Who Pays After a Distracted Driving Crash on Vacation?


Vacations are meant to be relaxing. Whether you’re passing through Indiana to visit family or taking a summer road trip across state lines, the last thing on your mind is getting hit by a distracted driver. But it happens, and more often than most people realize.

Nationwide, distracted driving spikes during the summer, with tourists unfamiliar with local roads, teens glued to their phones, and drivers relying on GPS apps all contributing to a sharp increase in collisions. So what happens when a crash derails your vacation? More importantly, who pays after a distracted driving accident while you’re far from home?

We Help Accident Victims Recover

At The Law Office of Vaughn A. Wamsley, we help injured victims get real answers to complicated legal questions like these. For over 20 years, Vaughn has protected the rights of individuals and families across Indiana injured due to negligence, including out-of-state drivers passing through our state. He understands how overwhelming it can be to deal with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal deadlines when you’re hundreds of miles from your hometown.

“I was injured in Indiana while traveling for work. I had no idea what to do. Vaughn and his team took care of everything—they fought hard for me and kept me informed every step of the way.”
Former client review

With experience handling complex personal injury claims, distracted driving cases, and out-of-state accident liability, Vaughn Wamsley is a trusted Indiana car accident lawyer known for providing personalized, aggressive representation. He doesn’t back down from insurance companies, and he doesn’t let victims become statistics. =

Vaughn A. Wamsley does not just handle your case. We protect your rights so you can focus on regaining your life.

Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents During Summer Travel

Summer may be the season of road trips, vacations, and family fun, but it’s also one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. With more drivers on highways and more distractions in the car, vacation car accidents caused by distracted driving are all too familiar. For out-of-state visitors traveling through Indiana, even a minor lapse in attention can result in serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and legal confusion about who is responsible after a car crash.

As an experienced distracted driving attorney in Indiana, Vaughn A. Wamsley has helped many accident victims understand their rights and recover compensation. Knowing what causes these crashes is the first step to protecting yourself.

Top Distractions That Cause Vacation Car Accidents

Drivers on vacation face a unique set of distractions—many of which increase their chances of being involved in a wreck. Some of the most common include:

  • Using GPS or Navigation Apps: Visitors unfamiliar with Indiana roads often rely on real-time GPS. Looking away from the road to enter an address or reroute can be as dangerous as texting.
  • Distracted by Passengers or Children: Traveling with kids, pets, or a full carload of friends increases noise, movement, and conversation, all of which can distract attention from the road.
  • Texting and Driving: Social media updates, group messages, and even snapping vacation photos while driving are growing causes of distracted driving accidents.
  • Eating or Drinking in the Car: Quick meals on the go may save time, but spilled drinks and one-handed driving significantly reduce a driver’s ability to react to traffic changes.
  • Sightseeing and Rubbernecking: Tourists are more likely to make abrupt stops or slow down to look at roadside attractions, construction zones, or scenic areas, endangering others around them.

Distracted Driving Statistics Increase During Summer Months

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving caused over 3,500 deaths and thousands of injuries in recent years. Many of these accidents occur in the summer due to higher volumes of vacation travel, teen drivers on break, and long-distance trips across unfamiliar routes.

Indiana law enforcement agencies continue to raise awareness through statewide campaigns targeting distracted drivers during peak travel periods. As a top-rated Indiana car accident lawyer, Vaughn Wamsley urges vacationers to stay alert because distracted driving isn’t just a bad habit. It’s negligence.

“When someone’s vacation ends in an ambulance ride, they need answers fast. We step in to ensure they’re not taken advantage of just because they’re out of state,” says Vaughn Wamsley.

Who Is Liable in a Vacation Car Accident Caused by a Distracted Driver?

When you’re involved in a distracted driving crash while on vacation, the biggest question is often this: Who pays for the damages? Liability in these situations depends on several key factors, including who caused the crash, what distractions were involved, and whether multiple parties share responsibility.

As an experienced Indiana car accident lawyer, Vaughn A. Wamsley helps clients—both in-state residents and out-of-state visitors—understand how fault and liability are determined after a wreck. If the other driver was texting, using GPS, eating behind the wheel, or otherwise distracted, they may be considered negligent under Indiana law.

