Common Causes of Car Accidents in Indiana

Even seemingly minor automotive incidents have the potential to lead to significant harm and extensive property destruction. Unfortunately, a notable number of automobile collisions in Evansville culminate in fatal consequences for those involved. Coping with the aftermath of losing a dear one in such circumstances can evoke feelings of being overwhelmed and uncertain about what lies ahead.

Car accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, and understanding the common causes can help drivers take necessary precautions to avoid them and also know how to proceed after an accident. In Indiana, some of the common causes include:

  1. Distracted driving: Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving, can take the driver’s attention away from the road, leading to accidents.
  2. Drunk or impaired driving: Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Indiana. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers in Indiana is 0.08%, and lower limits apply to commercial drivers and drivers under the age of 21, as per Indiana Code § 9-30-5-1. 
  3. Speeding: Driving at an excessive speed can reduce a driver’s ability to react to road conditions and increase the risk of accidents. And if you had an accident due speeding of another driver, you can use this in your favor to prove the responsibility of the other party.
  4. Reckless driving: Reckless driving, including aggressive driving, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and ignoring traffic signals and signs, can pose a significant risk to other drivers and result in accidents, and can be used as evidence of negligence in court.

Regardless of the reason why you suffered a car accident, we’re here to help you recover from your losses and receive the compensation you deserve according to your injuries.

Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including catastrophic injuries of all kinds. But here are some common types of injuries related to these accidents:

  • Whiplash
  • Broken bones
  • Head and brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Bruises and contusions
  • Burns
  • Fractures
  • Sprains and strains
  • Chest and rib injuries
  • Facial injuries

If you or a family member has been involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to seek appropriate medical attention and follow proper medical protocols for diagnosis and treatment. Always prioritize your health and well-being after a car accident and consult with qualified medical professionals for proper care.

Then, it’s important that you understand your rights to file a claim for personal injury to cover your losses.

 

Contact an Evansville car accident lawyer at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell to help you get fair compensation after an accident. Call 317-488-5500 today to get started.

 

Maximizing Compensation: Damages You Can Recover After a Car Accident in Evansville

You may be entitled to recover damages for your injuries and losses caused by the accident. These damages refer to the financial compensation that you may be awarded for the physical, emotional, and financial harm suffered as a result of the car accident. 

Some common types of damages that you may be able to recover after a car accident in Evansville includes:

Medical expenses

You may be entitled to recover the costs of your medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgery costs, medication expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other related expenses. It’s important to keep all records of your medical expenses and treatment to support your claim for damages.

Lost wages

If you have missed work due to your car accident injuries, you may be entitled to recover the income you have lost, including wages, bonuses, commissions, and other employment benefits. This may also include compensation for any diminished earning capacity if your injuries have resulted in long-term or permanent disabilities.

Pain and suffering

Car accidents can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish, and you may be eligible to seek compensation for these intangible losses. 

Indiana law allows victims of car accidents to seek damages for pain and suffering, as well as emotional distress, as per Indiana Code § 34-51-2-1.

Property damage

If your vehicle has been damaged or destroyed in a car accident, you may be entitled to recover the costs of repairing or replacing it, as well as any other property that has been damaged in the accident.

Punitive damages

In cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless, you may be eligible to seek punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future, and are awarded in addition to compensatory damages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Evansville Car Accident Cases

As personal injury lawyers in Evansville who deal with car accident cases, we understand that our clients may have several questions about how filling a claim works in Indiana. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

Is Indiana a no-fault state for car accidents?

No, Indiana is not a no-fault state for car accidents. Indiana follows a fault-based system for car accidents, which means that the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages. This means that if you are injured in a car accident in Indiana, you have the right to file a claim against the at-fault party and seek compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

What happens if the person at fault in an accident has no insurance in Indiana?

If the at-fault driver in a car accident in Indiana does not have insurance, it can complicate the process of seeking compensation. 

Options for recovery may include filing a claim with your own uninsured motorist coverage, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, or exploring other avenues of recovery. Consulting with a specialized car accident lawyer is essential in such situations.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim?

In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to take prompt action and consult with a car accident lawyer to ensure you meet all deadlines and preserve your right to compensation.

What if I was partially at fault for the car accident?

Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that if you were partially at fault for the car accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionately to your degree of fault. However, as long as you are not 51% or more at fault, you can still recover damages. It’s crucial to consult with a skilled car accident attorney who can assess the circumstances and protect your rights.

Contact Our Evansville Car Accident Lawyers Today

So, how should one proceed following a car wreck in Evansville, IN? If you have been injured in a car accident in Evansville or the surrounding areas, it’s crucial to seek legal representation from a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, our team of dedicated attorneys has a proven track record of helping car accident victims recover the compensation they are entitled to, according to Indiana’s laws. 

Contact us today and schedule a free consultation.