Car Accidents

November 16, 2024

Officer-Involved Crash Sends Two to the Hospital

Indiana and Illinois roads, like those in any state, can present challenges for drivers due to a combination of traffic, changing weather conditions, and the occasional human error. Even the most experienced and well-trained drivers are not immune to making mistakes, and this includes law enforcement officers, who spend a significant amount of time behind the wheel while working to ensure public safety. Unfortunately, accidents involving police vehicles are not uncommon. Recently, a crash involving a police cruiser in Chicago resulted in two people being sent to the hospital with injuries, highlighting the risks that all road users face.

The accident occurred at the intersection of 169th and Southeastern Avenue around 7:45 p.m. A vehicle traveling southbound on Southeastern ran a red light, colliding with the westbound squad car. Preliminary reports indicate that the police were not at fault in this case. However, it’s important to note that police officers, whether on duty or off, are not infallible. They, too, can make mistakes or act negligently, resulting in accidents. Pursuing a personal injury claim against a police officer or their department can be particularly challenging due to the legal complexities involved, including qualified immunity.

Qualified immunity often shields government employees, such as police officers, from liability in certain situations, especially when they are acting within the scope of their official duties. However, this protection does not mean they are above the law. Officers can still be held accountable if their actions are proven negligent or reckless. When an officer is at fault in an accident during the course of their work, the jurisdiction they work for—whether a city, county, or state—may bear responsibility for the claim. If the officer is off duty, this immunity generally does not apply, and the case proceeds much like any other auto accident claim.

October 31, 2024

Head-On Collision Involving School Bus Takes the Life of One Indiana Woman

by Burton A. Padove

Head-on collisions are among the most devastating types of accidents that happen on Indiana roads. When two vehicles collide head-on, the force of the impact is amplified, and when there’s a significant size difference between the vehicles involved, the risks of serious injury or death become even greater. This type of collision can be particularly severe when, for example, a small passenger car is struck by a much larger vehicle, such as a municipal bus or truck. Recently, a fatal head-on collision in the Crown Point area has deeply affected the local community and serves as a somber reminder of just how dangerous these incidents can be.

The crash that shook Crown Point involved a school bus and an SUV. Preliminary reports show that the accident occurred on 133rd Avenue in an unincorporated area of Crown Point, just before 8:30 a.m. The school bus, a large municipal vehicle, was traveling westbound when it suddenly veered off the road, reportedly striking a mailbox before swerving back onto the road. Unfortunately, the bus overcorrected and entered the path of oncoming traffic, where it collided head-on with an SUV. Despite the SUV driver’s attempts to prevent the crash, the collision could not be avoided. Tragically, the SUV driver—a 53-year-old woman—was critically injured and later passed away due to the severity of her injuries. Fortunately, the school bus had only two occupants, the driver and a monitor, who were taken to a medical facility for evaluation, and there were no students onboard at the time.

In Indiana, victims of head-on collisions are often entitled to relief and may pursue claims for personal injury or wrongful death against those responsible. When one party’s negligence leads to a fatal accident, such as a large vehicle swerving into oncoming traffic, families of the victims may be entitled to seek significant damages for their loss. Damages can cover medical expenses, lost income, funeral costs, and other losses, giving families some measure of financial support during an emotionally challenging time. However, seeking justice in these cases can be complex, especially when multiple parties might share responsibility for the accident. In situations like this recent Crown Point tragedy, several entities could potentially be held liable—ranging from the individual driver to the municipal agency responsible for the bus. This complexity underscores the importance of quick action by those affected.

October 14, 2024

The Difficulty of Pursuing Damages from an Injured or Deceased Party After a Car Accident

by Burton A. Padove

Indiana roads and freeways present constant risks, with traffic accidents being an all-too-common occurrence due to the dangers posed by both negligent driving and other factors that complicate driving conditions. From heavy traffic congestion to weather hazards, these factors make every trip a potential risk. For those unfortunate enough to experience an accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming, and the consequences far-reaching. Victims are often left not only physically hurt, but emotionally and financially burdened as well. Pursuing legal action or compensation while recovering from injury or coping with the loss of a loved one is an uphill battle. This is particularly true for people who are suddenly forced to face the legal intricacies of seeking recovery from a negligent party.

One such example of the dangers Indiana drivers face is a recent crash that occurred in Northwest Indiana, tragically resulting in the death of a 19-year-old driver and serious injuries to two teenage passengers. The accident took place when the car the teens were riding in collided with a semi-truck as it made a turn. Investigators believe the driver of the car failed to yield properly while making the turn, leading to the collision. This accident highlights how quickly lives can change due to a momentary lapse in judgment or error behind the wheel. The 19-year-old driver was killed at the scene, and the two teenage passengers, aged 14 and 15, sustained life-threatening injuries, requiring them to be flown to Chicago for treatment.

