Advocates For Victims Injured By Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving is a growing problem on Indiana’s roads. With the rise of smartphones and other electronic devices, drivers are more distracted than ever before, which can lead to serious accidents and injuries. If you have been involved in a distracted driving accident in Indiana, seek legal help as soon as possible.
Our distracted driving accident attorneys at Doehrman Buba Ring specialize in helping victims of distracted driving crashes. We understand the complexities of personal injury claims and can guide you through the legal process during this hard time. Whether you were injured by a driver who was texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in another form of distraction, you deserve a car accident attorney who can fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact our expert legal team today for a free consultation.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. There are three main categories of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive.
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions are those that take a driver’s eyes off the road. This can include looking at a cell phone, glancing back at an accident, or checking on children in the backseat. These distractions can cause a driver to miss important cues on the road and increase the risk of an accident.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions involve anything that takes a driver’s hands off the steering wheel. This can include activities such as smoking, reaching for something in a bag, or programming a GPS. When a driver’s hands are not on the wheel, they have less control over the vehicle and may be unable to react quickly to potential hazards.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions occur when a driver’s mind is not focused on the task of driving. This can include daydreaming, driving while drowsy, or arguing with a passenger. When a driver is not mentally present, they may not be able to react quickly to changing road conditions or make split-second decisions.
While each category of distraction is dangerous on its own, many forms of distracted driving involve all three types. For example, texting while driving is a triple threat because it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention. Drivers need to understand the risks of distracted driving and to avoid engaging in these behaviors while on the road.
Types of Distracted Driving
There are several common types of distracted driving that can lead to accidents in Indiana. These include the following:
Texting
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. It involves taking your eyes off the road to read or send a text message. Even a momentary distraction can have devastating consequences. In fact, according to the CDC, over 400,000 people may be injured in distracted driving-related accidents in the US annually.
General Cell Phone Use
Cell phone use, in general, is a major cause of distracted driving accidents. This can include talking on the phone, checking social media, or browsing the internet while driving. Using a cell phone requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention, making it a triple threat.
GPS Navigation
GPS usage is another common form of distracted driving. While GPS can be a helpful tool for navigation, it can also be a distraction if not used properly. Drivers may become focused on the GPS screen instead of the road, increasing the risk of an accident.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving behaviors. When a driver is tired, their reaction time is slower, and their ability to focus is impaired. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries. It is crucial for drivers to get enough rest before getting behind the wheel to avoid drowsy driving accidents.
Analyzing the Data: How Distracted Driving Affects Indiana Roads
Distracted driving has a significant impact on Indiana’s roads. According to data from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents in the state. In fact, it is estimated that over 3,500 people lost their lives due to distracted drivers in 2021.
Distracted driving accidents can result in serious injuries and fatalities. When a driver is not paying attention to the road, they are more likely to cause a collision or fail to react to potential hazards. This can lead to severe injuries for themselves and others on the road.
The CDC reports that over 400,000 people are injured in distracted driving-related accidents in the US annually. Many of these accidents occur right here in Indiana. These accidents can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the victims.
Why Hiring an Attorney After a Distracted Driving Accident is Crucial
Hiring an attorney after a distracted driving accident in Indiana can significantly improve the outcome of your case. These attorneys are experts in personal injury law and know how to manage your distracted driving case effectively. They’re skilled at collecting hard-to-get evidence like cell phone records, which prove the at-fault driver was indeed distracted and at fault. This evidence is crucial and not something most people can obtain on their own.
In Indiana, there’s also something called the “modified comparative negligence law.” It means if you’re found partly at fault for the accident, your compensation might be reduced, even if you were injured by a distracted driver. A skilled attorney can argue your case to minimize your fault and maximize your compensation.
In addition to complex laws, insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible. Your lawyer will fight against these tactics to ensure you get compensated for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
By hiring a lawyer, you can focus on recovering while they handle the legalities, aiming to get you the compensation you deserve.
