An Indianapolis car accident lawyer explains how to stay safe
Car accidents remain one of the most common causes of serious injuries and fatalities in Indiana and across the country. That’s why traffic safety experts declared this month National Traffic Awareness Month.
Such road safety officials hope this annual educational event will “shed light on the safety rules that can help prevent major or minor accidents from taking place,” according to a recent National Today article about the monthlong occasion.
So how common are car accidents nationwide? Are they a serious problem in Indiana as well? Why do so many collisions occur? And what are some safe driving tips for avoiding a crash in the first place?
Car accidents remain common (and deadly) nationwide
The numbers are clear – car accidents remain one of the most common causes of injuries and fatalities in the country. In the last three years, at least 40,000 people have died each year due to motor vehicle accidents nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In 2023, a total of 40,990 people died in car accidents nationwide, according to NHTSA data. The year before, 42,544 people lost their lives due to car crashes. And in 2021, a record-high 42,939 people were killed in car accidents. In contrast, there were 38,824 vehicle deaths in 2020 nationwide.
Indiana car accident fatalities reach record high
If the problem seems bad nationwide, the numbers are even worse in Indiana. In 2022, Indiana had more car accident fatalities in one year than any year in at least a decade. Specifically, 949 people died in car accidents in Indiana that year, according to the latest statewide NHTSA car accident data.
Why do so many car accidents happen?
While numbers vary from one year to the next, many of the same contributing factors cause car accidents in Indiana and nationwide, including:
- Speeding, which caused 290 deaths or 30.5 percent of all motor vehicle deaths in Indiana in 2022, the most in a single year in the state in at least a decade.
- Drunk driving, which caused 274 deaths or 28.8 percent of all car accident fatalities in Indiana in 2022, another record high for the state.
Other common causes of serious and fatal car accidents include:
- Distracted driving, especially texting while driving or using a cellphone while driving.
- Reckless driving, which can include changing lanes without signaling, tailgating or other aggressive driving behaviors.
- Drowsy driving or falling asleep at the wheel, especially at night on highways and rural roads in Indiana.
Safe driving tips designed to prevent car crashes
The good news is there are steps you and other drivers can take to prevent car accidents. Such safe driving tips include:
- Slow down – Speeding remains one of the most common causes of serious collisions.
- Share space – Don’t tailgate and leave enough room between your car and other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
- Drive sober – If you have too much to drink, have a plan to get home safely, whether it’s a designated driver or using a rideshare service.
- Stay focused – Driving requires your full attention. Don’t text or look up directions while driving. Focus on the road in front of you.
- Take breaks – If you start to feel tired, take a break. Even if it’s for only a few minutes, you could save your life and other people’s lives on the road.
- Plan ahead – If there’s bad weather (snow, ice, etc.) in the forecast, consider driving at another time.
How can an Indiana car accident attorney help?
“I had an absolutely superb experience. Throughout my time working with Hocker Law, I felt l that I was listened to and my priorities were always respected at the forefront of any decisions.” – Bryan E.
If another driver clearly caused your car crash in Indiana, you probably don’t even need a lawyer, right? Don’t be so sure. In many cases, many car accident claims turn out to be a lot more complicated than you might expect. Sometimes, it’s because the driver who caused your crash tries to blame you. Other times, it’s insurance companies that are the problem.
An Indiana car accident lawyer at Hocker Law can help you every step of the way. We know what to do because we’ve been doing this work for years. That’s why you can count on us to put your best interests first.
Get the Indianapolis law firm that gets results. Contact us and schedule a free consultation with an experienced Indiana car accident attorney focused on winning your case. Call (877) 626-7725 or schedule an appointment online. We have Spanish-speaking staff members and three offices conveniently located in Indiana, including two offices in Indianapolis.