Articles Posted in Car Accidents

A recent car accident in Munster was just one of 100+ driving offenses committed by a man who moved from Highland. When the man moved to Munster, Highland police contact the police department in the man’s new town to notify them of his driving record, according to the Munster Community. The man had received so many driving violations that the Highland police turned to the Lake County prosecutor’s office for help.

The department asked that his tickets be dealt by a different court to stop them from being dismissed. Still, these efforts didn’t stop the dangerous driver. Recently, he is accused of causing the drunk driving car accident in Munster that took the life of a Lansing man.As a result of the most recent accident, the driver was charged with nearly 20 traffic and criminal offenses. Those 20 offenses were added to the 100+ offenses that he already had. Some of the previous offenses included watching TV while driving, failing to obey traffic signals, driving without a seat belt, driving with a suspended license, driving without car insurance and speeding.

Our Highland car accident attorneys understand that the man also had two operating while intoxicated counts. One of them was dropped down to reckless driving while the other was taken down to a misdemeanor. When the drunk driving car accident happened, the man was driving on a six-month restricted license that only allowed him to drive to and from work.

“Law enforcement did whatever it could to keep him off the street,” said Highland police Cmdr. George Georgeff. “Once he moved out of our town, he pretty much stayed clear of Highland.”

Unfortunately these types of occurrence aren’t uncommon. According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, about 20 percent of all accidents that result in a fatality involve a driver who does not have a proper driver’s license. AAA examined accident reports from 2007 to 2009 in a recent study to get a grasp on just how many of these improperly licensed drivers there are on U.S. roadways.

Of the drivers who were involved in fatal accidents:

-Nearly 7 percent had a driver’s license that was either suspended or revoked.

-More than 1 percent had a driver’s license that was either canceled or denied.

-Another 5 percent were completely unlicensed.

These fatal accidents, involving improperly licensed drivers, took the lives of nearly 21,050 people.

With improperly licensed drivers, hit-and-run accidents and drunk driving accidents are much more common. More than 51 percent of the drivers who left the scene of an accident during the study time were improperly licensed.

With improperly licensed drivers come uninsured drivers. Motorists are asked to be cautious on our roadways. With no insurances comes a harder time covering the damages resulting from an accident. If you’re involved in an accident with an improperly licensed driver or with an uninsured driver it’s critical for you to contact an experienced lawyer to help you to get the compensation you deserve.
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In one day, three freight trains derailed. These train accidents in northwest Indiana left a number of vehicles mangled near the railroad crossing and residents in the area had to evacuate because of the smoke, according to ABC NEWS. Two of the six train employees aboard were transported to the hospital after the accident.One train was carrying mostly empty tankers of ethanol. That train stopped on the tracks when another train slammed into it. According to Porter County Sheriff’s Sgt. Larry LaFlower, a third train on the tracks quickly came up from behind and hit both of the cars. There weren’t any significant leaks reported, but scene is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Our Indiana car accident lawyers understand there were about 50 homes in the area that were evacuated because of the smoke from the accident. The real threat isn’t to the nearby homes, but to the people who travel through the railroad crossings every day. Residents, motorists and train riders are urged to be cautious near railroad crossings as many fatal accidents happen in these areas every year. Railroad crossing accidents, injuries and fatalities are often more catastrophic than other traffic accidents. According to the Federal Highway Administration, there were more than 136,000 railroad crossings in the U.S. in 2009. Out of these accidents, more than 42,300 crossings had gates, nearly 22,040 had flashing warning lights and nearly 1,200 have highway traffic signals, bells and wigwags, which are of railroad-grade crossing signal.

In 2009, there were nearly 2,000 accidents at public highway-railroad crossings in the U.S. Of these accidents, there were nearly 250 fatalities and more than 700 injuries. These catastrophic events happen as residents trespass too. These types of accidents are 100 percent preventable. In 2009, there were more than 430 people killed and another 350 injured while trespassing on railroad right-of-way and property.

Although these crossings are lined with gates, flashing lights and bells, drivers still find themselves to be the victims of these types of accidents all too frequently. You can avoid a potentially fatal railroad crossing accident by following a few safety tips from the Federal Highway Administration.

Railroad Crossing Safety Tips for Drivers:

-Always expect a train to be traveling on the tracks. Make sure that you can stop safely.

-Trains often travel faster than you perceive.

-Never rely on a train’s whistle to warn you of its location. Noise on or in your car can cause you to miss the audible warnings.

-Never try to cross the tracks unless you’re positive that you’re able to make it to the other side safely.

-Never change your car’s gears on a train track.

-Be careful of objects that can block your view of an oncoming train.

-Be cautious of the current weather conditions and its ability to hinder your vision.

-Plan your trip to take you through crossings with warning devices instead of unprotected ones.

-Never stop on a train track.

