Tulsa Man Finally Faces Charges After Deadly DUI Crash
An 18-year-old Tulsa man is facing multiple charges after allegedly causing a deadly DUI crash back in July, according to ABC 8. At the time, the man was driving a Cadillac XTS at 86 miles per hour in a 40 mph zone when he struck a silver Ford Fiesta turning onto Highway 169. Police determined he was under the influence at the time of the crash. After months of investigation, the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office filed formal charges on October 23. Those charges included first-degree manslaughter, DUI under the influence of drugs, and reckless driving. The teen was also hospitalized following the collision.
This investigation underscores the dangers of impaired and reckless driving on Tulsa roadways. Crashes like this highlight just how devastating impaired and reckless driving can be. The consequences of another driver’s negligence can leave victims and their families facing unimaginable loss, long-term injuries, and overwhelming financial burdens. Navigating the aftermath of such an accident is never easy, but having the right legal team can make a world of difference. At Hawkins Felton, our experienced Tulsa car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of DUI and reckless driving crashes recover the compensation they deserve. We handle every aspect of your claim. That includes everything from investigating the crash to pursuing justice in court. Give us a call at (918) 583-6007 to begin your road to recovery.
Find Accountability With a Tulsa Car Crash Lawyer
A Tulsa car crash lawyer can be your strongest advocate after a devastating collision caused by a negligent or impaired driver. Serious accidents often leave victims facing more than just physical injuries. They bring emotional trauma, financial strain, and uncertainty about the future. In cases involving reckless driving or DUI, it’s especially important to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. At Hawkins Felton, our team is committed to fighting for those who have been injured or lost loved ones in car accidents across Oklahoma. We understand the toll a serious crash can take and the challenges victims face when dealing with insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts.
Our attorneys approach every case with compassion, attention to detail, and relentless determination to achieve the best possible outcome. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we pursue maximum compensation so you can focus on recovery, not red tape. We work to investigate the crash, gather police reports and witness statements, and work with accident reconstruction experts to prove liability.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Tulsa Car Accident
What you do in the moments and days following a car accident can have a lasting impact on your physical recovery and your ability to secure fair compensation. The aftermath of a crash is often chaotic. Between the shock, adrenaline, and confusion, it’s easy to make mistakes that could later harm your legal case. Acting quickly and following the right steps helps preserve vital evidence, establish accountability, and protect your rights. By staying calm and methodical, you give yourself the best chance at a full financial and physical recovery.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Your health should always be the first priority after a collision. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, some injuries may not appear until hours or even days later. Seeking immediate medical care ensures that any underlying conditions are identified early and treated appropriately. It also creates an official record of your injuries, which becomes crucial if you pursue a personal injury claim later.
Documentation from Healthcare Providers
After you’ve received medical treatment, it’s essential to keep detailed records of everything related to your care. This includes doctor notes, hospital discharge summaries, diagnostic imaging, prescriptions, and rehabilitation plans. These documents serve as key evidence in your claim, helping your Tulsa car crash lawyer demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the financial toll of your recovery.
Report the Accident to Authorities
After ensuring everyone’s safety and moving vehicles out of traffic, it’s essential to contact law enforcement immediately. Reporting the accident to police isn’t just a procedural step. It’s a critical part of creating an official record. A responding officer will document the scene, gather statements from everyone involved, and note visible damage or injuries. These details become vital when insurance companies, attorneys, or courts later evaluate fault and liability.
What to Include in Your Police Report
When speaking with the responding officer, stick to clear, factual information. Describe the sequence of events leading up to the crash, the direction you were traveling, and any immediate observations, such as a driver running a red light or appearing distracted. Avoid guessing or estimating speeds if you aren’t certain. Provide the time, location, road and weather conditions, and the contact details of witnesses who saw the collision.
How Police Reports Help Your Case
Police reports play a central role in personal injury and property damage claims. Insurance companies and courts rely heavily on them when deciding who was at fault. The officer’s notes, diagrams, and preliminary findings can provide valuable third-party evidence supporting your version of events.
Your Tulsa car crash lawyer will review the police report in detail to identify important factors such as traffic violations, witness statements, or inconsistencies in the other driver’s story.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve reported the crash to police and received medical attention, the next step is contacting your insurance company. Even when the other driver is clearly at fault, most policies require prompt notification of any accident. Failing to report the collision within your insurer’s required timeframe could result in delays or even denial of coverage.
Notify your insurer as soon as possible but approach the conversation carefully. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect the company’s bottom line, not necessarily your best interests. What you say in this initial call can influence how your claim is handled.
