CALL For A Free consultation
We don't get paid until we win
CALL For A Free consultation
We don't get paid until we win

Tulsa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Table of Contents

At Smith Barkett Law Group, our Tulsa pedestrian accident lawyer understands how devastating these crashes are for families. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable people on the road, and when a collision turns deadly, the results are life-changing. According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, dozens of pedestrians lose their lives each year in Tulsa County alone. These tragedies often involve negligent drivers, distracted driving, or drunk driving.

A pedestrian accident leaves families facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and emotional pain. Under Oklahoma law, families have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim when someone’s negligence causes a crash. Our law firm combines compassion and determination to fight for grieving families. We provide the legal strength and support needed to achieve justice and closure after a terrible loss.

Our Tulsa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Fights for Your Family’s Rights

At Smith Barkett Law Group, we are dedicated to helping families who have lost loved ones in a pedestrian accident in Tulsa. Every crash represents a life that could have been saved if someone had followed the rules of the road. We make it our mission to hold drivers and responsible parties fully accountable for their actions.

We understand that these cases involve complex issues under personal injury law, including insurance coverage, comparative negligence, and wrongful death damages. Our experienced personal injury attorneys know how to handle each step with skill and compassion.

We:

  • Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene, police reports, and witness statements.
  • Stand up to insurance companies and insurance adjusters who try to minimize your loss.
  • Seek the maximum compensation for funeral expenses, emotional suffering, and lost financial support.
  • Protect your family from stress while we manage the legal process on your behalf.

At Smith Barkett Law Group, we don’t just pursue cases — we fight for people. Families can count on us for strong advocacy, clear communication, and unwavering dedication during the hardest time of their lives.

The Harsh Reality of Pedestrian Accidents

A pedestrian accident is one of the most violent types of collisions. When a vehicle strikes a person, the human body has no protection against the force of impact. Even at low speeds, the results can be deadly. Injured pedestrians often suffer serious injuries or die instantly from the trauma.

At Smith Barkett Law Group, we understand the heartbreak these cases bring. As your Tulsa pedestrian accident attorney, we are here to help families seek compensation for their losses and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Crashes in Tulsa

Most pedestrian accidents happen because drivers fail to follow traffic laws or pay attention to the road. These tragedies are almost always preventable. Our pedestrian accident attorneys have seen how carelessness behind the wheel destroys lives.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

  • Distracted driving includes activities such as texting or looking away from the road.
  • Speeding in busy neighborhoods or near crosswalks.
  • Failure to yield when pedestrians have the right of way.
  • Drunk or drug-impaired driving reduces reaction time.
  • Improper turning at intersections or ignoring traffic signals.

When drivers ignore the law, we make sure they face the consequences.

The Physical Trauma in a Collision

A collision between a person and a vehicle often leads to catastrophic injuries. Even when victims receive immediate medical attention, survival is rare in a serious crash. Our Tulsa pedestrian accident lawyers work closely with medical experts to review medical records and understand the extent of the harm.

Common injuries in these cases include:

  • Head injuries and traumatic brain damage.
  • Spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis or death.
  • Broken bones and internal bleeding.
  • Severe damage to vital organs from impact.

These injuries result in overwhelming medical expenses, lost lives, and long-lasting grief for families.

The Lasting Impact on the Family

When a loved one dies in a pedestrian accident case, the pain is lifelong. Families not only lose someone they love—they often face financial hardship from lost income and unpaid medical bills. Many are left wondering how to move forward after such a devastating loss.

At Smith Barkett Law Group, we help families recover adequate compensation for their loss through a personal injury claim or wrongful death action. We understand how much this loss affects every part of life. Our legal team provides caring legal support while we fight for a fair settlement and justice for your family.

Oklahoma Wrongful Death Law for Pedestrian Accidents

A pedestrian accident is governed by Oklahoma’s wrongful death laws, which allow families to hold negligent drivers responsible for the loss of a loved one. These laws give surviving family members the right to seek justice and financial recovery for the harm caused by someone else’s negligence. At Smith Barkett Law Group, our personal injury lawyers help families understand their legal options, handle complex paperwork, and protect their rights from start to finish.

We provide compassionate legal representation while helping families pursue compensation for the emotional and financial losses they have suffered. Our law offices guide every step of the process with care and experience.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Under Oklahoma law, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This representative usually acts on behalf of the surviving family members, such as the spouse, children, or parents.

At Smith Barkett Law Group, we help ensure the correct person files the claim and that all family members’ rights are protected. Our injury lawyers assist with filing deadlines, legal proceedings, and settlement negotiations. We know this is an emotional time, and we handle every detail with sensitivity and professionalism.

