Bend Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Miller & Hopp, Attorneys at Law, is dedicated to helping people who have been injured in Oregon distracted driving accidents. We know how important it is to have an experienced legal team on your side when you are dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident. Our attorneys have the resources, skills, and knowledge to help you recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to under Oregon's complex personal injury laws.

We are committed to providing excellent service to all our clients.

Injured in a distracted driving accident? Please contact us online or call us at (888) 833-1023 for a free consultation with our team today!

Oregon's Distracted Driving Laws

Oregon's distracted driving laws are among the strictest in the United States. The laws primarily focus on the use of electronic devices while operating a vehicle. Here are some key points regarding Oregon's distracted driving laws:

1. Handheld Device Ban: Oregon law prohibited the use of handheld electronic devices while driving. This included texting, talking, or any other use of the device that required the driver to hold or touch it.

2. Hands-Free Mode: If drivers wanted to use their mobile devices, they were required to use hands-free accessories, such as Bluetooth devices or mounted phone holders.

3. Texting Ban: Texting while driving was explicitly prohibited for all drivers, regardless of age.

4. Cell Phone Use for Drivers under 18: Drivers under the age of 18 were not allowed to use any mobile device, including hands-free, while operating a vehicle.

5. Exceptions: There were some exceptions to the handheld device ban, such as using a mobile device to communicate with emergency services or when the vehicle is parked safely off the roadway.

Penalties for violating Oregon's distracted driving laws could include fines and, in some cases, other consequences like mandatory education courses.

How Do Distracted Driving Accidents Happen?

Distracted driving accidents can occur when a driver's attention is diverted away from the task of driving. Distractions can take various forms, and they generally fall into three main categories: visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Here's a breakdown of how distracted driving accidents happen:

1. Visual Distractions:

   • Looking Away from the Road: Drivers can be visually distracted when they take their eyes off the road to look at something inside the vehicle (e.g., adjusting the radio, looking at a GPS, or attending to passengers).
   • External Distractions: These distractions come from outside the vehicle, such as looking at billboards, other accidents, or events on the side of the road.

2. Manual Distractions:

   • Hands Off the Wheel: Manual distractions involve taking one or both hands off the steering wheel. This can include activities like eating, drinking, grooming, or reaching for an object within the vehicle.
   • Texting or Using a Mobile Device: Perhaps one of the most dangerous distractions, using a phone while driving involves both manual and visual distractions.

3. Cognitive Distractions:

   • Mind Off the Task of Driving: Cognitive distractions occur when a driver's mind is not fully focused on driving. This can happen when daydreaming, engaging in deep conversations, or being preoccupied with personal matters.
   • Fatigue or Drowsiness: While not always recognized as a traditional distraction, fatigue can significantly impair cognitive function and reaction times, leading to accidents.

Common Scenarios:

• Texting and Driving: Texting involves all three types of distractions (visual, manual, and cognitive) simultaneously, making it one of the most dangerous distractions.
• Using In-Car Infotainment Systems: Adjusting settings on in-car entertainment systems or GPS devices can take a driver's attention away from the road.
• Eating or Drinking: Consuming food or drinks while driving can involve both manual and visual distractions.
• Talking to Passengers: Engaging in animated conversations with passengers can divert a driver's attention from the road.

To prevent distracted driving accidents, it's crucial for drivers to prioritize their attention on the task at hand—driving. This includes avoiding the use of mobile devices, minimizing other distractions, and staying focused on the road. Education, awareness campaigns, and the enforcement of distracted driving laws also play vital roles in reducing the prevalence of these accidents.

What Can I Do After a Distracted Driving Accident?

After a traffic accident, it is important to take action to protect your legal rights. You should call the police and report the accident and seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should also contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as you can.

At Miller & Hopp, we can help you gather evidence and build your case. We can also negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company and fight for the compensation you need and deserve.

Why Choose Miller & Hopp?

Our firm is dedicated to helping people who have been injured in Oregon traffic accidents. We know how important it is to have an experienced legal team on your side when you are dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident. Our attorneys have the resources, skills, and knowledge to help you recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to under Oregon's complex personal injury laws.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a traffic accident caused by a distracted driver, you need an experienced attorney on your side.

We can help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve. Call us today at (888) 833-1023.