The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 3,300 individuals lost their lives and 290,000 sustained injuries in wrecks caused by distracted driving throughout 2023. Distracted driving represents a leading factor in Oklahoma motor vehicle collisions, frequently resulting in serious trauma, deaths, and intricate liability disagreements. When a motorist fails to pay attention, even briefly, the consequences may be tragic.
At Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers, our car accident lawyers assist injured people in submitting a claim and securing financial recovery for medical costs, missed income, and anguish following crashes caused by inattentive driving. Understanding how fault is determined can help victims protect their rights under Oklahoma personal injury law.
Understanding Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention shifts away from the road due to visual, manual, or cognitive distractions. These behaviors reduce reaction times, increase braking delays, and often cause serious traffic collisions. As technology becomes more common in vehicles, distraction has become a growing cause of accidents on Oklahoma roads.
What Is Considered Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving involves any behavior that diverts a motorist’s eyes, hands, or attention from the essential task of operating a vehicle. Experts group distractions into three main types:
- Visual distraction: Taking your eyes off the road, such as reading a text message or checking a navigation system.
- Manual distraction: Taking your hands off the steering wheel to consume food, grab a cell phone, or modify a vehicle’s entertainment system.
- Cognitive distraction: Considering topics unrelated to operating the vehicle—such as daydreaming, talking on a mobile device, or participating in dialogue with occupants.
Even a short lapse in attention can cause an auto accident. We see many cases where a single text message or social media notification leads to severe trauma-induced injuries or fatal crashes.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving Crashes
Distracted driving can take many forms, from using cell phones to interacting with in-car devices. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Texting while driving or reading a text message
- Talking on a cell phone or using a wireless communication device
- Adjusting a GPS device or secondary display
- Posting on social media or using a driving mode app improperly
- Interacting with passengers or children
- Changing music, eating, or using an infotainment system while driving
We also see multi-car pileups and chain-reaction accidents caused by a single distracted driver. Each of these cases requires strong evidence to prove negligence and hold the responsible party accountable.
Statistics on Distracted Driving in Oklahoma
Distracted driving remains a major factor in Oklahoma traffic collisions. State and national data show alarming trends that affect both drivers and passengers.
- The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office reports that distracted driving contributes to hundreds of personal injury accidents each year.
- NHTSA data shows that roughly one in five fatal crashes involves distracted driving activity.
- Teen drivers and young adults have the highest rate of distracted driving incidents, often linked to cell phone use.
- Drivers using hands-free devices or Bluetooth headsets are still at risk due to cognitive distraction.
- Studies show a growing relationship between accident rates and in-vehicle distractions like GPS systems and dashboard displays.
We use this data to build strong cases for victims, combining event data recorder information, vehicle data, and witness testimony to prove liability and causation.
Oklahoma Distracted Driving Laws
Oklahoma takes distracted driving seriously, especially when it comes to texting and driving. The state’s law bans drivers from using handheld electronic devices to send text messages while operating a vehicle. Violating this law can result in fines, higher insurance premiums, and possible legal consequences if the distraction leads to an accident. These rules are designed to prevent crashes and protect everyone on the road.
When a driver violates the Oklahoma texting and driving law, it can help prove negligence in a personal injury claim. This is known as negligence per se, meaning the act itself breaks a safety law meant to protect others. We often use phone records, witness statements, and surveillance camera footage to show when a driver was distracted at the time of the crash. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we guide injured victims through the legal procedures needed to prove a breach of duty and recover fair damages for medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress.
How Distracted Driving Leads to Serious Accidents
Distracted driving reduces a driver’s focus, reaction time, and awareness of road conditions. Even a few seconds of distraction can turn a normal drive into a dangerous accident scene. We often see serious crashes caused by cell phone use, GPS devices, or other in-vehicle distractions that take the driver’s attention off the road.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of distracted driving crashes. When drivers text, eat, or adjust their phones, they delay braking and fail to see traffic slowing ahead. Even at low speeds, this can cause severe injuries and costly vehicle damage.
We use dashcam footage, the vehicle’s onboard computer data, and steering inputs to show how a driver reacted before the impact. In cases involving injury or wrongful death, we work with accident experts to reconstruct what happened. This evidence frequently helps our clients obtain financial recovery for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering through an equitable resolution.
Lane Departure and Sideswipe Accidents
Distractions also cause lane departures and sideswipe accidents. When a driver checks their phone or adjusts a GPS device, they may drift into another lane or off the road. These accidents often happen at high speeds and can involve multiple vehicles.
We collect traffic camera footage, dashcam recordings, and event data from the vehicle’s onboard computer to show driver behavior before the crash. If a distracted driver crosses the center line or sideswipes another car, it can establish clear civil liability. Our legal team helps victims file claims with insurance providers and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery.
Intersection and Pedestrian Accidents
Distracted drivers often miss traffic signals, fail to yield, or overlook pedestrians crossing the street. A few seconds of distraction while using an electronic device can cause devastating intersection or pedestrian accidents. These crashes frequently result in severe injuries that require emergency care and long-term rehabilitation.
We gather medical records, witness testimony, and surveillance footage to prove fault in these cases. Whether an injured person was a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, our attorneys work to hold negligent drivers accountable. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we fight to secure full compensation for victims of texting and driving accidents, ensuring they have the resources to recover both physically and financially.
