Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Winter weather in Tulsa can change quickly, bringing icy roads, sleet, and poor visibility that make driving dangerous. Even experienced drivers can struggle to stay in control when temperatures drop, and road conditions worsen without warning.
Every winter, serious accidents happen across Oklahoma—especially on highways and bridges where black ice is common. If you’re involved in a crash during winter weather, knowing what to do next can help protect your safety, your rights, and your potential injury claim.
Snow and ice don’t just affect northern states. In Oklahoma, freezing rain, sleet, and sudden drops in temperature can make roads slick with little warning. Highways like US-75, the Creek Turnpike, and I-244 become especially hazardous during winter weather.
Black ice is nearly invisible but extremely dangerous. Even light snowfall can cover road markings, signs, or hazards. Drivers who fail to slow down, leave enough space, or stay alert are more likely to cause collisions. Overpasses and bridges freeze first and are often more slippery than the rest of the road.
Bridges and overpasses are hazardous during freezing weather—they freeze more quickly than the rest of the road and often appear dry when they’re not.
You might assume icy roads are “nobody’s fault,” but the law does not always see it that way. Drivers are still expected to operate their vehicles safely, even in snow or ice.
Oklahoma uses a comparative negligence system when determining fault in car accidents.
Oklahoma law uses modified comparative negligence, which means your compensation may be reduced based on your share of fault. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you may not recover any damages. — Oklahoma Statutes Title 23 §13
If a driver speeds, follows too closely, texts, or fails to brake properly in icy conditions, they may still be held responsible—even if the weather played a role. Insurance companies often try to use the weather to deny fault, but the key question is whether the driver acted reasonably for the conditions.
Insurance companies may try to avoid liability by blaming the weather. However, drivers are still expected to maintain control of their vehicles regardless of conditions.
Winter accidents can be complex. Even when weather is a factor, proving fault may require more than just a police report. Insurance companies may argue that the accident was “unavoidable” due to the road conditions.
There may be no skid marks due to icy roads, making it harder to prove speeding or late braking. In severe crashes, accident reconstruction experts may be needed to show what really happened.
You may also deal with delayed injuries. Cold weather can keep swelling down or numb the pain after a crash, but symptoms often show up in the days that follow.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, icy road conditions were a major factor in multiple recent crashes, including a fatal incident along State Highway 16.
Hazard | Risk to Drivers | Legal Relevance |
| Black Ice | Loss of traction and control | Drivers still responsible for safe speed |
| Snow-covered signage | Missed traffic signals | May affect fault apportionment |
| Bridge/overpass freezing | Early loss of grip | Known risk; drivers expected to adjust |
| Fog or low visibility | Missed vehicles or turns | Failure to slow down may be negligence |
| Overconfident 4WD usage | Higher speed, poor control | Can be considered reckless driving |
Dealing with an injury claim after a winter crash is rarely straightforward. A lawyer can help you investigate what happened, gather weather and traffic data, and fight back If an insurance provider attempts to evade payment by blaming the weather.
An attorney will also help calculate your damages—including medical costs, lost wages, and pain from the accident—and file a claim that reflects the full extent of your loss.
Yes. Even when weather is a factor, drivers are expected to adjust their behavior. If someone fails to drive safely for the conditions, they may still be liable under Oklahoma law.
Fault is typically determined through police reports, witness statements, insurance investigations, and any available evidence (photos, dash cams). Weather alone does not excuse negligent driving.
Take photos of road conditions, vehicle damage, and skid marks (or lack thereof). Get a copy of the police report, and Even if the injuries appear small, get medical help right away.
If you are less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced based on your level of fault.
It depends on your policy. Comprehensive and collision coverage may apply, but liability coverage won’t help if you are the only vehicle involved. If another driver caused the crash, their liability insurance may cover your damages.
Often, yes. Disputes over fault and weather-related defenses can slow down the claims process. An experienced attorney can help resolve these issues more efficiently.
Winter driving in Tulsa comes with real risks. Black ice, poor visibility, and freezing roads can create dangerous situations—but they don’t remove responsibility from drivers. If you’re injured in a crash during winter weather, don’t assume the road is to blame. You may still have the right to recover compensation if another driver fails to act with care.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers is experienced in handling car accident claims in Tulsa, including those caused by winter weather. If you need guidance after a crash, don’t wait to get legal advice.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
