$48.5
Million
Truck Accident Case
We took more than 60 depositions in five different states. Because of Stephenson’s tireless advocacy, shortly before the trial was to commence, the defendants settled the case for $48.5 million.
Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis
Our Indianapolis distracted driving accident lawyer knows from experience the terrible impact and injuries these types of accidents cause. According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI), distracted driving contributed to over 9,000 vehicular accidents in 2014. Of the 9,000 accidents, 1,000 involved the use of a cell phone. Texting while driving makes a driver 23 times more likely to be in a collision. Under Indiana Code 9-21-59, the use of a cell phone or texting is illegal unless used in conjunction with voice-operated technology Other factors for distracted driving accidents include consulting GPS systems, tuning the radio, applying makeup, drunk driving and drowsiness. Commercial truck drivers in Indianapolis often suffer from driver fatigue.
How to Prove Distracted Driving Caused the Crash
So, how can you show that another driver was distracted at the time of your accident? Here’s a list of six ways:
- Police report – If you saw the other driver chatting on a cell phone prior to the collision, let the investigating police officer know that. This documented report can be used in court.
- The driver admitted it – While it’s not advisable to admit fault of for an accident, some people blurt it out: “I’m so sorry. I was texting when I ran the red light.”
- Witnesses – You can subpoena witnesses to testify about seeing any distracted-driving behaviors.
- Cell phone records – Cell phone records can be obtained and used as proof in the plaintiff’s favor.
- Photos or videos – Cell phone videos shot by passengers, surveillance cameras and police dash cams can catch distracted drivers red-handed. These can be used in court.
- Accident reconstruction specialists.
How Distracted Driving Factors Cause Indianapolis Accidents
Drowsy driving can be as deadly as drunk driving. Drivers who are tired can have delayed reactions, veer off lane and fall asleep at the wheel. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving is responsible for at least 100,000 collisions each year. In Indiana, there were 124 fatalities and 2,044 non-fatal injuries linked to collisions with at least one alcohol-impaired driver or non-motorist in 2014. And the likelihood of alcohol-impaired fatal collisions was greatest in suburban areas and city areas like Indianapolis in 2013, where 17 percent of fatal collisions involved at least one alcohol-impaired driver. Alcohol impairs the ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Just recently, 17-year old Maria Droesch lost her life due to texting while driving. While at Indiana 29 and Clinton County Road 200 North, she was texting. Due to the distraction of texting, she crossed the double yellow line into oncoming traffic. She crashed her 2000 Pontiac Grand Am, lost her life and injured two others. Just like using a cellphone and texting while driving, behaviors like applying makeup and tuning the radio take the driver’s attention off of the road and can easily cause a crash.
Damages in a Distracted Driving Case in Indianapolis
Damages in a distracted driving case include monies for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. You may even be entitled to punitive damages. These are additional monies for extreme negligence. You also have the right to sue the employer of a distracted, at-fault driver in the event that they were driving a bus, 18-wheeler or other commercial vehicle. In the case of a fatality, the estate of the deceased can recoup monies for funeral expenses, medical expenses and loss of companionship.
Your Indianapolis distracted driving injury lawyer will review your medical and employment records, medical documentation of the seriousness of your injuries, emotional suffering and other relevant issues to determine the demand of monies in a personal injury lawsuit due to distracted driving. Your lawyer will also do a comprehensive accident scene investigation, including speaking with law enforcement. An accident reconstruction specialist in the Indianapolis area may be hired when needed.
Often, cases of texting and cell phone usage are instances of aggravated liability and involve more than just ordinary negligence. Many distracted driving cases involve the need for special investigations. For example, a specialist may be needed to attain cell phone data from the appropriate cell phone carriers and to preserve evidence.
It’s pretty simple. An individual cannot safely operate a vehicle while drunk, drowsy, texting, using a cell phone or tuning a radio. These behaviors can cause horrendous accidents with life-altering injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver in Indianapolis, you have the right to demand compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering and lost income.
When to Talk to An Indianapolis Distracted Driver Lawyer
It’s important to hire an experienced Indianapolis distracted driving accident attorney who can help you realize the full value of your claim. Full compensation means that the settlement must cover all past, present and future damages. Contact the experienced team in Indianapolis at Stephenson Rife today at 317-680-2501.
Attorney Brady Rife
Brady Rife has developed a diverse civil litigation practice for plaintiffs throughout Indiana. Brady is heavily involved in serious personal injury matters, complex business and commercial disputes, and insurance litigation in state and federal courts. Brady has successfully tried several jury trials and bench trials as lead counsel and has also briefed multiple cases before the Indiana Court of Appeals. [ Attorney Bio ]