-When stopping for a train to cross, be sure to stay far from the tracks. Trains are wider than the tracks and extend into the roadway.
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Happy 2012! We’re sure everyone has made some great New Year’s resolutions, like to quit smoking, to get into shape or to explore new business ventures. But we’re asking everyone to make a New Year’s resolution that can really better the state. We’re asking all residents to make a New Year’s resolution to be a safer driver in 2012. By making this resolution, you can help to reduce the risks of car accidents in Gary and save lives along the way.Our Gary car accident lawyers understand that safer roadways start with you. Defensive and alert driving habits can help to make our state’s roadways safer for everyone. We’re asking residents to consider the following safety tips from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and make your way down the road to safer driving.

Safe Driving Tips from INDOT:

–Car. Keys. Buckle. Always make sure that you and all of your passengers are buckled in before starting the car. This is the number one most important thing that you can do to help protect yourself and the lives of your passengers in the event of a car accident. Wearing a seat belt reduces your risks of being killed in an accident by about 60 percent. Set a good example for your children and buckle up every time you’re in the car. Always use your seat belt properly. Only using the lap portion of the belt is ineffective. In the state of Indiana, an officer can pull you over and issue you a ticket for not wearing a seat belt.

–Never Drink and Drive. You should always avoid alcohol and drugs if you’re driving. Be sure to always have a designated, sober driver if you’ll be drinking. Alcohol-related accidents kill someone in the U.S. every 30 second. If you’ve been drinking and you don’t have a designated driver, consider using mass transit, calling a cab or staying at a hotel or a friend’s home.

–Pay Attention. It’s important to avoid the three most common driver distractions, cell phones, coffee and CDs. In 2010, there were more than 3,000 people killed because of traffic accidents that involved a distracted driver. These types of accidents are 100 percent preventable.

–Defensive Driving. Remember that aggressive driving can lead to unnecessary accidents. Aggressive drivers are unable to think clearly and focus on the road. If you spot an aggressive driver, get out of their way. Put your pride in the back seat and choose not to challenge them. You should avoid eye contact and shrug off rude gestures.

–Share the Road. Be on the lookout for commercial truckers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Be a courteous driver. Be aware of trucks “no zones” or blind spots. If you are unable to see the face of the driver, they’re unable to see you. Allow other travelers plenty of room. Never tailgate. Reducing the distance between you and another traveler reduces your reaction time.

Start off 2012 right and make the resolution to be a safer driver. The change starts with you.
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There were nearly 700 fatalities resulting from alcohol-related car accidents in Indiana in 2009. Of these fatalities nearly 250 were merely alcohol-related while more than 200 were the result of drunk drivers. Through the Christmas and New Year holiday, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is pushing its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. This campaign has been going strong since 2006 and in celebration of its fifth anniversary, MADD released a report rating each state on its efforts to reduce the risks of drunk driving traffic accidents. These types of accidents account for a third of all traffic accidents on U.S. roadways. These accidents are completely preventable, too. Unnecessary deaths results from irresponsible driving habits.”While we’ve made substantial progress with the Campaign…there is still much work to be done,” said MADD National President Jan Withers.

Our Gary drunk driving accident lawyers understand that Indiana was only ranked with two out of five starts in this report. The nation overall received 3 out of 5 stars in its fight against drunk drivers. Our state lacks a number of tools for meaningful progress in fighting drunk driving accidents. In our state, only some judges require ignition interlock devices for first-time DUI offenders, but legislative leadership is needed to require these devices of all drunk drivers. The report also says that our state should enact more penalties on those who are convicted of a DUI when a child is present in the vehicle.

States were ranked on their adoption of the following preventative measures:

-Requiring ignition interlock devices for all those who are convicted of drunk driving.

-Executing sobriety checkpoints.

-Enhancing penalties for drivers who are busted for drunk driving with children in the vehicle.

-Participating in “no-refusal” activities for those who officers suspect of drunk driving.

-Using some sort of Administrative License Revocation for those who have been convicted of a DUI.

Drunk driving accidents cost the nation more than $130 billion each year. These costs include about $70 billion in quality-of-life costs and roughly $60 billion in monetary costs. Local and state governments fork out roughly $3 billion while the federal government hands out almost $5 billion. Employers typically hand out nearly $11 billion. Of the $11 billion, nearly $4 billion related to accidents involving work trips while nearly $10 billion results from accidents that happen outside of work involving employees and benefit-eligible dependents.

During the holiday season, drunk driving car accidents are more common than during any other time of the year. The goal of MADD’s campaign is to ultimately to help to stop drunk driving accidents on our roadways. Please be safe through the remainder of 2011 and drive responsibly. If you’ll be drinking at a holiday gathering, please arrange a safe and sober way home. You’re also asked to keep an eye on your friends and family members to make sure everyone is making a conscious effort to keep our roadways safe through the remainder of the year. Enjoy safe and Happy Holidays!
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Three were injured in a recent Indiana car accident. The Indiana State Police report that the two-vehicle accident happened around 7:00 a.m. just north of Winslow on S.R. 61.The accident reports state that a 31-year-old driver was driving along 61 when she lost control of her vehicle because of the black ice. She slid across the roadway and into the path of a truck. The motorists were taken to Deaconess Hospital and to Jasper Memorial Hospital. Officers report that everyone was wearing their seat belt when the accident happened.