When the Distracted Driver Is Clearly at Fault

In most vacation crashes, the distracted driver is legally responsible for the injuries and damages they cause. This includes:

  • Rear-end collisions due to inattention
  • Failing to yield or obey traffic signals
  • Swerving or drifting between lanes
  • Hitting pedestrians or cyclists while looking away from the road

Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule under Indiana Code § 34-51-2, which means you can recover compensation if you are not more than 50% at fault. If the distracted driver’s actions were the primary cause of the crash, their insurance will typically be responsible for paying damages.

What If the Distracted Driver Was on the Job?

Indianapolis auto accident lawyer If the at-fault driver was working at the time—such as a delivery driver, rideshare driver, or someone traveling for business—their employer may also be held liable. This opens the door to pursuing a claim against a commercial insurance policy, which often has higher coverage limits.

What Happens If Both Drivers Share Blame?

Vacation crashes can get complicated when more than one driver is distracted or makes a mistake. Indiana’s comparative fault law reduces your compensation in proportion to your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%.

This is why it’s critical to have a skilled personal injury attorney in Indiana investigate the crash thoroughly and challenge insurance companies’ attempts to shift blame.

Liability and Out-of-State Drivers in Indiana

If the accident happened in Indiana, Indiana law will generally apply—even if neither driver is from the state. That means out-of-state drivers may find themselves navigating unfamiliar legal rules. Vaughn Wamsley regularly represents clients passing through Indiana who suddenly face serious injuries and legal confusion.

With over 20 years of experience as an accident attorney in Indiana, Vaughn knows how to handle these issues, work across state lines, and ensure his clients aren’t left paying for someone else’s distracted mistake.

What Insurance Covers After a Vacation Car Accident?

After a distracted driving crash on vacation, most people assume the other driver’s insurance will automatically cover everything. Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. The type of insurance available—and whose insurance applies—depends on the details of the crash, where it happened, and who was at fault.

As a trusted Indiana personal injury attorney, Vaughn A. Wamsley helps clients sort through complex insurance policies to ensure they get the compensation they’re entitled to. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver in Indiana or injured while traveling elsewhere, it’s important to understand how insurance coverage works.

The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

If the distracted driver caused the accident, their liability insurance should cover your:

  • Medical bills
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering

Indiana requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage, but many vacationers are out of state, where limits may differ, or they may not carry enough to cover serious injuries. If the other driver’s insurance isn’t enough, additional coverage may come into play.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or lacks insurance to cover your losses, you may need to rely on your own UM/UIM coverage. This is optional in some states but highly recommended—and in many cases, it’s your financial safety net.

UM/UIM can help cover:

  • Emergency medical care
  • Ongoing treatment or rehabilitation
  • Lost income from time away from work

If you’re unsure whether you have this coverage, an experienced Indiana accident attorney like Vaughn Wamsley can review your policy and help you understand your options.

Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Some policies include Medical Payments coverage (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which can cover your medical bills regardless of who was at fault. These benefits are beneficial for travelers who are far from their regular doctors or healthcare network.

Rental Car Insurance

If you were driving a rental car during your vacation, coverage may come from several sources:

  • The rental car company’s optional insurance plan
  • Your auto insurance policy
  • Credit card benefits (if the rental was booked with a qualifying card)

Coverage varies depending on the fine print, so it’s essential to act quickly and consult a lawyer to avoid delays or denials in your claim.

“Insurance companies don’t make it easy, especially when multiple policies and states are involved,” says Vaughn Wamsley. “We know what to look for, how to challenge lowball offers, and how to make sure our clients aren’t left footing the bill for someone else’s negligence.”

Understanding which policies apply—and how to enforce them—isn’t something you should try to figure out alone. With the proper legal guidance, you can get the full compensation you’re owed and protect your financial future, even far from home.

Steps to Take After a Distracted Driving Crash on Vacation

Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but it can feel overwhelming when it happens during a vacation. You’re in an unfamiliar place, far from your usual doctors, and unsure of what to do next. That’s why it’s critical to take specific steps immediately after the crash to protect your health and legal rights.

As an experienced vacation car accident attorney in Indiana, Vaughn A. Wamsley has helped countless travelers get back on track after serious crashes. Whether you’re from out of state or just hours from home, these steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Call 911 and Report the Accident

Always contact local law enforcement, even if the accident seems minor. A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in any personal injury case. It documents who was involved, where the crash happened, and whether distracted driving played a role.

Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel okay, get checked out as soon as possible. Many injuries—such as concussions, whiplash, or internal trauma—don’t show symptoms right away. Prompt medical care also creates a record linking your injuries to the crash, which is critical for your claim.

