Contact a Tulsa Car Accident Lawyer After a Multi-Car Crash
Multi-car accidents, those involving three or more vehicles, can leave behind a trail of chaos. These wrecks tend to cause more serious injuries, greater property damage, and more insurance complications than single or two-vehicle collisions. And unfortunately, they’re not rare. In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 18,999 deaths caused by multi-vehicle crashes across the U.S. If you’ve been involved in one or these wrecks, a Tulsa car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and what to do next.
These types of crashes aren’t just more destructive; they’re also more complex to resolve. Multiple vehicles mean multiple drivers, and that often leads to finger-pointing over who’s responsible. That’s why working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is so important.
If you’ve been involved in a multi-car accident in Tulsa, we can help. At Aizenman Law Group, we have an impressive track record in handling car accidents, and we are proud members of the Tulsa community, with a passion for helping others withing our community.
Multi-Car Accidents Are On the Rise in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s roads have become increasingly congested in recent years, contributing to a rise in multi-vehicle accidents. According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, there were 66,074 total crashes reported across the state in 2021. Of those, 762 were fatal, and 9,321 involved serious injuries, a notable increase from the 640 fatal crashes reported in 2019. These numbers reflect a continuing upward trend in both fatal and injury-causing crashes on Oklahoma roads.
Several long-range traffic projections have anticipated this strain. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan projected that by 2025, the state would see a 33% increase in passenger vehicle traffic and a 70% increase in commercial truck volume on its highways. These increases are being driven by both population growth and rising freight activity.
Adding to the pressure, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has noted steady population growth in Oklahoma since 2023. Migration and job expansion have contributed to greater urban traffic density, particularly in cities like Tulsa and Oklahoma City. With more residents and more daily commuters, the volume of vehicles on the road continues to climb.
At the same time, road conditions remain a serious concern. A 2024 report by TRIP found that 28% of Oklahoma’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition, contributing to vehicle damage, increased travel time, and safety hazards. These deteriorating roadways were estimated to cost Oklahoma drivers a combined $1.3 billion annually in additional operating expenses.
The combination of heavier traffic, aging infrastructure, and growing congestion continues to increase the likelihood of serious multi-car collisions, especially on highways and in high-volume metro areas.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Accident in Oklahoma
If you’ve just been in a multi-car collision, it’s hard to think straight. But under Oklahoma law, there are a few steps you’re required to take. These actions protect everyone involved and also preserve your right to compensation later.
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Stop Your Vehicle (Without Blocking Traffic)
Under 47 Okla. Stat. § 10-102, drivers must stop immediately at the scene of any accident involving injury. Similarly, § 10-102.1 and § 10-103 apply to crashes that involve fatalities or just property damage. You must stop as close to the scene as safely possible but don’t block traffic more than necessary.
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Exchange Information
Once everyone has stopped, Oklahoma law requires drivers to exchange key details. According to 47 Okla. Stat. § 10-104(A), each driver must provide:
- Full name and address
- Vehicle registration number
- Driver’s license (if requested)
- Proof of insurance (if requested)
If a driver is suspected of contributing to the crash by violating a traffic law, and someone was seriously injured or killed, they may also be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing.
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Render Aid to the Injured
You are legally required to help injured individuals at the scene under 47 Ok. Stat. § 47-10-104(A). This may include transporting them or arranging transportation to a doctor or hospital. If you’re not sure what to do, call 911 right away and report the incident. Oklahoma law considers this a reasonable step when you lack first aid training.
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Notify Law Enforcement
Oklahoma statutes are clear about notifying the authorities. Under 47 Okla. Stat. § 10-107, drivers must immediately inform local police if the crash involves an injury or fatality. Outside city limits, the nearest State Highway Patrol office or county sheriff must be contacted.
Even if no one appears seriously hurt at the scene, it’s always in your best interest to call the police after an accident. Having an official crash report creates a documented record of the incident, which can be critical later when filing insurance claims or pursuing compensation. Without a police report, it may be hard to prove who was at fault, especially in a multi-car accident where multiple drivers may give conflicting accounts.
Calling the police ensures that your side of the story is recorded, and that the scene is handled properly. It also helps preserve important evidence that may support your claim.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Multi-Car Accident
Under 23 Okla. Stat. § 13, Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can only recover compensation if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. In multi-car crashes, this rule becomes especially important and complicated.
When more than two drivers are involved, insurance companies often try to deflect blame or minimize payouts. A skilled car accident attorney can help cut through the confusion by:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly to uncover every contributing factor
- Determining how liability should be shared between multiple parties
- Assigning percentages of fault to each driver
- Filing claims with all applicable insurance companies
- Negotiating aggressively to secure maximum compensation
- Taking your case to court, if needed, to ensure you aren’t shortchanged
Without legal support, you could easily walk away with far less than what your case is worth or even be blamed unfairly for the crash.
Common Causes of Multi-Car Collisions
Understanding how these accidents happen can help you avoid them or build a stronger legal case if you’ve already been involved in one. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use, etc.)
- Tailgating in high-speed traffic
- Driving too fast for weather conditions
- Sudden lane changes or merging without signaling
- Poor visibility or low lighting
- Dangerous road conditions (potholes, debris, broken guardrails)
In some cases, mechanical failures like tire blowouts or brake issues may also play a role. When these factors overlap in chain-reaction crashes, the need for a seasoned multi-car accident attorney becomes even more vital.
How a Tulsa Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Aizenman Law Group, our legal team takes a hands-on approach to every accident case we handle. Whether it’s a straightforward two-car crash or a complicated pile-up involving multiple claims, our job is to take the pressure off your shoulders.
Here’s how our Tulsa-based injury attorneys help clients after a multi-vehicle accident:
- We dig into the evidence, including police reports, crash scene photos, dash cam footage, and witness statements
- We work with reconstruction experts to piece together what really happened
- We coordinate communication between multiple insurers and track your medical documentation
- We fight for damages that reflect the true impact of your injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs
Our lawyers know what it takes to navigate Oklahoma’s comparative negligence laws and get results.
Don’t Go Through This Alone. Call a Tulsa Injury Attorney Today
If you’ve been hurt in a multi-car wreck, you need more than just good intentions. You need strategic legal guidance. At Aizenman Law Group, we’ve built our reputation by helping people just like you recover after serious crashes.
Our team of Tulsa personal injury lawyers is ready to listen, investigate, and advocate for you from day one. Let us handle the paperwork, the negotiations, and the fight so you can focus on healing.
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.
