How We Support Victims of Texting and Driving Accidents

Proving driver distraction after a texting and driving incident can be complex, especially when drivers panic and commit a hit-and-run accident. These cases often require thorough investigations and legal expertise. 

Our Legal Approach

Trusting a skilled car accident lawyer from Christie Farrell Lee & Bell to manage your case can make all the difference in your pursuit of justice. We help you by:

  • Proving driver negligence: We investigate the incident and gather critical evidence to demonstrate the driver’s texting caused the accident.
  • Calculating full damages: Beyond immediate medical bills, we account for long-term costs, such as rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, and emotional suffering.
  • Filing and negotiating claims: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We negotiate on your behalf to counter insurers’ tactics and secure rightful compensation.
  • Pursuing litigation when necessary: If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights.
  • Offering compassionate guidance: We manage every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

A personal injury lawyer from our team can assess your situation and provide an estimate of your claim’s potential value, drawing on similar case results we’ve successfully achieved. Start your journey to justice with a free consultation today.

Why Is Texting While Driving So Dangerous?

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, drivers who text behind the wheel take their eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. At 55 mph, this is equivalent to traveling the length of a football field blindfolded!

Texting while driving combines all three types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive. A driver looking at their phone diverts their eyes from the road, their hands from the wheel, and their mind from the task of driving. This dangerous combination significantly increases the likelihood of accidents and the severity of resulting injuries.

The Impact of Texting While Driving

  • Loss of reaction time: Drivers who text take longer to respond to traffic signals and changes in road conditions, increasing the risk of collisions.
  • Reduced situational awareness: Focusing on a phone instead of the road causes drivers to miss important visual cues, such as pedestrians or other vehicles.
  • Higher likelihood of severe crashes: Texting drivers are often caught unaware, leading to high-impact collisions. This risk is heightened if the driver is also speeding.

Recovering Compensation After a Texting and Driving Accident

Texting and driving accidents result in injuries that range from broken bones and whiplash to spinal cord damage or even wrongful death. Pursuing compensation helps protect your health and financial stability, ensuring you don’t shoulder the costs of another driver’s negligence.

Economic Losses

Car accident victims are entitled to compensation for measurable financial damages. This includes medical expenses, property damage, lost wages due to missed work, and the costs of long-term rehabilitation.

Non-Economic Damages

While economic damages cover tangible losses, non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological impact of the accident. Compensation may include awards for pain, suffering, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life caused by the crash.

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence, courts may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar behavior. These damages go beyond compensating the victim and emphasize accountability for reckless actions.

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, our attorneys can help you manage every aspect of car insurance and negligence claims, accurately calculating your losses and pursuing the maximum compensation available.

Steps to Take After a Texting and Driving Accident

Taking the right actions after an accident will strengthen your case and improve your chances of recovering fair compensation. Some of the steps to take after a car accident in Indiana include:

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, visit a medical professional to ensure there are no underlying issues. Prompt treatment also provides vital documentation for your case.

Step 2: Document the Scene

Gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Additionally, collect the contact information of witnesses who can provide statements supporting your claim.

Step 3: Contact a Trusted Attorney

An experienced lawyer will handle the complexities of proving the driver’s distraction, negotiating with insurers, and building a strong case for compensation. 

Every action you take after the accident can bring you closer to justice, so contact a lawyer promptly after the incident to get adequate guidance.

Legal Avenues for Victims of Texting and Driving Accidents

Under Indiana law, you have several legal options to recover compensation after a texting and driving accident. The most common legal avenues include:

Filing an Insurance Claim

Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company is often the first step in seeking compensation. This process involves providing evidence of negligence and negotiating with adjusters to cover your losses.

Pursuing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If the insurance settlement doesn’t reflect the extent of your damages, pursuing a lawsuit may be necessary. A personal injury lawsuit allows you to seek additional compensation through the court system and hold the negligent driver accountable.

Investigating Employer Responsibility

If the texting driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer could also be held liable. Employers are responsible for ensuring their drivers follow safety regulations, and failure to enforce these standards can result in additional accountability.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

Indiana’s statute of limitations generally gives victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. 

Although this can seem like a long time, acting quickly is crucial for preserving evidence, building compelling arguments to prove liability, and conducting negotiations, so make sure you contact a lawyer with experience in texting and driving cases as soon as possible.

Why Choose Our Texting and Driving Accident Lawyers in Indianapolis?

With decades of experience, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell has built a reputation as Indiana’s award-winning trial attorneys. We handle every aspect of your case, including developing a strong legal strategy, managing paperwork and deadlines, negotiating with insurers, and relentlessly advocating for your rights.

Serious injury isn’t one thing we do—it’s all we do. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward securing justice and fair compensation.