Document the Scene and Collect Evidence

Use your phone to take photos and videos of:

  • Vehicle damage
  • Skid marks and debris
  • Road conditions
  • Any visible injuries
  • Traffic signs and signals

Also, gather the other driver’s contact and insurance information. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Call your insurer to report the crash, but avoid giving recorded statements until you’ve spoken to an attorney. Insurance companies may try to twist your words or minimize your injuries, especially when they know you’re far from home.

Contact an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer Right Away

If your accident happened in Indiana, your best chance of securing fair compensation is hiring a local attorney who understands the state’s laws and how to deal with insurance companies operating across state lines. Vaughn Wamsley can help you:

  • Preserve evidence
  • Identify all sources of insurance coverage
  • Calculate damages
  • Communicate with the insurance adjusters
  • File your claim within Indiana’s legal deadlines

“Out-of-state visitors often feel helpless after an accident here in Indiana,” Vaughn says. “We ensure their rights are protected and their claim is taken seriously—no matter where they’re from.”

Why Choose Vaughn Wamsley for Vacation Accident Claims?

car wreck attorney in Indiana After a distracted driving accident while on vacation, hiring the right lawyer can make the difference between being overwhelmed and being protected. When you’re far from home, you need someone local who knows the courts, the laws, and how to hold negligent drivers accountable in Indiana.

That’s where Vaughn A. Wamsley, a respected Indiana personal injury lawyer, stands out. With over 20 years of legal experience, Vaughn has earned a reputation for fighting hard for accident victims, especially those dealing with out-of-state legal issues and unfamiliar insurance policies.

He’s not part of a giant firm where you’re just a case number. Vaughn offers personalized, one-on-one legal support, ensuring every client understands their options and gets the attention they deserve. If you’re searching for a top-rated auto accident attorney in Indiana, his results, reputation, and dedication speak for themselves.

“He was always available, even when I was back home and unsure how things worked in Indiana. I felt like I had someone in my corner the entire time.”
Actual client testimonial

Vaughn has successfully resolved cases involving:

  • Distracted driving and texting while driving
  • Out-of-state vacationers injured in Indiana
  • Accidents involving commercial and rental vehicles
  • Disputes with uncooperative or underinsured drivers

When the vacation ends in a crash, Vaughn Wamsley helps you take back control. He’ll deal with the paperwork, the insurers, and the legal complexities—so you can focus on your recovery.

FAQ: Distracted Driving Crashes During Vacation

What if the driver who hit me was using their phone or GPS?

If the other driver was texting, using social media, or looking at a GPS, they may be found negligent under Indiana law. Distracted driving is a significant cause of vacation car accidents, and proving distraction can significantly strengthen your case. Vaughn Wamsley works with investigators, witnesses, and phone records to establish fault and secure compensation.

Do I need an Indiana lawyer if I live in another state?

Your case will likely fall under Indiana’s laws if the accident occurs there. That means you’ll benefit from hiring a car accident lawyer in Indiana who understands local laws, court procedures, and how to deal with cross-state insurance issues. Vaughn A. Wamsley regularly represents out-of-state visitors and will guide you through every step, even remotely.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system. You can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Vaughn can evaluate your case and push back against insurance companies’ exaggerated blame tactics.

What happens if the distracted driver was uninsured?

If the other driver lacks insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your damages, you may be able to file a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Vaughn Wamsley can review your policy and pursue all available coverage options on your behalf.

How long do I have to file a claim in Indiana?

In most cases, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Indiana. However, the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Prompt action allows your attorney to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and protect you from lowball settlement offers.

Your Vacation May Be Over—But Your Rights Aren’t

A distracted driving crash can instantly turn your vacation into a nightmare. Whether you were injured passing through Indiana or visiting family, you deserve answers, support, and a legal team that knows how to protect your rights.

At The Law Office of Vaughn A. Wamsley, we’ve helped countless travelers and Indiana residents navigate the aftermath of a serious accident caused by distracted drivers. We understand the legal complexities of out-of-state car accidents, and we know how to hold negligent drivers accountable—no matter where they’re from.

Don’t let distance or uncertainty delay your recovery. If you’ve been injured while traveling, contact Vaughn Wamsley, a proven Indiana car accident lawyer, and get the guidance you need to confidently move forward.

Call now for a free consultation—we’re here to protect your rights while you focus on healing.

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