In many instances, passengers injured in an accident like this one, where the driver of their vehicle is found to be at fault, may have a legal claim against the driver or the driver’s estate if they passed away in the crash. It may seem emotionally complicated or uncomfortable to pursue compensation from someone close to you or from their family in the case of a fatality, but personal injury claims are not about placing blame on the deceased or those they left behind. Instead, these claims are about ensuring that victims, who may face substantial medical bills, pain and suffering, and financial loss, are made whole after the crash. Compensation may come from insurance policies specifically designed to cover these kinds of incidents, even when the responsible party is no longer able to speak for themselves. This is precisely where the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney comes into play.

July 12, 2024

Bypass Reopens After Major Multi-Vehicle Crashes in Elkhart County

by Burton A. Padove

A series of crashes over Independence Day weekend involving more than a dozen vehicles led to the closure of the bypass in Elkhart County, Indiana. The first incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. west of US-33, involving at least eight cars. Approximately an hour later, another crash east of US-33 involved multiple vehicles. Both incidents resulted in minor injuries, with several vehicles needing to be towed from the scene. Dense fog in the area is believed to have contributed to these accidents. This event highlights the dangers and challenges of pile-up accidents under Indiana law.

Understanding Pile-Up Accidents in Indiana

Pile-up accidents, or multi-vehicle collisions, are large-scale incidents involving multiple vehicles. These accidents often occur on highways and major roads and can result from various factors, including weather conditions, sudden stops, and driver behavior. In the recent Elkhart County crashes, dense fog significantly reduced visibility, contributing to the collisions.

Under Indiana law, pile-up accidents present unique challenges in determining liability. Each driver’s actions must be carefully examined to establish the events leading to the crash. The process involves collecting evidence from the scene, reviewing traffic camera footage, and interviewing witnesses. The difficulty of these accidents makes it hard to pinpoint a single at-fault party, often resulting in shared liability among several drivers.
The involvement of multiple vehicles increases the risk of severe injuries and significant property damage. The financial and emotional toll can be substantial, even when injuries are minor. Victims may face medical bills, repair costs, and lost wages, emphasizing the need for legal guidance and support.

June 22, 2024

Indiana Stop Sign Accidents

by Burton A. Padove

Stop signs are an essential part of road safety, but unfortunately, not everyone follows them. When drivers ignore stop signs, they put everyone on the road at risk. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident because another driver ran a stop sign, you’re not alone. Understanding what to do next can help you on the road to recovery and justice.

Why Do Stop Sign Accidents Happen?

Stop sign accidents happen for various reasons, most of which are linked to driver behavior. Here are some common causes:

Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted may not see stop signs until it’s too late.

Speeding: Speeding makes it difficult for drivers to stop in time, even if they see the stop sign.

Impairment: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to notice and react to stop signs.

Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and fog can obscure stop signs and make it harder for drivers to stop in time.

Understanding these causes can help you and your attorney build a strong case if you decide to seek compensation for your injuries.

April 30, 2024

Legal Penalties for Indiana Hit-And-Run Accidents

by Burton A. Padove

Hit-and-run accidents can have devastating consequences for both accident victims and their loved ones. Fleeing the scene of an accident can leave a victim helpless without any options for medical assistance. Hit-and-runs are not only harmful to victims and their families—they also can carry significant criminal and civil penalties.

As a recent news article sadly reported, one person died in a hit-and-run in Indianapolis, Indiana. When police responded to the scene, they found a person lying in the road. Sadly, they died at the scene. Local authorities are continuing to investigate the accident.

What Are the Penalties for an Indiana Hit-And-Run Accident?

People who commit a hit-and-run in Indiana may face a Class A misdemeanor if the accident results in bodily injury to another person. However, a hit-and-driver may face a felony charge if the accident results in moderate or serious bodily injury or if the driver had a previous hit-and-run conviction in the last five years. A driver may also face a more serious felony charge if the accident causes death or catastrophic injury. Finally, a felony charge can result if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol and caused serious injury, catastrophic injury, or death. The driver may face separate felony charges for each person who suffered injuries in the hit-and-run accident. A conviction can result in jail time or steep fines. Additionally, a hit-and-run conviction will likely result in a suspension of a driver’s license or even a full revocation.

November 15, 2023

Comparative Negligence in Fatal Indiana Car Accidents

by Burton A. Padove

Fatal car accidents can take a devastating toll on a victim’s family. When a person dies in a car accident, their surviving loved ones may bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible driver. However, the defendant will likely argue that the victim contributed to their harm, which may preclude a damages award. An experienced Indiana personal injury attorney can help you make the strongest argument that the victim was not at fault.

For example, a news article reported that one woman died and two people suffered injuries in an Indiana car accident. The Bloomington, Indiana accident occurred in the early morning as a car traveled in the eastbound lane. The vehicle then veered off the side of the road and struck a utility pole. According to local police, the impact of the crash caused the vehicle to spin into the westbound lane, leading to substantial damage. Sadly, the driver died at the scene. Two passengers were transported to the hospital for their injuries.

What Damages Are Available After a Fatal Indiana Car Accident?

