Distracted Driving Lawyer in Indianapolis, IN

man driving distracted and texting

Our Indiana Car Accident Lawyers Are Fully Committed to Prevention and Compensation for Distracted Driving

It is no exaggeration to say that distracted driving is an epidemic. The rise in hand-held device usage has exponentially increased the number of drivers distracted by talking, texting, or surfing the Internet while operating a car or truck. If you or someone you love has been injured in a distracted driving accident, our distracted driving lawyers can help.

With 26 years of experience as car accident lawyers in Indiana, the attorneys of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC handle your case with skill and tenacity to get you the compensation you deserve from a careless or negligent driver.

As a firm, we are also fully and personally committed to fighting this epidemic through legal action and community outreach. Please visit our community involvement page to learn more.

Aggressively Pursuing Claims Against Drivers Distracted by Talking and Texting

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2010. Following years of continued effort, the government has now banned texting and cell phone use for interstate truck and bus drivers and encouraged each state to adopt tougher laws for all drivers.

In Indiana, there are bans on:

And yet people throughout the state — especially the youngest and most inexperienced drivers — continue to endanger themselves, their passengers, and other drivers by talking or texting while driving.

As car accident attorneys in Indiana, we have seen far too many cases of serious injury and death caused by distracted drivers. We know how to pursue claims for resulting personal injury or wrongful death and fight back hard against insurance companies that refuse to be reasonable.

Though we strive to settle most cases, we are fully prepared and highly qualified to take your case to trial if necessary.

Distracted Driving Statistics

Statistics for 2010 from The Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) note that distracted driving was second only to speeding as the most common driver-related factors in fatal accidents. The agency also quoted research stating that the odds of being involved in a safety-critical event (e.g., crash, near-crash and unintentional lane deviation) are 23.2 times greater for commercial motor vehicle drivers who text while driving than for those who do not.

The research also noted that texting drivers took their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph in a large commercial truck, this equates to traveling the approximate length of a football field without looking at the road! It’s no wonder these phone-related accidents can be so devastating for victims and their families, with physical, emotional and financial consequences that can last a lifetime — or even end a life.

The FMCSA eventually issued bans on using hand-held phones and texting — including prohibiting employers from requiring their use — while the truck is in motion. Indiana’s Commercial Drivers License Manual, as in most states, actually encourages commercial drivers to abstain from even using hands free mobile phones. While the penalties and fines for violating this can be relatively significant, it takes a civil lawsuit to get victims the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one is injured in a large truck accident, contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC right away to be sure your rights are addressed.

Understanding the Types of Distracted Driving in Indiana

Distracted driving is defined as any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. Although text messaging is considered the most dangerous distraction, others include:

  • Talking on or manipulating a cell phone or smartphone
  • Eating and drinking
  • Talking to or interacting with passengers
  • Grooming
  • Reading, including maps
  • Watching videos
  • Adjusting a radio or other audio player
  • Using a navigation system

Commercial vehicle drivers, or their employers, who exceed hours-of-service limitations may even be subject to distracted driving charges when falling asleep at the wheel causes an injury accident.

If you need advice and prompt legal action for an accident you suspect was caused by someone texting while driving or drowsy driving, our lawyers in Indiana offer immediate response and thorough investigation.

Meet with a Knowledgeable Indiana Distracted Driving Attorney to Discuss Your Case Today

If you or a family member has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, we can help. Contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC online to schedule a free consultation.

We have several satellite offices and meeting locations. We serve clients in Batesville, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Anderson, Muncie, and Lafayette, Indiana. We’ll gladly set up an appointment at a location convenient to you or in your home.