Every day on Tulsa roads, distracted drivers cause accidents that can change lives. When someone takes their eyes off the road to text, adjust their GPS, or eat a meal, they put everyone at risk. If you or a loved one was injured by a distracted driver, Abel Law Firm is here to help you pursue compensation for your losses.
For over 50 years, Abel Law Firm has represented injured Oklahomans. Our attorneys have collectively recovered more than $550 million in verdicts and settlements for clients in personal injury cases. We understand the physical pain, emotional distress, and financial strain caused by distracted driving accidents. That’s why we work diligently to hold negligent drivers accountable and seek fair compensation for your case.
Why Choose Abel Law Firm for Your Distracted Driving Accident Claim
When you’re injured in a distracted driving accident, you need an attorney who understands both Oklahoma law and the real impact of your injuries. Abel Law Firm brings decades of experience and proven case results to each matter we handle.
Our lawyers include Super Lawyers recognized for excellence in personal injury law. T. Luke Abel has been named a Super Lawyer for 13 consecutive years, an honor earned by approximately five percent of attorneys in Oklahoma. Matthew Wade and Kelly Bishop also hold Super Lawyer designations based on peer review. Additionally, T. Luke Abel received Lawyer of the Year for Product Liability by Best Lawyers in America in both 2023 and 2025.
Abel Law Firm has been recognized by readers of The Journal Record as Oklahoma’s personal injury law firm of the year for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, and 2025). Our attorneys maintain Martindale-Hubbell ratings that reflect professional ability and ethical standards.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no fees unless compensation is recovered. Free consultations are available with no obligation. Our team remains available around the clock because accidents rarely happen during office hours. We apply the same level of preparation and dedication to every case.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from operating a vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identifies three main types of distraction:
- Visual distractions: Taking your eyes off the road (texting, looking at GPS, adjusting controls)
- Manual distractions: Taking your hands off the wheel (eating, reaching for objects, changing settings)
- Cognitive distractions: Taking your mind off driving (daydreaming, emotional stress, conversation)
In Oklahoma, texting while driving is prohibited under Oklahoma Statutes Title 47, Section 11‑901(b). This law bans the use of wireless communication devices to send, read, or write text messages while a vehicle is moving. Violations may result in fines and other penalties.
Distracted driving significantly increases crash risk by slowing reaction time and impairing judgment. At 55 miles per hour, a driver texting for five seconds travels about the length of a football field without looking at the road. That is more than enough time for a serious accident to occur. This is why proving negligence in distracted driving cases is critical to your recovery.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents in Tulsa
Distracted driving accidents can happen in many different ways. Identifying what caused your collision helps build a strong claim for liability. Common causes include cell phone use, such as texting, calling, or checking social media; interacting with navigation systems or GPS devices; eating or drinking while driving; adjusting vehicle controls like the radio or climate settings; and distractions from passengers or pets.
Fatigue and daydreaming can also reduce focus and cause drivers to overlook hazards. Each distraction raises the likelihood of a crash. When a negligent or inattentive driver causes harm, they may be legally responsible for resulting damages. If you’ve been injured in a Tulsa car accident, our team can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
Serious Injuries from Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving accidents often cause severe injuries because drivers have less time to brake or swerve before impact. The sudden collision forces the body to absorb significant impact energy. Whiplash injuries and other neck injuries are common in rear-end collisions.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur when the head strikes an interior surface or moves abruptly, causing brain trauma. Even a mild TBI may lead to lasting headaches, memory issues, or personality changes. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete loss of mobility.
