Indiana Injury And Family Lawyer Blog

With the spring season, we can expect motorcyclists to hit the roads of Northern Indiana. We're already seeing temps in the high 70s, which serves up some fine motorcycle weather. Unfortunately, the increase in this kind of traffic comes with some serious risks for accidents.

Our Highland motorcycle accident attorneys understand that there were close to 3,500 motorcyclists involved in traffic accidents in the state in 2009. More than 110 of those motorcyclists were killed in those accidents. We're turning to passenger car drivers to help with the safety of these vulnerable travelers.

With help from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, we're dropping a little knowledge on drivers to help to raise awareness about motorcyclists out there. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation urges drivers of all kinds to give these two-wheeled travelers their space. You don't want to cause an accident. Injuring or killing a motorcyclist rider is something you would have to live with for the rest of your life -- and nobody wants that guilt.

Here are some things you should know about motorcycle riders:

-There are a lot more passenger vehicles, cars and trucks out there. Because of that, some drivers don't even recognize motorcyclists. It's important that we don't ignore these drivers. They might actually need more attention than any other vehicle out there.

-They can easily get lost in your blind spots. This is why you want to make sure that these spots are clear before making a maneuver in traffic. Physically turn and check your blind spots before turning or changing lanes.

-They can look farther away than they actually are. Because they're so small, it may be tough to judge their distance as well as their speed. If you see a motorcycle at an intersection or anywhere near you, make sure you always predict that it's closer than it appears to be.

-The brake lights on motorcycles don't always activate when a motorcycle is slowing down. Many riders slow down by simply downshifting, which doesn't turn on the brake light. This is why it's important not to tailgate these drivers.

-Turn signals on motorcycles aren't always self-canceling. Don't ignore the turn signal, but you should know that it may not be on and flashing to indicate an immediately turn.

-Motorcycles can't maneuver out of everything -- although maneuverability is one of their best characteristics. Don't put them in a squeeze.

-Motorcycles can't stop easily on wet surface. On dry, normal pavement, motorcycles can stop in about the same distance as our passenger cars.

-When a motorcycle is on the move, treat it as any other vehicle. They follow the same road laws -- and you should treat them the same. Don't share lanes with them.

With participation from drivers across the board, we can help to make our roadways a safer place for everyone -- and especially for our motorcyclists. With the springtime weather rolling in, check in with your driving habits and toss out those irresponsible ones. It's like spring cleaning for safety.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Crashes a Risk in Northern Indiana this Spring " »

Three people were killed in an early morning crash in Lake County, and rescuers reportedly found the vehicle submerged in a creek off Belshaw Road.

Our Lowell car accident lawyers understand that the deceased were identified as a 21-year-old male driver, a 20-year-old female passenger and a 40-year-old male passenger.

While investigators are still looking into how events unfolded, we recognize that Indiana's numerous bodies of water (18 rivers and four lakes - not including Lake Michigan) create ample opportunity for tragic scenarios such as this to occur. It's important for drivers and passengers to know what to do in the event of vehicle submersion. Fast, decisive action can often mean the difference between life and death.

In this case, authorities believe the vehicle was moving east on Belshaw when for some reason it left the road as it was rounding a curve. After digging into the grass, the car flew into the air and hit a tree before plunging into the creek and coming to a rest on its roof.

What we don't know at this point is whether the individuals inside were killed upon impact or whether they drowned. In many submerged vehicle situations, surviving the initial impact is the biggest challenge. That is why is is so important to always, always, always wear your seat belt. There is the mistaken belief that somehow wearing your seat belt is going to mean you'll be stuck in a vehicle if you land in the water. This is false. What's more, your ability to be alert and conscious upon impact is going to make all the difference in whether you'll be able to survive the vehicle's entry into the water.

If this is a situation in which you ever find yourself, the National Safety Council suggests the following:

• Brace yourself for the impact. As soon as you realize you are going to go off the road and into the water, put your hands on the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 position. This reduces your risk of injury or unconsciousness from the airbag's deployment.


• Do your best to stay calm. Panic consumes energy and air - neither of which you can afford to lose right now.


• Unbuckle your seat belt. People often forget to do this, but it's the very first thing you need to take care of.


• Unbuckle the children, starting with the oldest, who may be able to help with the others.


• Forget your cell phone. People have lost their lives trying to dial 911 in a sinking car.


• Open the window. Forget the door. An electric window should still work for up to three minutes in the water.


• If you can't get the window open manually, your focus needs to be on breaking it, either with an object or your foot.


• Once the window is open, grab the children, take a deep breath and swim out and up.

