Even a minor car accident can cause significant financial loss. When you suffer serious injuries, a crash can be financially devastating. Under Indiana’s fault-based system, the at-fault driver’s insurance company must pay the losses of anyone injured in a crash, but the driver’s insurance coverage limits the money available.
The common causes of car accidents in Merrillville usually involve a driver’s error and often a combination of factors. The skilled car accident attorneys at The Law Offices of David W. Holub investigate every accident to identify all the parties potentially liable for the accident.
Negligent Drivers
Driver error is an element involved in almost all car accidents. Drivers routinely do things like:
- Speed
- Engage in distractions like texting
- Drive too close to the vehicle in front of them
- Make mistakes like running a stop sign or failing to yield in a roundabout
When a driver does not use appropriate care and causes an accident that results in injury, that is called negligence. For example, when the police investigating an accident cite a driver, the ticket is evidence of driver negligence. However, the at-fault party does not always receive proof of the negligence. A knowledgeable attorney could review witness statements, dashcam and surveillance videos, and physical evidence at the crash scene to establish proof of negligence.
It is possible for the injured person to seek compensation from the other driver if they do not bear greater responsibility for the accident than the other parties involved. It is critical for an injured person who may have been partially at fault for a car crash to work with an experienced Merrillville attorney.
Other Factors That Could Contribute to a Crash
Although driver error is a common cause of car accidents, there are often other factors that contribute to a crash. Every person, company, or governmental entity that had a role in an accident is potentially liable to someone who was injured. For example:
- A manufacturer might be responsible for mechanical failures
- An employer might be liable when an involved driver was working at the time of the incident
- A local government might have partial responsibility for poor road conditions, malfunctioning traffic lights, poor lighting, or obscured traffic signs
An experienced Merrillville accident attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances to identify all the parties who might have had a role in the causes of the crash. Bringing all the potentially responsible parties to the table increases the pool of insurance coverage and ensures an injured person obtains appropriate compensation for their injuries.
Alcohol-Related Accidents
Indiana’s Dram Shop Act can provide additional compensation to someone injured by a drunk driver. The law allows an injured person to hold a business or host liable for their injuries under certain circumstances.
When a business or social host serves or sells alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person, Indiana Code § 7.1-5-10-15.5 makes them civilly liable to anyone the intoxicated person injures. A well-practiced legal professional representing an injured person must prove the following:
- The accident was caused by the drunk driver’s intoxication
- The person providing the alcohol knew that the drunk driver was visibly intoxicated when they served the alcohol
In addition to bars, restaurants, and social hosts, this law applies to liquor stores, social clubs, and event venues.
Anyone injured in a drunk driving accident should consult with a legal professional in Merrillville to determine whether there is evidence supporting a dram shop claim. If so, a successful dram shop action can provide an additional source of insurance coverage that can help the injured person obtain reasonable compensation.
Consult a Merrillville Attorney for Help Proving the Cause of Your Car Accident
The common causes of car accidents in Merrillville all involve someone’s negligence, but an injured person might have to fight to get the compensation they deserve. Insurance companies are motivated to pay as little as possible, regardless of the merits of the claim.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of David W. Holub can level the playing field. They are skilled negotiators with deep knowledge of the law, and they have a record of success in achieving favorable settlements for people injured in vehicle accidents. Contact us to discuss your situation today.