Auto accidents can happen even when you have safely parked your vehicle on the side of the road. If other drivers are acting carelessly, they may collide with your parked vehicle and cause a roadside accident. While roadside accidents have a number of causes, they too often result from another driver’s negligence. If another driver has harmed you in a roadside accident, you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.
For example, a recent news story reported on an Indianapolis, Indiana roadside accident. According to state police, two troopers were investigating a crash inside a police car when a semi-truck crashed into their vehicle. Both troopers were transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
What Are the Causes of an Indiana Roadside Accident?
A roadside accident can result from several causes, many of which involve a driver’s negligence. First, a common cause of roadside accidents is distracted driving. When drivers are distracted, they may not see a vehicle parked on the side of the road until it is too late. To minimize the risk of a roadside accident, it is important to avoid talking on the phone, eating, or “multi-tasking” until you have parked safely at your destination. Roadside accidents can also result from driving under the influence (DUI). Intoxicated drivers experience significant difficulty maintaining control of their vehicles. As a result, they may veer off the side of the road and strike a parked car. Furthermore, even if drivers are not intoxicated, they may be too drowsy to operate their vehicles safely. For example, if a semi-truck driver is working a late shift, he or she may grow distracted or drive carelessly due to a lack of alertness. In addition to a driver’s negligence, roadside accidents may occur after a vehicle part malfunction, a faulty guardrail or other road equipment, or a government’s failure to maintain safe road conditions.
What Damages Are Available for Indiana Roadside Accidents?
Plaintiffs who have suffered harm from a roadside accident can pursue several types of damages from the negligent driver. In a personal injury case, the most common category of damages is compensatory damages, which aim to place the plaintiff in the same position they were in before the accident. First, compensatory damages can include medical and hospital bills, along with the cost of future medical care resulting from the accident. They can also compensate for lost future earnings if a plaintiff cannot work after the accident. In addition to these economic damages, plaintiffs can seek non-economic damages for the psychological harm they have experienced following the accident. Courts often refer to this type of compensatory damages award as “pain and suffering.” Finally, an accident victim’s spouse may be able to pursue damages for the loss of their spouse’s comfort and companionship. Speaking with a skilled Indiana personal injury attorney can help you understand the different types of damages that you can seek in a negligence lawsuit.
Do You Need an Indiana Roadside Accident Attorney?
If you or someone close to you has suffered injuries in an Indiana car accident, contact Padove Law to discuss your options. Indiana personal injury attorney Burton A. Padove understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll of an auto accident on victims and their loved ones. Through his compassionate and skilled representation, Mr. Padove has secured significant compensation for his clients who have suffered serious harm. To schedule a free initial consultation, call 219-836-2200.