Continue reading "Indiana Car Accident in Creek Claims Three Lives " »

Even though it's been about a year since teens in our state were banned from texting behind the wheel, about half of all teenage Hoosiers admit to still doing it. With these young drivers out of school, they'll be hitting the road for what's become known as the 100 Deadliest Days for car accidents in Highland and elsewhere.

The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the deadliest of the year for young drivers, according to INC NOW.

For this reason, AT&T members are hitting the road and reaching out to teens across the country through the "It Can Wait" campaign. This is a campaign to get teens to stop texting behind the wheel. Statistics prove that teens between the ages of 13- and 18-years-old send about 60 text messages a day. Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller joined other leaders around the state, AT&T representatives and students at New Tech Academy recently to raise awareness about the importance of keeping their eyes and their mind on the road while keeping electronic devices out of the driver's seat.

Highland car accident lawyers understand that it's not only about the safety of these young drivers, it's also about the responsible motorists that share the road with them. When a driver is distracted, everyone is at risk. To help to educate our state's teens about these dangers, students were offered a try in a new simulator to see just how good their skills were behind the wheel when engaging in distractions. The simulator showed all of the teens that they were at some serious risks for an accident when they were texting behind the wheel.

"It was hard to see what else was going on. People would just walk out and there were deer and dogs and kids," said Haleigh Hunly, a student at New Tech Academy.

When it all boils down, a driver who is texting behind the wheel is close to 25 times more likely to get into an accident. There's no getting around it, texting while driving requires your eyes to come off of the roadway. For text messages, drivers take their eyes of the road for about 4.5 seconds. If you're driving at 55 miles per hour and text message, then you could drive the length of a football field during that time and never see what's going on around you.

In the state, drivers who are busted text messaging while driving face a fine of $25. For the second offense and so on and so forth, drivers face a $50 fine. Drivers who are 18-years-old and younger are not only prohibited from talking on a cell phone behind the wheel, but they're also prohibited from texting, too.

Parents are asked to reinforce our state's laws and ask their teens to be responsible behind the wheel and to keep the distractions out of the driver's seat. Working to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of distracted driving can help to improve roadway safety for everyone.

Continue reading "Teens and Risks for Car Accidents in Highland and Elsewhere during Summer Season " »

Indiana drivers are still coping with the dangers of winter weather conditions on our roadways. To help to reduce the risks of a weather-related car accident in Indianapolis or elsewhere throughout the state, there are a few safe driving tips you should keep in mind on every car ride.

Our Indiana car accident attorneys and the Indiana State Police are offering Hoosiers and visitors a few winter driving safety tips to help to keep drivers safe. First, we ask all motorists to prepare themselves for the dangerous conditions. Before you head out, check the weather and traffic conditions. If you have a passenger riding along with you, make sure they know where you're headed so they can help you with driving directions. This way you can keep all of your attention on the roadways and avoid the distractions of a map or a GPS.

Before you head out, also make sure your gas tank is full. You don't want to get stranded in the biting cold because you failed to put gas in your car. You're also urged to keep a winter driving kit with you at all times. This kit should include a flashlight, some extra batteries, blankets to keep you warm in case you break down, a brightly colored cloth to tie to your antenna to signal help, sand (or cat litter), a candle, some matches, a shovel, non-perishable foods that have a high calorie count, a cell phone, jumper cables and a first-aid kit.

Adjust your driving to the current road conditions:

-When there are poor weather conditions, give yourself extra time to get there by leaving earlier.

-Be sure to clear all your vehicle's windows of ice and snow. Remove snow and ice from the hood, the headlights, the roof and the taillights as well.

-Be cautious when traveling near bridges, shaded areas, underpasses and intersections. In these areas ice forms more quickly and takes more time to melt.

-Slow it down. Traveling at a slower speed will help you to increase traction between your tires and the roadways.

-Avoid using your cruise control on slick or icy roadways.

-Try not to start or stop abruptly. Slow down and accelerate at a slow speed. Keep your wheels turning to stop you from losing traction.

-To reduce the glare of your headlights on the ice, use your low-beam headlights.

If you get stranded, there is a whole new list of things you should do. Listen up! If you're car breaks down in the middle of winter conditions, your best bet is to stay with your car. It is the best protection you have after all. This is where that brightly-colored cloth comes in. Tie it to the antenna of your vehicle to signal to passing motorists that you need help. It may be cold outside, but you want to keep your window cracked to get some fresh air. Keep an eye on your exhaust pipe. If you allow it to get blocked, you run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep your exhaust pipe clear of snow and ice. Avoid panicking. Remember that an idling car uses about a gallon of gas every hour. If you kept your gas tank filled, you should have no problem.

