Indiana Injury And Family Lawyer BlogAlcohol Appears to be a Factor in Wrong-Way Collision
Accidents caused by wrong-way drivers are unfortunately more common than you might think, especially in Indiana. It’s baffling to consider how someone could end up driving in the wrong direction on a street or highway, but it happens time and time again—and alcohol is often a factor. These crashes can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with serious injuries and life-altering challenges. A recent crash in Indiana shows how dangerous wrong-way driving can be. In this incident, two drivers were seriously injured after a head-on collision involving a wrong-way driver. The crash occurred on a Friday evening around 8:05 p.m. on US 30 near County Road 700 East, highlighting how even well-traveled roads can become scenes of tragedy when negligence is involved.
According to reports, a driver traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of US 30 collided head-on with another vehicle that was traveling in the correct direction. Both drivers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Investigators believe alcohol played a role in the crash, which is unfortunately a common theme in wrong-way driving incidents. When a driver is intoxicated, their ability to make safe decisions is severely impaired, and they may not even realize they’re heading in the wrong direction until it’s too late. While the intoxicated driver may face criminal charges, such as driving under the influence (DUI), these charges are separate from any civil claims that the victims may pursue. A criminal case focuses on punishing the wrongdoer, but it doesn’t provide compensation for the victims’ injuries, medical bills, or other losses. To recover damages, victims must file a civil lawsuit, which is where an experienced personal injury attorney can make all the difference.
Even when a driver is intoxicated or otherwise breaking the law at the time of an accident, their auto insurance company is still required to provide coverage for the damages they cause. Liability insurance is designed to protect victims in these situations, but that doesn’t mean the insurance company will make it easy to recover what you deserve. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible. They may try to downplay the severity of your injuries, argue that you share some fault for the accident, or even delay the claims process in hopes that you’ll settle for less. This is why having a skilled Indiana accident attorney on your side is so important. They’ll handle the negotiations with the insurance company and fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.
A qualified Indiana accident attorney knows how to build a strong case on your behalf. This includes conducting thorough investigations, gathering evidence from the scene, reviewing police reports, and consulting with experts to reconstruct the accident. In cases involving a wrong-way driver who was intoxicated or violated traffic laws, your attorney can leverage these facts to strengthen your claim. They’ll work to secure compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover tangible losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, while non-economic damages address intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. For example, if you’ve been unable to work due to your injuries, your attorney will ensure that your lost income is included in your claim. Similarly, if the accident has left you with chronic pain or emotional trauma, they’ll fight to ensure you’re compensated for these ongoing challenges.
Where to Turn After an Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a wrong-way driving accident, especially one involving a drunk driver, it’s crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The accident lawyers at Padove Law are here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand how overwhelming the aftermath of an accident can be, and we’re committed to standing by your side every step of the way. With nearly 40 years of experience protecting the rights of accident victims, our team has the knowledge and dedication to secure the justice and financial recovery you need to move forward. Call Padove Law today at 877-446-5294 for your free consultation. You won’t pay unless we win, so there’s no risk in reaching out. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery. Your rights matter, and we’re here to fight for them.