Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
On November 2, 2014, the Broken Arrow Motorway near Tulsa halted its eastbound lanes due to a catastrophic crash. Reports showed that one driver, attempting to pass another vehicle, fatally crashed. The other driver involved was not hurt. This tragic loss was one of many deadly incidents on this major Oklahoma highway.
The Broken Arrow Expressway, part of State Highway 51, is a high-traffic route used daily by thousands of drivers across Tulsa and Broken Arrow. Unfortunately, the combination of speed, volume, and distracted or reckless drivers makes this area especially dangerous.
The Broken Arrow Expressway sees daily congestion and a higher volume of crashes compared to other nearby routes.
Car accidents in Broken Arrow happen for many reasons, but specific patterns stand out. Most deadly crashes involve a driver who fails to follow the rules of the road or makes a risky decision. Below are the most common contributing factors:
This includes texting, eating, reaching into the backseat, or even daydreaming. Any moment your eyes leave the road increases your risk.
Speed limits exist for a reason. Going faster than the posted limit or trying to weave through traffic can reduce your reaction time and lead to severe outcomes.
Alcohol and drug-related crashes continue to claim lives across Tulsa County. These cases often lead to criminal charges and civil liability.
Tailgating, road rage, and driving while too tired to focus can all be just as dangerous as drunk driving. According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, there were over 1,600 fatal and serious injury crashes statewide in 2023—many involving speeding or impaired driving.
In Oklahoma, car accident claims follow the rule of modified comparative negligence. This implies that your compensation will be lowered by a percentage if you are determined to have contributed to the accident. However, if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you won’t be able to recover any damages.
In Oklahoma, drivers found more than 51% at fault in an accident are barred from recovering damages under the state’s comparative negligence law. – Title 23 OK Stat § 23-13 (2023)]
This matters in cases like unsafe passing if a driver tries to pass without a clear lane or breaks traffic laws, that could be enough to show negligence in a civil case.
When someone dies in a crash, their family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit under Oklahoma law. These lawsuits help recover damages for losses such as:
Oklahoma allows two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. The claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, often a spouse or close family member.
Certain parts of Broken Arrow see more crashes than others. While any road can be dangerous, these areas tend to have more reports of serious or fatal accidents:
These locations are heavily trafficked and often include merging lanes, fast speeds, and complex intersections.
While you can’t control other drivers, you can reduce your risk by staying focused and cautious. Here are some safe driving practices that make a real difference:
Cause of Accident | Legal Implication | Preventive Tip |
| Distracted driving | Can be used as evidence of negligence | Put devices away before driving |
| Speeding | Often results in partial liability | Obey posted speed limits |
| DUI | May lead to punitive damages | Never drive under the influence |
| Unsafe lane changes | Violates traffic laws | Signal and check mirrors carefully |
| Following too closely | Presumption of fault in rear-end cases | Keep a 3-second following distance |
When a loved one is killed in a car crash, the legal process can feel overwhelming. A car accident attorney helps by:
An attorney’s job is to ensure that grieving families are not pressured into accepting low settlements or abandoning a valid claim.
In Oklahoma, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate—often a spouse, parent, or adult child—can file a wrongful death claim.
The statute of limitations for personal injury or wrongful death claims is two years from the date of the accident or death.
Yes. Under Oklahoma law, a driver who attempts an unsafe pass that results in a collision may be considered negligent.
Medical expenditures, burial expenses, lost income, and non-monetary losses like emotional distress or loss of friendship are all considered recoverable damages.
A traffic citation can serve as evidence of negligence and may influence liability and settlement outcomes.
Yes. Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’ve found more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover damages.
Car accidents on roads like the Broken Arrow Expressway can change lives in an instant. Families dealing with fatal crashes deserve answers, support, and a clear understanding of their rights.
Knowing how negligence, liability, and Oklahoma law work can help you make the best decisions during a difficult time. If you have lost a loved one or suffered serious injuries in an accident, consulting You can safeguard your legal alternatives with the assistance of an accomplished lawyer.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps Tulsa and Broken Arrow families seek the justice and compensation they deserve. There’s no cost to learn your options, and you won’t pay unless compensation is recovered.
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.
