Auto Accident « Stewart & Stewart Attorneys

Archive for the ‘ Auto Accident ’ Category

May

Woman Facing Trial for Fatal Indianapolis Car Accident

May 15, 2013

A 24-year-old woman is preparing to face trial after causing a fatal Indianapolis Car Accident on Nov. 24, 2012. Reports indicate the crash happened at around 2:30 a.m. along Shadeland Avenue on the northeast side of town.

According to an article published by the Indianapolis Star, the woman drank approximately six beers at a friend’s apartment on the evening of the accident. At around 1 a.m. she decided to drive to her parents’ house. As she drove along Shadeland between 71^st and 75^th, she veered off the road and struck a 23-year-old man from Columbia City who was walking along the edge of the road.

The woman immediately slammed on her brakes, got out of the vehicle, and looked around before getting back in the vehicle and fleeing the scene.

The victim was found deceased the next morning, and it was determined he had died as a result of head injuries sustained in the crash.

The woman was later charged by police with one felony count of failure to stop following an accident that resulted in death. If convicted, she faces up to eight years in prison.

The Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers with Stewart & Stewart Attorneys know how devastating the loss of a loved one to such an accident must be. That’s why the firm would like to send their deepest sympathies to the family of the victim.

Apr

Indiana Officials Announce Launch of Construction Zone Safety Awareness Campaign

April 17, 2013

Fatal Indiana Car Accidents in construction zones have become a serious concern for state officials. In fact, three highway workers were killed last year alone along the state’s roadways. In an effort to combat this problem, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will be partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in conducting a Construction Zone Safety Awareness campaign this week.

A story released by WorkersCompensation.com explained the campaign kicked off with words from INDOT Commissioner, Michael Cline, who stated workers in the highway construction industry face a number of daily on-the-job hazards. One of the most dangerous, though, is a fast-moving vehicle.

The campaign is aimed to educate motorists on the importance of slowing down and staying vigilant in highway construction zones with increased police presence. Law enforcement will be watching for motorists who commit safety violations including speeding, reckless behavior, distracted driving, or driving under the influence. Any driver who is caught committing an infraction will be stopped and cited.

Indiana Department of Labor Commissioner, Sean M. Keefer, added his organization will also be working closely with businesses in the state to bring attention to “transportation-related hazards and exposures.”

The Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers with Stewart & Stewart Attorneys applaud the efforts being made to improve highway construction zone safety in Indiana. The firm hopes the campaign will be successful in preventing future collisions.

Mar

New Regulation Aims to Reduce Indiana Auto Accidents Involving Bicycles

March 20, 2013

Several cities in Indiana have authorized ordinances requiring a certain amount of space to be maintained between a vehicle and a bicycle while passing. The regulations are being passed in an effort to improve safety and reduce the number of Indiana Auto Accidents involving bicycles.

South Bend is the latest city to adopt such a measure. According to a recent article published by the South Bend Tribune, it is now illegal for a motorist to pass a bicycle with less than three feet of space between the two. Violations are punishable by a $15 fine.

The new law was passed on Monday by a unanimous from the South Bend Common Council, making it the third city in the state to adopt such a measure. The only other two municipalities with such laws are Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. No state law of a similar nature exists, despite Indiana’s driver’s manual recommending three feet of space be given when passing a cyclist.

A spokesperson for the Bike Michiana Coalition, a sponsor of the bill, stated the ordinance will not only promote safety, but also a mutual respect and sharing of roadways between motorists and cyclists.

The Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys at Stewart & Stewart Attorneys recognize the importance of sharing the road and are hopeful the new rule will reduce the number of accidents along the state’s highways.

Feb

Indiana Records Highest Number of Teen Motorist Fatalities Last Year

Feb. 27, 2013

A new report from the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration released information detailing some disturbing trends in Indiana Car Accidents across the state.

