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Despite laws banning texting and phone use while behind the wheel, distracted driving remains one of the most significant contributors to traffic accidents across Indiana. Distraction comes in three forms: visual (eyes off the road), manual (hands off the wheel), and cognitive (mind off the task). Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it involves all three.
If you were injured in a crash and believe the other driver was distracted, an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer can help determine what really happened. Proving distraction isn’t always easy, but the right legal strategy can uncover key evidence and strengthen your claim for full compensation.
Why Distracted Driving Accidents Are So Dangerous
One alarming car accident statistic is that nearly 1.3 million people worldwide die in car crashes each year, and many of these deaths are preventable. Inattention is a recurring theme.
Distraction increases the chance of collisions by slowing reaction times, causing drivers to miss traffic signals, drift into other lanes, or fail to brake in time. Rear-end accidents, side-swipes, and intersection crashes are often the result of someone looking down at their phone instead of focusing on the road ahead.
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What Are the Most Common Types of Distracted Driving?
Determining what counts as distracted driving is key to identifying fault after a crash. Here are the distraction types drivers most often engage in:
- Texting or using a smartphone
- Adjusting GPS or dashboard controls
- Eating, drinking, or grooming
- Talking to passengers or children
- Reaching for objects
- Daydreaming or zoning out
If rain, fog, or icy roads are involved, understanding how weather can affect your car accident case in Indiana becomes crucial. Combined with distraction, hazardous conditions significantly increase the risk of serious injury.
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What Indiana Law Says About Distracted Driving
Under Indiana Code § 9-21-8-59, drivers are prohibited from holding or using a telecommunications device while operating a moving motor vehicle, unless the device is used in conjunction with hands-free or voice-operated technology. An exception is made for contacting emergency services, such as calling 911.
Importantly, Indiana’s law is subject to primary enforcement. This means that law enforcement officers can stop and cite drivers solely for violating the hands-free statute, without needing any other traffic offense to have occurred. Violations can result in fines and points on the driver’s license.
If you’re in a car accident with a suspended license, you could face serious legal consequences. Driving on a suspended license is typically a Class A infraction, punishable by fines up to $10,000.
Furthermore, if distracted driving results in a fatal crash, the driver may face serious criminal charges. Under Indiana Code § 35-42-1-5, this can include reckless homicide—defined as the reckless killing of another person—which is classified as a Level 5 felony under state law.
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How to Prove the Other Driver Was Distracted
A strong legal investigation can uncover key evidence of distraction. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we gather evidence from various sources:
- Eyewitness testimony from passengers, other drivers, or pedestrians
- Police crash reports that document cell phone use or mention driver inattention
- Phone records, which can be subpoenaed during the discovery process
- Dashcam or traffic camera footage showing behavior before the crash
Distracted driving isn’t always obvious at the scene, but with the right legal approach, it can be proven. Our team uses discovery tools, expert analysis, and thorough documentation to show what really happened.
Multi-Vehicle Collisions Caused by Distraction
Distraction often leads to complex chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles. Some common scenarios include:
- Failure to brake, resulting in multi-car pileups
- Drifting into another lane, causing sideswipes or head-on collisions
- Misjudging intersections or turns, leading to T-bone accidents
In these cases, more than one driver may share liability. Insurance companies will analyze speed, braking patterns, road conditions, and any available dashcam or traffic footage to determine fault. Liability isn’t always clear-cut, but we can help you build a solid, evidence-backed case that supports your version of events.
If another vehicle caused you to hit another car, you may still have a valid claim. Indiana law recognizes situations where one driver’s reckless or distracted behavior triggers a chain reaction. A thorough investigation can clarify fault and help you pursue compensation.
Employer or Commercial Driver Distraction
When a distracted driver is behind the wheel of a company vehicle, the employer may also be held accountable:
- Employers can be liable if they fail to enforce safe phone policies or pressure drivers with unrealistic deadlines.
- CDL and commercial drivers are subject to strict FMCSA regulations that prohibit all handheld phone use.
However, holding a trucking company liable for an accident can be complex. It often requires reviewing internal logs, communications, and maintenance records. We have the experience to navigate these complex cases and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
What You Should Do After a Distracted Driving Crash
Follow these steps to take after a car accident in Indiana:
- Call 911, report injuries, and mention any suspicion of phone use.
- Photograph the scene, including vehicle damage and road conditions.
- Seek medical care immediately, even if you feel fine.
- Contact a lawyer before speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Taking the right steps after a distracted driving crash protects your legal claim by creating early documentation that’s hard to dispute later. If you believe distraction caused the crash, our team can help you move quickly, gather the right evidence, and build a strong claim from the start.
Injured by a Distracted Driver? Get a Free Consultation Today
If a distracted driver caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and the lasting impact on your life. Proving distraction can be complex, but that’s where we come in.
At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we’ve spent more than 40 years helping clients across Indiana hold negligent drivers accountable. Our focus is on building strong, evidence-backed claims—and our case results show what’s possible when the right legal strategy is in place.
Contact us today to talk with an Indianapolis injury attorney for free. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward recovery.
Call 317-488-5500 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form