Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of preventable car crashes in Oklahoma. Each year, thousands of people are injured or killed because a driver looks away from the road for just a few seconds. In April, Distracted Driving Awareness Month brings national attention to this ongoing risk—but the dangers are present every day.
For drivers in Tulsa, understanding what counts as distracted driving and how it affects accident claims is key. Whether it’s a glance at a phone or a longer lapse in attention, distraction can have serious consequences. This article explores the laws, risks, and legal options for those harmed by distracted drivers.
Distracted driving happens any time a driver’s attention is pulled away from the task of driving.
There are three main types:
These distractions can be caused by texting, adjusting the radio, eating, applying makeup, talking to passengers, or even reaching for something in the back seat. Some drivers believe they can multitask. But the truth is, it only takes a moment of inattention to cause a crash.
It takes just five seconds of looking away from the road to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph.
Distracted driving is a significant cause of accidents, especially among young drivers. It continues to be one of the leading factors in injury crashes every year across the country. According to NHTSA, distracted driving claimed over 3,500 lives in a single year across the U.S.
| Data Point | National (U.S.) | Oklahoma |
| Fatalities Linked to Distraction | 3,500+ | [Insert most recent OK number] |
| Injury Crashes per Year | 350,000+ | [Insert Oklahoma data] |
| Teen Drivers in Fatal Distracted Crashes | Highest age group | [Insert state trend if available] |
| Daily Drivers Using Cell Phones | ~660,000 | Not tracked individually |
In Oklahoma, texting while driving is illegal for all drivers, and handheld device use is banned for novice drivers. These numbers are more than just statistics—they represent real families dealing with loss, injury, and long-term hardship.
Oklahoma has specific laws aimed at reducing distracted driving:
These laws also affect personal injury claims. If someone causes a crash while violating these laws, that violation can be used to prove negligence.
Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the crash. If you’re involved in a crash, proving the other driver was distracted can help strengthen your case.
Distracted driving claims often rely on evidence that isn’t always obvious. That’s why early investigation is so important. Here’s how attorneys often build a case:
Distraction can also tie into Oklahoma’s comparative fault system. If the other driver was clearly distracted, they may hold a larger share of the blame, which can impact your financial recovery.
If a distracted driver has hit you, here are a few steps that can protect your health and your legal rights:
A lawyer can help gather time-sensitive evidence and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Distracted driving includes anything that takes your hands, eyes, or attention away from driving. In Oklahoma, this includes texting, using a handheld device, eating, or adjusting in-vehicle systems.
Yes. Texting while driving is banned for all drivers in Oklahoma. Additionally, drivers under 18 with learner or intermediate licenses are prohibited from using handheld phones.
Common evidence includes phone records, dashcam footage, traffic cam videos, witness statements, and police reports. An attorney can help obtain and analyze this information.
Oklahoma uses a comparative negligence rule. If you’re less than 51% at fault, you may still recover compensation. However, your proportion of fault will determine how much your damages are reduced.
You can recover costs for medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and care in the future, contingent on the extent of your injuries.
While you’re not required to hire an attorney, a lawyer can help gather evidence, handle negotiations with insurers, and build a stronger case if the distracted driver denies fault.
Distracted driving is a preventable risk, yet it continues to injure and kill thousands of people every year. During Distracted Driving Awareness Month and beyond, It serves as a reminder to maintain concentration when driving and inspires others to follow suit.
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver in Tulsa, it’s essential to understand your rights. You don’t have to face the legal system alone. An experienced attorney can help you take the next step toward accountability and financial recovery.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps injury victims in Tulsa pursue claims against negligent drivers. We take your case seriously—because the consequences of distraction are real.
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.