Our Gary car accident attorneys understand that drivers face serious risks on our roadways through the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Not only are the roadways crowded with holiday traffic, but motorists are left to deal with the onset of winter weather. To help preserve motorist safety on our roadways, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is here to offer some safe winter driving tips for drivers.

Winter Safe Driving: Ice and Snow, Take It Slow:

-Be Prepared: Before leaving your house, know the driving conditions. Check out weather and traffic conditions in the state.

-Clear It Off: Wipe off any snow on your car’s brake lights, headlights and windows.

-Check It Out: Examine your car’s tires, fluids, hoses, belts and wiper blades to make sure everything’s working properly.

-Time It Out: Leave with plenty of time to reach your destination to avoid rushing, aggressive driving or a traffic mishap.

Look Out For Mother Nature:

-The First Snow or Ice: Oftentimes drivers aren’t ready for the winter, or driving through it, and forget to slow it down. You’re urged to drive below the speed limit and to leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles.

-Black Ice: You may think a road’s dry, but it’s not. It can actually be very dangerous. Remain alert and slow it down when approaching off-ramps, intersections, off-ramps or bridges as these are all common areas for black ice.

-Limited Visibility: When you can’t see too well, slow it down!

-Four-Wheel Drive: When you’re driving on ice or snow, it’s important to drive slowly and cautiously, no matter what type of vehicle you own. Four-wheel drive may be able to get you going faster, but it’s not going to help you stop any sooner.

Caution Around Snowplows:

-Give ‘Em Room: These snow-removal vehicles are wide and can occupy several lanes of traffic. Never try to pass and never tailgate.

-Slow It Down: These vehicles travel slower than the posted speed limit. Give them plenty of time.

-Be Visible: These vehicles have a restricted field of vision. You might be able to see them, but they’re not always able to see you.

Car accidents are typically more common during the holiday season, adding in winter weather does nothing to reduce these risks. That’s why we’re asking driver to be cautious and remain alert on our roadways through the remainder of 2011 and well into 2012. Have a safe and Happy Holiday!
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Indiana was the 32nd state to make text messaging while driving illegal. The law took effect on the 1st of July. Drivers can be fined up to $500 if busted, according to Hands-Free Info. The law was signed by Governor Mitch Daniels back on May 11th and is being used to reduce the risks of distraction-related car accidents in Highland and elsewhere.”Distraction is still a factor in too many serious crashes. But, the bill signed by Gov. Daniels will help make Indiana roads safer,” U.S. Transportation secretary Ray LaHood.

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Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time to give thanks and to spend your time with cherished friends and family. Unfortunately, nearly 450 people will die in car accidents in Indiana and elsewhere during the upcoming holiday weekend, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Another 43,500 people are expected to be injured badly enough to require professional medical attention during the 4.25 day holiday weekend.The Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend officially begins at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23rd and runs through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 27th. The new fatality estimates from the NSC are about 20 percent less than the average of the actual fatalities from the last six years.

Our Gary car accident attorneys understand the increased number of expected travelers equates to more risks for crashes on our roadways. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that nearly 43 million people will be traveling more than 50 miles from their home during the upcoming holiday weekend. This is up 4 percent from the 41 million who traveled for the 2010 holiday.

Gas prices are higher now than they were last year though. During the 2010 Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend, the average price per gallon was $2.88. This year’s average per gallon price is $3.39, according to CNN.

Memorial Day travel remained about the same for both 2010 and 2011, but travel for Labor Day and for Independence Day decreased from 2010 to 2011. Many experts believe that the decrease in travel is because of the increase in the price at the pump. Experts go on to conclude that travel will increase for the Thanksgiving holiday because Americans are sick of staying home and are swallowing their financial fear for some enjoyment on Turkey Day.

“Driving AAA’s projected increase in the number of Thanksgiving travelers is pent-up demand from Americans who may have foregone holiday travel the last three years,” said Bill Sutherland, vice president of AAA Travel Services.

With the increase in travelers during Thanksgiving, driving will still be the most dominant form of transportation for vacationers. Expectations for air travel are mixed. The Air Transport Association of America is forecasting a 2 percent decrease in the number of air travelers this year, while AAA is expecting a 2 percent increase.

Our Gary car accident attorneys would like to ask drivers to be safe, no matter how far you’re traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. All vehicle occupants should wear a seat belt at all times. These safety devices have been proven to be 45 percent effective in preventing death among front-seat passenger car occupants in the event of an accident. With this known information, about 150 people are expected to be saved over the holiday weekend because of seat belts. If everyone were to wear a seat belt, another 110 lives could be saved, says AAA.

The average number of traffic-related deaths over the last six Thanksgiving holiday weekends was more than 10 percent higher than the number of fatalities during similar non-holiday periods.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day weekend and drive safely on our roadways!
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