Highways and interstates are among the most dangerous places for motorists. Vehicles travel at high speeds, traffic is often heavy, and one driver’s mistake can trigger a devastating multi-vehicle collision. Interstate crashes usually result in severe injuries, property damage, and complex legal battles involving multiple insurance companies and drivers from different states.
If you’ve been injured in a crash on I-65, U.S. 31, or any other major Indiana highway, you need an attorney who understands how to navigate these complex cases. Vaughn A. Wamsley is an experienced Kokomo interstate car accident lawyer who represents victims of serious highway crashes across Howard County and beyond. He is committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and securing full compensation for accident victims.
The Dangers of Interstate and Highway Driving
High-speed traffic, commercial trucks, and distracted drivers make interstates some of the most hazardous roadways in the state of Indiana. A simple error—like following too closely or glancing away from the road—can cause catastrophic chain-reaction crashes. Common causes of interstate accidents include:
• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Distracted driving, including texting or phone use
• Drowsy driving or falling asleep at the wheel
• Unsafe lane changes or merging without signaling
• Drunk or impaired driving
• Tailgating or reckless passing maneuvers
• Poor weather conditions, low visibility, or slick road surfaces
Unlike city streets, interstates often feature multi-lane traffic, large commercial vehicles, and higher-impact forces. These factors increase the likelihood of severe injuries and fatalities, especially when semi-trucks or multiple cars are involved.
Common Types of Interstate Accidents
Interstate crashes can vary from minor fender benders to catastrophic pileups involving multiple vehicles. Common types of accidents include:
• Rear-end collisions due to sudden braking or traffic slowdowns
• Multi-vehicle pileups caused by poor visibility or high-speed chain reactions
• Jackknife or rollover accidents involving tractor-trailers
• Head-on collisions from wrong-way drivers
• Sideswipe or lane-change accidents
• Tire blowouts or vehicle malfunctions at high speeds
Each of these scenarios requires careful investigation to determine who is at fault. As a knowledgeable Kokomo highway accident attorney, Vaughn A. Wamsley has the resources and experience to handle even the most complex highway and interstate crash cases.
Determining Liability in an Interstate Accident
Establishing fault in a highway accident can be a challenging task. Multiple drivers, trucking companies, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance may share responsibility. In many cases, insurance companies for out-of-state drivers or commercial vehicles will become involved, complicating the claims process.
Vaughn A. Wamsley investigates every detail to determine how the accident occurred and who should be held accountable. His team collects critical evidence such as:
• Police and accident reports
• Dashcam or highway surveillance footage
• Vehicle black box data from commercial trucks
• Witness statements and expert testimony
• Driver logs, maintenance records, and inspection reports
• Cell phone and GPS data to prove distraction or speeding
By building a strong evidence-based case, Vaughn ensures that negligent parties—and their insurers—are held responsible for the harm they cause.
Common Injuries in Interstate and Highway Accidents
Due to the high speeds involved, interstate crashes often lead to serious or life-altering injuries. Victims may require long-term medical care, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Common injuries include:
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and severe fractures
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Burns from vehicle fires or explosions
• Whiplash and other neck or back injuries
• Fatal injuries resulting in wrongful death claims
Vaughn A. Wamsley works closely with medical experts to document your injuries and calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical needs and lost earning capacity.
Compensation Available After an Interstate Crash
Victims of interstate crashes in Indiana may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This may include:
• Current and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation and long-term care
• Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Property damage and vehicle repair costs
• Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases involving extreme negligence or reckless behavior, punitive damages may also be available. Vaughn A. Wamsley aggressively pursues maximum compensation to ensure that victims can rebuild their lives after a serious highway collision.
Why Highway Accident Claims Are More Complex
Highway and interstate crashes often involve multiple vehicles, large trucking companies, or commercial fleets. Both state and federal transportation laws govern these accidents, adding another layer of complexity to the issue. Commercial carriers must adhere to strict safety regulations regarding driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo weight limits. When they violate these rules, they can be held legally responsible.
As an experienced interstate accident law firm in Kokomo, Vaughn A. Wamsley understands how to handle these multifaceted cases. He works with accident reconstruction specialists, trucking experts, and insurance adjusters to ensure that no critical detail is overlooked.
What to Do After an Interstate Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in a highway crash in or near Kokomo, taking the proper steps can protect your health and your legal rights:
- Call 911 immediately and request medical assistance.
- Move to a safe location if possible and avoid further danger.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved.
- Take photos of the scene, damage, and injuries.
- Get contact information for witnesses and responding officers.
- Seek medical evaluation, even if you feel fine initially.
- Contact an attorney before speaking to insurance companies.
Insurance adjusters may pressure you to accept a low settlement quickly. Before agreeing to anything, speak with an experienced Kokomo attorney who understands interstate accident claims.
Why Choose Vaughn A. Wamsley
Vaughn A. Wamsley has spent years helping Indiana accident victims recover compensation for injuries sustained on highways and interstates. As a Kokomo car accident lawyer, he combines local knowledge, legal skill, and genuine compassion to deliver results for his clients.
When you work with Vaughn, you can expect:
• Personal attention from start to finish
• Honest communication and clear case updates
• Thorough investigation and evidence gathering
• Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
• Strong courtroom representation if litigation becomes necessary
He is dedicated to helping victims and families achieve justice, whether the crash involved a single negligent driver or a large commercial trucking company.
Contact a Kokomo Interstate Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a highway or interstate crash, don’t face the aftermath alone. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.
Reach out to Vaughn A. Wamsley today for a free, no-obligation consultation. He’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Vaughn A. Wamsley — an experienced Kokomo highway accident attorney dedicated to protecting the rights of crash victims across Howard County, I-65, and all major Indiana interstates.