After you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident in Indiana, you’ve got a lot to handle. There’s your insurance company to talk with, and perhaps another driver’s. Indiana railroad accidents could bring businesses and other groups into the mix. Whatever your unique circumstances, the stress related to an injury caused by a motor vehicle accident is a large burden to bear.
Our team of car accident plaintiff’s attorneys has decades of expertise representing clients across Indiana in a variety of different motor vehicle accident cases. Each one is different, but we know the basics of the process and what important details can make or break a case. From insurance claims to lawsuits and all the way to court (if necessary), our team of attorneys for car accident cases has helped our clients fight for what’s fair.
Car Accident Lawyers Seek Justice
Every year, more than 50,000 people die in automobile accidents. Hundreds of thousands are injured as the result of careless and dangerous drivers. Car accidents can have devastating effects on your physical and mental health. The injuries sustained may leave you unable to work, or even function normally on a daily basis.
When you are involved in an accident, it’s difficult to know what to do first and how to handle it. What is the right car accident procedure? How do you navigate your insurance policy? What do I say to the insurance company? How much time do I have to file a claim or lawsuit? There are many confusing stages in a car accident lawsuit. That’s why we will be with you every step of the way and help you understand all the rules of the road Indiana has.
Request a free consultation with an Indiana vehicle accident attorney.
Railroad Accidents
As of 2003, there were nearly 550 railroads in the United States, and in 2004, it was estimated that there were more than 890 railroad fatalities and nearly 8,500 injuries in the United States, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. In 2005, the Federal Railroad Administration estimated that there were more than 11,000 railway-crossing accidents nationwide.
The most common types of train accidents are collisions with other trains, collisions with passenger vehicles and pedestrians, and single train accidents. These types of accidents may be caused by improperly maintained crossings that are not properly marked, lit and/or fail to have proper warning signs, conductor inattention and error, or mechanical failure. Absent, inadequate, or malfunctioning warnings at railroad crossings cause and contribute to collisions. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, more than half of all railroad accidents occur at unprotected crossings and over 80 percent of railroad crossings don’t have adequate warning devices.
Train and railroad accident law can be complicated and, as a result, it is important to contact a lawyer prepared to to help you through the process of determining what happened, who is responsible, and what your legal options are.
ATV Accidents
All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) are 3 or 4 wheeled motorized vehicles used for off-road riding. ATV’s are equipped with gasoline powered engines and are designed for one driver only. ATV’s were designed in the late 1960’s and first sold in the United States in the early 1970’s. This type of vehicle is very popular and is commonly used for recreation, rescue efforts in emergency situations, and agricultural maintenance. Every year, many people, including children, are severely injured due to ATV accidents. Serious physical injury, property damage, brain damage, paralysis, and death may result from an ATV accident. If you have been in an ATV-related accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, wage loss, pain and suffering, and more.
- The statistics concerning ATV’s in the United States show that:
- In 1998, there were over 60,000 reported ATV-related accidents.
- In 1997, over 30,000 children under the age of 16 were injured in ATV-related accidents.
- It has been estimated that ATV-related injuries have doubled in the past 5 years in the United States.
- In a recent 5 year period, ATV-related injuries requiring emergency room assistance increased over 100 percent.
There are many different factors that may cause accidents while operating an ATV. Some causes of accidents are related to the design or manufacturing of the vehicle. Other times, accidents are caused because there was a failure to properly instruct regarding the safe use and operation of the vehicle, or there was a failure to warn regarding a vehicle’s dangers. Still other accidents are caused because ATVs are operated on land that is unsafe for motor vehicles, which means that a property owner and not the ATV manufacturer may be liable for any injuries sustained.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are an integral part of American culture, exuding an image of freedom, spirit and hitting the open road. However, motorcycles have also proven to be extremely dangerous, and motorcycle accidents generally cause severe and/or catastrophic injuries and even death. Statistics show that between the years of 1975 and 1999, more than 38,000 people were killed as a result of motorcycle accidents. Unfortunately, findings from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, or FARS, indicate that these statistics are on the rise.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the injuries, medical costs, lost wages, suffering and more.