What to Tell Adjusters
When speaking with an insurance representative, keep your responses factual and brief. Provide the date, time, location, and general description of the crash. Avoid speculating about who was at fault or how badly you were injured. Those determinations should be made after a professional evaluation and discussion with your attorney.
If the adjuster pressures you for a recorded statement, politely decline until you’ve consulted a Tulsa car crash lawyer. Recorded statements can be used later to limit your claim or dispute the severity of your injuries. Never sign any forms or accept a settlement offer without legal advice, no matter how urgent or generous it may seem.
Let Your Lawyer Handle Communication
Once you’ve hired an attorney, they can take over all communication with insurance companies on your behalf. This shields you from common tactics insurers use to minimize payouts. such as twisting your words, downplaying your injuries, or rushing you into early settlements.
Your lawyer will submit documentation, calculate damages, and handle negotiations with a clear understanding of Oklahoma insurance law. They’ll ensure that every conversation and written exchange supports your case. Allowing your attorney to manage this process not only reduces stress but also increases your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Keep Track of Financial and Emotional Losses
The effects of a car accident often go far beyond the immediate aftermath. While medical expenses are typically the most visible, victims also face financial, emotional, and psychological hardships that can last months or even years. Keeping detailed records of both financial costs and emotional impacts is essential for ensuring that your attorney can present a complete picture of your damages.
Your Tulsa car crash lawyer will use this information to calculate both economic and non-economic losses. That includes everything from hospital bills and lost income to emotional distress and pain and suffering. The more comprehensive your documentation, the stronger your claim for full compensation.
Documenting Financial Strain
Start by keeping copies of all receipts and invoices related to the accident. This includes vehicle repair costs, towing fees, rental cars, medical co-pays, rehabilitation costs, and any out-of-pocket expenses. If your injuries cause you to miss work, request written confirmation of your lost wages or diminished earning capacity from your employer.
A detailed record of financial strain helps your lawyer demonstrate how the accident has disrupted your life. It also prevents insurance companies from underestimating your claim by showing exactly how much you’ve spent. It also includes any future expenses you may face due to ongoing treatment or reduced ability to work.
Recognizing Emotional and Psychological Effects
The emotional toll of a car crash is often overlooked but just as significant as physical injuries. Many victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder after a serious accident. You may have trouble sleeping, feel fearful about driving again, or struggle to return to your normal routine.
Keeping a daily journal of your emotional and mental health can help document these non-economic damages. Note changes in your mood, pain levels, or activities you’ve had to give up. This personal record provides valuable insight into how the crash has affected your quality of life. This is evidence your attorney can use to strengthen your claim for pain and suffering compensation.
Gather Evidence and Contact a Lawyer
Once you’re safe and have received medical attention, the next critical step is gathering evidence. The moments immediately following a crash are when the most valuable details are fresh and available. Tire marks, debris, vehicle positions, and witness memories can all fade quickly. Take photos of the vehicles from multiple angles, capture images of road conditions, traffic lights, and any visible injuries. If you’re unable to do so, ask a trusted friend or family member to document the scene on your behalf.
Why Timing Matters
Time is one of the most important factors in any car accident case. Evidence such as surveillance videos, dashcam footage, or skid marks can disappear within days, and witness memories fade quickly. Acting fast allows your attorney to secure critical materials before they’re lost forever. In addition, Oklahoma law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, meaning you only have a limited window to file a lawsuit.
Follow Up Consistently with Your Attorney
Communication with your lawyer shouldn’t stop after your first consultation. Staying in touch throughout your case ensures your legal team has the most accurate and up-to-date information. It also helps you feel supported and informed as your case progresses.
Regular contact allows your attorney to address new developments quickly. That rings true whether it’s a change in your medical condition, a new expense, or an update from the insurance company. Working closely with your Tulsa car crash lawyer helps maintain momentum and keeps your claim moving toward resolution.
Providing Updates on Your Recovery
Your medical condition can evolve over time, and so should your claim. Keep your lawyer informed about new diagnoses, additional treatments, or ongoing symptoms. Provide copies of updated medical records and bills as they become available. This helps ensure your compensation accurately reflects your current and future needs.
If you begin new therapy or rehabilitation programs, share that information as well. Continuous updates allow your legal team to include every aspect of your recovery in your damages calculation, preventing undervaluation by insurance companies.
Staying Informed About Case Developments
Your attorney should keep you in the loop regarding all major developments, such as settlement offers, court dates, or new evidence. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request clarification if something is unclear. A good law firm will value your involvement and ensure you understand each stage of the process.