Continue reading "Tips to Reduce Risks of Winter Weather-Related Car Accidents in Indiana " »

In the state of Indiana, all drivers who are over the age of 18 are allowed to use hand-held cell phones behind the wheel. According to the Governors Highway Safety Administration, every single driver is prohibited from texting behind the wheel. With such relaxed cell phone laws for drivers, distraction-related car accidents in Indianapolis continue to take the lives of far too many innocent people.

How do law enforcement officers know what a driver is doing on their phone? Are they dialing a phone number? Replying to an email? Typing a text message? According to Indiana police officers, it's almost impossible to tell the difference and for this reason, tickets are difficult to write.

Our Indiana car accident attorneys understand that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is working to get lawmakers to embrace a nationwide ban against the use of any portable electronic device by all drivers. This type of ban would help eliminate the confusion for officers in areas like Indiana that have varying text and cell phone laws for drivers.

Since Indiana officers decided to tighten their distracted driving-related laws and make it illegal for any driver to type at the wheel there's hasn't been a lot of drivers busted for texting, according to the Lafayette Journal & Courier. In the six months following the enactment of the law, the Purdue University Police Department hasn't issued a single ticket, says Capt. Eric Chin.

The same results have been reported by the West Lafayette Police Department.

"Quite frankly, the same movements required to do other things -- calling someone, checking a map -- are similar to texting," Lt. Gary Sparger told the newspaper. "Basically we have to see into the vehicle."

The law was passed as a part of HB 1129 and took effect last July. If busted, drivers can face fines up to $500. But officers are having a tough time pushing this law because law enforcement isn't allowed to take a driver's cell phone to determine is the driver was dialing a phone number of sending a message.

Only one ticket has been written since July in Tippecanoe County.

Sparger says that if officers are going to enforce a text message ban, then the laws need to prohibit drivers from using any type of cell phone or electronic device. Officials need to repeal the current law or rewrite it completely to make all of these activities illegal.

According to CNN, the nationwide ban on portable electronic devices for drivers is a long way from reality. Experts believe elected legislators will be hesitant about upsetting constituents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,000 people were killed in distraction-related car accidents in the U.S. in 2010. While most people recognize that distractions are dangerous for drivers and cause thousands of fatal accidents every year, drivers just aren't ready to hang up the phone.

Continue reading "Flaky Laws Fail to Reduce Risks of Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Indiana " »

The end of the year beings increased risks for serious car accidents in Highland. Thanksgiving is typically Indiana's second deadliest holiday season. Officers responded to more than 40 rural-area accidents, 20 of them involving deer.

Our Indiana car accident attorneys understand that we'll be soon experiencing another wave of increased risks for serious accidents as the end of the year draws near. With Christmas and New Year's upon us, residents across the country will be hitting our roadways in route to their holiday gatherings with friends and family. The increase in traffic leads to an increase in traffic accidents and ultimately an increase in the number of traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Motorists are asked to drive carefully, cautiously and alertly to avoid an accident this holiday season.

Drivers are urged to check out Indiana road traffic on WTHR 13's website before heading out on our roadways. It's wise for drivers to avoid congested roadways and to avoid driving during rush hour, nighttime and weekends. During these times on our roadways, accident risks are increased significantly.

To help ensure a safe arrival to your holiday destination, consider the following safe driving tips:

-Get Your Car Ready: Make sure that your car is serviced and that you're prepared for an unexpected emergency. Always carry a first-aid kit, a torch and a blanket.

-Get Yourself Ready: Make sure you're well rested. Plan out the trip before heading out and share the driving responsibilities. Take regular breaks to avoid driver fatigue.

-If You'll Be Drinking: Never drive after drinking. Plan a safe way to get way home. Have a designated driver or call a cab. If you can't find a driver, find a place to stay. Stay at a friend's house or get a hotel room for the night.

-Buckle In Children: Make sure that all children are placed in the proper child restrain during every car ride.

-Safety For Pets: Make sure your pets are properly restrained as well, for the safety of everyone.

-Towing: Always tow check when you're towing a trailer or a caravan.

-Brush Up: Revamp your driving techniques to avoid an accident through the holidays.

As our roadways get more and more crowded and as we head towards Christmas and New Year's, drivers are urged to be courteous and cautious on our roadways. Spread some holiday cheer and be polite on our roadways. Let's all have a safe and Happy Holiday Season.

Continue reading "Holiday Season Increases Traffic and Risks for Car Accidents in Indiana " »

Indiana State Police have seen it more than they want to remember-- drivers asleep at the wheel and the resulting tragic consequences. That's one of the reasons local officials have joined the efforts of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the National Sleep Foundation to support Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. This campaign has been ongoing all this week, and is being used to raise awareness among drivers about the dangers of drowsy driving.