Roadway Design Litigation
Car accidents bring with them no shortage of stress and headache. Even in the best-case scenario, insurance claims and police reports alone can be tough to deal with. Serious injury and death add another layer of grief, pain, and financial burden. But what happens when it’s not just the negligence of a driver on the road that caused an accident, but the very design of the roadways you trust to carry you safely on your way?
Every roadway has several elements that must all be designed and maintained properly to work in harmony to keep drivers safe. Accidents can occur with increased frequency when those elements weren’t designed properly, including:
- Banking
- Barriers and Guardrails
- Exit and Entry Freeway Ramps
- Lane and Edge Markings
- Road Signs
- Intersections
If you suspect that poor roadway design may have played a role in the conditions that led to your motor vehicle accident, you need a legal partner that can help you get what’s fair from the parties accountable while you focus on moving forward with your life. The Indiana lawyers at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell have decades of experience in roadway design litigation, and are happy to advise you on your legal rights and options.
Request a free consultation with an Indiana vehicle accident attorney.
Distracted Driving in Indiana
Drivers in Indiana are required to keep their eyes and attention on the road. However, there are many reasons that may cause an Indiana driver to lose focus and potentially cause an Indiana car accident. Though it’s not uncommon for these distractions to occur, doing so could result in liability for an accident. One of the biggest culprits for distracted driving comes from texting and cell phone usage.
The state of Indiana has laws on the books against texting or calling on phones while operating a motor vehicle. According to Indiana code, drivers are prohibited from composing, sending, or reading texts while behind the wheel. Phone calls may only be made if a hand free tool is used, or in case of a 911 emergency. If a car accident occurs due to the use of cell phones, the driver may be found at fault.
Road Rage Accidents in Indiana
It’s one thing to find yourself annoyed by traffic or another driver cutting you off. However, when Indiana drivers begin driving aggressively or dangerously, the situation becomes far more worrisome. Road rage in Indiana is a real problem, as a 2018 report found that the Hoosier state had more fatalities caused by road rage than anywhere else.
When Indiana road rage plays a part in a car accident, police take the matter seriously. Indiana driving laws define aggressive driving as:
- Passing in the right lane
- Excessive speeding
- ‘Dangerous stopping or slowing
- Unnecessary use of the car horn
- Excessive flashing of headlights
- Refusal to yield
- Not observing traffic signals
- “Tailgating” or following other cars too closely
If road rage causes an accident, the aggressive driver may be found accountable.
Driving Under the Influence of Prescribed Medication
DUIs are normally issued when a driver is intoxicated under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. However, it is still possible for a motorist to be arrested for a DUI even when taking medication prescribed legally by their doctor. If a medication might lead to impaired driving, the prescription bottle will have a warning for patients to avoid operating heavy machinery, including driving a car. Anyone taking medication should speak with their physician or pharmacist to find out whether they might be at risk when getting behind the wheel.
Indiana Teen Driving Accidents
Though many Indiana teens are excited to hit the open road and cruise around with friends once they receive their license, the fact is that inexperienced teen drivers may be more susceptible to crashes and accidents. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for 16-19 year olds in the US. With those frightening statistics in mind, Indiana has instituted the Graduated Driver Licensing Law (GDL). Intended to slowly introduce teen drivers to the road, the legislation prohibits those under the age of 16 from driving with any passengers for 180 days after receiving their license. The only exceptions are family members or driving instructors.
Contact Our Team of Indiana Car Accident Attorneys IND
You don’t have to bear the burden of your injuries alone. Have you wondered, “Are there car accident attorneys near me that can help? Contact us today to connect with a firm of Indianapolis personal injury lawyers prepared to see you through your case and help you move on. We’re happy to provide car accident attorney help and offer a free evaluation of your potential case and advise you on your legal rights and options.
Request a free consultation with an Indiana vehicle accident attorney.
Read more about Indiana Car Accidents:
- Motor Vehicle Safety: What Indiana Drivers Need to Know
- Work Zone Safety: The Basics for Indiana Drivers
- Car Insurance and Negligence Claims: Police Procedures After an Accident, Wrong-Way Drivers, and Driverless Cars
- Vehicle Mechanic Negligence and Indiana Law
- How Good Roadway Design Promotes Safety
- Chauffeur’s License and Requirements
- Vehicle Crash Safety Testing Overlooks Women