Sometimes car accidents are unavoidable. However, in many cases, car accidents can be prevented by taking certain precautions and with the exercise of common sense. In Indiana, the leading causes of car accidents are reckless driving, distracted driving, and intoxicated driving. In each of these situations, a driver has the ability to avoid the risk factors that contribute to the accident.
Intoxicated driving, in particular, poses a serious threat to Indiana motorists. In fact, there are over 170 fatal traffic accidents each year in Indiana involving alcohol or some other intoxicating substance. While alcohol intoxication is the most common form of intoxicated driving, the law does not distinguish between intoxication by alcohol or intoxication by other substances. Indeed, in Indiana, it is even possible for a motorist to be deemed intoxicated after having taken prescription medication.
When an intoxicated motorist causes an accident resulting in injuries, that driver may be held responsible through an Indiana drunk driving lawsuit. In many cases, the fact that the other driver was intoxicated can make proving allegations of negligence easier for an accident victim, since drunk driving is specifically prohibited by law. While it may make an accident victim’s case easier to prove if the at-fault driver was cited or criminally charged for their conduct, there is no requirement that this be the case.
Motorcyclist Killed by Drunk Driver
Earlier this month, an Arkansas man was killed after he was struck from behind by an SUV while driving a motorcycle on an Oklahoma highway. According to a local news report covering the tragic accident, the collision occurred at around 10 in the evening on Highway 125, just a few miles south of Fairland.
Evidently, the motorcyclist pulled onto the highway in front of a Ford Explorer. Presumably, the driver of the Explorer failed to take notice of the motorcyclist and ran into the back of the motorcycle. The force from the collision sent the motorcyclist flying off the bike and onto the pavement. Emergency responders pronounced the motorcyclist dead at the scene of the accident. It was not noted whether the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet.
The driver of the Ford Explorer remained on the scene after the accident. During the course of the investigation, authorities had reason to believe that the motorist was intoxicated. Criminal charges are pending a full investigation into the accident.
Have You Been a Victim of an Indiana Drunk Driving Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been a victim of an Indiana drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The skilled personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse have extensive experience handling a wide array of personal injury cases, including those arising from drunk driving accidents. To learn more about drunk driving laws in Indiana, and to discuss your case with a dedicated personal injury attorney, call 888-532-7766 to schedule a free consultation.
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