How Christie Farrell Lee & Bell Builds a Distracted Driving Claim

Christie Farrell Lee & Bell builds strong distracted driving claims by investigating all aspects of the crash and applying Indiana’s comparative fault rules strategically. We work to minimize any blame attributed to you and maximize the compensation you can recover, using solid evidence and clear legal arguments.

Our familiarity with Wayne County’s courts, local traffic patterns, and how Richmond insurance adjusters operate helps us anticipate challenges unique to the area. A Richmond car accident lawyer from our team can help you by:

  • Preserving evidence
  • Handling medical bill negotiations
  • Dealing with uncooperative insurance companies

Why Christie Farrell Lee & Bell?

With over 40 years of trusted injury representation across Indiana, our results-driven team has recovered millions for car accident victims. We provide clear, direct communication with experienced attorneys—not just case managers—ensuring you receive personalized attention and skilled advocacy every step of the way.

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

Distracted Driving Accidents Are a Growing Concern in Richmond, Indiana

Distracted driving remains a serious problem in Indiana, contributing significantly to crashes across the state. According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, there were over 10,300 vehicle collisions involving distracted drivers in 2023, making it the third most common cause of accidents statewide.

In Richmond, distracted driving frequently leads to personal injury claims where victims face costly medical care and time away from work. Our distracted driving lawyers in Richmond are prepared to help you build a strong claim, protect your rights, and pursue fair compensation when facing the aftermath of such collisions.

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What Legally Counts as Distracted Driving in Indiana?

Indiana law defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from safely operating their vehicle—but for personal injury cases, how we prove that distraction is just as important as the legal definition. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we’ve built successful cases by showing not only that a driver was distracted, but exactly how that distraction led to the crash.

Legally, distractions fall into three main categories:

  • Visual distractions: Taking your eyes off the road, such as glancing at a text, reading a GPS screen, or looking at roadside billboards.
  • Manual distractions: Removing your hands from the wheel to adjust dashboard controls, handle food or drinks, or reach for items in the car.
  • Cognitive distractions: Mentally drifting away from driving, like daydreaming, replaying work conversations, or thinking about personal stress.

Smartphone use is particularly dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction at once. Even quick actions like changing a song or checking a notification can provide crucial evidence in a legal case—especially when paired with timestamped phone records or vehicle data logs.

Under Indiana Code § 9-21-8-59, it’s illegal for drivers to hold or operate a handheld mobile device while driving. If a driver violates this law and causes a crash, it can serve as powerful evidence of negligence under Indiana’s “negligence per se” doctrine—meaning the law itself helps establish fault in your personal injury claim.

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Common Causes of Distracted Driving Crashes in Richmond

The dangers of distracted driving cannot be overstated, as even brief lapses in attention can cause severe crashes. Some common distractions leading to crashes in Richmond include:

  • Texting or calling while driving
  • Eating or adjusting the radio/GPS
  • Talking to passengers or daydreaming
  • Looking at digital billboards or accident scenes

These risks are particularly high among younger drivers in Wayne County, who may be more prone to using mobile devices or multitasking behind the wheel.

Steps to Take If You’re Injured by a Distracted Driver in Richmond

  1. Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention: Prompt care protects your health and creates crucial medical records.
  2. File a police report with the Richmond Police Department: An official report documents relevant details and supports your legal claim.
  3. Photograph the scene, damage, and any injuries: Photos preserve evidence that may disappear quickly.
  4. Get witness information: Witnesses can verify how the crash occurred and support your version of events.
  5. Do not speak with insurance companies without legal advice: Statements you make to insurers can affect your claim, as they often look for ways to minimize payouts.
  6. Keep medical records and receipts: Detailed records of treatment, bills, and related expenses help prove the financial impact of your injuries.
  7. Contact a Richmond distracted driving lawyer at CFLB: Legal guidance helps you protect your rights and build a strong case.

Key Evidence We Use to Prove Distracted Driving

Our attorneys at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell rely on various types of evidence to prove distraction and fault, including:

  • Phone records and data logs: Show calls, texts, or app use at the time of the crash.
  • Witness statements and accident reports: Provide independent accounts of the incident.
  • Vehicle infotainment system logs: Reveal GPS use, music apps, or other interactions.
  • Surveillance or dashcam footage: Visually confirms distracted behavior.
  • Medical records: Demonstrate the severity and impact of injuries.
  • Expert crash reconstruction: Clarifies how distraction caused the collision when details are disputed.

Overcoming Insurance Company Denials

Insurance companies often argue that no citation was issued or claim that you were partly at fault for the crash. These tactics aim to reduce or deny payouts. 

Our attorneys counter these defenses by building strong cases that anticipate insurer arguments and address every detail that could affect your claim. We analyze accident reports, question inconsistencies, and prepare clear arguments that connect the driver’s distraction to your injuries.

Attorney advice from Kevin P. Farrell

“Never assume the absence of a citation means you can’t prove distracted driving. We’ve won cases where no ticket was issued simply because the investigating officer didn’t see the distraction happen. The real proof often comes later, from phone records, vehicle data, or even social media posts that place the driver on their phone at the moment of impact. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the sooner we can start preserving that crucial evidence.”

What Damages Can You Recover After a Richmond Distracted Driving Crash?

Victims of distracted driving in Richmond may be eligible to recover:

  • Medical bills: Costs for ER visits, surgery, rehabilitation, and follow-up care.
  • Future medical care: Projected expenses for long-term injuries.
  • Lost income and loss of earning capacity: Compensation for missed work and reduced future earning potential.
  • Pain and suffering: Financial recognition for physical pain and emotional distress.
  • Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other personal property.
  • Wrongful death compensation: Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support for surviving family members in fatal cases.

Accurately calculating damages and fighting for maximum compensation ensures victims can address both immediate needs and long-term financial stability.

How Indiana’s Comparative Fault Law Affects Your Case

The state follows a modified comparative fault rule under Indiana Code § 34-51-2. This means that if you’re found less than 51% at fault for the crash, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. 

Skilled legal representation is crucial to push back against exaggerated claims of shared fault that insurers often use to lower payouts.

Speak With a Richmond Distracted Driving Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, act quickly to protect your rights and preserve critical evidence. For over 40 years, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell has fought for the injured, securing fair compensation and holding negligent drivers accountable. We can do the same for you.

Start your free consultation today—contact us with no upfront costs and no fee unless we win your case.