A distracted driver has rear-ended you, run a red light, or drifted into your lane. Now you are facing injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next. You are not at fault—the other person chose to look at their phone instead of paying attention to the road, and you are suffering the consequences.
If you were injured by a distracted driver in Fort Wayne, Team Green Law is here to help. Call (317) 961-8123 for a free case review. You don’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you.
How distracted driving causes serious accidents
Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identifies three types of distraction.
– Visual distractions: Pull a driver’s eyes off the road. Looking at a phone, adjusting a GPS, or glancing at passengers all count.
– Manual distractions: Take a driver’s hands off the wheel. Eating, drinking, reaching for something in the backseat, or holding a phone are common examples.
– Cognitive distractions: Take a driver’s mind off driving. Daydreaming, having an intense conversation, or being emotionally upset can all impair focus.
Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it involves all three types at once. A driver sending a text while driving at 55 mph can travel the length of a football field in about five seconds without looking at the road. On Fort Wayne’s busy corridors and intersections, even a few seconds of inattention can cause a devastating collision.
Indiana’s distracted driving laws.
Indiana takes distracted driving seriously. The state’s hands-free law (Indiana Code § 9-21-8-59) prohibits holding or using a handheld telecommunications device while operating a vehicle. Drivers can only use their phones in hands-free mode, such as through Bluetooth or voice commands.
Violating this law is a primary offense, meaning law enforcement can pull a driver over for it alone. For drivers under 18, the restrictions are even stricter, with a near-complete ban on phone use while driving.
Here’s what matters for your case: if the other driver was holding or using their phone when they hit you, that’s a violation of Indiana law. This violation can serve as strong evidence of negligence in your personal injury claim.
Don’t wait to take action. Indiana’s statute of limitations gives you just two years from the date of your accident to file a claim. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to compensation entirely. Call Team Green Law at (317) 961-8123 for a free case review.
Common injuries from distracted driving accidents
Distracted driving accidents often happen at full speed because the at-fault driver never brakes or swerves before impact. This means injuries tend to be severe. Our attorneys commonly see:
– Whiplash and neck injuries: From sudden impact, especially in rear-end collisions.
– Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Caused by striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or window.
– Broken bones and fractures: In the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
– Spinal cord injuries: Can result in partial or complete paralysis.
– Internal organ damage: May not show symptoms right away.
– Soft tissue injuries: Including sprains, strains, and torn ligaments.
– Emotional trauma: Including anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
Even if you feel fine after the accident, see a doctor immediately. Some injuries don’t show obvious symptoms for hours or days. Receiving medical attention right away also creates documentation that strengthens your claim.
If you’re struggling with medical bills and insurance companies after your accident, don’t handle this alone. Contact Team Green Law at (317) 961-8123 for a free consultation about your rights and options.
How we prove distracted driving caused your accident
Proving the other driver was distracted requires a thorough investigation. Our attorneys know where to look and what evidence matters most.
Phone records. We can subpoena the at-fault driver’s cell phone records to show they were texting, calling, or using an app at the time of the crash.
Police reports. If the responding officer noted signs of distraction or cited the driver for violating Indiana’s hands-free law, this becomes key evidence.
Witness statements. Passengers, pedestrians, and employees of nearby businesses may have seen the driver looking at their phone before the collision.
Surveillance and dashcam footage. Traffic cameras, business security cameras, and dashcam video can capture the moments before impact.
Accident reconstruction. In complex cases, we work with reconstruction professionals who analyze the scene, vehicle damage, and impact data to determine what happened.
Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. You can recover compensation as long as you’re 50% or less at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies will try to shift blame onto you, which is why having an attorney who understands these tactics matters.
Compensation you may be entitled to
If a distracted driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
– Medical expenses: Including emergency care, surgery, hospital stays, and physical therapy.
– Lost wages: From time missed at work during your recovery.
– Future lost income: If your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
– Pain and suffering: For the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
– Property damage: To your vehicle and personal belongings.
– Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from activities you once enjoyed.
Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and the impact on your daily life. During your free case review, our team will help you understand what your claim may be worth.
Why choose Team Green Law
Team Green Law is committed to fair representation for every client. Our Fort Wayne attorneys handle distracted driving cases with the same approach we bring to every case: compassion for what you’re going through and a willingness to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with us.
– We handle everything. From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, our team handles the legal work so you can focus on healing.
– We communicate clearly. You’ll always know where your case stands. We explain things in plain English, not legal jargon.
– We’re local. Our Fort Wayne office is located at 1690 Broadway, Building 19, Suite 10, Office 184. We know the local courts and the challenges Fort Wayne drivers face every day.
– Free case review. We’ll evaluate your case at no cost and no obligation. You don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently asked questions about distracted driving claims
How do I prove the other driver was texting?
You don’t have to prove it alone. Our attorneys can subpoena phone records, obtain surveillance footage, and gather witness statements to build your case. The police report may also contain relevant evidence of distraction.
What if the other driver denies being distracted?
Drivers rarely admit to using their phones while driving. That’s why evidence, such as phone records and camera footage, is so important. Our team knows how to gather and preserve this evidence before it disappears.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Indiana’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Don’t wait. Evidence can be lost, and memories fade over time. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if I were partially at fault?
Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover compensation as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often try to exaggerate your share of blame, so it’s important to have an attorney protecting your interests.
How much does it cost to hire Team Green Law?
Your case review is completely free, and you don’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you. There’s no financial risk in reaching out.
Contact Team Green Law for a free case review
You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s careless decision. If a distracted driver caused your accident in Fort Wayne, our attorneys are ready to help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. Don’t let the statute of limitations run out on your claim.
Call Team Green Law at (317) 961-8123 for your free case review. We serve Fort Wayne and communities throughout Indiana from our offices in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and Terre Haute.
Your case review costs nothing, and you won’t pay us unless we win.
