An Indiana Car Accident Lawyer Discusses the Problem
The holidays should be a time of joy in Indiana. But because too many motorists are driving drunk or speeding, the festive season too often is a time of tragedy.
When you've been injured due to the negligence of another driver, you probably have a lot of questions. What are your rights? Who is going to compensate you for your losses? How much money do you need to cover all your expenses? In short, what does the future hold for you and your loved ones?
In Indiana, too many people ask themselves these questions because far too many motorists use the holidays as an excuse to drive under the influence of alcohol. Or, they drive too fast because they are in a hurry or fail to recognize the dangers of wintry road conditions.
A quarter of the fatal accidents in Indiana that occur over Thanksgiving and Christmas are related to drunk driving, according to researchers who studied data covering a 10-year period. Another 30% are blamed on speeders.
The state lost 283 people immediately before and following the two holidays from 2010-2019, the most recent time with available accident information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Slightly more than two-thirds – 190 – died around Christmas, with 93 fatalities occurring around Thanksgiving.
Tough Questions, Dubious Answers
Why do people speed? According to researchers, the most common answers drivers gave for speeding were:
- They are impatient with traffic congestion, so they recklessly speed to get around other vehicles, changing lanes frequently without signaling, etc.
- They are behind schedule because they did not allow enough time to reach their destination.
- They develop a false sense of security in their vehicle due to anonymity, losing any sense of responsibility.
- This is the way they drive, without regard for people or laws, because they feel a distorted sense of entitlement.
Why do people drink and drive? The most common answers were:
- 8% said they felt okay to drive
- 10% said they felt safe because they only needed to drive a short distance
- 4% said they had no other way home, ignoring such options as friends, taxis, mass transit, and ridesharing services.
Other leading reasons were the wait for a ridesharing service was too long, they were comfortable driving a familiar route, they did not think they would get caught, and the lack of traffic on the roads.
You Need an Indiana Attorney to Protect Your Rights
If you were injured in an accident that wasn't your fault or a loved one died in a crash caused by someone else, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. The problem is insurance adjusters look at your injuries as nothing more than numbers on a spreadsheet, and the insurance company is financially motivated to pay you as little money as possible. By hiring a car accident attorney to look out for your best interests, you can put yourself in the best position to recover the compensation you're entitled to.
The key is to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. Evidence can weaken or disappear, the memories of witnesses can fade, and strict legal deadlines often apply.
At Glaser & Ebbs, our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined legal experience fighting for crash victims in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and statewide. Learn how we can help with your potential legal case.
Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Indiana car accident attorney.