McAlester Distracted Driving Accidents Lawyer

Injured in accident caused by Distracted Driver? Contact our McAlester distracted driving accidents attorney today.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, in 2014 alone, there were 14 fatal accidents, 637 accidents that resulted in injuries, and 1043 non-injury accidents involving a driver being distracted by some form of electronic device in across the state. In addition, 32 fatal accidents, 2,089 accidents that resulted in injuries, and 3,525 non-injury accidents involved a driver being distracted in some way other than an electronic device in  Oklahoma. Your risk of crashing is significantly increased when you engage in distracted driving.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is engaging in any activity that could divert your attention away from the primary task of driving in a safe manner. Such distractions endanger the driver, passengers, and bystanders alike. These distractions can include:

  • Texting
  • Using a cell phone or smartphone
  • Eating and drinking
  • Talking to passengers
  • Grooming
  • Reading, including maps
  • Using a navigation system
  • Watching a video
  • Adjusting a music device

Is Distracted Driving Taken Seriously?

The following actions are just some that have been taken to raise awareness and prevent distracted driving:

  1. On September 30, 2009, President Barack Obama issued an executive order that prohibits all federal employees from texting while driving on government business or while operating government equipment.
  2. On September 17, 2010, the Federal Railroad Administration banned all cell phone and electronic device usage by employees while on the job.
  3. On October 27, 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enacted a ban that prohibits all commercial vehicle operators from texting while driving.
  4. In 2011, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration banned the use of all hand-held cell phones by commercial drivers and drivers carrying hazardous materials.
  5. Prior to 2015, distracted driving was prohibited in Oklahoma, although texting or cell phone use was not mentioned. Beginning in 2015, texting while driving is specifically prohibited and carries a $100 fine.

Contact McAlester Distracted Driving Accidents Attorney

A distracted driver is legally liable in Oklahoma for any damages or injuries they cause. When a driver intentionally engages in any distracting activity, that breaches his or her duty of care to other drivers. This breach of duty is negligence and is punishable by law.

If you are involved in an auto accident due to a distracted driver, you can be entitled to compensation to recover damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, out-of-pocket expenses and property damage. However, you the victim must be able to prove the other driver’s negligence caused the accident.

The experienced attorneys at Edwards & Patterson Law can complete each step of the claims process in order to gain you the compensation you deserve. If you have been involved in a distracted driving accident in eastern Oklahoma, or in Tulsa or McAlester, contact us for a free consultation. We are here to see that your case is represented fairly in the courts.

Visit Our McAlester Distracted Driving Accidents Law Offices

“We care. We fight. We win!” That’s more than just a slogan at Edwards & Patterson Law. Those simple words sum up our law firm’s mission and everything we do for our accident and personal injury clients.

“We care. We fight. We win!” That’s more than just a slogan at Edwards & Patterson Law. Those simple words sum up our law firm’s mission and everything we do for our accident and personal injury clients.