Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Indianapolis and throughout the entire United States.. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 9 people lose their lives to a distracted driving accident every day.
Distracted driving is a term that refers to anything that takes a person’s attention away from the task of driving. While laws in Indiana prohibit texting while driving, cell phones are still a common distraction that have led to many accidents and injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by a distracted driver, you have the right to be compensated for your losses.
The experienced personal injury lawyers at Hensley Legal Group have been proudly serving people throughout the State of Indiana for over 20 years. We care about our clients and will do all we can to make a difference in their lives. Our attorneys offer all potential clients a free consultation. Schedule an at-home or virtual visit with a car accident lawyer at Hensley Legal Group today. Call (317) 526-1440, or fill out the online form.
What Are the Three Main Types of Distracted Driving?
There are three main types of distracted driving:
- Visual distractions: Drivers need to have their eyes focused on the road in order to avoid anything that could result in a crash. A visual distraction is anything that causes a driver to take his or her eyes off the road. Examples of visual distractions include looking at a GPS or reading a text message.
- Manual distractions: Anything that causes a driver to remove their hands from the steering wheel is a manual distraction. When a driver is manually distracted, he or she is no longer in full control of the vehicle. Examples of manual distractions include reaching for an item in the car or applying makeup.
- Cognitive distractions: Anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving is a cognitive or mental distraction. A driver needs to be able to completely focus on what is happening in the road ahead of the vehicle. Examples include daydreaming or talking with a fellow passenger in the vehicle.
Distracted driving is more than just texting and driving. If you or someone you love has been injured in an Indianapolis distracted driving accident, don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer at Hensley Law Group today.
Common Causes of Indianapolis Distracted Driving Accidents
The personal injury attorneys at Hensley Law Group know how dangerous distracted driving behaviors can be. We have represented many people who have been victims of distracted drivers and have helped them recover maximum compensation for their injuries and other damages.
The following are some common types of distracted driving behaviors in Indianapolis, Indiana:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Programming the GPS
- Eating or drinking
- Reading
- Adjusting the radio
- Conversing with a passenger
- Daydreaming
- Reaching for an item within the car
- Looking at landmarks
- Handling pets
How To Prove Distracted Driving Caused Your Indianapolis Car Accident
While distracted driving is one of the leading causes of Indianapolis car accidents, it is also one of the most difficult to prove. The liable driver probably won’t openly admit that he or she was driving while distracted. You’ll need to provide evidence that the driver’s inattention to the road is what directly caused your car accident.
An Indianapolis distracted driving accident attorney from Hensley Law Group can help you gather the evidence needed to establish fault.
Your Indianapolis car accident attorney may use the following methods to help prove the driver who hit you was distracted.
Police report
Law enforcement should always be notified after an auto accident involving fatalities, injuries, or serious property damage. The officer who comes will examine the scene, assess who is at fault, and write a report. If you saw the at-fault driver talking on the phone or engaging in another form of distracted driving, you should inform the officers on the scene and they will include it in their report.
Cell phone records
Texting and talking on the phone are two common forms of distracted driving. An Indianapolis personal injury attorney can subpoena the driver’s cell phone provider to obtain usage reports. Records of calls and text messages can be presented in court as evidence that the negligent driver was using a phone at the time of the car accident.
Witnesses
Statements from witnesses of your Indianapolis distracted driving accident can be invaluable in establishing fault. Pedestrians or passengers in another vehicle that saw the other driver was distracted at the time of the accident can be asked to give an official recorded statement or subpoenaed to testify in court.
Photos or videos
Videos from surveillance cameras, police dashcams, or passenger’s cell phones can provide concrete evidence that the defendant was driving distracted. These videos can be presented in court and used as irrefutable evidence to establish that the defendant caused the car crash.
Accident reconstructionists
The lawyers at Hensley Legal Group can hire an accident reconstructionist to help determine fault based on available evidence. With years of experience in analyzing motor vehicle distracted driving accidents, we can help demonstrate how the driver’s distractions are what caused the crash.
Compensation After Your Indianapolis, Indiana Distracted Driving Accident
During your initial free consultation, an experienced distracted driving accident lawyer will sit down with you and determine what damages you may recover. From there, our team can gather evidence to build a solid case for you and handle all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf.
You may be able to pursue damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Wrongful death
- Punitive damages
Contact an Indianapolis Distracted Driving Attorney Today
The best way to build a solid case against distracted drivers is to hire a skilled Indianapolis personal injury attorney. At Hensley Legal Group, our team has the skills, resources, and experience needed to investigate your accident, negotiate with the insurance company, and ensure you receive maximum compensation for your personal injury claim.
Motor vehicle accidents are just one of the practice areas that our law firm has years of experience in handling. We are dedicated to helping car accident victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve after their lives are turned upside down due to someone else’s negligence.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed by a distracted driver, the Indianapolis car accident lawyers at our law firm are here to help. Call our Indianapolis office at (317) 526-1440, or fill out the online form, to schedule an at-home or virtual visit.