listening to headphones may miss warning signs.
- Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers struggle with reaction time, focus, and coordination. This risk increases near areas with high foot traffic.
- Jaywalking: According to Oklahoma law (47 Okla. Stat. §47-11-503(c)), pedestrians are expected to cross at designated crosswalks or intersections with traffic signals. Crossing outside these zones can surprise drivers and cause collisions.
- Poor Lighting: Crashes are more likely at night, especially when pedestrians wear dark clothing and streetlights are inadequate.
- Faulty Crosswalks: Signals that fail to give adequate crossing time or malfunction entirely can confuse both drivers and walkers.
- Road Design: Some streets in Tulsa weren’t designed with pedestrians in mind. Wide intersections, missing sidewalks, and limited signage create dangerous conditions.
- Construction Areas: When sidewalks are blocked for construction, pedestrians may be forced into the street without clear detours or safety markings.
- Quiet Electric Vehicles: These cars are nearly silent. Without an engine noise to warn people, it’s easier for a pedestrian to step into their path without realizing it.
Who Might Be Held Liable?
After a pedestrian accident, figuring out who was at fault is key. Depending on the details, multiple parties might share responsibility:
- A negligent driver
- A company, if the driver was on the job
- A construction firm that failed to provide a safe detour
- The city, in cases involving broken signals or unsafe infrastructure
This is where a Tulsa pedestrian injury attorney becomes essential. A lawyer familiar with Oklahoma law can investigate the scene, gather records, and determine who should be held accountable.
What a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Does
Although it might seem straightforward, handling a personal injury claim after a pedestrian accident isn’t as simple as filling out a form. In many cases, victims quickly discover that insurance companies do not make it easy. As a result, delays, low settlement offers, and outright denials are common.
Thats why working with a personal injury attorney in Tulsa can make all the difference.
Here’s how they help:
Investigating the Cause
To begin with, experienced lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to gather information and identify the responsible parties.
Your lawyer will typically conduct this investigation by reviewing the police report, securing and evaluating footage of the accident, and, in some cases, interviewing the other parties involved. Ultimately, this investigation lays the groundwork for a strong claim.
Identifying Coverage
Depending on the case, the insurance coverage that should compensate you might differ depending on the identified relevant parties. For instance, if a single driver is deemed responsible, you may have to contact their insurer to get reimbursed under their liability coverage.
However, you may have to seek other means of compensation if they are underinsured or uninsured. If the responsible party is also deemed the city or a company, specific details about your possible compensation may also change. Fortunately, you wouldn’t have to worry about those nuances with a pedestrian accident lawyer doing all the work for you.
Dealing With Insurance
Once the relevant insurance coverage is identified, your lawyers will negotiate favorable compensation with the insurer. In fact, lawyers are typically skilled negotiators, and due to their experience, they can identify tactics that insurers often employ to undervalue claims and pay less to victims or even wrongfully deny a claim.
Calculating Damages
You may be eligible to recover costs for:
- Medical treatment and rehab
- Lost income or reduced earning potential
- Pain and emotional distress
- Permanent injuries or disabilities
Accurately valuing your claim ensures you don’t settle for less than you need.
What to Do Immediately After an Accident
The moments after a pedestrian accident are chaotic. If you’re able to act, or if someone is with you, these steps can help protect your health and your legal case:
- Get medical attention, even if you feel okay.
- Call the police and make sure a report is filed.
- Take photos of the scene, including traffic signals, the vehicle, and your injuries.
- Get names and contact info for any witnesses.
- Do not speak to the driver’s insurance company without legal advice.
Preserving evidence early on makes a huge difference in the strength of your claim.
Speak With a Tulsa Pedestrian Injury Attorney
At Aizenman Law Group, our legal team helps pedestrians throughout Tulsa who have been seriously hurt in avoidable accidents. We know how difficult recovery can be—physically, emotionally, and financially.
You don’t have to handle it alone. Our lawyers are here to step in, take on the legal burden, and make sure your voice is heard. Whether it’s negotiating with an insurer or preparing for trial, we’ll be by your side the whole way.
Call us at 918-215-8856 any time, day or night for a free consultation. Don’t wait until the bills pile up or your window to act closes. Let us help you take the next step toward the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.
