Kokomo Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawyer

Vaughn Wamsley understands how a momentary distraction can shatter lives. Imagine driving home after work when suddenly—an errant text, a dropped phone, a fleeting glance at a screen—a routine evening turns into a nightmare.

We see the aftershocks: broken bones, mounting medical bills, insurance denials, and emotional trauma. In Kokomo, Indiana, distracted driving is not just an abstract danger—it is a real, growing threat.

That is why our mission is clear: we will stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder with you to fight for justice and secure the full compensation you deserve. As your trusted Kokomo car accident lawyer, we know the law, Indiana roads, and how to hold negligent drivers accountable.

What Counts as Distracted Driving in Kokomo?

Distracted driving includes any activity that diverts attention from safe driving. These distractions typically fall into three categories:

Visual

Taking your eyes off the road to check your phone screen, even for a second.

Manual

Reaching for or holding your phone, scrolling a music app, or adjusting navigation.

Cognitive

Thinking about a text or social media message instead of traffic conditions.

Indiana law classifies the use of handheld devices as distracted driving. Since July 1, 2020, drivers in Indiana have been prohibited from holding a phone or tablet while driving, unless in an emergency. This reinforces the 2011 texting‑while‑driving law, which banned texting for all drivers and all phone use for drivers under age 18.

How Significant Is the Problem in Indiana?

Indiana first passed its texting ban in 2011, but it was limited in enforcement. Now, the hands‑free law is a much stronger deterrent. Despite that, distracted driving remains dangerous:

• In 2022, 78 Hoosiers died in distracted‑driving crashes, and law enforcement issued 14,582 citations.
• In 2024 alone, distracted driving and speeding combined to cause over 17,000 crashes and 230 deaths in Indiana.
• From 2020 to 2022, Indiana highway fatalities climbed from 897 to 949, even as enforcement intensified—law enforcement issued 18,887 hands‑free citations in 2024, the third consecutive year of rising citations.
• Nationally, distracted driving caused approximately 3,300 deaths and 289,000 injuries in 2022.

That last statistic highlights a harsh truth: national efforts like “Put the Phone Away or Pay” and Distracted Driving Awareness Month have not entirely stemmed the tide.

Even holding your phone in your hand is enough for a citation—Indiana’s law allows primary enforcement, meaning officers can stop you solely for holding a device.

Why Kokomo, IN, Is Not Exempt

Kokomo is directly affected by the statewide issues stemming from distracted driving. Local law enforcement follows the same hands‑free statutes as the statewide laws. As car accident attorneys in Kokomo, we have seen firsthand how negligent drivers in our community cause major injury and trauma by failing to comply.

They drive distracted from social media, navigation apps, eating, kids in the back seat, or simply mental clutter. They must be held accountable when these distractions lead to highway collisions or dangerous intersection wrecks. As your automobile collision attorney in Kokomo, we investigate every possibility—from phone data to witness testimony—to build strong, evidence‑driven cases.

Vaughn Knows What You Are Going Through

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Time Is Not On Your Side After An Accident. Call Vaughn Wamsley NOW.

317-846-1080

The Human Cost and Financial Toll

Every crash carries more than just physical injuries. Recent national findings reveal:

• Texting while driving is 23 times more likely to cause a crash than non‑distracted driving.
• Talking on a handheld phone quadruples the risk of hospitalization after a wreck.
• Combining distractions—visual, manual, cognitive—heightens risk.

Indiana knows these dangers. The hands‑free law aimed to reduce such crashes, yet fatalities still rose. Distracted driving costs victims and families tens of thousands in medical bills, rehab, lost income, and long‑term care. Many victims also pay for drivers with minimal insurance or none. That leaves families picking up the pieces of others’ negligence without meaningful recourse.

Our Role As Your Kokomo, IN Accident Lawyer

When you retain our firm after a distracted driving wreck, we guide you through every step:

1. Prompt and Thorough Investigation

We preserve evidence, including mobile phone records, scene photos, witness statements, police reports, and traffic camera footage.

2. Expert Medical Advocacy

We connect you with trusted local medical providers and ensure all injuries—soft tissue, concussions, PTSD—are fully documented.

3. Clear Liability Establishment

Indiana law is clear: if someone holds a phone while driving, they likely violated the hands‑free law. In fatal crashes, prosecutors may press charges like criminal recklessness or reckless homicide. We often partner with those criminal cases to strengthen your civil claim.

