A Family Law, Personal Injury and Criminal Defense Law Firm
Serving Ottawa, Delaware and Craig County and all of Northeast Oklahoma from our Miami, OK office.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on Tulsa’s roads. Every year, drivers who aren’t paying full attention to the road cause crashes that result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Whether texting, eating, or adjusting the GPS, distractions can lead to life-changing consequences for everyone involved.
At Doney Law, PLLC, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of an accident can feel. That’s why our team is dedicated to helping victims of distracted driving accidents pursue justice and fair compensation.
As your trusted Tulsa car accident lawyer, we are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving happens when a driver takes their focus off the road. Distractions generally fall into three categories:
Visual distractions: Taking your eyes off the road, such as reading a text or looking at a GPS.
Manual distractions: Taking your hands off the wheel, like eating or reaching for something.
Cognitive distractions: Taking your mind off driving, such as daydreaming or engaging in an intense conversation.
Even a few seconds of distraction can cause an accident, so drivers must always stay alert.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving is especially hazardous in urban areas like Tulsa, where traffic is heavier and roadways are more complex. The unpredictable nature of distractions makes these crashes even more dangerous, as other drivers and pedestrians rarely have time to react.
Distracted driving accidents can happen for many reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:
Use of Mobile Devices
Texting, calling, or using apps while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions. Even looking down at your phone for five seconds at highway speeds means you’ve traveled the length of a football field without looking at the road.
Eating or Drinking While Driving
Grabbing a quick bite or sipping a coffee might seem harmless, but these actions take your hands off the wheel and your attention away from driving.
Adjusting In-Car Systems
Changing the radio station, setting up a GPS route, or adjusting climate controls can easily cause a driver to lose focus.
External Distractions
Billboards, roadside accidents, or even scenic views can draw a driver’s attention away from the road. These distractions are especially common in busy urban areas like Tulsa.
Serving Ottawa, Delaware and Craig County and all of Northeast Oklahoma from our Miami, OK office.
Distracted driving can lead to various types of accidents, many of which result in severe injuries or fatalities. Here are the most common types:
Rear-End Collisions
Drivers who aren’t paying attention often fail to notice vehicles stopping ahead of them, leading to rear-end collisions. These accidents can cause whiplash, back injuries, and even head trauma.
Side-Impact (T-Bone) Accidents
Distracted drivers who run red lights or fail to yield can collide with another vehicle at an intersection, causing devastating T-bone accidents.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
On highways and busy roads, a distracted driver can trigger a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles, resulting in widespread damage and injuries.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents
Distracted drivers may not notice people walking or biking nearby, leading to tragic accidents that can cause severe or fatal injuries.
Legal Responsibilities of Drivers in Oklahoma
Drivers in Oklahoma have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely and attentively. This means staying focused on the road and avoiding distractions that could lead to accidents.
Oklahoma Distracted Driving Laws
Oklahoma has laws prohibiting texting while driving. These laws aim to reduce distractions and protect everyone on the road. Violating these laws can serve as evidence of negligence in a personal injury case.
Proving that a driver was distracted during an accident requires strong evidence and a thorough investigation. Here’s how we establish fault:
Evidence Collection
Phone records, dashcam footage, and in-car data systems can prove that a driver was distracted during the crash.
Eyewitness Testimony
Witnesses who saw the accident can confirm that the driver was texting, eating, or distracted.
Accident Reconstruction
Experts can analyze the crash scene to determine what likely caused the accident, including signs of distracted driving.
Liability in Distracted Driving Accidents
In most distracted driving accidents, the driver who was not paying attention is primarily held responsible. However, in some cases, other parties may share liability depending on the circumstances.
Holding the Distracted Driver Accountable
The distracted driver can be sued for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Proving their negligence, such as texting or engaging in other distractions while driving, is key to holding them accountable for the harm they caused.
Employer Liability
If the distracted driver operated a commercial vehicle, their employer might also be liable. Employers can be held responsible if the driver acted within the scope of their job duties or if the employer failed to enforce policies prohibiting distracted driving.
Determining liability in distracted driving cases often requires a detailed investigation. Identifying all responsible parties ensures that victims can pursue full compensation for their losses.
The Role of Our Tulsa Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
At Doney Law, PLLC, we are committed to helping accident victims rebuild their lives. Here’s how we assist our clients:
Thorough Investigation
We dig deep to uncover all the facts surrounding your accident. This includes gathering evidence like phone records and witness statements.
Building a Strong Case
Our top-rated distracted driving accident lawyer in Tulsa works to compile the strongest possible case to demonstrate fault and the extent of your damages.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies usually do everything they can to pay as little as possible. When we step in, we push back and work hard to ensure you get the full amount you’re entitled to. Our experience and determination can make a big difference in securing your compensation.
Damages Recoverable in Distracted Driving Accident Cases
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
Medical Expenses: Covers hospital stays, treatments, and ongoing care.
Lost Income: Compensates for time off work and reduced earning potential.
Pain and Suffering: Addresses emotional distress and the impact on your quality of life.
Property Damage: Pays for repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
This compensation helps you move forward after an accident and ensures you aren’t left bearing the financial burden alone.
The Importance of Taking Legal Action Today
Oklahoma law limits the time you have to file a personal injury claim. Acting quickly ensures that the evidence you need to prove your case is available and witnesses can provide accurate accounts of the accident.
Distracted driving cases can be challenging, especially when the at-fault driver denies their actions. At Doney Law, PLLC, we understand and know how to overcome these challenges.
Our team has experience handling complex cases, collecting evidence, and dealing with uncooperative insurance companies. We are dedicated to maximizing your compensation so you can focus on your recovery.
Serving Ottawa, Delaware and Craig County and all of Northeast Oklahoma from our Miami, OK office.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, it’s time to take action. The Doney Law, PLLC team is ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. As a no-win, no-fee distracted driving accident lawyer in Tulsa, you can trust that we’re committed to your success.
Call us today for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
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Andrew handled a legal matter for me recently. The legal matter was fairly rare and not easy to resolve. However, Andrew navigated the matter expertly. Andrew, and his team, was very knowledgeable, professional and responsive. I was very happy with his work and I would highly recommend Andrew Doney for anyone needing legal help! Furthermore, I plan to use Andrew again, in the near future, for estate planning purposes.
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