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  5. Volunteer Poll Worker Struck and Killed in Indianapolis Accident

Volunteer Poll Worker Struck and Killed in Indianapolis Accident

Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP | Nov 9, 2015 | Car Accidents, Highway & Traffic Safety |

Earlier this month, a volunteer poll worker was struck and killed by a passing motorist as he was attempting to collect some items that had fallen out from the back of his van. According to one local news source covering the accident, the tragedy occurred near the intersection of Banta Trail and South Meridian Street in Indianapolis.

Evidently, the man was on his way to volunteer at the polls when he stopped on Meridian Street to retrieve some items that had fallen out of the back of his van. The van, which was a rental, was pulled over on the side of the road while the man tried to collect the items, which authorities believe were bags of trash. As he was collecting the bags, another motorist came down Meridian Street and struck him. That motorist remained on the scene and cooperated with police.

After the fatal accident, police began an investigation into what could have caused the accident. It is not known why the van’s rear door opened. Police do not believe that drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident. It was dark at the time of the accident, and it is a possibility that the driver of the car failed to see the man as he was collecting the trash bags.

 

Determining Fault in Indiana Accidents

After an accident, it is the job of the police to determine who, if anyone, was criminally at fault in the accident. Police may issue a citation to one or both parties involved, and they may even recommend that criminal charges be brought against either driver, if the facts support such charges.

However, determining fault is sometimes not an easy task, especially when it comes to determining who should be able to recover for their injuries after an accident. For example, in the accident discussed above, it seems that either or both parties may be at fault, depending on facts that may never be uncovered.

In these situations, Indiana law uses a legal doctrine called “comparative fault” to determine which parties may be eligible for monetary compensation after a car accident, as well as how much they are entitled to. Under the comparative fault doctrine, the judge or jury first will assign each party a percentage of fault after hearing all the evidence in the case. Then, the court will look at what the total amount of damages to the plaintiff was, and then it will reduce that figure by the plaintiff’s own percentage of fault. If a plaintiff is found to be 51% at fault or more, they are not entitled to recover damages at all.

Have You Been Injured in an Indiana Accident?

If you or a loved one has recently been injured in any kind of Indiana accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the injuries you sustained as a result. However, the defendant and his or her attorney may attempt to shift blame onto you in order to decrease their own liability. In order to prevent an unfair shifting of blame, contact a dedicated and experienced Indiana personal injury attorney today to discuss your case. Call 888-532-7766 today to set up your free consultation.

Related Posts:

10-Year-Old Girl Killed in Miami County Car Accident; Alcohol Suspected, Indiana Injury Lawyer Blog, October 19, 2015

Indiana State Trooper Struck by Passing Motorist While Responding to Accident, Indiana Injury Lawyer Blog, November 2, 2015

What should you do after a crash on I-465 or I-70?

On Behalf of Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP | May 27, 2025 | Car Accidents

You're driving I-465 like you've done a hundred times before — fast, focused and trying to get somewhere. Then it happens. A sudden jolt, a loud impact, maybe the screech of tires or the crunch of metal. Everything feels disoriented for a second, but your mind starts...

The rights and duties of bicycle drivers in Indiana

On Behalf of Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP | May 15, 2025 | Bicycle Accidents

Bicycling is a beloved activity for many in Indiana, offering a means of transportation and a way to enjoy the outdoors. Still, sharing the road with motor vehicles can present significant risks. To safeguard cyclists, Indiana has various laws that address bicycle...

Costs of loss: recovering damages in child wrongful death cases

On Behalf of Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP | Apr 28, 2025 | Wrongful Death

You can lose the ones you love for the most mundane reasons. A seemingly innocent meal purchased at a local grocery store can cost you more than you intended to pay. Late last year, grieving mother Shantria Weddle filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Weddle’s 12-year-old...

Modern twists on the age-old problem of distracted driving

On Behalf of Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP | Mar 31, 2025 | Car Accidents

We all know texting while driving is dangerous. But have you looked around your car lately? Modern vehicles come packed with screens, buttons and alerts that can pull your attention from the road just as quickly as a phone. And outside your windows are plenty of...

What are the most common causes of car accidents in Indianapolis?

On Behalf of Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP | Mar 21, 2025 | Car Accidents

Several factors consistently contribute to vehicular accidents in the Indianapolis area. Data shows the following are top causes of accidents in the area: Alcohol: Recent research conducted by Indiana University’s Public Policy institute finds that a top cause of...

What are unique factors of commercial truck accidents?

On Behalf of Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP | Mar 21, 2025 | Truck Accidents

When driving on Interstate 465, I-70 or I-65 around Indianapolis, you’ve likely felt dwarfed by massive commercial trucks barreling down the highway. The sheer size disparity between your vehicle and a fully loaded semi creates potentially catastrophic consequences in...

Am I liable for a car accident on a slippery road?

On Behalf of Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP | Mar 20, 2025 | Car Accidents

Heavy rain or snow can create hazardous driving situations. Wet roads can cause cars to slide or skid, making it hard to control your vehicle. Icy patches are even more dangerous, as they can be nearly invisible and cause sudden loss of traction. On snowy or rainy...

When Businesses Have a Duty to Protect Their Customers: The Foreseeable Attack

Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP | Dec 12, 2023 | Premises Liability

On November 29, 2023, the Indiana Court of Appeals published its Opinion in Brummett v. Bailey, 23A-CT-683, slip op. Brummett is the latest case in a string of Indiana Court of Appeals decisions following the Indiana Supreme Court’s Goodwin v. Yeakle’s Sports Bar & Grill, Inc., 62 N.E.3d 384, 389 (Ind. 2016). In these cases, the courts have been grappling…

Thu v. Willis and the Necessity of Expert Medical Testimony

Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP | Aug 28, 2023 | Car Accidents

On March 13, 2023, in a memorandum decision, the Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court’s decision for the plaintiff in a negligence complaint despite the defendant-appellant’s argument that the plaintiff failed to provide sufficient evidence that the car accident at issue was the proximate cause of his injuries. In this case, Thu v. Willis,[1] Guy Willis Sr. (“Willis”)…

Erie Insurance Exchange v. Craighead: Protecting the Purpose of Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP | May 22, 2023 | Car Accidents, Insurance, Underinsured Motorist ("UIM") Claims

In a case determined in September 2022, the Indiana Court of Appeals decided an important and common issue for injury victims when dealing with their own insurance in its opinion in Erie Insurance Exchange v. Craighead. Many drivers who are injured as a result of an underinsured motorist turn to their own underinsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage to…

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  • What should you do after a crash on I-465 or I-70?
  • The rights and duties of bicycle drivers in Indiana
  • Costs of loss: recovering damages in child wrongful death cases
  • Modern twists on the age-old problem of distracted driving
  • What are the most common causes of car accidents in Indianapolis?

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