Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
A tragic car crash in Tulsa County recently took the life of a 21-year-old man in a single-vehicle accident. The incident has sparked renewed concern among residents about the safety of local roads, especially around intersections known for repeat accidents. While single-car crashes may seem straightforward, the legal and insurance issues they raise are often more complicated than people realize.
This post explains what happened, how Oklahoma law treats these kinds of crashes, and what legal options may be available for victims or their families.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the driver—identified as 21-year-old Austin Bulwin—was traveling southbound on 33rd West Avenue near 111th Street, just outside the Jenks city limits.
He reportedly failed to stop at a posted sign, drove through a fence, and struck several trees. His car came to rest in a nearby field and caught fire. Sadly, Bulwin was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was in the vehicle, and no other vehicles were involved.
Oklahoma is an at-fault insurance state, which means the driver determined to be responsible for the accident is also responsible for damages. — Oklahoma Insurance Department.
Residents in the area have said this particular intersection has been the site of previous accidents. Some note that even when drivers are aware of the stop sign, they may miss it or fail to stop due to unclear visibility or poor road design. While the details of this crash are still being reviewed, the area’s history of incidents has raised concerns about safety and signage.
Residents say the 33rd West Avenue and 111th Street intersection has a history of crashes, with some drivers failing to stop even when aware of the sign.
Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents
Not all single-car crashes happen because the driver made a mistake. While driver error is common, other issues like mechanical failure or poor road maintenance can also play a role. Understanding the possible causes is key to determining whether someone else might be partly at fault.
Single-vehicle crashes accounted for 54.2% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in Oklahoma in the most recent year reported. — Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.
Cause of Accident | Description | Legal Implication |
| Speeding | Driving over the posted limit or too fast for conditions | May shift fault entirely to driver |
| Mechanical failure | Brake issues, tire blowouts, steering failure | Possible third-party claim against manufacturer |
| Road conditions | Potholes, poor lighting, unclear signage | May involve government liability |
| Impaired driving | Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol | Generally driver’s fault |
| Weather-related factors | Slippery roads due to rain, snow, or fog | Not always clear-cut liability |
| Driver distraction | Phone use, fatigue, or other inattention | Driver usually bears fault |
Oklahoma follows an at-fault system when it comes to car accidents. This means the person who caused the crash is also responsible for the resulting damage. In single-vehicle crashes, the fault often falls on the driver. However, that isn’t always the whole story.
Even in one-car accidents, third-party liability may exist if roadway conditions, mechanical failure, or inadequate signage contributed to the crash. — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Liability could be shared or shifted entirely if it’s found that a government agency failed to maintain a road properly, a sign was obscured, or the car malfunctioned due to a product defect. These details often require a thorough investigation.
Even when a crash involves only one vehicle, family members of the deceased may still possess the legal justification to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This applies if there’s evidence that something outside the driver’s control contributed to the crash.
For example, if the stop sign at the intersection was obstructed or if the car had a known defect that caused it to catch fire, liability could extend to a city authority, maintenance contractor, or vehicle manufacturer.
Filing a wrongful death claim can help cover funeral costs, missed wages, and additional harm incurred by the family. However, these claims can be complex and often have strict deadlines.
Even when no other driver was involved, the situation may not be as simple as it looks. Some single-vehicle crashes involve underinsured motorist coverage, defective auto parts, or hazardous road conditions that open the door to legal action.
Insurance companies may deny or limit coverage in these cases unless liability is clearly proven. That’s why speaking with a legal professional can help. A law firm can examine police reports, conduct independent investigations, and review all available insurance coverage options.
In most cases, the driver is presumed responsible in a one-car crash. However, other factors like road defects or faulty auto parts may contribute, which could shift or share liability.
If road design or maintenance issues contributed to the crash, a government agency or contractor might be liable. Due to strict notice deadlines, these cases require prompt legal review.
Yes. The deceased’s policy may include coverage for injuries or funeral expenses. Family members may also be eligible for death benefits under specific guidelines.
Possibly. If evidence suggests the accident involved a third-party fault—like auto defects or unsafe road conditions—legal action may be warranted.
They investigate the scene, collect evidence, and complete a crash report. Insurance companies and attorneys often use their findings to assess liability
As early as possible. Some claims involve short deadlines, especially if a public entity is involved. Early legal help ensures critical evidence is preserved.
This recent fatal crash in Tulsa County is a sobering reminder that even one-car accidents can have deeper causes. Road conditions, poor signage, or vehicle issues may contribute to crashes that initially seem like simple driver error.
Families affected by such tragedies often face unanswered questions. A legal review can help uncover all possible causes and protect their rights under Oklahoma law.
If you or someone you care about has been affected by a fatal accident in Tulsa, it’s essential to understand your options. The team at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers has the experience to review your case and help you take the proper next steps.
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.