Broken bones and fractures often cause prolonged pain or a limited range of motion. Soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments can interfere with work or daily activities. Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, might not be visible right away but require medical evaluation. Emotional trauma also affects many crash survivors. Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression can accompany serious accidents and may be compensable under Oklahoma law.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Oklahoma law allows injury victims to pursue several categories of compensation in a distracted driving accident claim:
- Medical expenses for past and future treatment, rehabilitation, and care
- Lost wages for income missed during recovery
- Lost earning capacity if permanent injuries affect employability
- Pain and suffering for physical and emotional hardship
- Property damage for vehicle repair or replacement
- Loss of consortium if injuries affect your relationship with your spouse
- Punitive damages in cases involving reckless or grossly negligent conduct
Abel Law Firm works with medical professionals and economists to assess the full value of your losses. We negotiate assertively with insurers and aim for compensation that reflects your actual damages and financial needs. Learn more about how car accident settlements work and what you can expect from your claim.
Understanding economic and non-economic damages helps you evaluate whether a settlement offer is fair. Our attorneys also explain compensatory versus punitive damages so you understand all available recovery options.
How Abel Law Firm Handles Your Distracted Driving Accident Claim
Once you contact Abel Law Firm, our legal team begins investigating promptly. We gather police reports, document the scene, collect witness statements, and preserve available evidence. Cell phone records may help show whether the other driver was using their device at the time of impact. We may also review traffic or security footage when available.
Establishing liability is a key element of these cases. We demonstrate that the other driver owed a duty of care, breached that duty through distraction, and caused injuries as a result. Testimony from accident reconstruction professionals may be used to support claims of negligence. Understanding how fault is determined in a car accident in Oklahoma is essential to your case.
Insurance carriers often attempt to limit payouts or deny responsibility. We handle communication with adjusters, negotiate settlements, and prepare each case for trial when necessary. Understanding how much to expect from a car accident settlement helps you evaluate settlement offers fairly.
Our team is experienced in dealing with insurance adjusters and knows the tactics they use to minimize payouts. We also prepare clients for the discovery phase in personal injury cases to ensure you’re ready for litigation if needed.
Under Oklahoma’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Contacting an attorney early helps preserve vital evidence and protect your right to recovery. Learn more about the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Oklahoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a distracted driving accident?
Call 911 if anyone is injured. Move to a safe location and, if possible, take photos or videos of the scene. Collect contact information for other drivers and witnesses. Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the report. Seek medical care even if you feel unhurt, as some conditions appear later. Then contact Abel Law Firm for guidance before speaking with insurance representatives. Our guide on what to do after a car accident provides detailed steps to protect your claim.
How do I prove the other driver was distracted?
Potential evidence includes cell phone records showing calls, texts, or data use; eyewitness statements; police observations; surveillance footage; and accident reconstruction analysis. Social media activity near the time of the crash may also indicate distraction. Our attorneys understand what evidence is needed to build a strong case and will work to gather all available proof of the other driver’s negligence.
How much is my distracted driving accident claim worth?
Claim value depends on factors such as injury severity, medical costs, recovery time, income loss, and long-term impact on your life. Abel Law Firm offers free consultations to discuss your case and provide a personalized assessment based on your circumstances. We can also explain how to claim lost wages from a car accident to ensure you recover all income losses.
How long does a distracted driving accident case take?
Most claims resolve within several months through settlement. Cases proceeding to trial may require a year or more, depending on court schedules and complexity. Abel Law Firm manages your case efficiently and keeps you updated throughout the process. Understanding how long a personal injury lawsuit takes helps you plan for the future.
Do I have to go to court?
Many distracted driving cases settle without trial. However, our attorneys prepare as though a trial may occur and represent clients in court if fair compensation cannot be reached through negotiation. Clients always decide whether to accept a settlement offer or continue litigation. Learn more about settling versus going to court to make an informed decision.
Contact Abel Law Firm for Your Free Consultation
If you were injured by a distracted driver in Tulsa, contact Abel Law Firm today to learn about your options. Oklahoma law generally limits personal injury claims to two years from the date of the accident.
Call (918) 777-7046 to speak with a Tulsa personal injury attorney. Our Tulsa office is located at 5525 E 51st St, Suite 540, Tulsa, OK 74135. Our firm remains available 24/7 to respond to client needs.
You pay no upfront costs. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect fees if compensation is obtained. Let Abel Law Firm help you pursue the recovery you need.