After a fatal Indiana car accident, the deceased victim’s loved ones may seek damages against the responsible driver in a wrongful death action. These damages may be economic or non-economic. Economic damages are quantifiable awards that compensate for monetary losses resulting from an accident. These can include medical and hospital bills, funeral and burial expenses, and property damage. If the deceased was a primary earner, their family can seek lost future earnings to compensate for the loss of the deceased’s income. By contrast, non-economic damages aim to compensate for losses that are harder to quantify. In a wrongful death action, non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, or mental anguish. Additionally, the deceased’s surviving spouse may be able to recover damages for loss of consortium. Traditionally, loss of consortium compensated for losses such as a spouse’s domestic services. Today, the term often refers to the intangible loss of the spouse’s companionship and affection.

October 15, 2023

Indiana Fatal Accident Leaves Three People Dead

by Burton A. Padove

Fatal accidents can have a number of causes, but the effects are always devastating. When a negligent driver causes a fatal accident, the driver injures not only the deceased victims but also their loved ones. If your loved one has died in an Indiana car accident, you may be overwhelmed with medical and burial expenses along with extreme emotional distress. Speaking with an Indiana personal injury attorney can help you understand your options to help you recover damages resulting from the accident.

Recently, the Associated Press reported that three people sadly died in a fatal Indianapolis, Indiana car accident. The accident occurred as state troopers attempted to pull over a vehicle on suspicion of reckless driving. However, instead of pulling over, the driver fled from the officers and traveled through several city streets as the officers pursued the driver. Roughly five minutes after the officers ended their pursuit, the car sped through a red light and collided with another vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle died at a hospital. Two passengers in the speeding car also died from their injuries. Police arrested the driver, who suffered only minor injuries, on a preliminary charge of resisting law enforcement causing death.

Can You Bring a Lawsuit After an Indiana Fatal Accident?

If your loved one has died in a fatal Indiana accident, you may be able to bring a wrongful death action against the responsible driver. Indiana law provides that a victim’s family can sue the driver for negligence so long as the deceased could have sued them if they had survived the accident. Accordingly, the plaintiffs in an Indiana wrongful death lawsuit must show that the defendant owed the deceased a duty of care, violated that duty due to their reckless behavior, that their recklessness caused the fatal accident, and that the victim died as a consequence.

September 29, 2023

Indiana Labor Day Accident Kills Passenger, Injures Both Drivers

by Burton A. Padove

Many people take advantage of the long Labor Day weekend to go on vacation or visit family. When travelers drive home on Labor Day, they will often encounter heavy traffic. When drivers are stuck in traffic, they may drive erratically out of frustration, such as rapidly changing lanes. Those who are leaving a Labor Day party may even operate their vehicle while intoxicated. Not surprisingly, the risk of a Labor Day crash is high. In fact, National Safety Council estimated that 455 people may have died in a car accident this past Labor Day.

For example, a Labor Day crash in Indianapolis, Indiana left one person dead and two others injured. According to a news article covering the accident, police responded to the two-vehicle crash on northbound I-69. At the scene, police and firefighters found a vehicle with front-end damage and another with rear-end damage in the middle of the roadway. Sadly, one passenger died at the scene. The two drivers were transported to the hospital for their injuries. One of the drivers tested positive for illegal substances and a high blood alcohol content. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash, but they arrested the intoxicated driver.

How Can You Stay Safe in Holiday Traffic?

September 15, 2023

Motorcyclist Killed in Indiana DUI Hit-And-Run Accident

by Burton A. Padove

Driving under the influence (DUI) places everyone on the road at risk of a serious accident. When a DUI accident does occur, a victim will needlessly suffer if the driver flees the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident without seeking medical attention for an injured victim only worsens the victim’s physical and emotional harm. These injuries are especially tragic because they are preventable. If drivers chose not to drive while intoxicated or flee the scene of an accident, the victim never would have suffered injuries. A recent news article illustrates the deadly consequences of Indiana DUI hit-and-run accidents.

As the article reported, police in Indianapolis, Indiana law enforcement arrested a woman for causing a fatal hit-and-run accident by driving under the influence. According to police, the victim was riding northbound on his motorcycle when the woman struck him with her pickup truck. The woman then allegedly sped away instead of calling for help or reporting the accident. Tragically, the motorcyclist died as a result of the crash. Police located the hit-and-run driver shortly after the crash and claimed she was driving while under the influence. They subsequently arrested her for leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

What Are the Legal Penalties for Indiana DUI Hit-And-Run Accidents?

Under Indiana law, drivers who leave the scene of an accident have committed a crime. If a collision causes serious bodily harm, a driver who flees the scene could face high-level felony charges. Even minimal property damage can result in a misdemeanor offense, which carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and $5,000 in fines. The state will also suspend hit-and-runs drivers’ licenses. Indiana also imposes stiff penalties against intoxicated drivers. Indiana’s operating while intoxicated (OWI) laws who commit a first-time offense are guilty of a misdemeanor, which carries up to 60 days in prison or $50. The penalties area higher if the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was 1.5% or more. However, drivers who commit a second OWI offense within seven years are guilty of a felony, which carries even higher penalties.

Victims of a hit-and-run accident involving an intoxicated driver can also sue the driver for negligence. A criminal conviction against the driver does not prevent a victim from seeking monetary damages in civil court. If the criminal justice system does not provide adequate redress for your harm, you can work with an experienced Indiana personal injury attorney to file a negligence claim.