Consistent communication builds trust and helps reduce the anxiety that often comes with legal proceedings. Knowing what’s happening with your case and why decisions are being made gives you confidence that your rights are being protected and your recovery is being prioritized.
What to Expect from a Tulsa Car Crash Lawyer
Hiring a Tulsa car crash lawyer after a serious accident can make all the difference in your recovery and your ability to seek justice. The legal process can be overwhelming. This is especially true when you’re healing from injuries, managing bills, and trying to get back on your feet. An experienced attorney helps you navigate every step, from the initial investigation to negotiating a settlement or pursuing your case in court. Here’s what you can expect when working with a skilled lawyer after a serious car accident in Tulsa.
A Thorough Case Evaluation
The first step in any car crash case is understanding exactly what happened and who is responsible. Your attorney will begin with a detailed review of the accident, your injuries, and all available evidence. This evaluation helps establish liability early and ensures no critical detail is overlooked. A Tulsa car crash lawyer will carefully examine every aspect of your situation, from the conditions of the roadway and the actions of other drivers to the timeline of events leading up to the collision. This initial analysis sets the foundation for a strong, evidence-based legal strategy designed to maximize your recovery.
Reviewing Police Reports and Evidence
Your lawyer will gather and analyze all relevant evidence, including the official police report, witness statements, photographs of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and any available dashcam or traffic camera footage. Reviewing these materials allows your attorney to piece together how the collision occurred and identify key factors such as speeding, distraction, or impairment. This process may also involve consulting with accident reconstruction experts who can recreate the events leading to impact and clarify who was at fault. By compiling this information early, your legal team ensures that your case is supported by facts, not assumptions.
Assessing Damages and Losses
Determining the full extent of your damages goes far beyond simply adding up medical bills. A skilled Tulsa car crash attorney will evaluate all financial and emotional losses you’ve suffered. That includes emergency treatment and ongoing rehabilitation to lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. They’ll also consider future needs, such as long-term medical care or therapy. This thorough assessment ensures your claim reflects the real impact of the accident, helping you pursue the compensation required to rebuild your life and move forward.
Skilled Communication and Negotiation
Dealing with insurance companies after a crash can be one of the most stressful and frustrating parts of recovery. Insurance adjusters often use tactics designed to limit payouts, hoping you’ll accept less than you deserve. A Tulsa car crash lawyer acts as your voice and shield throughout this process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that insurers treat your claim seriously. Having an experienced advocate handle communication allows you to focus on your recovery without the added pressure of legal negotiations.
Handling the Insurance Process
From filing your claim to reviewing the insurer’s responses, your attorney takes over every step of the process. They’ll submit all necessary documents, verify coverage limits, and respond to inquiries on your behalf. This not only prevents you from making statements that could harm your case but also ensures that deadlines are met and procedures are followed correctly. Your lawyer’s understanding of Oklahoma insurance laws gives you an advantage, ensuring that your claim is handled fairly from start to finish.
Negotiating for Maximum Compensation
Insurance companies often prioritize profits over people, offering low settlements that barely cover immediate expenses. Your attorney’s job is to push back using solid evidence, expert testimony, and medical documentation to justify the full value of your claim. A seasoned Tulsa car crash lawyer knows how to calculate both current and future damages, ensuring that your settlement reflects the total cost of your injuries, emotional distress, and long-term recovery needs. With a strong negotiator on your side, you can rest assured that your financial future is being fiercely protected.
Comprehensive Legal Representation
A dedicated Tulsa car crash attorney provides full-scale representation throughout your case, whether it settles through negotiation or proceeds to trial. From the moment you hire them, your lawyer becomes your advocate building a robust case file, dealing with opposing counsel, and representing your best interests at every stage. Their goal is to make sure you are never left in the dark or at a disadvantage when facing powerful insurance companies and defense attorneys.
Preparing for Litigation
While many car accident cases are resolved through settlements, some require going to court to achieve justice. If that happens, your attorney will be fully prepared. This includes drafting legal motions, deposing witnesses, securing expert testimony, and presenting clear, compelling arguments that demonstrate the other driver’s negligence. Having an experienced litigator means you’ll have someone who knows how to handle courtroom procedures, cross-examinations, and jury presentations effectively. That increases your chances of a favorable verdict.
Standing by You Until the End
The conclusion of your case doesn’t always mark the end of your recovery process. A reputable law firm remains committed even after a settlement or verdict is reached. Your attorney will help ensure that outstanding medical bills are paid, liens are resolved, and your compensation is properly distributed. They’ll also be available to provide guidance on rebuilding your financial stability and protecting your future. A Tulsa car crash lawyer who truly cares won’t stop working for you until you’re fully supported in every way possible.