Drowsy driving-related car accidents in Highland and elsewhere nationwide kill more than 1,500 people and injure another 71,000 every year. Drowsy drivers cause more than 100,000 accidents each year. These sleepy traffic accidents cost nearly $13 billion a year.

"People should use common sense if they're feeling tired," said Sgt. Bill Redman, St. Joseph County police spokesman. "You're putting you and others at risk."

Our Indiana car accident attorneys understand how dangerous drowsy driving can be. Many drivers underestimate the dangers of this behavior. According to a recent study from AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, about a third of drivers admitted to engaging in drowsy driving at least once in the last month. This number is alarming because more that 95 percent of those surveyed said that this driving behavior was completely unacceptable. Too many drivers believe that they can just push through the sleepiness behind the wheel and they couldn't be more wrong.

A person who has been awake for 20 hours straight has the same reaction abilities as someone who is legally drunk, with a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08, according to WSBT.

"That driving behavior mimics someone drinking and driving," said Indiana State Police spokesman Sgt. Trent Smith.

Indiana has experienced more than 4,600 drowsy driving-related accidents in the last year. These accidents have resulted in nearly 1,500 injuries and nearly 30 deaths.

According to Smith, these accidents most commonly happen when drivers travel too many miles without getting enough sleep. He says the accidents are oftentimes seen on highways, like the Indiana Toll Road.

Symptoms of drowsiness at the wheel:

-Feeling irritable.

-Trouble keeping your eyes open.

-Feeling restless.

-Yawning excessively.

-Daydreaming.

-Swerving your vehicle in and out of your lane.

-Trouble keeping your head up.

-Feeling aggressive.

-Missing road signs and street lights.

-Having difficult remembering the last couple of miles you drove.

If you notice any of these symptoms while driving, you're urged to pull over and take a break. One of the biggest mistakes that a driver can make is trying to power through the sleepiness. When you do this, you're setting yourself up for microsleep, which is 3 to 4 second time periods when you actually fall asleep behind the wheel.

Remember to get plenty of rest before heading out on a long road trip, to stop and rest every 2 hours or every 100 miles, drive with a passenger when feasible, and know when to pull over and take a break.

"Drowsy driving is a major traffic safety problem that, unfortunately, is largely unrecognized," said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger.

Continue reading "State Police Support Drowsy Driving Prevention Week to Help Reduce Traffic Accidents in Indiana " »

Halloween is right around the corner and kids across the state are gearing up for some serious trick-or-treating. Haunted houses are spooking neighborhoods, witches are flying though treetops and jack-o-lanterns are lighting up the late-night sky. During this time of year, your child faces some of the most haunting risks for child injury in Highland and elsewhere throughout the state.

Our Indiana personal injury attorneys ask that all ghosts and goblins be extra careful on the 31st, whether trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, attending a Halloween party or venturing through a haunted house. Dangers lurk around everyone corner and serious injury could result if we're not careful. To help keep little monsters and rock stars safe this Halloween, we'd like to share a few simple safety tips that can help to keep everyone safe.

Southern Indiana Pediatrics offers these safety tips for safe Halloween fun:

-Consider face paint instead of a mask for your child's costume. Masks can obstruct your child's vision and can present serious danger when trick-or-treating.

-Make sure your child's costume is flame-resistant and the face makeup is non-toxic and hypoallergenic.

-Suit your little goblins up in comfortable shoes. Also make sure that their costumes fit appropriately so they're not prone to trip and fall.

-Be sure that all children who trick-or-treat after the sun sets have reflective tape on their costumes or are carrying a flashlight.

-Never let a small child carve a pumpkin. Let your child draw on a customized pumpkin-face design with a permanent marker. Children ages 5 to 10 should be allowed to carve pumpkins only if they have special pumpkin cutters that come equipped with safety bars.

-When you can't use artificial light, it's best to use a votive candle in a pumpkin.

-Make sure that all lighted pumpkins are placed on a sturdy surface. They shouldn't be set near curtains or other flammable objects.

-Never leave a candle-lit pumpkin unattended.

-Consider handing out healthy treats or other non-food items like spider rings, pencils, stickers or bubbles.

-Never allow your child to snack on candy while trick-or-treating. Make sure they're fed before they head out hunting for treats.

-Parents should examine all candy before handing any over to children. Remove any items that have been opened or tampered with.

-Remove all choking hazards from your child's treat bag. This includes peanuts, gum, small toys and hard candies.

-Make sure that your house is kid-proof for trick-or-treaters. Remove all trip hazards from your driveway, sidewalk and front door.

-Make sure that all exterior lights are working.

-Make sure that walking surfaces are dry and are clear of leaves and other yard debris.

For information on Halloween events in Indiana, visit the Muncie Free Press website.

