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Last Modified on Nov 12, 2025
Driving during winter conditions is inherently dangerous, and it’s common to see winter driving accidents in Oklahoma City. All drivers should not only know the risks they face on highways like I-35, I-40, and I-44, but also on smaller local roads. It is also crucial to know the value of hiring legal counsel you can trust if you believe another driver’s negligence caused your recent accident in the Oklahoma City area.
Understanding the Risk of Winter Driving Accidents in Oklahoma City
Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths in Oklahoma City and surrounding communities each year. While accidents can happen in many ways, and many occur due to driver negligence, environmental factors can also create road hazards. Winter conditions in the Oklahoma City area are notoriously dangerous for drivers, and it’s vital to know what to expect on the roads as the weather cools.
The 2021 Crash Summary from the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety reported 66,074 total crashes statewide that year, resulting in 762 deaths and 30,195 injuries. Some of the most commonly cited causes of accidents in Oklahoma City include distracted driving, speeding, and moving violations. They can also occur because of drunk driving or driving too fast for conditions, especially during colder weather.
In December of 2025, emergency crews throughout the Oklahoma City area responded to 104 accidents due to winter driving conditions, and 26 injured victims required emergency transportation to the nearest hospitals. While local transportation authorities apply brine to the busiest roads to prepare for winter conditions, a single driver can cause an accident that results in serious injuries and delays for others.
What to Do After a Winter Car Accident in Oklahoma City
Every driver must know what to do immediately following any accident. Oklahoma law requires drivers to call 911 to report any accident that results in property damage, injury, or death, and failure to do so may result in criminal penalties. If you can call 911 after a crash, do so immediately and wait for first responders to arrive. Leaving the scene could lead to a hit-and-run charge.
If you are injured, do not move, as doing so could worsen your injuries. If you can do so safely, move your vehicle to the side of the road and out of traffic. This may not be possible after some accidents, so you will need to wait for help to arrive. If you have the opportunity while waiting for first responders, try to take photos of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, and the crash scene.
While your accident may have been the result of dangerous winter road conditions, if another driver caused the accident, you need to know how to hold them accountable for the damages they caused. All drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles responsibly, and this sometimes means adjusting speed to account for poor road conditions and bad weather. If you believe another driver caused the accident, you need to hire a car accident lawyer.
An experienced Oklahoma City car accident lawyer can help you gather evidence needed to establish liability for your recent accident. If another driver was negligent during winter road conditions and crashed into you, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. A skilled attorney at Fulmer Sill can help you file an auto insurance claim and/or personal injury case, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn more about our legal services.
FAQs
How Do You Prove Fault for a Winter Car Accident in Oklahoma City?
To prove fault for a winter car accident in Oklahoma City, you may need evidence like cell phone records, vehicle computer data, police reports, witness statements, and, if available, traffic camera footage. While winter road conditions make driving dangerous for everyone, all drivers have a duty of care to respond accordingly and use extra caution. Failure to do so in any way that causes an accident can result in liability for the resulting damages.
How Do You Prevent Winter Car Accidents in Oklahoma City?
You can prevent winter car accidents in Oklahoma City by limiting your own risk of causing an accident. Prepare your car for winter driving, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination if you must drive in wintry conditions, and use extra caution on the road. While these steps may limit your own risk of causing an accident, it is vital to hire a car accident lawyer if another driver causes an accident with you.
What Damages Can I Claim in a Car Accident Case?
The damages you can claim in a car accident case could include your vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, lost wages, and lost future earning capacity. You also have the right to claim compensation for your pain and suffering in a personal injury case. Your Oklahoma City car accident lawyer can guide you through the insurance claim filing process and build a personal injury claim on your behalf if necessary.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Winter Car Accidents?
The most common cause of winter car accidents is driving too fast for conditions. While “speeding” entails exceeding posted speed limits, poor driving conditions sometimes require drivers to slow further to reduce the risk of an accident. It can be difficult for some drivers to notice icy patches on the road, and if they need to slow down or stop suddenly, they could lose control of their vehicle.
Can I File an Auto Insurance Claim After a Winter Car Accident?
Yes, you should be able to file an auto insurance claim after a winter car accident. Every driver in Oklahoma is required to have auto insurance, and if another driver caused your accident, Oklahoma’s fault rule dictates that you can file a claim against their policy. If you were in a single-vehicle accident, you would need to review the terms of your auto insurance policy to determine whether you can file a claim with your own insurance carrier.
Driving during the winter is inherently dangerous in many ways, and it is crucial to know what you can do to recover your losses if you believe another driver’s negligence caused your recent accident. The team at Fulmer Sill strives to empower injured people in their legal proceedings, and we are confident we can help you recover compensation for your recent winter accident. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help.