Compassionate Guidance Throughout the Process
Beyond their legal expertise, an exceptional Tulsa car crash lawyer provides compassion and reassurance when you need it most. The aftermath of a serious accident can be physically exhausting and emotionally overwhelming, but having a caring legal advocate can bring peace of mind. From your first consultation to the final resolution, your attorney is there not only to fight for your rights but also to guide you through each challenge with empathy and understanding.
Keeping You Informed
Transparency and communication are cornerstones of quality representation. Your attorney should provide regular updates, explain every major development in your case, and answer your questions promptly. You’ll always know where your case stands and what to expect next. By keeping you informed, your lawyer helps reduce stress and gives you the confidence that your case is moving forward in capable hands.
Helping You Move Forward
Recovering from a car accident involves more than physical healing; it’s about restoring your sense of security and independence. A compassionate attorney will focus on your long-term well-being, helping you access resources for continued care and supporting your recovery every step of the way. Whether it’s ensuring your medical needs are covered or holding negligent drivers accountable, your Tulsa car crash lawyer remains a steadfast partner in your pursuit of justice and recovery.
Understanding the Impact of DUI and Reckless Driving Accidents in Tulsa
Drunk and reckless driving remain two of the most devastating causes of serious and fatal crashes across Oklahoma. Tulsa is no exception. Every year, lives are lost or permanently altered because someone made the reckless choice to get behind the wheel while impaired or to disregard basic traffic laws. These accidents don’t just affect victims physically; they cause lasting emotional and financial hardship for families who are left to pick up the pieces.
How Impairment Affects Driving Ability
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs dramatically increases the risk of a serious collision. Impairment affects every aspect of safe driving, from reaction time to coordination and decision-making. Alcohol can blur vision, delay reflexes, and distort depth perception, while drugs like marijuana or prescription medications can cause drowsiness or poor motor control.
Even small amounts of THC or alcohol in a driver’s system can have significant effects. For example, a blood alcohol concentration under the legal limit of 0.08% may still cause measurable impairment that leads to a crash. Drivers under the influence are far more likely to misjudge speed, fail to yield, or drift across lanes. All of this can have deadly consequences.
The Role of Toxicology Evidence
Toxicology evidence often becomes a cornerstone in proving negligence and liability in DUI-related crashes. After a serious collision, law enforcement officers may conduct blood or urine tests to determine whether alcohol, THC, or other controlled substances were present in the driver’s system. These test results provide objective data that can link the driver’s impairment to the cause of the crash.
Reckless Driving Behaviors That Lead to Crashes
Reckless driving doesn’t always involve drugs or alcohol. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of careless disregard for safety. Speeding through intersections, running red lights, aggressive lane changes, and tailgating are all common causes of catastrophic crashes on Tulsa roads. In many cases, these behaviors happen in combination, compounding the danger.
When drivers ignore traffic signals or exceed posted speed limits, they significantly reduce their ability to react in time to prevent a collision. At 80 miles per hour, a car covers nearly 120 feet per second. That leaves virtually no room to brake or maneuver safely. Reckless driving often results in high-impact collisions that cause severe injuries or fatalities
Proving Recklessness in a Civil Case
To recover compensation, victims and their attorneys must prove that the other driver acted with a conscious disregard for safety. This is the legal concept known as “recklessness.” This requires more than just showing that a crash occurred; it involves demonstrating how the at-fault driver’s choices directly caused harm.
A Tulsa car crash lawyer uses multiple forms of evidence to establish this link. Dashcam or traffic camera footage can reveal speeding or erratic driving patterns. Witness statements can corroborate that the driver ran a red light or was driving aggressively.
Contact a Knowledgeable Tulsa Car Crash Lawyer Today
Being involved in a serious car crash can turn your life upside down in an instant. From mounting medical bills to time away from work, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. That compounds when the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence. Having a knowledgeable Tulsa car crash lawyer by your side ensures that your rights are protected and that you have a strong advocate guiding you through every step of the legal process. A skilled attorney can handle the insurance companies, gather critical evidence, and build a compelling case that fully represents the impact the crash has had on your life.At Hawkins Felton, we understand that every accident case is personal. Our experienced legal team works tirelessly to help clients recover the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. We take the time to understand your situation, explain your legal options, and craft a strategy tailored to your unique needs. You don’t have to face the aftermath of a devastating collision alone. Let us stand with you and fight for justice. Call us at (918) 583-6007 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.