Halloween is for every one of all ages. Remember to keep these safety tips in mind to help prevent injuries. Maybe it you're nice to your little trick-or-treater, he or she will share some of the sweets with you. Happy Halloween!

Continue reading "Halloween Info and Tips to Prevent Injury in Highland " »

The topic of distracted driving-related car accidents in Indiana has been a common topic of discussion in recent years. Both the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the Ball State Office of Health Education has been working diligently to spread the word about the dangers and the consequences of driver distractions, according to BSU Daily News.

Both organizations have been asking residents to sign a pledge to get drivers to curb distractions while driving. AAA and the Ball State groups push the "Heads-Up Driving Week," which takes place from October 2nd through the 8th. Recently the Ball State Office of Health Education set up a location in the Atrium for students to sign the "distracted driving pledge" as a part of the "Plz Dnt Txt N Drive" campaign. AAA is asking drivers across the state to do the same. The "Heads-Up Driving Week" asks that motorists across the nation sign a pledge to put away all driver distractions for the entire week.

Our Highland car accident attorneys understand how many innocent motorists' lives are taken because of distracted driving-related traffic accidents. In 2009, there were approximately 5,500 lives lost on our roadways because of these accidents. The good news is that these accidents are completely preventable. All we need is participation from drivers of all ages in the state.

"We are trying to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and the Indiana state law that went into effect in July," said Julie Sturek, from Ball State Office of Health Education.

The Indiana law Sturek refers to bans all drivers from using a cell phone while driving. Unfortunately, the distractions don't stop with cell phone use. Distractions can include smoking, eating, pressing the buttons on the radio, other passengers and "rubbernecking," whereby drivers slow down to look at vehicle accidents.

Distracted driving facts, according to Ball State Office of Health Education:

-Approximately 20 percent of traffic accidents that resulted in injury in 2009 reported the involvement of a distracted driver.

-Cell phone-using drivers are roughly four times more likely to be involved in a serious car accident.

-The use of a cell phone by a driver gives him or her the same slow reaction time as a driver who is legally drunk (with a blood alcohol concentration of .08).

-Drivers who text at the wheel are six times more likely to be involved in a traffic accident than a driver who is driving while impaired by alcohol.

-Cell phone-related distractions reduce brain activity by nearly 40 percent.

We're asking all drivers to take the "Heads-Up Driving Week" pledge and agree to curb all distractions for just a week. Distraction-related accidents are completely preventable. The first step in making our roadways safer is making a change within us. Take the pledge and urge your friends and family members to participate.

Continue reading "AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Ball State Office of Health Education Rally against Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Indiana " »

October 5th is International Walk to School Day. This week, various schools across the state will be participating in and coordinating a number of events to help reduce the risks of pedestrian accidents in Indiana.

Back in 2005, legislation was passed to provide funding to individuals states to help create pedestrian-friendly roadways. Politicians around the county understand the importance of safe routes to school for our school-aged pedestrians. Unfortunately, less than 2 percent of road spending is done with pedestrian safety in mind. Events like this help to shine light on these issues and to attract government attention. More importantly, they help remind parents of the risks.

Our Lansing pedestrian accident attorneys understand the need for safe routes to school for our children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 1,300 young pedestrians aged 14-years-old and younger who were killed because of traffic-related accidents in the U. S. in 2009. There were another 179,000 young pedestrians injured in these types of accidents during the same year.

Indianapolis schools participating in the festivities:

-Crestview Elementary: This school is coordinating a Walk to School with the Principal Event. This area has no continuous crosswalks or sidewalks. School officials are hoping to shine light on the need for crosswalks, trails and sidewalks in the area to help keep students who walk to school safe on our dangerous roadways.

-Center for Inquiry, IPS School 84: This school participates in a number of walk-related activities throughout the year. It's expecting a 60 percent participation rate this year.

-St. Thomas Aquinas: This is the third year of participation for this school. Parents, partners and volunteers all join together to help raise awareness during this time.

The International Walk to School Day started back in 1997. By 2002, there were approximately 3 million walkers across the globe who participated in the event. The organization pushes the event every year to help create healthier habits in children, to improve our roadways and to campaign for cleaner air.

Indiana Safe Routes to School Program is a year-long program that works the same initiatives as International Walk to School Day, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).

INDOT claims responsibility for looking over the Safe Routes to School Program. The DOT works with the program using federal funds to create safe-pedestrian initiatives.

According to the program, if the same number of kids who walked to school today was the same as the number of kids who walked to school in 1969, our country could cut more than 3 billion vehicles miles traveled every year. We would also be able to cut nearly 2 million tons of CO2 and nearly 90,000 tons of other pollutants from our air.

