Distracted driving is a significant concern on the roads of Miami, Oklahoma, leading to numerous accidents and injuries each year. Understanding the laws governing distracted driving can help you navigate the legal landscape if you become involved in a car accident. I
You can learn more about Miami’s distracted driving laws and your rights after an accident here. At Doney Law, our experienced distracted driving accident lawyers are ready to help you file a claim against the at-fault party to recover the compensation you deserve.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. In Oklahoma, state officials have enacted laws to mitigate this issue and reduce the number of accidents.
Understanding what is considered distracted driving is essential. The types of distractions that commonly result in accidents include the following:
- Visual Distractions: Activities that divert a driver’s eyes from the road, such as looking at a GPS device, adjusting the rearview mirror, or checking a mobile phone.
- Manual Distractions: Actions that require a driver to take their hands off the steering wheel, including eating, drinking, reaching for objects, or manipulating the radio or infotainment system.
- Cognitive Distractions: Situations where a driver’s mind is not focused on driving, such as daydreaming, being engrossed in a conversation, or dealing with personal issues.
- Texting: One of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, as it combines all three types of distractions: visual (looking at the phone), manual (holding the phone), and cognitive (thinking about the message).
- Phone Calls: Talking on a handheld or Bluetooth device can lead to cognitive distraction and, in some cases, visual distraction if the driver is looking at the device to interact with it.
- Eating and Drinking: Consuming food or beverages can considerably divert attention, requiring drivers to divert their focus from the road and potentially spill drinks or drop food.
- In-Car Entertainment Systems: Interacting with music, podcasts, or other audio sources can lead to distractions, especially when searching for a specific song or adjusting settings.
- Passenger Interactions: Engaging in conversations with passengers can also be distracting, particularly with backseat passengers or children requiring attention.
- Navigation: Inputting addresses or reading directions from a GPS or smartphone can lead to both manual and visual distractions, especially in unfamiliar areas.
- Adjusting Vehicle Controls: Changing climate controls, seat positions, or other settings can remove a driver’s focus from the road, potentially leading to accidents.
Oklahoma Distracted Driving Laws
In Oklahoma, it is illegal for drivers to use a handheld device while operating a vehicle. This includes texting, reading messages, or browsing the internet. Violating this law can lead to fines and points on one’s license, which may impact insurance rates and driving privileges.
According to Oklahoma law (Title 47, § 11-901), the consequences of violating distracted driving laws can escalate if the distracted behavior causes an accident resulting in injury or death.
Importance of Seeking Legal Help
If you are involved in a distracted driving accident, engaging an experienced Miami car accident attorney is crucial. A well-versed accident attorney in Miami can assist you in gathering evidence, determining liability, and navigating the complexities of insurance claims.
They can also provide insight into the intricacies of Oklahoma car accident law, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
An attorney will work diligently to establish the cause of the accident. If the other driver was distracted by their phone during the incident, you may have a strong negligence case, guiding your claim in the right direction.
As the victim, showcasing the other driver’s violation of distracted driving laws will bolster your chances of receiving compensation.
Understanding Compensation
Damages in distracted driving cases can vary depending on multiple factors, including the severity of injuries sustained, property damage, and medical expenses. A skilled distracted driving accident lawyer in Miami will consider economic and non-economic damages to ensure you are compensated fairly.
Economic damages may encompass hospital bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs, while non-economic damages could include pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact Our Attorneys for Assistance
Navigating through Miami’s distracted driving laws can be daunting, particularly if you’ve been involved in a car accident.
Familiarizing yourself with state laws and consulting a qualified Oklahoma car accident lawyer can significantly impact your recovery process. Remember, being proactive and aware of the laws will ensure your legal rights are protected and contribute to overall road safety in our community.
If you need legal assistance following a distracted driving incident, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced accident attorney in Miami to guide you through this challenging time.
