Most people rely on their cell phones for countless daily errands. Staying in touch with family and friends, keeping on top of work and social calendars, and using personal apps to track everything from daily food intake to monthly budget scores. But in the hands of someone sitting behind the wheel of a car, truck, or bus, cell phones can be as dangerous as they are convenient.
Texting while driving has recently become so hazardous that nearly every state, including Oklahoma, now bans the practice. However, people still engage in this illegal, risky behavior, and accidents can happen – resulting in severe injuries and even death.
If you or a loved one sustains injuries from a driver who was texting and driving, consider consulting a car wreck attorney. A Midwest City texting while-driving accident lawyer could work hard to pursue compensation on your behalf.
Texting While Driving Laws in Midwest City
In November 2015, Oklahoma’s texting-while-driving ban went into effect, prohibiting drivers from using a hand-held electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic text message manually. The law also defines “text messages” as a “text-based message, instant message, electronic message, photo, video or electronic mail.” The distracted driver might use the phone to reach the next Uber customer.
Drivers caught violating this law are subject to a $100 fine. If a distracted motorist strikes a pedestrian, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or any other vehicle, they may be financially liable for injuries and property damage. A Midwest City texting while-driving attorney could help plaintiffs hold such motorists accountable.
Texting While Driving Accidents and Injuries
Texting while driving is a form of distracted driving. When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they may cause accidents ranging from minor fender benders to fatal crashes.
Depending on the circumstances, texting while driving could result in:
- Fractured or broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Internal bleeding and organ trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Death
A Midwest City lawyer skilled in handling texting-while-driving accident cases could help injured victims recover monetary damages.
Compensation for Midwest City Texting While Driving Accident Cases
Victims of texting while driving accident cases may be entitled to recover two categories of monetary damages: those intended to compensate the victim for injuries and losses and those designed to punish the defendant for illegal, reckless conduct.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages include both economic and non-economic damages. The former might include ambulance, hospital, physician, nursing care, rehabilitation, physical and mental therapy expenses, and lost wages. The latter might include pain and suffering, loss of consortium or companionship, and mental anguish.
Punitive Damages
Although punitive damages are not typically awarded in personal injury and property damage lawsuits, injured victims of texting while driving accidents may be able to recover them due to the inherently reckless and illegal nature of the misconduct. A texting-while-driving accident lawyer in Midwest City could identify whether punitive damages may be recoverable on a case-by-case basis.
Call a Midwest City Texting While Driving Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one was injured due to another driver’s decision to focus on a phone rather than the road, you might be entitled to compensation. Speaking with a Midwest City texting while-driving lawyer as soon as possible could be crucial to pursuing your case, as Oklahoma permits accident victims just two years to initiate a civil action for personal injury or property damage.
Call today to learn more about the legal process and possible next steps.