According to an article from WANE News, the state was ranked among the top in the nation when it came to teen fatalities caused by motor vehicle collisions. More worrisome, though, was the dramatic increase in the number of fatalities among 16 and 17-year-old teens last year.

A total of 16 deaths were attributed to teens involved in Indiana car accidents. This was approximately five more deaths than the previous year. Data also showed a 19 percent increase in traffic fatalities among Indiana teens within the first six months of 2012. A total of 240 teen driver deaths were recorded last year in the United States.

The report says that traffic laws and educational programs were contributing factors in lowering the number of motor vehicle accidents. Furthermore, economic conditions also play a vital role in the number of fatal accidents recorded across the nation.

The Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers with Stewart & Stewart Attorneys know how devastating the loss of life due to car accidents can be. That’s why the firm hopes these figures can be used to create a strategic plan aimed at reducing the number of teen drivers who die statewide each year.

Jan

Woman Injured after Being Involved in Indiana Auto Accident

Jan. 23, 2012

An Indiana Power and Light (IPL) employee was injured this past week after being involved in an on-the-job accident. According to an article published by the Indianapolis Star, the incident occurred last Saturday afternoon at the IPL station located on Harding Street.

Reports indicate that IPL security guards watched as the woman drove a vehicle into a nearby ash pond used to dispose of waste left from burning coal. The guards rushed to the woman’s aid and were able to pull her from the wreckage of the Indianapolis Auto Accident. Although she was covered in the ash, paramedics rushed her to a local trauma center in order to receive treatment for symptoms of hypothermia and trouble breathing. However, this exposure could potentially have serious long-term health effects on the victim.

Exposure to an ash pond can be quite dangerous as they contain high levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, selenium, and chromium. The known health risks of exposure include cancer, learning disabilities, neurological disorders, birth defects, reproductive failure, asthma, and other illnesses. There is currently a lack of regulation protecting citizens from these toxic pools.

The Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers at Stewart and Stewart Injury Lawyers wish the victim a speedy recovery, and they may be able to help if you have been harmed in an auto accident that was not your fault.

Dec

NTSB Recommends All States Adopt Ignition Interlock Laws

Dec. 19, 2012

Last week, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended that all 50 states adopt laws requiring motorists convicted of drunk driving, even first-time offenders, to have an ignition interlock system installed on vehicles they are driving. FOX 59 News reported that the Indiana State Legislature would likely support such policies.

An ignition interlock device is a piece of electronic equipment tied into the wiring that starts a vehicle’s engine, requiring a motorist to have their breath checked for alcohol before the vehicle will start. Laws requiring the devices have already been implemented in 17 states, and they have reportedly been successful in reducing the number of drunk drivers on the road.

Experts say interlock devices can potentially save as many as 7,000 lives per year, including those involved in Indianapolis Auto Accidents. Every week, 11 people die and nine more are seriously injured due to drunken driving accidents. These numbers were determined by an NTSB study examining data collected from more than 1,500 crashes over a five-year period. Roughly 70 percent of those accidents involved drivers with blood alcohol limits above legal levels.

The Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers at Stewart & Stewart Attorneys support measures that aim to successfully reduce the number of individuals who are injured or killed in Indiana drunk driving accidents.

Oct

Indianapolis Auto Accident Seriously Injures Three

Oct. 24, 2012

Three people were seriously injured as the result of a three-car collision earlier this week in Indianapolis. According to WISHTV 8 News, the accident occurred Tuesday morning on the westbound lanes of Crawfordsville Road.

An initial police investigation determined that a Ford Taurus sedan was traveling at a high rate of speed along the road when the driver suddenly lost control of the car. The Taurus struck two other vehicles before coming to a stop along the shoulder of the road.

The impact of the Indianapolis Auto Accident caused one driver to become trapped in the wreckage of his vehicle. Rescue crews were able to extricate the unconscious man and rushed him to a local hospital after determining he had sustained critical injuries.

