Every year, distracted driving kills more than 3,000 people and causes nearly 300,000 crash-related injuries. Distracted driving is also vastly underreported, which means that the figures are likely much higher.
When you’re injured because of another driver’s distraction, you shouldn’t have to pay for their negligence. The Oklahoma City distracted driving accident lawyers at Parrish DeVaughn are here to help.
We understand the severity and aftermath of these accidents and are committed to fighting for victims’ rights. Our dedicated team will guide you through the legal maze, safeguarding your rights and advocating for your best interests.
Contact our team today for a free consultation.
Distracted Driving Accidents Are a Constant Threat on Our Roads
The widespread use of smartphones and other electronic devices has significantly increased accidents caused by distracted driving over the last several years.
Our most vulnerable road users often suffer the greatest injuries due to distracted driving. Around one in five injuries in distracted driving accidents are non-vehicle occupants, including pedestrians, cyclists, and others outside the vehicles involved.
Victims of distracted driving accidents often suffer severe injuries such as whiplash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. They can also experience emotional distress and financial hardships resulting from the crash and resulting injuries.
Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you were injured in a distracted driving accident in Oklahoma City, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury claim can help you recover these financial damages.
Our Oklahoma City distracted driving accident lawyers will collect evidence and work with medical professionals to establish the extent of your injuries and their impact on your ability to earn money.
You might be entitled to compensation for economic damages (to cover past and future medical expenses and lost wages) and non-economic damages (to cover the pain and suffering you have experienced and will experience because of the crash). In rare cases, punitive damages are awarded by juries when distracted driving cases go to trial to punish at-fault drivers for gross negligence.
Establishing liability is crucial for a successful outcome. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather important evidence, and collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to prove that the other driver was distracted during the collision.
Our experienced lawyers have a deep understanding of Oklahoma’s distracted driving laws and will use this knowledge to build a robust case for you. They will manage all communication with insurance companies, negotiate settlements, and, if necessary, represent you in court. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Oklahoma’s Distracted Driving Laws
Oklahoma bans texting while driving for all drivers. Commercial and public transit drivers are also prohibited from making hand-held phone calls while driving. The fine for violating Oklahoma’s distracted driving law is $100.
If a driver is distracted and causes a crash, they can be held liable for the damages others suffer. This includes the costs of injuries and damage to other vehicles involved.
Common Injuries Suffered in Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic accidents, often resulting in serious and sometimes life-altering injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries suffered in distracted driving accidents:
1. Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most frequently reported injuries in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions often caused by distracted driving. The sudden impact can cause the neck to snap back and forth violently, leading to muscle strains, ligament sprains, and damage to the cervical spine. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries occur when a violent blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. In distracted driving accidents, TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments. Victims may experience symptoms like memory loss, confusion, dizziness, and persistent headaches.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating outcomes of car accidents. They can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and sensation below the injury site. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
4. Broken Bones
The force of a car crash can cause bones to break or fracture. Commonly affected areas include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can be excruciating and may require surgery, physical therapy, and prolonged recovery periods. Severe fractures can lead to permanent disability.
5. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are often not immediately apparent after an accident but can be life-threatening. Organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys can be damaged, leading to internal bleeding. Prompt medical attention is crucial to diagnose and treat these injuries, which may require surgery and extensive medical intervention.
6. Facial Injuries
Facial injuries can result from impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag. These injuries may include lacerations, fractures, and dental injuries. In severe cases, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore function and appearance.
7. Psychological Injuries
Beyond physical harm, distracted driving accidents can also cause significant psychological trauma. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues. Psychological injuries can be just as debilitating as physical ones and often require counseling and therapy.
8. Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, are common in car accidents. These injuries affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. While they may seem minor compared to other injuries, they can still significantly impact a victim’s daily life and ability to work.
When filing a personal injury claim, it’s important to factor in all the costs of your injuries so you can be sure you’re getting adequate compensation. If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver, contact our team today to schedule a free case review.
Examples of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving includes more than just texting while driving. It involves any activity that diverts attention from driving, compromising a driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. The most common examples of distracted driving include:
1. Texting and Using a Mobile Phone
Texting is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving because it involves visual, manual, and cognitive distraction. Reading or sending a text message takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds—enough time to cover the length of a football field at 55 mph. Similarly, browsing social media, checking emails, or making phone calls without hands-free technology can significantly impair driving performance.
2. Eating and Drinking
Many drivers eat or drink while driving, which can divert their attention from the road. Handling food or beverages requires taking at least one hand off the wheel, which can reduce reaction times and control over the vehicle. Spills and messes can also cause drivers to look away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
3. Talking to Passengers
Conversing with passengers can be distracting, especially if the discussion is intense or emotional. Turning to look at passengers or using hand gestures while talking can further increase the risk of losing focus on driving.
4. Adjusting Controls
Adjusting the car’s climate control, radio, GPS, or other in-car technologies can take a driver’s eyes and attention off the road. Even quick adjustments can be enough to cause a collision if traffic conditions change suddenly.
5. Personal Grooming
Some drivers use their commute time to perform personal grooming tasks, such as applying makeup, shaving, or fixing their hair. These activities require significant visual and manual attention, making it difficult to react to road hazards in time.
6. Daydreaming or Mental Distractions
Driving on familiar routes can sometimes lead to complacency, where a driver’s mind wanders. Daydreaming or being lost in thought can cause a driver to miss important visual and auditory cues, such as traffic signals, pedestrians, or other vehicles.
7. Looking at Events Outside the Vehicle
Also known as “rubbernecking,” this involves looking outside the vehicle at things like roadside accidents or scenic views. This distraction can cause sudden braking or swerving, leading to potential collisions.
8. Using In-Car Technology
Modern vehicles come equipped with infotainment systems, navigation devices, and built-in communication systems. Interacting with these systems, even with voice commands, can divert a driver’s focus from the primary task of driving.
9. Handling Pets
Pets moving freely inside the vehicle can be a significant distraction. They can climb onto the driver’s lap, obstruct views, or cause drivers to take their hands off the wheel to manage the pet’s behavior.
10. Reaching for Objects
Reaching for items in the car, such as a phone, wallet, or any other object, can cause a driver to take their eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel, leading to a loss of control over the vehicle.
How Our Attorneys Can Assist You
At Parrish DeVaughn, our team offers personalized legal representation for victims of distracted driving accidents.
Our team will handle all aspects of your case, from collecting evidence to filing paperwork, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court. We are committed to securing maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Distracted Driving Lawyers Today
If you’ve been involved in a distracted driving accident in Oklahoma City, consult with our experienced attorneys who can guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
We have years of experience helping people in Oklahoma City get the compensation they are entitled to. Contact our team today for a free consultation.