4. Insurance Negotiation or Trial Representation

We pursue fair settlement or cash in court. We seek compensation for healthcare, ongoing treatment, lost wages, diminished quality of life, pain, and suffering—or more if gross negligence is shown.

5. Transparent, Compassionate Communication

We do not bill when we do not win. You focus on healing. We focus on the rest.

Indiana Laws We Use to Help You

Indiana’s laws provide strong backing for distracted driving accident claims:

• Hands‑Free Law (July 1, 2020): Bans holding any mobile device while driving. Primary law; violations result in fines up to $500
• Texting Ban (July 1, 2011): Prohibits all drivers from texting, and bans all phone use for drivers under age 18.
• Reckless Homicide / Criminal Recklessness: If a fatal crash was caused by someone using a phone, they may face criminal charges, strengthening victims’ civil claims.

In one case in Lowell, IN, an Illinois truck driver was accused of surfing the internet moments before causing a fatal collision and faced reckless homicide charges. In Kokomo, we apply the same legal strategies to ensure negligent drivers pay for the harm they cause.

Distracted Driving by the Numbers

Let us break down the statistics more clearly:

These numbers reflect why fighting negligent drivers matters—statistically and personally.

Real Stories from Our Community

Distracted driving wrecks hit closer to home than many realize. Victims include:

• An electrical worker was hit at an intersection when the at‑fault driver looked at a GPS app instead of the red light.
• A mother was struck by a car that drifted into her lane; the driver admitted to texting while merging.
• A student with permanent nerve damage after a teenager veered off the road while on Snapchat.

In each case, evidence—phone logs and screen data—helped show negligence. We secured six‑figure settlements that allowed victims to rebuild their lives and move forward.

What to Do If a Distracted Driver Hits You

If you are involved in a wreck and suspect phone use:

1. Contact 911 and report suspected distracted driving. Police can issue immediate citations.
2. Preserve evidence. Take photos of the vehicle, road signs, cell phone use, or screens if visible.
3. Seek medical care immediately. Even if symptoms seem mild, hidden injuries like whiplash or brain trauma may surface later.
4. Do not give a recorded statement to insurance. Give factual data, but do not admit fault or minimize injuries.
5. Call us without delay. We preserve phone records and build liability before data disappears.
6. Talk to witnesses. Bystanders may have seen them texting or holding a phone.

Time matters. The Indiana statute of limitations for personal injury is two years. For wrongful death, it is also two years. Do not risk losing your right to compensation.

Why Pick Vaughn Wamsley as Your Kokomo, IN Accident Lawyer

Local Focus

We are based in Indiana and know Kokomo city courts, DOT guidelines, troopers, and medical providers. Local experience improves your case.

Personalized Representation

We limit our clients to ensure we can provide focused attention. We are accessible, proactive, and responsive to every question.

Proven Record

We have won significant verdicts for distracted driving victims across Indiana. We leverage expert testimony, digital data, and strong negotiation strategies.

No Fee Unless You Win

We stand by you financially and emotionally. There is no out-of-pocket cost, and we absorb legal expenses until recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I hold my phone while stopped at a light?

Yes—as long as the vehicle is fully stopped (e.g., in park). Once the engine is engaged and the car is in gear, holding a phone is illegal under Indiana law.

Can I sue if the driver was charged with distracted driving?

Yes. Criminal convictions bolster civil claims by proving fault. We work with local prosecutors and adjust our strategy accordingly.

What compensation can I recover?

We seek all damages: medical care, future treatment, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages against reckless drivers.

How soon should I file?

Immediately. Prompt action is critical to preserve phone records, scene evidence, and witness testimony. Indiana’s limit is two years, but sooner is always better.

Protect Your Rights Now

If you or a loved one suffered injuries or loss due to a distracted driver, do not wait. Contact Vaughn Wamsley today. We will:

• Talk to you at no upfront cost.
• Explain your rights clearly.
• Launch an investigation immediately.
• Help you focus on recovery while we handle the legal work.

Time is short; evidence deteriorates fast. As your Kokomo accident lawyer, we are ready to fight for you. Call us now or message us online for a free consultation. No fees unless we secure compensation.

Call Our Kokomo Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawyer Today

Distracted driving wrecks alter lives forever. But with strong legal representation from a dedicated car accident attorney in Kokomo, victims can find justice, closure, and hope. Indiana’s hands‑free laws empower victims—tools we use fully to hold negligent drivers accountable.

As your automobile collision attorney in Kokomo, we will stand with you from hospital bed to courtroom and beyond. You deserve full compensation, accountability, and peace of mind. Reach out today. We are ready to stand with you.