Another passenger inside the vehicle was also taken to the hospital and remains there in stable condition. A female passenger in another vehicle involved in the crash was also taken to a local medical facility for treatment.

Investigators say they are still looking into what contributing factors may have led to the collision.

The Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers with Stewart & Stewart understand the frustration that comes with battling an insurance claim after a serious auto accident, and our legal staff is here to answer any questions you may have about your claim.

Oct

Elderly Indianapolis Woman Injured in Two-Vehicle Collision

Oct. 3, 2012

An 82-year-old Indianapolis woman was seriously injured as the result of a recent motor vehicle accident. According to an article from The Indianapolis Star, the crash happened on Sept. 20 around 4 p.m. at the corner of North Shadeland Avenue and East 16^th Street.

Reports indicate the elderly victim was driving a Mercury Milan sedan northbound along Shadeland Avenue. As she approached the intersection to turn left, a southbound tow truck driven by a 50-year-old Indianapolis man struck the victim’s vehicle.

The driver of the Mercury had to be cut free from the wreckage before being transported to a hospital for treatment. She remains in critical condition following the Indianapolis Auto Accident. A passenger from the tow truck was also taken to a hospital to be examined after complaining of back pain.

While the truck driver maintained he had a green light and the woman turned in front of him, witnesses contradicted his story by saying he was the one who ran the red traffic signal.
Officers with the Indianapolis Police Department said they are investigating what contributing factors may have led to the accident.

The Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers with Stewart and Stewart Injury Lawyers understand how difficult the days following an accident can be for the victim and would like to wish the woman who was injured a full and speedy recovery!

Aug

Indianapolis Couple Uses Settlement Funds to Better the Community

Aug. 8, 2012

An Indianapolis couple who were seriously injured as the result of an auto accident on their wedding day is using part of their injury claim settlement to benefit youth in the area. The Republic reports the couple has donated $25,000 to benefit getting children active through cycling.

On June 5, 2010, the couple loaded onto a small tour bus with 15 members of their bridal party to take portraits prior to the ceremony. During the trip to the photo location, the bus driver ran a red light and hit another vehicle. A 29-year-old groomsman was killed and 14 others were injured, including the bride and groom.

The couple filed a lawsuit against the company that organized the wedding and tour bus which argued that negligent acts, such as supplying a bus too small for the party and hiring a driver who was not qualified, led to the Indianapolis Auto Accident.

The couple was awarded an undisclosed sum for the broken vertebrae and traumatic brain injury suffered by the groom. They plan to donate a portion of the award to a non-profit organization that will provide bicycle simulators to groups like the Indianapolis Boys and Girls Club to promote fitness among the city’s youth.

The Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers with Stewart and Stewart Injury Lawyers would like to commend the accident victims for taking steps that will surely benefit the lives of people within the community.

Jul

Seven People Injured as the Result Of Indianapolis Car Accident

July 25, 2012

A three-car collision this past Saturday injured seven people in Indianapolis, Indiana. According to reports from the Indy Star, alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash.

Reports indicate that the Indianapolis Auto Accident happened just before 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of 38^th Street and Post Road on the northeast side of town. Witnesses told Indianapolis Metro Police Officers that they saw a blue Nissan Sentra run a red light and strike a van as well as another vehicle. The impact of the collision left several of the victims trapped inside vehicle wreckage requiring rescue crews to cut them free.

The van’s driver and front seat passenger, along with a 13-year-old passenger, suffered serious injuries and remain hospitalized. The two women who were in the Nissan Sentra were still listed in serious condition days after the accident, while the man in the third vehicle involved was listed in stable condition.

Investigators called in a fatal alcohol crash team to assist in examining the possible causes of this accident.

The Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers with Stewart and Stewart Injury Lawyers would like to ask that motorists do their part to prevent similar accidents from occurring by never drinking and driving, in addition to limiting distractions while behind the wheel of an automobile. It is also important to remember to always buckle up for safety!

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