Recoverable Damages in a Pedestrian Case

Families can recover both economic and emotional losses in a pedestrian accident case. Economic damages include funeral expenses, medical treatment costs, and lost wages that the loved one would have earned. Non-economic damages cover the deep emotional pain caused by losing a family member.

We fight for fair compensation for loss of companionship, guidance, and love. Our skilled attorneys also pursue payment for future income, mental suffering, and emotional distress. At Smith Barkett Law Group, we focus on securing fair compensation to bring stability and peace of mind to grieving families.

The Role of the Personal Representative

The personal representative is the person chosen to manage the wrongful death claim. This individual is responsible for handling legal proceedings, filing paperwork, and distributing any compensation recovered.

We support the personal representative through each step of the legal process. Our team helps gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and represent the family’s interests in settlement negotiations or court. With our help, families can focus on healing while we focus on justice.

Establishing Liability and Fault

Proving fault in a pedestrian accident case requires showing that the driver’s negligence caused the crash and the resulting death. This involves reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing medical records. Our law offices conduct a thorough investigation to find the truth and prove liability under Oklahoma law.

We handle every part of the process, from identifying responsible parties to dealing with insurance adjusters. When families come to us, they can trust our personal injury lawyers to fight for accountability and the justice their loved one deserves.

Driver Negligence and Duty of Care

Drivers must follow traffic laws and watch for pedestrians at all times. When a driver fails to do this—by texting, speeding, or driving under the influence—they breach their legal duty of care. These acts of negligence are often the main cause of deadly crashes involving pedestrians.

Our Tulsa pedestrian accident lawyers gather evidence to prove that the driver’s negligence directly caused the tragedy. We work with investigators and experts to show how the accident occurred and why the driver should be held liable.

The "Right-of-Way" and Pedestrian Crosswalks

In Oklahoma, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at marked crosswalks and intersections. When they fail to stop, they put lives at risk and violate state traffic laws. Many accidents happen because drivers fail to check for pedestrians when turning or speeding through crosswalks.

Our Tulsa pedestrian accident attorneys know how to use traffic laws, witness accounts, and video evidence to prove fault. We show that both the pedestrian and the vehicle involved followed the law, or that the driver’s actions caused the deadly collision.

Comparative Negligence in Oklahoma

Oklahoma uses the comparative negligence rule, which means fault can be shared between both the pedestrian and the driver. If the pedestrian was partly at fault—such as crossing outside a crosswalk—their recovery may be reduced, but not eliminated, if the driver was more at fault.

Our skilled attorneys analyze every detail to limit any claim of shared fault and maximize recovery. We help families pursue compensation even in complex cases where determining liability is difficult. At Smith Barkett Law Group, we make sure your loved one’s rights are fully protected under state law.

How We Investigate a Pedestrian Accident

At Smith Barkett Law Group, we take an active and detailed approach to every pedestrian accident we handle. We know that every piece of evidence can make a difference in proving what truly happened. Our legal team works quickly to gather facts before they are lost or destroyed. We treat every accident victim with respect and take our duty to the family seriously.

We also understand that a personal injury case involving a death requires both compassion and precision. Our goal is to build a strong case that helps the family recover full and fair compensation.

Securing and Analyzing Critical Evidence

A successful pedestrian accident case depends on finding the truth through solid evidence. We take immediate steps to secure important proof before it disappears.

We:

  • Collect traffic and security camera footage from nearby homes and businesses.
  • Obtain police reports and witness statements.
  • Review vehicle data from the event data recorder (EDR), which shows speed and braking before the crash.
  • Examine medical records to understand the injuries and medical treatment given.

This detailed work allows us to build a clear timeline and determine exactly how the accident occurred.

Working with Accident Reconstruction Experts

We work with top accident reconstruction experts to explain how and why the collision happened. These specialists use evidence from the vehicle involved, skid marks, and video footage to recreate the crash.

By understanding the speed, point of impact, and driver’s actions, we can show who was at fault. These findings often become key proof during legal proceedings or settlement talks. When needed, we also consult medical experts to connect the cause of death to the car accident itself.

This approach ensures no detail is missed when we fight for your family’s right to justice.

Identifying All Potentially Liable Parties

Sometimes, more than one person or company is responsible for a pedestrian accident. Our team carefully investigates every possible source of fault and compensation.

We may find that:

  • The driver’s employer shares liability if the driver was working at the time of the incident.
  • A government agency could be responsible for a poorly designed crosswalk or missing signs.
  • Other entities may be liable if road construction or defective lighting contributed to the crash.

We pursue every responsible party to maximize recovery and protect your family’s future.

