Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving, including texting or phone use, changing the entertainment or navigating system, eating or drinking, or talking with occupants in the vehicle. It’s a dangerous activity that causes thousands of car accidents each year.
If you were injured in a distracted driving crash in Oklahoma City, OK, you may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver. An experienced Oklahoma City car accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the claim process so you can focus on your recovery.
That’s where Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We have the skills and resources you deserve and will work hard to help you recover compensation for all of your accident-related injuries.
Contact our law office online or call us at (405) 497-0480 to schedule a free consultation today.
How Our Oklahoma City Car Accident Attorneys Can Help If You’ve Been Injured in a Distracted Driving Crash
Our highly skilled attorneys have 95 years of combined experience helping injured victims seek compensation for their injuries. To date, we’ve won over $100 million for our clients.
When you hire one of our dedicated Oklahoma City distracted driving accident attorneys, we’ll manage every aspect of your case.
You can count on us to take the following specific steps in your case.
- Investigate the accident and identify the at-fault parties
- Gather evidence to support your claims
- Assess the full extent of your damages
- Explain your legal options and develop a case strategy that meets your goals
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurance provider on your behalf
- Vigorously represent you in court if a favorable settlement can’t be reached
Click here to learn more about how long will your car case take to settle in OKC.
Contact our law firm in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to learn more about the services we offer. Your initial consultation is free.
How Common Are Distracted Driving Accidents in OKC?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your full attention away from driving. The most common form of distracted driving is texting or otherwise using a smartphone while behind the wheel. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,522 people were killed in 2021 in distracted driving accidents nationwide.
The Centers for Disease Control reports that drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 are more likely to be involved in a distracted driving accident, with older teens being the most likely to text and drive. In 2019, 39% of high school students in one study reported that they had texted or emailed while driving in the past 30 days.
What Damages Are Available in an Oklahoma City Distracted Driving Accident Case?
If you were injured in a distracted driving accident in Oklahoma, you may be able to recover compensatory damages for your injuries and losses. Compensatory damages can be divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages relate to the financial consequences of an accident or injury. They include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Vehicle repairs
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
You may also see these referred to as tangible damages or special damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages relate to the emotional or psychological consequences of an accident or injury. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium or loss of companionship by a loved one
- Disability or disfigurement and its related impacts
- Diminished quality of life
You also may see these referred to as intangible damages or general damages.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma City?
In most cases, personal injury lawyers charge a contingency fee. This type of fee is collected at the end of a case as a percentage of the client’s ultimate financial recovery–often between 33% and 40%.
If the client doesn’t recover compensation, the attorney doesn’t collect any attorney’s fees. Thus, contingency fees allow any injured party, regardless of their financial circumstances, to hire an attorney to handle their personal injury case.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Distracted Driving Accident in Oklahoma?
Yes, in many cases, you can still recover compensation if you’re being blamed for a distracted driving collision or if you were, in fact, partially responsible for the accident.
Oklahoma is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that each party will be assigned a portion of fault for the accident. A plaintiff can recover compensation as long as they were no more than 50% at fault. However, their compensation will be reduced in proportion to their percentage of responsibility.
To illustrate, imagine that you suffered $50,000 in a distracted driving accident, and a jury determined that you were 30% at fault and the distracted driver was 70% at fault. You would still be able to recover compensation under Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence law. However, your compensation would be reduced by 30%, allowing you to recover up to $35,000 in compensation.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Distracted Driving Accident in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, you typically have two years from the date of an accident or injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit for filing your lawsuit is known as the statute of limitations.
While many cases are settled without filing a lawsuit, it’s imperative that you’re aware of the deadline for filing your case in the event that a settlement can’t be reached. If your case is not filed on time, it may hinder your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries.
Our experienced distracted driving accident attorneys will calculate the deadline for filing your case and make sure it gets filed on time, if necessary.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyers Today To Schedule a Free Case Review
If you were injured by a distracted driver in Oklahoma City, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. Our dedicated Oklahoma City car accident attorneys will focus on achieving the best possible outcome in your case so that you can focus on your recovery and moving forward with your life.
Reach out to our office today at (405) 497-0480 to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.