It is not every day that you see a car going in the wrong direction, and when such is the case, it can lead to dangerous circumstances for all those nearby. Head-on collisions are considered the most harmful events in approximately 14 percent of all U.S. traffic fatalities each year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration.
According to a recent news report, a fatal accident occurred in Northwest Indiana on I-65 about one mile from the exit ramp at U.S. 231. A driver was killed when he was heading northbound in a southbound lane and crashed head-on with another vehicle as he attempted to flee a crash at a convenience store in Crown Point, Indiana, The other driver involved in the head-on collision also was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver of a third vehicle that was hit as a result of the crash suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
It is important to follow roadway signs and markers, as well as local laws, including speed limits, in order to ensure the safety of all drivers and pedestrians. If you are on a road and approach a wrong-way sign, the DOT advises drivers to stop immediately, pull over to the side of the road, and turn around when it is safe to do so. If you are driving and encounter a wrong-way driver, the DOT advises you to use caution, reduce your speed, pull over and call 911 to report. If your loved one has been killed in a head-on collision or wrong-way collision, you may consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit to receive compensation for your loss.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Indiana
Wrongful death lawsuits in Indiana involve a death caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. Survivors can file a lawsuit after they lose a loved one in a fatal accident to seek compensation after a wrongful death accident. Survivors may be able to receive compensation for losses such as medical expenses, funeral expenses, and lost earnings, for example. In the state of Indiana, there is a two-year statute of limitation for wrongful death claims, in other words, survivors must file their lawsuit within two years from the date of their loved one’s death. Additionally, there are specific rules regarding who can file a wrongful death suit as a survivor, so it is important to make sure you fall under one of those categories. It can be helpful to connect with an attorney who is experienced in handling wrongful death car accident claims so that you can understand whether you are able to bring such a lawsuit, how to file, when is the deadline for being able to file a wrongful death lawsuit, and what possible damages you may be able to recover if successful.
Are You in Need of an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or died in an Indiana car accident, contact Padove Law to talk through your options. Personal injury lawyer Burton A. Padove has years of experience representing Indiana car accident victims and their families. In the event of a devastating car accident, Mr. Padove will work tirelessly to assist victims in filing personal injury lawsuits and obtaining just compensation for their injuries. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact our office at 219-836-2200. We will not bill you for our representation unless we can win compensation on your behalf.