Unfortunately, negligence on the roadways comes in many forms. While distracted and reckless driving may be commonplace, it is also dangerous, and can easily lead to a car accident in Indiana.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Indiana with a negligent driver, you may be able to hold that individual responsible for your injuries and other losses. But first, it may help to get a better idea of what constitutes negligence and what kinds of distracted drivers are most often seen on our roads.
Types of Negligent Drivers
Types of negligent or distracted drivers you may encounter every day include those who talk on a cell phone or worse yet, text message while driving. Less commonplace are distracted drivers who read behind the wheel or even apply makeup.
A negligent driver may be someone who is distracted or knowingly puts others at risk by offensive driving.
In either case, drivers may be considered negligent when they:
- Look at objects outside of the vehicle (unrelated to driving)
- Reach for objects inside the vehicle (such as a cell phone)
- Eat behind the wheel
- Speed
- Drive under the influence of alcohol
- Drive aggressively
While some distracted drivers participate in blatantly reckless behavior, such as texting while driving or propping up a book on the wheel, other common behaviors could be just as damaging.
Distracted drivers may also include people who:
- Turn the radio dial while driving
- Bring unsecured pets with them in the car
- Light a cigarette while driving
What to Do After Accidents with Distracted Drivers
When you’ve been injured in a car accident in Indiana with a distracted driver, you may be able to file an Indiana car accident claim as a way to account for your medical expenses, lost income and overall physical and emotional suffering. But in order to receive compensation through an Indiana car accident claim, you’ll first have to be able to prove the distracted driver’s negligence.
This may be easier said than done, which is why hiring an Indianapolis car accident attorney may prove crucial to the success of your Indiana car accident claim. For instance, an attorney knows how to assess your accident to determine its cause.
In addition, an Indianapolis car accident knows that the root of distracted driving lies in:
- Taking your eyes away from driving
- Taking your mind away from driving
- Taking your hands away from driving
An Indianapolis car accident attorney understands that even seemingly innocent behavior in distracted drivers can cause a car accident in Indiana, such as when drivers crane their heads to look at car accident wreckage, squint to figure out street addresses or gaze at billboards.
Once your attorney has determined the root cause of your car accident in Indiana, he or she will work toward gathering evidence to support your claim, freeing you to focus on your recovery.