These eliminations would be just like taking 250,000 vehicles off of our roadways for one year. Aside from the benefits that our planet would experience from more walking, residents will benefit as well. Walking promotes a healthier lifestyle. With more pedestrians, there would be fewer vehicles and less traffic-related pedestrian accidents. Until that time comes, we all need to work together to stay safe on our roadways.

Continue reading "INDOT Joins International Walk to School Day to Raise Awareness about Pedestrian Accidents in Indiana " »

From 2000 to 2009, there were nearly 1,000 fatalities resulting from traffic-related pedestrian accidents in Indiana, according to Transportation for America. These accidents cost the state nearly $3 billion. Our state ranks 25th out of the 50 states for pedestrian danger. We surely aren't the worst, but we surely aren't the best.

According to a recent study that was conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety the relationship between a pedestrian's risk of death and the speed of the vehicle upon impact is directly correlated. This topic has been studied extensively, but had not been revisited in recent years. Older studies lack relevancy when compared to today's cars, technological advancements and modern street designs.

Our Highland pedestrian accident attorneys understand that bicycle and pedestrian accidents commonly result in serious or fatal injuries. Before concluding the study, AAA comprised a list of recommendations that local, state and federal transportation officials should consider to help make our roadways safer for pedestrians and all other travelers.

"It's time for a healthy reminder that Indiana's sidewalk and trail network is also expanding to serve a demand for non-motorized modes of transportation and recreation," said Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Commissioner Michael B. Cline.

The AAA Foundation reports that there were about 4,000 pedestrians who were fatally injured on U.S. roadways because of motor-vehicle-related accidents in 2009. Another 59,000 were injured in these types of incidents. Through the study of pedestrian accident data, the Foundation has determined that the speed of the involved vehicle was a top contributor in these accidents. Faster accidents more often resulted in serious or fatal injuries to accident victims.

According to the study, a pedestrian faces a 10 percent risk of injury when hit by a vehicle that is traveling just 16 mph. Pedestrians face a 25 percent risk at 23 mph, a 50 percent risk at 31 mph, a 75 percent at 39 mph and a 90 percent risk at 46 mph.

The risks increase just the same when calculating the risk of death. A pedestrian faces a 10 percent risk of death when hit by a vehicle that is traveling at just 23 mph, a 25 percent risk at a speed of 32 mph, a 50 percent risk of death at 42 mph, a 75 percent risk at 50 mph and a 90 percent risk when a vehicle strikes at 58 mph.

Indiana transportation officials continue to move forward with new plans for a Bicycle and Pedestrian Program that is aimed at increasing the safety of our pedestrians and cyclists.

Bicycle and pedestrian plans have recently been approved for the following communities:

-Fort Wayne

-Northwestern Indiana

-The South Bend-Elkhart area

-Muncie

-Indianapolis/Marion County

-Hamilton County, Bloomington

-Lafayette

-Anderson

-Goshen

-The urban portions of Clark and Floyd Counties

-Terre Haute,

-Madison

-Zionsville

-Kokomo

The AAA Foundation summed up its report with a number of safety measures that federal, state and local governments can look at to help reduce the risks of pedestrian accidents.

One of the first recommendations included reducing speed limits. Speed limits should be reduced in areas where a large pedestrian population tends to travel. In areas where fast-traveling traffic is a necessity, officials are encouraged to create a physical separation to keep pedestrians and motor-vehicle traffic separated from one another. The study also reaches out to car manufacturers, urging them to find ways to create smarter in-car technology that has the capability of detecting pedestrians who may be dangerously close to the vehicle and either alerting the driver or automatically rerouting the car itself.

Continue reading "INDOT and AAA Brainstorm for Ways to Reduce Pedestrian Accidents in Indiana " »

After yet another fatal trucking accident, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has decided to make another recommendation for commercial truck drivers to be banned from using a cell phone or any hands-free device while driving. The most recent accident took the lives of 11 people and destroyed some shops off Interstate 65 in Kentucky. The driver's phone records reveal that he was making phone calls and sending text messages just seconds before the fatal accident, according to Reuters.

In 2009, there were more than 100 large trucks involved in fatal trucking accidents in Indiana. Many of these accidents could have been prevented if there were more restrictive laws regulating driver distractions. These types of accidents are in fact preventable.

Our Highland trucking accident attorneys understand that mixing a distracted driver and a 40-ton commercial vehicle is a recipe for disaster. Often, these types of accidents turn deadly and cause serious property damage. With current laws and enforcement efforts, too many drivers are continuing to drive while engaging in a number of distractions on our roadways. Until more comprehensive regulations are enacted, motorists will unfortunately continue to suffer in these accidents.

