A child was injured in an Oklahoma City car accident, which officials believe, involved a distracted driver. According to a KFOR news report, the car crash occurred at I-44 and SW 29th in Oklahoma City. Officials say a woman was driving slowly to a gas station because her vehicle’s tire blew out when a truck rear ended her. Officials also say the driver of the truck was texting while driving. A child, who was in the backseat of the car, was transported to a nearby hospital with back injuries.
There are a number of laws and regulations regarding distracted driving in Oklahoma. Throughout the state, there is a handheld ban for drivers with a learner’s permit or intermediate license. There is also a ban on cell phone use and text messaging for all bus drivers.
While there is no current cell phone law in Oklahoma for drivers 18 years or older, officers have been able to write tickets for texting while driving since November of 2010 as this is a form of distracted driving. Common distracted driving behavior also includes putting on makeup, reading, eating or reaching for a dropped item.
Distracted driving is negligent driving. Anyone who has suffered an injury due to the negligence of another would be well advised to discuss their legal rights and options with an experienced Oklahoma distracted driving victim attorney. Distracted and otherwise careless drivers can be held liable for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
