Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Oklahoma City. With smartphones, GPS devices, infotainment systems, and even fast food, it doesn’t take much for a driver to lose focus. And when that happens, serious injuries often follow. If you’ve been hurt in a crash because another driver wasn’t paying attention, you have the right to hold them responsible under Oklahoma law.
In this post, we’ll explain what distracted driving looks like, how Oklahoma handles these cases, and why working with a distracted driving accident lawyer in OKC can help you recover compensation after a crash.
Distracted driving happens when something takes a driver’s attention away from the road. It could be a text message, a conversation, a navigation screen, or simply daydreaming. Even a split second of inattention can cause a driver to miss traffic signals, veer out of their lane, or rear-end the car in front of them.
Distracted driving accidents have become more common across the country, and Oklahoma is no exception.
Distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in the U.S. in 2022. — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
These numbers are a reminder of how deadly it can be when a driver isn’t entirely focused on the road.
There are three main types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive. Each can be dangerous on its own, but they often overlap.
Some actions involve all three types, making them especially risky. Texting while driving is a good example.
Oklahoma has laws in place to reduce distracted driving, especially when it comes to texting behind the wheel.
In Oklahoma, it is illegal for drivers to manually compose, send, or read electronic text messages while the vehicle is in motion. — Oklahoma Statutes Title 47 §11-901c
This is considered a primary offense, meaning law enforcement can pull someone over just for texting while driving. Drivers found in violation may face fines, and these citations can also be used as evidence in a personal injury claim.
While hands-free devices are allowed, that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. If a hands-free call or command causes a distraction that leads to a crash, the driver may still be held responsible.
A distracted driver may still share liability even if the other party was also partially at fault. Under Oklahoma law, compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault. — Oklahoma Comparative Negligence Rule
Proving that another driver was distracted can be challenging, especially if there’s no direct admission. However, there are several ways to build a strong case.
Evidence might include:
An experienced attorney can help gather this evidence, connect with expert witnesses, and handle the legal work while you recover.
Victims of distracted driving accidents in Oklahoma may be eligible to receive payment for a variety of damages. These include both economic and non-economic losses:
Each case is unique, and the value depends on the extent of the injuries, available insurance coverage, and the circumstances of the crash.
Distracted driving cases often involve proving fault without direct evidence. Insurance companies may try to shift blame or argue that you were also distracted. Under Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation if you’re found less than 51% at fault—but your percentage of fault may reduce your total recovery.
This is where a lawyer becomes essential. They know how to gather the proper evidence, handle negotiations, and fight for fair compensation. If the case goes to court, having legal support ensures your side is clearly presented.
Type of Distraction | Example | Legal Implication (OK) |
| Manual | Texting, dialing phone | $100 fine + primary offense |
| Visual | Reading a GPS map while driving | Citation if observed during crash report |
| Cognitive | Daydreaming, talking on phone | Used as evidence of negligence |
| Combined (Triple Threat) | Texting with navigation on dash | Stronger basis for liability claim |
Distracted driving includes any activity that diverts attention from driving. Examples include Texting, adjusting the radio, eating, and using in-vehicle infotainment systems.
While handheld Texting is banned for all drivers, hands-free device use is permitted. However, even legal use can be considered negligent if it causes a crash.
Phone records, dashcam footage, witness accounts, traffic cameras, or police citations issued at the scene may be evidence.
Yes, but depending on your share of fault, your compensation may be reduced under Oklahoma’s comparative negligence rule.
Victims may recover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and, in severe cases, wrongful death compensation.
While not legally required, a lawyer can help collect evidence, negotiate with insurers, and protect your rights—especially when liability is disputed.
Distracted driving remains a serious risk on Oklahoma City’s roads. Whether it’s a glance at a screen or a moment of mental distraction, the results can be life-changing for everyone involved. If you’ve been injured by someone who wasn’t paying attention, you don’t have to handle the legal process on your own.
A skilled attorney can help you prove what happened, navigate Oklahoma’s legal system, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers has experience with distracted driving claims and understands how to build strong cases for injured clients across OKC.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