"Distracted driving is becoming increasingly prevalent, exacerbating the danger we encounter daily on our roadways," said Deborah Hersman, chairman of the NTSB, according to Reuters.

According to the phone records of the commercial trucker who was heading down the Kentucky interstate, he made four calls within the minute before the accident. He also made nearly 70 phone calls and text messages within the 24 hours leading up to the accident.

The new recommendation from the NTSB supplements a proposal from federal officials. There have been previous suggestions of a complete ban on the use of all hand-held phones by commercial trucks and drivers of buses.

"This is the most comprehensive recommendation we've made," said Hersman.

The NTSB doesn't have the authority to make a proposal a law. The Board does have high expectations though. The recommendation has been sent over to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Previous recommendations have been transformed into laws in the past. The NTSB is using this platform as a catalyst.

Support for this type of ban is universal but authorities are having a hard time figuring out who's best to enforce it. If the proposal takes effect, lawmakers in every state would have to take action to help hold up its end of the bargain, according to FOX News.

"It's going to be pretty difficult politically to get that kind of law through a state," said spokesman for the Governors Highway Safety Association, Jonathan Adkins, according to FOX News.

As of now, there are more than 30 states that prohibit commercial truck drivers from texting behind the wheel. That means that the 2.8 million commercial truck drivers who were recorded in the U.S. in 2008 must pull over and park before sending a text. Unfortunately, that's not always the case and that's how people get killed.

Continue reading "New Proposal to Ban Hand-Held Devices Aims to Reduce Risks of Trucking Accidents in Highland and Elsewhere " »

Students in Vigo County are mourning the death of a classmate who recently died from injuries sustained in an Indiana teen car accident. The collision happened when the vehicle of the teen driver and her two passengers drifted into the path of another vehicle while traveling along State Highway 246. The two passengers remain in the hospital.

"She was a great art student she was really creative. I will always remember her smile and enthusiasm. It was her goal to get it done, she was going to graduate," said Christy Eileen, an art teacher at McLean High School, according to a WTHI Channel 10 report. The students and the faculty made posters and crafts to display at the student's funeral, the report stated.

Our Indianapolis car accident attorneys understand the risks that young drivers face on our roadways. Newly-licensed drivers possess much less driving experience than older drivers and are usually unable to properly judge the hazards and dangers on our roadways. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, young drivers in our state are required to complete two stages of restricted driving, or a Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) program, before receiving an unrestricted license once they've reached the age of 18. Unfortunately, recent studies illustrate that these GDL programs aren't as effective as one thought. Studies conclude that drivers who have completed the program are at more of a risk for an accident once they receive a full license than they faced in the program. Parents and guardians need to understand that our job doesn't stop once they've received an unrestricted license. Education and reminders need to continue long after our young drivers are out of school.

GDL programs first started in 1996 and according to a recent study that was printed in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 16-year-old drivers witnessed a 26 percent decrease in the rate of fatal accidents from 1986 to 2007. But, during this same time period, 18-year-old drivers experienced an increase of more than 10 percent in the number of fatal accidents. This increase in the older teen drivers completely wiped out any progress in the death rate for all teen drivers, according to CNN Health.

The GDL program in Indiana started back in July 2009. Through this program, 16- and 17-year-old drivers are under probationary restrictions until they reach the age of 18. These stages in the program are meant to expose young drivers to potential hazards gradually instead of overwhelming them with everything at once. Once they've mastered a level of driving, they're permitted to move on to the next stage.

"Right now, we're not getting the net effect across all teens that we're hoping for," says Scott V. Masten, Ph.D., author of the recent study cited in the JAMA article.

Experts believe that 18-year-old drivers are experiencing more fatal traffic accidents because youngsters are choosing to opt out of the restricted driving privileges and are avoiding driving until they're 18. Others believe that younger drivers are at more of a risk after completing the program because they're forced to miss out on valuable experience, meaning they've been coddled throughout the learning process.

The study reveals that no one is guaranteed to avoid a car accident, regardless of education. Parents are urged to continue to remind their young drivers about the responsibility and dangers of driving. No one is ever too old or too smart for a better driving education.

Continue reading "Students Mourn Victims of Indiana Teen Car Accident - GDL Programs Proven Faulty " »

A recent teen car accident in Veedersburg killed two Fountain Central High School students. Three teens were involved in the single-car accident that happened on the Kingman Road, according to Commercial-News.

Two of the teens were airlifted to local hospital. One was transported by ambulance.

The Fountain County Sheriff's Department reports that two of the teen motorists died shortly after arriving at the hospital. The third was last listed in stable condition at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Local sheriff deputies are investigating the accident.

