Distracted Driving Laws in Oklahoma
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic crashes in Oklahoma and across the United States. In order to mitigate or prevent accidents, there are various Oklahoma laws prohibiting distracted driving or texting while driving. A person involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver may be eligible to recover damages by holding the negligent driver liable. An experienced Oklahoma personal injury attorney can enlighten you about distracted driving laws in the state and explore your available options to pursue fair compensation.
At Wilson Law Firm PLLC, I have the skills, diligence, and resources to assist, guide, and represent victims of distracted driving accidents in their injury claims. As your legal counsel, I can review and investigate all of the surrounding facts of your unique situation and enlighten you about the next steps to take after a distracted driving accident. Using my extensive knowledge, I can guide you through the personal injury claims process and help you seek the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and damages. My firm is proud to serve clients across Shawnee, Norman, and Chandler, Oklahoma.
What Is Distracted Driving?
When driving, a driver is required to devote his or her full attention to the road. Distracted driving involves any activity which diverts a driver's concentration, focus, or attention while driving. Such activities include:
Texting or talking on the phone
Drinking
Eating
Talking to other passengers
Additionally, driving distractions may be classified into visual, cognitive, manual, or auditory distractions. Cognitive distractions take away the driver's focus and attention from driving. It is more than just texting and usually comprises anything from discussing with other passengers to talking on the phone.
Oftentimes, listening to the radio is deemed less distracting as it doesn't require active participation. However, the driver can be manually distracted and may have to remove their hand from the wheel in order to adjust the radio.
Oklahoma Distracted Driving Laws
In Oklahoma, texting while driving is prohibited. According to The Trooper Nicholas Dees and Trooper Keith Burch Act of 2015, "it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle on any street or highway within this state while using a hand-held electronic communication device to manually compose, send or read an electronic text message while the motor vehicle is in motion."
However, Oklahoma drivers are allowed to operate a cellular telephone or electronic communication device while driving for the major purpose of reporting an imminent emergency situation to any of the following individuals or entities:
An emergency response operator
A law enforcement agency
A provider of ambulance services
A provider of firefighting services
A hospital, physician's office, or health clinic
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you need to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney right away. Your lawyer can enlighten you about the next steps to take after a distracted driving accident and help file your injury claims.
What to Do If You Were In a
Distracted Driving Accident
The moments following an accident involving a distracted driver can be confusing to sort through. However, the steps you take — or fail to take — could potentially affect the outcome of your personal injury claim. If you were hit by a distracted driver, you should take the following steps as possible:
Remain calm and never let your emotions take control.
Get to safety and help other accident victims if you can.
Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, no matter how minor the accident appears.
Report the incident to the police and give a well-detailed statement.
Collect physical evidence and take mental notes if you suspect distracted driving or texting while driving.
Quickly take photos or write down the license plate, make, model, and color of the motor vehicle.
Collect and document the police report, testimonies, statements from witnesses, and accident-scene photos.
Document all of your medical expenses, treatments, medical appointments, and therapy sessions.
Document your personal account of the accident and its impact on your day-to-day activities.
Notify your insurance company about the distracted driving accident.
Hire a skilled lawyer to help file your personal injury claims or negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance carrier.
A knowledgeable Oklahoma car accident attorney can walk you through the personal injury claims process and attempt to recover the maximum possible compensation.
Getting the Experience Legal Guidance You Need
Being involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver can be an emotional and unsettling experience. Such an unfortunate incident may leave you with minor or serious injuries, hospitalized, or unable to work. Nonetheless, you don't have to suffer the challenges and financial liability all alone. Hire an experienced personal injury attorney immediately to advocate for your legal rights and help you seek deserved compensation.
For over two decades, I have been providing personalized legal guidance, advocacy, and compassionate representation to clients in their auto accident cases. As a skilled attorney, I can investigate every detail of your case thoroughly, help prove negligence, determine case value, and explore your possible legal options to recover damages. Also, I will fight vigorously to protect your best interests, hold the responsible driver accountable, and help you seek the financial justice you're entitled to.
If you or someone you know was injured in an auto accident caused by a driver who was texting or driving distracted, you may recover damages. Contact my firm – Wilson Law Firm PLLC – today to schedule a simple case assessment with a skilled car accident attorney. I can fight for your rights and help seek fair financial compensation for your injuries, damages, or loss. My firm proudly represents clients across Shawnee, Norman, Chandler, Okemah, and Ada, Oklahoma.