How Can Our Indiana Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Help?
Our distracted driving accident attorneys provide comprehensive support in the following ways:
Thorough Investigation: We conduct detailed investigations into the accident, gathering evidence such as traffic surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports to build a strong case.
Expert Collaboration: Our team collaborates with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to establish the full extent of your injuries and how the accident occurred.
Dealing with Insurance Companies: We handle all communications with insurance companies, advocating on your behalf to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Legal Guidance: Our lawyers provide clear, straightforward legal advice at every step of the process, ensuring you understand your rights and the implications of any decisions.
Maximizing Compensation: We meticulously document all damages related to the accident, including medical expenses, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering, to maximize your compensation.
Representation in Court: If necessary, we are prepared to represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to the judge and jury to secure a favorable outcome.
By leveraging our expertise and resources, our distracted driving accident lawyers aim to alleviate the stress of legal proceedings, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we work diligently to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Legal Recourse for Victims of Distracted Driving in Indiana
Victims of distracted driving in Indiana have legal recourse to seek compensation for their injuries and damages. By filing a personal injury claim, they can hold the other driver accountable for their negligence. Contact our distracted driving accident lawyers to understand the legal options available to you.
Proving Distracted Driving in Court
To effectively demonstrate that distracted driving led to an accident, it’s essential to compile comprehensive evidence that illustrates the driver’s negligence. This process can involve:
- Cell Phone Records: These are pivotal in showing whether the driver was texting, calling, or otherwise occupied with their phone at the time of the incident.
- Police Reports: These documents detail the accident and may include observations or witnesses’ statements indicating distracted driving.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Testimonies from witnesses can offer further insights into the driver’s behavior just before the accident.
- Accident Timing: The timing of the accident can play a role, especially if it happened during periods known for distracting activities (like rush hour).
A skilled lawyer specializing in distracted driving cases can efficiently gather this evidence and present it in court. By doing so, they can help prove the distracted driver’s fault and secure rightful compensation for your losses and injuries.
Compensation for Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents In Indiana
Victims of distracted driving accidents in Indiana may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and damages. There are several types of compensation available for victims of distracted driving accidents in Indiana. These include:
- Medical expenses: Victims can seek compensation for the cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Wrongful death: In cases where a loved one has been killed in a distracted driving accident, the surviving family members may be eligible to seek compensation for their loss.
- Financial compensation: Victims can seek compensation for lost wages and future earning capacity if their injuries prevent them from working.
- Property damage: Compensation can be sought for the repair or replacement of damaged vehicles or other property.
Consult with a distracted driving accident lawyer to understand the specific types of compensation available in your case and to ensure that you receive the full amount you are entitled to.
How is Compensation Calculated in Indiana Distracted Driving Cases?
Compensation in distracted driving cases is typically calculated based on the concept of modified comparative negligence. This means that the amount of compensation you receive may be reduced if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident. Also, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you may not be able to receive any compensation.
Insurance companies and courts will assess the degree of negligence of all parties involved in the accident. If you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, your compensation may be reduced by 10% to $90,000.
It is vital to work with an experienced distracted driving accident attorney to ensure that your degree of fault is accurately assessed and the negligent driver is held accountable. Our lawyers can gather evidence to support your claim and argue against any attempts to assign an excessive percentage of fault to you. By building a strong case, your Doehrman Buba Ring car accident lawyer can help maximize your compensation and ensure that you receive the amount you deserve.
Contact The Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers at Doehrman Buba Ring Today
If you have been involved in a distracted driving accident in Indiana, contact Doehrman Buba Ring today. We have a team of expert attorneys who specialize in personal injury claims, including distracted driving accidents.
Our lawyers have the knowledge and expertise to handle these complex cases and fight for the compensation you deserve. We are committed to providing personalized attention and dedicated advocacy for each of our clients.
Don’t wait to seek legal help after a distracted driving accident. Contact Doehrman Buba Ring today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards getting the compensation you deserve.