Special Considerations in Pedestrian Cases

Pedestrian accidents often involve complex circumstances that require legal skill and experience. Some cases involve uninsured drivers, while others may include government property or commercial vehicles. Our personal injury lawyers understand how to handle these challenges under Oklahoma law.

We always advise families to seek medical attention immediately after any serious crash and to contact our team as soon as possible. Acting quickly helps us gather evidence and preserve your right to pursue compensation.

Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents

When a driver flees the scene of a pedestrian accident, families often feel hopeless. But there are still options. We can file claims through uninsured motorist coverage or track down the driver through police reports, video footage, and witness accounts.

Our injury lawyers coordinate with law enforcement to identify the person responsible and hold them accountable. Even if the vehicle involved is never found, we fight to help the family recover damages through available insurance policies.

We make sure no path to justice is left unexplored.

Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles

A pedestrian accident involving a commercial truck or bus can be especially complicated. These cases often involve multiple parties, including drivers, employers, and insurance carriers.

Our skilled attorneys analyze company logs, maintenance records, and vehicle data to prove fault. Commercial carriers often have larger insurance policies, but they also have aggressive defense teams. We make sure your family’s voice is heard and that you receive fair compensation.

Our law offices are prepared to handle even the most complex personal injury cases involving commercial drivers.

Claims Against Government Entities

When a pedestrian accident happens on public property, a government agency may share responsibility. Poor road design, broken traffic lights, or missing crosswalks can all contribute to these tragedies.

However, claims against government entities must follow strict notice rules and short filing deadlines. Families must act quickly to preserve their right to recover damages.

At Smith Barkett Law Group, we understand these procedures and ensure all paperwork is filed correctly. We handle the legal proceedings while you focus on healing. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help you seek justice and accountability.

The Oklahoma Statute of Limitations

In Oklahoma, families must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the date of death. Missing this deadline can permanently bar the family from seeking justice or compensation. That’s why it is critical to contact a skilled attorney as soon as possible after a pedestrian accident.

At Smith Barkett Law Group, we act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Families who have suffered injuries or lost a loved one deserve immediate and strong legal support.

Why Choose Smith Barkett Law Group

At Smith Barkett Law Group, we combine compassion with experience to fight for families affected by pedestrian accidents. Our personal injury lawyers understand both the emotional and financial challenges these cases bring.

Here’s what makes us different:

  • We have years of experience handling complex personal injury cases and wrongful death claims.
  • Our team uses proven strategies to recover maximum compensation for families who have suffered injuries or tragic losses.
  • We offer a free consultation and handle every case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

We are committed to pursuing justice while supporting your family every step of the way.

Proven Record of Success in Wrongful Death Trials

Our firm has a strong record of winning wrongful death cases through detailed preparation and strategic litigation. We are not afraid to take a case to trial when a fair settlement cannot be reached.

We have faced large insurance companies and defense teams—and we have prevailed. Every accident victim deserves to have their story heard and their loss respected. At Smith Barkett Law Group, we fight to deliver full justice for every client.

Compassionate Client-Centered Advocacy

We know that losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident is one of the hardest experiences a family can face. Our approach is personal, respectful, and focused on your needs.

We listen, explain every step of the legal process, and keep you informed at all times. You can count on us to handle the legal burden while you focus on healing. Our mission is to provide peace of mind while pursuing justice for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma’s comparative negligence rule allows recovery even if the pedestrian was partially at fault. We work to reduce any blame placed on your loved one.

It depends on lost income, medical bills, emotional loss, and how much the family has suffered as a result of the tragedy.

Yes. A civil personal injury case is separate from a criminal case, and families can still pursue compensation.

We may file through uninsured motorist coverage or seek recovery from other liable parties.

Most cases take several months to over a year, depending on settlement negotiations and court schedules.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact Our Compassionate Tulsa Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

At Smith Barkett Law Group, we are dedicated to helping families who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones due to another’s negligence. We understand how much this loss changes your life, and we are here to help you find justice and closure.

We offer a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options. You pay no fees unless we win your case.

Let us fight for the accountability your family deserves. Contact Smith Barkett Law Group today to begin your path toward justice and recovery.


Local Resources

Author: Rusty Smith
Founding Attorney
Smith Barkett Personal Injury Lawyers
Published date: Nov 21, 2025

Our Chicago Location

Tulsa Office Address:
2021 S Lewis Ave Suite 630
Tulsa, OK 74104
Muskogee Office Address:
555 West Okmulgee Avenue
Muskogee, OK 74401

Request A Free Consultation

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
MM slash DD slash YYYY

Schedule Your
Free Consultation

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
MM slash DD slash YYYY