Our Northwest Indiana car accident attorneys understand that car accidents are the number of cause of death for teens in the United States. As the new school year begins, we encourage all parents to discuss the importance of safe driving habits with their teen drivers. Many of these fatal accidents can be prevented with proper driver education and practice.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor-vehicle accidents account for most accidental teen deaths. About eight teens ages 16-19-years-old died because of traffic accidents each day in 2009. If calculated per mile driven, young drivers of this age group are approximately four times more likely to be involved in a car accident than drivers in older age groups.

The CDC reports that there were approximately 3,000 teens killed in car accidents in the United States in 2009. Another 350,000 teens were injured in traffic accidents throughout the year.

Although these young drivers, ages 15- to 24-years-old, account for 15 percent of the entire U.S. population, they make up approximately 30 percent of the costs resulting from motor-vehicle injuries -- or about $26 billion a year.

Here are some safe teen driving tips for parents to discuss with their young drivers:

-Set a good example. Make sure that you practice all of your own advice and safe driving habits when you're driving with your teen in the vehicle.

-Allow your child to have plenty of supervised driving time. Practice helps them to be more prepared for the hazards they're going to face on our roadways.

-Make sure you ride with them during various driving conditions. Ride with them during early morning hours, during the evening, in the rain and through the snow. All of this practice will help prepare them for unavoidable conditions.

-Don't allow them to drive with any passengers for the first six months after receiving their license. Passengers can be some of the most influential distractions and contribute to the risks of a fatal car accident.

-Require that your child call or text you when they arrive and when they leave their destination.

-Give them a curfew. Accident risks increase during evening hours.

-Create a parent-teen driving contract between you and your teen to help lay down ground rules that everyone can agree on. Make sure you lay out the consequences of breaking one of these rules too!

Teen drivers are more likely to underestimate dangerous driving situations or not be able to recognize hazardous driving situations. This ability comes along with experience, so get out there and practice with your young driver.

Continue reading "Teen Drivers Hit the Road this School Year Increasing Risks for Car Accidents in Indiana for Everyone " »

As we recently reported on our Indiana Injury And Family Lawyer Blog, students across the state are heading back to school this month and motorists need to be cautious these young ones on our roadways. A great number of children walk and bike to school, or use these forms of transportation. Motorists are asked to be extremely cautious on our roadways to avoid an accident that results in child injury in Indiana.

"The most precious thing we have as parents is our children. We want to make sure that when our children go to school...they arrive at school safely," said Sgt. Steve Whitaker with Indiana State Police.

Our Highland personal injury lawyers understand the dangers that pedestrians face on our roadways. These risks are greatly increased when the pedestrian is a young child. Young children don't fully understand the workings, patterns and dangers of passing traffic. We ask that all motorists be extreme cautious during the school year to help keep our young ones safe.

Here are some safety tips, from the National Safety Council, for your child that is walking to school this school year:

-Remind you child to always use a sidewalk if one is available.

-If there is no sidewalk for your child to walk on, make sure that they know to always walk facing traffic.

-Remind them that they should always cross the street at an intersection or at a street corner.

-Always accompany children that are 10-years-old or younger on their walk to school.

-Make sure that your child knows to look both ways for oncoming cars before stepping into the road to cross the street.

-Make sure that they continue to look left and right as they're crossing the road.

-Require that your child walks across the road. Never allow them to run. Running makes them more likely to trip and fall in the path of traffic.

Students that ride a bike to school need to be cautious as well. Parents are urged to talk to their young students about the following bicycle safety tips:

-Make sure your child always wears a helmet.

-Check to see if their helmet fits correctly. You should only be able to fit the width of two fingers between their eyebrows and their helmet.

-Make sure that your child is familiar with the bicycle laws in your area.

-Require that they always bike on the right side of road. Multiple bikers should always ride together in a single file-line traveling in the same direction as traffic.

-Bike riders should come to a complete stop before crossing the road.

-Bicyclists should not cross the street until they've received an okay from stopped motorists.

-Make sure your child is wearing brightly colored clothing so motorists are more likely to see them.

-Ride with your child if they'll be traveling before the sun rises or after it sets.

-Make sure your child's bike has lights and reflectors.

-Practice bike riding with your child so they're more experienced and knowledgeable when they hit the road alone.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic accidents are the number one cause of death for children between the ages of 3 and 16. This cause of death accounts for approximately 20 percent of fatalities of young ones ages 5- to 9-years-old. Your child is most likely to be involved in an accident with a motor vehicle mid-block and within residential neighborhoods. Talk with your child and make sure they understand the importance of safe travel habits. Again, we wish everyone a safe and happy school year!

Continue reading "Students Riding Bicycles and Walking to School Warned of Dangers of Child-Pedestrian Accidents in Indiana " »