Why Choose Christie Farrell Lee & Bell for Your Case?

Our attorneys know distracted driving cases involve complex evidence and significant personal and financial stakes. With decades of experience, we help victims navigate each step of the legal process (from the first consultation through negotiations or trial) to pursue the compensation they deserve.

Decades of Experience in Indiana Injury Law

For over 30 years, we’ve represented injured individuals throughout Indiana, including Fort Wayne, securing substantial verdicts and settlements in distracted driving and other serious car accident claims. Our team has achieved car accident settlements as high as $60 million, and we’re ready to share practical insights and legal strategies tailored to your situation in a free consultation.

Client-Focused Legal Advocacy

We believe every case deserves personalized attention and direct communication with an attorney who truly listens. Our team stays focused on protecting your rights, building strong claims, and relieving stress so you can concentrate on healing and moving forward.

Speak with a personal injury lawyer today. Call: 317-488-5500

The Growing Danger of Distracted Driving in Fort Wayne

Distracted driving remains an escalating threat due to the widespread use of smartphones, GPS devices, and in-car entertainment systems, which increase the likelihood of severe crashes due to reduced reaction times and awareness.

Even a brief moment of distraction can have life-altering consequences. According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, distracted driving caused over 10,300 vehicle collisions in 2023, making it the third most common cause of accidents statewide.

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What Counts as Distracted Driving in Indiana?

Types of Distractions Behind the Wheel

Distractions fall into three key categories, each interfering with safe driving in a way that can be critical evidence in an injury claim:

  • Visual distractions: Looking away from the road to check a phone, GPS, or roadside signs, often causing drivers to miss hazards or traffic signals.
  • Manual distractions: Removing hands from the wheel to handle objects, adjust controls, or eat, which reduces control and reaction time.
  • Cognitive distractions: Thinking about unrelated matters instead of traffic, leading to slower reactions and poor driving decisions.

Common Examples in Fort Wayne Cases

Under Indiana law, distracted driving encompasses any activity that diverts attention from driving, increasing the risk of a crash. This includes:

  • Texting or talking on the phone
  • Eating or drinking
  • Adjusting the radio or GPS
  • Talking to passengers or daydreaming

Relevant Indiana Laws

Indiana’s hands-free law (under Indiana Code § 9-21-8-59) prohibits drivers from using handheld cellphones while operating a vehicle. 

Moreover, under Indiana’s negligence per se doctrine, violating safety laws—like the hands-free statute—can serve as automatic proof of negligence in civil cases. Victims injured by a distracted driver can use this to strengthen their compensation claim.

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What to Do If You’re Injured by a Distracted Driver

  1. Call 911 immediately to get medical help and create an official crash report, which becomes vital evidence for your claim.
  2. Document the scene by taking photos, noting road conditions, and gathering witness information to preserve details that could support your version of events.
  3. Avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company before getting legal advice, as insurers may try to reduce or deny your compensation.
  4. Keep all medical records, receipts, and proof of lost income, so you can clearly show the financial impact of your injuries.
  5. Consult an experienced Fort Wayne car accident lawyer to understand your rights, protect yourself legally, and build the strongest possible case for compensation.

Attorney insight from Lee C. Christie: 

“One of the biggest mistakes we see is accident victims deleting photos, receipts, or texts that seem unimportant. Keep everything—even small details might help us prove the other driver was distracted or counter an insurer’s argument about fault. Your phone could hold crucial evidence that makes a huge difference in your claim.”

How We Prove Distracted Driving in Fort Wayne Accident Claims

To prove distracted driving, the lawyers at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell focus on gathering solid evidence to show a driver was distracted and hold them accountable for the harm they caused. Then, we use this evidence to negotiate fair settlements or present a strong case in court if needed.

Key Evidence Our Firm Secures

  • Cell phone records: Show calls, texts, or app use at the time of the crash.
  • Vehicle data: Can confirm GPS use, touchscreen activity, or other distractions.
  • Police reports: Document the crash and any mention of driver inattention.
  • Eyewitness statements and video footage: Provide firsthand or visual proof of what happened.
  • Expert analysis: Helps explain how distraction led to the collision.

Overcoming Denials and Disputes

Insurance companies can dispute distracted driving claims by arguing there’s not enough proof or shifting blame onto the injured person. 

Our distracted driving attorneys counter these tactics by collecting strong evidence, working with experts when necessary, and building a clear, factual case that proves distraction caused the crash and supports your claim for full compensation.

Compensation Available for Distracted Driving Victims

Victims hurt by distracted drivers in Fort Wayne may qualify for compensation that covers the full impact of the crash, including:

  • Medical expenses: Costs for emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
  • Lost wages: Income missed during recovery and potential loss of future earning ability.
  • Pain and suffering: Payment for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
  • Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for vehicles and other damaged property.
  • Wrongful death damages: Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support for surviving family members.

How Indiana’s Comparative Fault Law Impacts Your Claim

In Indiana, you can still recover compensation after a distracted driving crash even if you’re partially at fault—but only if your share of responsibility is less than 51%. This is known as the modified comparative fault rule, outlined in Indiana Code § 34-51-2.

Here’s how it works: If you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. However, if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you receive nothing.

This rule makes it critical to protect yourself from exaggerated claims of blame. In our experience at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, insurance companies often try to shift partial fault onto victims—for example, alleging you were speeding or not paying attention yourself—to minimize the payout. 

Speak with a Fort Wayne Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, you deserve experienced legal support to help you pursue fair compensation. Even when disputes over fault arise, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell is ready to protect your interests and fight for the outcome you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Our Fort Wayne distracted driving accident lawyers are committed to helping you recover the compensation you need to move forward.