Distracted driving continues to be a common cause of traffic crashes in Tulsa. In 2019, 8,646 distracted driving crashes were reported. Thousands of people were injured and 40 people died. Tulsa County distracted driving accidents totaled 1,218, and the City of Tulsa reported 864 distracted driving crashes.
Injuries and Damages Caused by Distracted Drivers
The injuries caused by distracted driving accidents range from mild to life-threatening. Common distracted driving accident injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Back and shoulder injuries
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Burns and disfigurement
- Nerve and soft tissue damage
Some victims sustain injuries that result in their wrongful death. Other victims may sustain injuries that result in permanent disabilities and impairments. The damages in those cases can be extremely high.
Damages caused by motor vehicle accidents involving distracted drivers include:
- The cost of diagnosing and treating accident injuries
- Expenses related to in-home health care and personal care
- Losses of income, including wages, benefits, commissions, salaries, and bonuses
- Decreases in future earning potential
- Disabilities, impairments, scarring, and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering damages, including emotional distress, physical discomfort, and mental anguish
- Decreases in quality of life or enjoyment of life
The value of a car accident claim depends on the facts of the case. The severity of the injury, whether the victim sustained permanent impairments, and the total economic damages impact how much you can receive for a distracted driving accident claim.
Who Is Responsible for Damages Caused by Distracted Driving Accidents?
In Oklahoma, the person who caused the car accident is financially responsible for the damages caused by the accident. If the distracted driver caused the car crash, the driver would be responsible for the payment of damages.
Generally, the driver’s insurance company investigates the accident to determine if their insured caused the crash. Insurance companies work to avoid paying accident claims.
Therefore, you need to be careful when dealing with an insurance adjuster. The adjuster may request a written or recorded statement. The adjuster may also ask you to sign a medical records release to verify your injuries. The insurance company wants to obtain information to use against you instead of to help you.
Before you discuss your accident with an insurance company or sign any documents for the company, talk with a Tulsa distracted driving accidents lawyer. An attorney reviews your case, provides an honest assessment of your legal options, and gives you the advice you can use to decide what to do next.
Contact Our Tulsa Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
At The Law Office of Michael R. Green, PLLC, our legal team aggressively investigates and pursues claims against distracted drivers who cause car crashes. If a distracted driver injured you, call our law firm at (866) 944-4733 to schedule a free consultation with a Tulsa car accident lawyer.