Edmond Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Distracted Driving Accident Attorney in Edmond, OK

Car accidents caused by distracted drivers can result in serious injuries, costly medical bills, and confusion about what to do next. An Edmond distracted driving accident lawyer can explain the legal process following a crash and help injured victims understand if they have a claim. Understanding distracted driving accident laws and how they apply to your case is important in approaching your case with confidence.

Experience You Can Rely On

At Fulmer Sill, we strive to empower our clients with knowledge and provide superior case preparation through collaboration. Our firm embraces a team-based approach to confirm every case benefits from attorneys and staff working together to leverage modern technology when investigating complex injury claims. We believe this allows us to communicate frequently with our clients and pay extra attention to the details of every matter.

Understanding Distracted Driving Accidents

Whenever a driver removes their attention from safely operating a vehicle, they are driving distracted. Although cell phones have become one of the leading known distractions, a number of other actions can be considered distracted driving, including:

• Adjusting or looking at navigation systems
• Eating
• Looking in the backseat
• Daydreaming
• Looking at something other than the road in front of them
• Reading
• Personal grooming

Edmond has moderate commuter traffic because it is neighboring Oklahoma City, and traffic can build on popular routes like I-35, Covell Road, Danforth Road, and Kelly Avenue. In addition to roadway congestion, neighborhoods near the University of Central Oklahoma tend to see high pedestrian and vehicle traffic when school is in session.

In Oklahoma, there were 711 people killed in accidents in 2023, and 64 of these fatalities were in distraction-related accidents. Additionally, in 2021, there were 9,360 total crashes, with 1,243 of them being due to distracted driving.

Proving Distracted Driving in Edmond

Driving distracted is not always apparent, like speeding or driving under the influence. Determining what occurred may require gathering several types of evidence, including:

• Cell phone records
• Traffic surveillance
• Dash cam footage
• Eyewitness accounts

Preserving this evidence after a crash can make a big difference in how an insurance company or court evaluates liability.

Compensation Available After A Distracted Driving Accident

Damages available in a distracted driving accident claim depend on the circumstances of the collision and the losses suffered by the victim. Recoverable damages include current and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, lost earning capacity, and damage to personal property. Long-term injuries can also allow an injured victim to recover compensation for continued medical care or a permanent disability.

In some cases, Oklahoma law allows injured victims to recover damages for non-economic losses. This can include physical pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life if proven by the evidence. The overall value of a claim is based upon the actual losses incurred, the nature of the injuries suffered, and other unique factors related to the accident.

The Importance of Evidence in a Distracted Driving Claim

Insurance companies may not pay claims without proof that someone else was negligent and caused the accident. Medical records help prove the severity of injuries after a crash. Drivers who are distracted tend to crash into things they should have seen if they were focused on the road. Having objective evidence can help establish what happened if eyewitness testimony is limited.

If a legal claim is filed, personal injury cases in Edmond are typically heard at the Oklahoma County Courthouse located at 320 Robert S. Kerr Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

Hire a Distracted Driving Lawyer Today

Deciding to hire a distracted driving lawyer in Edmond, OK allows you to work with a legal professional who can handle specific responsibilities on your behalf. Your attorney can investigate the crash, help preserve evidence, and work to obtain phone records and any available electronic data from your device.

Your primary concern following an injury should be healing, and your Edmond distracted driving accident attorney can assist by bringing in professionals like accident reconstructionists and medical professionals when technical evidence is necessary to prove fault or illustrate the extent of your harm.

FAQs About Edmond, OK Distracted Driving Accident Laws

Can You File a Claim for Distracted Driving in Edmond?

Yes. You may be able to file a claim against a distracted driver whose carelessness caused your injuries and damages. Taking legal action could be an option when the insurer’s payment is inadequate, their liability is unclear, or you’re unable to settle. In general, you’ll need to prove that the distracted driver caused the accident and the accident caused your injuries and monetary losses.

Is Oklahoma an At-Fault State in Vehicle Accidents?

Yes, Oklahoma is a traditional fault state for motor vehicle accidents. Basically, the driver who causes the accident is responsible for the resulting damages. The injured person may file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and/or file a legal claim to recover damages. Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence standard, which comes into play when there is shared fault.

What Are the Three Types of Distracted Driving?

The three types of distracted driving are manual, visual, and cognitive distractions. Manual distractions take the driver’s hands off the wheel. Visual distractions take the driver’s eyes off the road. Cognitive distractions take a driver’s mind off the road. Many activities involve more than one type of distraction at the same time because they take the driver’s eyes, hands, and mind off the road at once, like texting while driving.

How Long Do I Have to File a Distracted Driving Accident Claim in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, you generally have two years from the date of a motor vehicle accident to file an accident claim. If you wait any longer than that, you may lose your right to collect compensation from the court. There are some exceptions to this rule because some situations alter the time limits; however, it is recommended to file your claim as soon as possible.

Connect With Fulmer Sill Today

Knowing the distracted driving accident laws in Oklahoma and taking immediate steps after an accident can help with preserving evidence and properly assessing a claim. At Fulmer Sill, we are committed to empowering injured victims and educating them about their legal rights after a serious distracted driving accident in Edmond. Contact us today to learn about your options.