Car accidents are, unfortunately, a common occurrence throughout the state of Indiana and across the nation. These incidents tend to leave victims with painful injuries or, worse, cause the death of loved ones.
Perhaps most upsetting of all is that most of these crashes can be prevented. Human error is a contributing factor in most car accidents, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) citing it as relevant in nearly 95% of motor vehicle wrecks.
Although efforts are being put forth every day to reduce the occurrence of car crashes, they continue to happen every day. Learning about what causes them could hold the key for drivers to be more prudent and aware as they traverse the roadways.
What Causes Indiana Car Accidents?
There are a variety of causes of car crashes in the state that are all fueled by driver error in some way. Take a look at the main causes of these incidents:
Distracted Driving
One of the most common, yet most preventable, causes of auto accidents is distracted driving. When drivers engage in any activity that diverts their attention from the task of driving, that activity is a distraction.
Some distractions may seem obvious, such as sending texts or watching videos while driving. Others may be done out of the best intentions, such as looking for directions on the GPS.
You may think talking to your passengers is a great way to make the ride go faster, especially if you’re stuck in traffic or on a road trip. However, even that is a distraction that could cause you to crash. Some drivers nibble from their fast food drive-thru bags while others grope for something that fell on the floor.
If your eyes aren’t on the road, you don’t have both hands on the wheel, and you’re off in la-la land dreaming of a tropical cruise while behind the wheel, then you’re a distracted driver.
Speeding
Speeding drivers aren’t just those who fly down the highway at 100mph. They’re the drivers who go the posted speed limit on a road when there’s ice, snow, fog, or rain.
By definition, speeding means driving too fast for the present conditions or exceeding the posted limit. When accidents involve speeding drivers, injuries and fatalities are more likely.
Intoxicated Driving
The dangers of drunk driving are well-known, and the NHTSA’s statistics reveal that 32 people die every day because of a drunk driver. Just like distracted driving, drunk or drugged driving is entirely preventable.
When a person has been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, even prescriptions they’re legally required to take, they become drowsy and have a slower reaction time. They’re also prone to making riskier decisions since they aren’t thinking clearly.
In today’s day and age, when there’s easy access to rideshare options, there’s simply no excuse for anyone to get behind the wheel in this condition.
However, it’s vital to note that accidents involving rideshare drivers are also possible, making it essential to have access to a good Rideshare crash lawyer if you ever find yourself facing such a situation.
Failing to Obey Traffic Laws
The reason for traffic laws is to have consistent rules that keep people safe. One of the biggest causes of car accidents occurs at intersections, primarily due to drivers who run red lights. In 2019, nearly 4,000 accidents were caused in this way in the state of Indiana.
Failing to stop at a stop sign or not yielding the right of way are other driving behaviors that show disregard for the law. A driver who causes an accident by failing to obey traffic laws will typically be held at fault for the injuries and damages caused.
Reckless Driving Behaviors
Some drivers get their kicks out of taunting other innocent parties on the road, while others simply lose their patience. Regardless, driving recklessly is a dangerous action, one that can result in criminal charges by violating Indiana Code § 9-21-8-52.
These behaviors may include things such as tailgating, brake-checking, weaving in and out of traffic, or road rage.
Inclement Weather
Nasty weather often results in more car accidents, though it’s not typically the weather itself that’s to blame. Drivers must adjust their speed and other driving habits to suit the conditions.
Extra care needs to be taken when visibility is hindered by fog or precipitation. If it’s raining, snowing, or the roads are icy, everyone needs to slow down and take their time, or pull off the road somewhere safe to wait it out.
Blaming it on the rain isn’t a valid excuse in most cases. If you were going the posted speed limit of 40mph when the roads were icy and snowy, then got into a crash, you would likely incur some of the blame for not going slower.
Drowsy Driving
When you’re exhausted, you will have the same lack of coordination and reasoning as someone who is under the influence. Driving while drowsy is dangerous for everyone, and you could fall asleep at the wheel.
There’s a reason that the trucking industry mandates hours of service and requires rest breaks for truckers – drowsy driving can lead to catastrophe. If you’re on a road trip and start to feel sleepy, don’t take any chances and find a place to stay the night to rest up.
Inexperienced Drivers
It’s certainly a rite of passage for teenagers to get their licenses. However, even the most prudent among them still lack the essential experiences that come from a lifetime of driving.
New drivers may not know what to do in a challenging situation, such as when it suddenly starts to pour down heavy rain. As such, they have a greater risk of getting into a crash.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Involved in an Indiana Crash?
Perhaps you were keeping your eyes on the road and abiding by traffic laws to the letter when another driver crashed into your vehicle.
Some people have never been in a car accident before and aren’t sure what they should do, while others go into a state of shock. It’s a frightening experience that happens so suddenly that it can shake you to your core. These steps can help you in the process:
Call 911 First
Immediately after your accident, dial 911 on your phone and tell the operator you’ve been in a crash. There’s no need to speculate or blame, and you should keep your focus on whether you or anyone else is injured.
When officers arrive, they will examine the scene and create a police report. If the other driver broke any traffic laws, they will receive a citation, which will also be indicated by the police on the paperwork.
Seek Care for Your Injuries
Car accident injuries come in a variety of forms. Some are immediately obvious, like a broken arm that you can’t move or deep cuts that have lots of blood coming from them.
Others have no outward symptoms, and that can give you a false sense of security that you’ve escaped from this ordeal unscathed.
Do yourself a favor and get immediate medical care – at best, the doctors will clear you of all injuries, and you’ll be incredibly lucky. At worst, they may detect a traumatic brain injury or internal organ damage that could have ended your life if you skipped treatment.
Document the Evidence
Even though the police will take photos of the aftermath, you should get your own if you’re capable. Photos, videos, and contact information from any witnesses are all helpful items that can be used when you file your car accident claim.
Details from these things could prove that the other driver was the one at fault, which would mean they’re responsible for your damages.
Review Your Case with an Attorney
You might not think you need to talk to auto accident lawyers after your crash, though it’s in your best interest. Since most of them provide a free initial consultation, it’s worth finding out about your legal options.
Under Indiana Code § 34-51-2-6, the modified comparative negligence rule may apply, which could cause you to take on some of the blame for your injuries. Insurance companies know all the little tricks to try to lower car accident settlements.
One of them is to win you over with kindness and make you feel like they care. As they get you to open up, they’re documenting every word, and they will turn it right back against you.
Even worse, they may completely deny your claim, which would leave you stuck with all the expenses from your medical bills. When your injuries are serious and disrupt your life either in the short or long term, you should let an attorney advocate for your fair settlement.
How to Avoid a Car Accident
There may be no way to avoid a crash in certain circumstances. However, following the rules and driving defensively can help keep you safer and reduce your chances of being involved. Make sure you always wear your seatbelt, which will protect you from some of the worst injuries if you do find yourself the victim of a car crash.
