When a driver chooses to look away from the road, the consequences can be catastrophic. Every year, lives are lost, and distracted driving crashes forever change families.
If you or a loved one is recovering from such an accident, you deserve a legal team that treats your case with the urgency and compassion it warrants. As experienced Martinsville car accident lawyers, we understand how painful and overwhelming this time can be, and we are here to fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Understanding Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is more than just texting behind the wheel. It includes any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the task of driving. This could involve eating, using a GPS, adjusting the radio, or even talking to passengers. These seemingly minor actions can lead to devastating collisions, often in just a few seconds.
According to national data, thousands of people are killed annually due to distracted driving. In local communities like ours, we see firsthand how a single moment of inattention can cause life-altering injuries and significant property damage.
What Indiana Law Says About Distracted Driving
In recent years, Indiana enacted a hands-free law to reduce distracted driving incidents. This legislation prohibits drivers from holding or using a mobile device while operating a motor vehicle, except through hands-free or voice-operated technology. Violations may result in fines and points on a driver’s license, but the legal implications go far beyond traffic citations.
In the context of a civil claim, violating distracted driving laws may be used as evidence of negligence. This can significantly impact the outcome of a personal injury case, as proving fault is central to obtaining compensation.
The Real-World Impact of Distracted Driving
When a driver is not fully engaged with the road, accidents occur that leave lasting scars, physical, emotional, and financial. Common crash types linked to distraction include rear-end collisions, side impacts, and rollover accidents. These incidents frequently result in serious injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Severe burns
The recovery process is often long and expensive, involving hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and lost income. These burdens should not fall on the shoulders of the injured party alone.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Establishing liability in a distracted driving case requires more than identifying who caused the crash. Our legal team works diligently to gather the evidence needed to hold the responsible parties accountable. This may include:
- The distracted driver
- An employer, if the driver was on the job
- A manufacturer, if defective technology played a role
We conduct a thorough investigation, gathering phone records, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction reports. This careful approach helps build a strong foundation for your claim.
How We Prove Driver Distraction
Our law office has the experience and resources needed to prove that another party was distracted at the time of the accident. Vaughn A. Wamsley personally oversees each case with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that no piece of evidence is overlooked.
We work with forensic experts and utilize modern investigative techniques to identify whether the driver was texting, calling, or engaging in another form of distraction. This evidence is crucial in demonstrating negligence and securing fair compensation.
What You May Be Entitled To Recover
The effects of a distracted driving accident can be devastating, and you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Depending on your injuries and circumstances, recovery may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
In cases involving reckless disregard for others’ safety, punitive damages may also be awarded. These are designed to punish egregious behavior and deter future misconduct.
Steps To Take After a Distracted Driving Crash
If you have been injured in an accident involving a distracted driver, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights. Here is what we recommend:
- Get medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
- Document the accident scene, including photographs and notes
- Collect contact information from witnesses
- Do not admit fault or discuss the crash with insurance companies alone
- Contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible
Following these steps strengthens your position and allows us to build your case from a solid foundation.
How We Support Injured Victims
When you choose our firm, you are not just hiring a lawyer; you are gaining a dedicated ally who will guide you every step of the way. We take pride in the close relationships we form with our clients. Each case is handled with personal attention and professional integrity.
Our approach is strategic and transparent. We explain your legal options, maintain consistent communication, and pursue every available avenue for compensation. From negotiating with insurance companies to taking a case to trial, we are fully prepared to advocate for you.
Why Clients Trust Vaughn A. Wamsley
Vaughn A. Wamsley is a seasoned trial lawyer with over 25 years of experience serving clients across Indiana. A graduate of Indiana University and Indiana University School of Law, he has earned a reputation for fierce advocacy and ethical representation. His work reflects a deep commitment to justice and a passion for protecting the rights of the injured.
We understand that behind every case is a person who has been harmed. That is why we dedicate ourselves to standing up for individuals—not corporations or insurance companies. Our firm’s values are rooted in honesty, diligence, and community care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident.
What if I was partially at fault?
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system. As long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible, you may still recover damages, though your compensation may be reduced.
Will my case go to trial?
Many personal injury cases settle outside of court. However, we prepare each case as if it will go to trial to ensure the strongest possible outcome.
How much will it cost to hire your firm?
We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no legal fees unless we secure compensation for you.
Speak With Us Today
If a distracted driver has hurt you or someone you love, it is time to take action. As a dedicated Martinsville distracted driving car accident lawyer, Vaughn A. Wamsley is ready to fight for the justice you deserve.
We invite you to contact our office for a free consultation. Our team will review your case, explain your rights, and outline the next steps forward. We are here to help you regain control and move forward with confidence.
Let us be your advocate in a difficult time. Call us today.