Lebanon Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawyer

Every day, drivers in Lebanon make seemingly harmless decisions behind the wheel—checking a text, adjusting the radio, reaching for a snack. But when operating a two-ton vehicle, there’s no such thing as a harmless distraction. If you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s moment of carelessness, a Lebanon distracted driving car accident lawyer can help you seek justice and fair compensation.

Our car wreck law firm in Lebanon represents individuals and families impacted by distracted driving crashes. Our mission is to pursue full compensation, hold negligent drivers accountable, and give our clients the legal support they need during a difficult time. As a local Lebanon distracted driving car accident lawyer, we understand the roads, the courts, and the challenges injured victims face after a collision.

What Counts as Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that takes your eyes, hands, or attention off the task of driving. The most evident and dangerous form is texting, but distraction comes in many forms:

• Talking on the phone
• Using a GPS system
• Adjusting vehicle controls
• Eating or drinking
• Personal grooming
• Interacting with passengers
• Daydreaming or zoning out

Texting while driving is especially dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reading or sending a text takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving a football field blindfolded. In 2022, distracted driving caused 3,308 deaths and an estimated 289,310 injuries nationwide.

Indiana’s Hands-Free Law: What You Need to Know

Indiana lawmakers passed the Hands-Free Law to address this ongoing hazard, which went into effect on July 1, 2020. Under Indiana Code § 9-21-8-59, drivers are prohibited from holding mobile devices while driving. They must use hands-free technology, such as speakerphone, Bluetooth, or voice commands.

Violating the law can lead to fines and points on your license. Multiple violations may result in license suspension. This law reduces distracted driving crashes throughout Indiana, including Lebanon.

You can learn more about the Hands-Free Law from the Indiana Department of Transportation at in.gov.

Distracted Driving in Lebanon: Local Impact

Distracted driving remains a significant problem in Lebanon and Boone County despite legislative efforts. According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, over 8,200 crashes statewide in 2022 were caused by distracted drivers. Many incidents involved rear-end collisions, sideswipes, or vehicles running off the road.

Here in Lebanon, we’ve seen distracted driving cause a range of crashes:

• Rear-end collisions at traffic lights
• Intersection T-bone crashes from missed stop signs
• Lane drifting causing head-on wrecks
• Rollovers occur when a distracted driver overcorrects

These accidents often leave victims with severe or even permanent injuries, including concussions, back injuries, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries.

What Makes These Cases Different?

Distracted driving cases present unique challenges. Unlike drunk driving or speeding, it’s not always immediately obvious that a driver was distracted. Hiring an experienced accident lawyer in Lebanon, IN, is essential.

We investigate your case thoroughly to prove the other driver’s negligence. That may involve:

• Requesting phone records to determine if the driver was texting or calling
• Interviewing witnesses who saw the distracted behavior
• Reviewing dashcam or traffic camera footage
• Bringing in accident reconstruction experts

Insurance companies may try to downplay the role of distraction or claim the crash was unavoidable. We do not accept those excuses. We push for accountability, whether negotiating a substantial settlement or taking the case to court.

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

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To

A distracted driving accident can take a heavy toll, not just physically, but emotionally and financially. Victims often face months or years of recovery, lost income, and ongoing pain. As your auto accident attorney in Lebanon, we pursue every category of compensation available under Indiana law, including:

• Emergency medical treatment and surgery
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Prescription medications and assistive devices
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and anxiety
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Vehicle repair or replacement
• Future medical costs

For families who have lost a loved one in a distracted driving crash, we also handle wrongful death claims. These claims may include funeral expenses, lost financial support, and compensation for loss of companionship.

Indiana’s Modified Comparative Fault Rule

You may wonder what happens if you were partially at fault for the crash. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system. This means that you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the crash. However, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

For example, if your total damages are $100,000 and you are found to be 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. You cannot recover compensation if you are 51% or more at fault. We work to ensure that fault is accurately assigned—and to protect your right to recover what you’re owed.

Why Time Is Not on Your Side

Indiana law gives accident victims two years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal deadline is called the statute of limitations. If you miss it, you may lose the right to recover damages.

There are some exceptions, such as claims involving minors or government vehicles, but they are rare. That’s why it’s important to contact our car wreck law firm in Lebanon immediately after the crash. Acting quickly allows us to secure evidence, interview witnesses while their memories are fresh, and preserve your claim.

What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident

In the moments and days after a crash, you may feel overwhelmed, disoriented, and unsure of what to do. The steps you take next can affect your recovery, your legal claim, and your peace of mind. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Call 911 and report the crash. Request a police report.
2. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions.
3. Get contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
4. Seek medical attention immediately—even if you feel okay.
5. Do not admit fault or speculate about what happened.
6. Contact our firm for a free consultation and case evaluation.

We will take over from there, communicating with insurers, gathering evidence, and ensuring your rights are protected at every step.

How Insurance Companies Try to Undermine Your Claim

Insurance companies are businesses. Their primary goal is to protect their profits, not your well-being. After a distracted driving accident, you may receive a call from the other driver’s insurance company. They may seem helpful, but be cautious. They may:

• Ask leading questions to get you to say something that weakens your claim
• Request a recorded statement to use against you
• Offer a quick settlement that does not cover your full damages
• Delay the claim in hopes that you will give up

As your Lebanon distracted driving car accident lawyer, we handle all insurance communications on your behalf. We understand their tactics and how to beat them. Our job is to advocate for you, so you are never alone in this process.

What Sets Our Law Firm Apart

You have choices when it comes to hiring an accident attorney. Here’s why clients throughout Lebanon and Boone County trust us with their cases:

• We live and work in the same communities we serve.
• We treat each case as if it were our own.
• We give you direct access to your attorney, not just support staff.
• We’re not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary.
• We don’t charge legal fees unless we win your case.

We believe in clear communication, honesty, and compassionate representation. When you hire our firm, you get more than legal help—you get a committed partner in your recovery.

Distracted Driving and Teen Drivers

Distracted driving is especially prevalent among teen drivers. According to the CDC, drivers aged 15–19 are more likely to be involved in distraction-related crashes than any other age group. That’s one reason we support local education efforts in Lebanon and Boone County that promote safe driving habits and raise awareness about the dangers of distraction.

We encourage parents to talk with their teens about staying off the phone, staying focused, and modeling good behavior behind the wheel. Prevention is our most powerful tool— it starts with education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is texting while stopped at a red light still illegal in Indiana?

Yes. Indiana’s Hands-Free Law prohibits drivers from holding or using a phone while the vehicle is in operation, even at stop signs or red lights.

Can I file a claim if the driver was distracted by something other than a phone?

Absolutely. Distraction includes a wide range of behaviors. You may have a valid claim if another driver caused your accident due to inattentiveness.

What if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt during the crash?

While Indiana law requires seatbelt use, not wearing one does not automatically disqualify you from recovering damages. However, it may impact the compensation you receive under comparative fault rules.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor crash?

Even seemingly minor accidents can result in significant injuries, such as whiplash or concussions. Insurance companies may try to dismiss these injuries as minor. We recommend speaking with an attorney to make sure your rights are protected.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

We work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. We also offer free initial consultations.

Let’s Talk About Your Case Today

Distracted driving is a growing threat in Lebanon and throughout Indiana. If you’ve been hurt because another driver wasn’t paying attention, do not wait to get legal help. As your trusted Lebanon distracted driving car accident lawyer, we are here to listen, investigate, and take action. Our team is standing by to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you need to move forward.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s hold the distracted driver accountable—and get you the results you deserve.