Determining Liability in Distracted Driving Accidents
Proving distraction is key to establishing legal responsibility in any distracted driving case. A driver who fails to follow their duty of care can be held accountable for the crash. We use strong evidence and expert testimony to show how distractions caused the accident. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we focus on uncovering every detail to hold the negligent driver responsible under Oklahoma’s legal landscape.
Proving Negligence Through Evidence
We rely on several forms of evidence to prove that a driver was distracted at the time of the accident. Our team gathers:
- Phone records showing text messages or calls made right before the crash.
- Eyewitness testimony from passengers or bystanders who saw the driver using a phone or other electronic devices.
- Dashcam footage, traffic camera videos, or surveillance camera recordings that capture the driver’s actions.
- The vehicle’s onboard computer data shows steering inputs, speed, and braking patterns.
We combine this information to show how a distracted driver breached their duty of care. In serious injury litigation cases, we may also use event data recorders and accident reconstruction experts to explain the cause of the crash.
Shared Fault and Comparative Negligence in Oklahoma
Oklahoma follows the modified comparative negligence rule. This indicates that a person who is hurt can still obtain financial awards even if they possess some responsibility, provided their percentage of liability remains under 50%. For example, if you were 20% at fault for the crash, your total recovery would be reduced by that same percentage.
We help clients understand how comparative negligence applies to their claim and ensure insurance companies don’t assign unfair blame. Our attorneys review every detail — from the accident report to witness statements — to protect your rights. Even when multiple drivers contribute to a crash, we work to prove who was primarily responsible for the distraction.
Employer Liability for Distracted Commercial Drivers
When commercial drivers cause distracted driving accidents, their employers may also be held accountable. Companies providing delivery, rideshare, or trucking services must instruct employees to obey all traffic regulations and prevent inattention. If a driver causes a wreck while operating a phone, GPS unit, or onboard system, the employer may also be held responsible.
We investigate whether employers enforced safe driving policies or encouraged phone use on the job. Vehicle’s onboard computer data and company communication logs often help prove fault. Holding both the driver and their employer accountable ensures victims receive full compensation for their losses.
Recoverable Damages in Distracted Driving Accidents
Victims of distracted driving crashes may face lasting physical, emotional, and financial hardships. We help clients recover compensation for all types of damages caused by the accident, including:
- Medical expenses: Hospital care, surgery, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages and income: Pay is missed while recovering or attending medical appointments.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace the damaged vehicle.
- Wrongful death damages: Funeral expenses and loss of companionship in fatal crashes.
At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we work with doctors, financial experts, and insurance adjusters to document every loss. Our goal is to ensure that injured persons receive the full amount of recoverable damages allowed under Oklahoma law.
Steps to Take After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you’ve been hurt in a distracted driving crash, taking the right steps can protect your safety and your legal rights. We recommend the following actions:
- Call 911 immediately to request an ambulance and police assistance.
- Stay at the accident scene and collect witness names and contact information.
- Document evidence by taking photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Some injuries take time to appear.
- Request a copy of the police report and keep all medical records and receipts.
- Contact Hasbrook & Hasbrook to speak with an experienced Oklahoma personal injury attorney about your claim.
Acting quickly helps preserve key evidence, making your case stronger in injury litigation or settlement negotiations.
How Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
At Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how complex distracted driving cases can be. Our Oklahoma car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling claims involving phone use, GPS distractions, and other negligent behaviors. We investigate every detail, from phone records to the vehicle’s onboard computer data, to prove who caused the crash.
We manage all discussions with insurance carriers and pursue equitable resolutions for our clients. If needed, we proceed to court to obtain the financial awards you merit for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. Our practice is focused on making negligent drivers answerable and assisting injured people in rebuilding their lives through forceful legal counsel and proven outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is texting while driving illegal in Oklahoma?
Yes. Oklahoma law bans texting while operating a vehicle, and violations can result in fines, higher insurance rates, and civil liability in personal injury cases.
How do I prove the other driver was distracted?
We use phone records, witness statements, and dashcam or traffic camera footage. Data from a vehicle’s onboard computer can also show driving actions before the crash.
Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under Oklahoma’s comparative negligence law, you can recover damages if you are less than 50% responsible for the accident.
What damages can I recover in a distracted driving claim?
You may recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage caused by the distracted driver.
Can employers be held responsible for distracted driving accidents?
Yes. Employers can be liable if their employee caused an accident while working or using an onboard device or phone during work hours.
When should I contact Hasbrook & Hasbrook after an accident?
Immediately. Immediate steps allow us to gather crucial evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness testimony, and a car’s internal data, before the information vanishes.
Contact Our Oklahoma Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Evaluation
Distracted driving is a preventable cause of serious crashes across Oklahoma. Victims merit justice and equitable financial awards for their trauma, damages, and emotional suffering. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers, we help clients prove liability and fight for the damages they deserve.
We know how to uncover key evidence like phone records, witness testimony, and a vehicle’s onboard computer data. Our Oklahoma car accident lawyers are prepared to defend your rights and direct you through each phase of your case. Reach out to our staff now for a complimentary meeting and reliable legal assistance.
