Driving requires focus and concentration. When a driver is not paying attention to the road, it can cause a collision. Oklahomans know they can cause an accident when they drive distracted, but they still choose to participate in this dangerous activity.
Distracted driving has quickly become a leading cause of car accidents nationwide. Car accidents are traumatic and are worse when you know they could have been prevented. The Oklahoma City car accident attorney from BDIW Law will investigate your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Distractions While Driving Are Risky
When people fail to exercise reasonable care when driving, they endanger others. Drivers owe each other a duty not to participate in dangerous actions. While everyone is aware of the risks of distracted driving, they still do it.
The most common distractions include:
- Checking emails
- Talking on the phone
- Interacting with passengers, children, or pets
- Texting
- Personal grooming
- Checking social media
- Playing with stereo or changing songs from their phone
- Smoking
- Eating or drinking
The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office found that distracted driving caused 8,390 crashes. These crashes resulted in 3,152 injuries and 34 deaths. There are laws banning texting and driving. Unfortunately, many drivers do not follow the law and even view it as inconsequential. If you suspect distractions played a role in your collisions, you must speak to our Oklahoma City distracted driving accident attorney.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYHow Distracted Driving Causes Car Accidents
There are various forms of distraction that impact drivers in different ways. There are visual, physical, and cognitive distractions. It takes seconds for an accident to occur. Taking your eyes off the road can increase the chances of a collision tenfold.
Using a cell phone involves every kind of distraction. It requires the person to look away, use their hands and brain to compose a message, or surf the web.
Drivers should be ready to act at any movement, but they cannot do that if distracted. They can take a red light, not see a pedestrian crossing or swerve into another lane. When the driver realizes there is a hazard up ahead, they will be too late to avoid it, which is how distracted driving accidents happen.
Acting within the Statute of Limitations
Regardless of the cause, all car accidents will have the same statute of limitations in Oklahoma. You should file a claim immediately to make the most of this statute.
A civil complaint for a distracted driving crash must be made within two years of the accident. The longer you wait to take action, the worse. Witness memories can be muddled, and footage can be lost.
You will want to have your distracted driving accident attorneys in Oklahoma City, OK, use every minute of the allotted time to fight for you. Speak immediately to the distracted driving accident attorneys in Oklahoma City from BDIW Law.
Evidence of Distractions
Proving distracted driving is challenging. The burden is put on the victim to show that the other driver was using their phone or talking to someone when they should have been paying attention to the road. You have the right to pursue compensation.
BDIW Law will gather evidence showing that distractions were present and led to the crash. Some of the evidence that can be essential to your case includes:
- Cell phone records: they will show if the driver was using the phone before or during the collision and what they were doing
- Social media activity: social media posts, messages, and more can show that the driver was online when they should have been paying attention to the road
- Skid marks: if present, they can show the driver could not brake because they were distracted
- Witness statements: Anyone who saw the accident could testify that they saw the negligent driver reaching into the backseat or looking elsewhere.
- Black box data: when available, it can show the driver did not brake or change speed to avoid a collision
- Videos: nearby traffic cameras or surveillance can show the driver’s actions and how the collision occurred. There is little argument when everything is on tape.
We will build a strong case in your favor upon gathering this and other evidence. It is hard to argue these findings, and our Oklahoma City distracted driving accident attorney will use the evidence when negotiating your settlement. Additional evidence and expert witnesses can also benefit your claim.
Compensation for Distracted Driving Accidents
A car accident claim filed by our distracted driving accident lawyers in Oklahoma City, OK, can help you recover financially from a collision. However, you must calculate the sum of your losses. This is challenging to do because, aside from medical expenses, there are many hidden costs.
There is also the future to consider since some injuries can stay with victims long-term. Our Oklahoma City distracted driving accident attorney will calculate your case value, including the following:
- Property repair and replacement
- Medical expenses, including long-term care
- Lost wages
- Pain and stuffing
- Medical devices
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Mental anguish
When you reach maximum medical improvement, we will better understand what your future will look like. At this point, your medical condition and subsequent treatment can be accurately calculated. The insurance company will want to negotiate for a lower amount, but we will fight back with evidence and legal knowledge, so call our Oklahoma City distracted driving accident lawyers today.
Let Our Oklahoma City Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys Help You
Accidents happen frequently and within seconds. However, regardless of how common accidents are, driver negligence is inexcusable. These distracted drivers must be liable for their actions.
In Oklahoma, you can pursue compensation when a person’s misconduct results in a collision and injuries. We understand that many victims are unsure where to start or what steps to take. After a distressed driving accident in Oklahoma City, get medical attention and speak to a local distracted driving accident lawyer.
BDIW Law represents accident victims in Oklahoma, and we will begin working on your case immediately. We will review your claim during a free consultation. You can contact us online or call us to get started.
