Distracted drivers may cause catastrophic collisions
December 15, 2019
Indiana’s motor vehicle laws prohibit sending and reading text or email messages while driving. Catastrophic collisions can occur in a split second, and many vehicle crashes result from distractions that take a driver’s attention away from the road. The main distractions that cause vehicle accidents include eating, changing music and using a mobile phone, according to the Indiana Department of Labor.
If there are suspicions that a phone call or a text message contributed to a crash, a search warrant may allow investigators to retrieve cellular phone records. To obtain a warrant to gather evidence for a court case, however, law enforcement must first prove probable cause. An eyewitness may, for example, testify seeing a motorist with a phone in his or her hand at the time of the accident. An individual might also admit to using a phone while driving.
Truck driver texting on cell phone rear-ends motorist
As reported by the Northwest Indiana Times, a semi-truck driver distracted by texting rear-ended a 22-year-old motorist stopped at a traffic light on a stretch of Indiana 49 in Valparaiso. The sudden impact from the large commercial truck moving at 65 mph caused the motorist to incur long-term traumatic injuries. He may require cognitive and physical therapy for the remainder of his life.
The truck’s unexpected and severe force appears to have caused permanent damage to the young motorist’s brain. After enduring 15 different surgeries, the former National Guard service member still suffers from short-term memory loss, double vision and neck pain. He may never realize his dreams of working as a railroad conductor or law enforcement official. The jury’s award of $16.5 million includes punitive damages against the trucking company. Juries typically award punitive damages to serve as a warning to other individuals and companies.
When you've been injured in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, you deserve fair compensation for your losses. However, getting the maximum settlement from insurance companies is rarely straightforward. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and often take advantage of accident victims who don't understand their rights or the true value of their claims. This is where an experienced car accident attorney becomes invaluable. At Sarkisian Law Offices , we understand the tactics insurance companies use, and we know how to counter them effectively to maximize your car accident claim. Our team has helped countless accident victims recover the full compensation they deserve, and we're committed to fighting for your rights every step of the way. Understanding the True Value of Your Car Accident Claim Don't settle for the first offer from auto insurance companies, as it's often far below your claim's worth. 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Sometimes this investigation reveals evidence that wasn't included in the police report, such as traffic signal timing, road conditions, or visibility issues that help prove the other driver's fault. Witness Statements Witness testimony can be invaluable in car accident cases, especially when there's a dispute about how the accident happened. However, witness memories fade over time, and people move away or become harder to contact. Car accident attorneys move quickly to identify and interview witnesses while their memories are still fresh. They know how to ask the right questions to get useful information and how to document witness statements in a way that will be persuasive to insurance companies or juries. Expert Analysis Complex car accident cases often require expert testimony to explain technical aspects of the crash, such as vehicle speeds, impact forces, or mechanical failures. 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Choose Sarkisian Law Offices to Maximize Your Indiana Car Accident Claim Sarkisian Law Offices, maximizes compensation in car accident claims by understanding the local legal system and building strong cases. We take a personal interest in each case, working on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay legal fees if we win. We'll protect your rights, handle legal details, and fight for the settlement you deserve. Contact us today at 219-942-7171 or online to learn how we can pursue the compensation you need to move forward. Let us advocate for you while you focus on recovering from your accident.
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