Indiana Injury Lawyer Blog

A hit and run Car Crash Monday in Fort Wayne, Indiana left a little girl with injuries. Fort Wayne police officers say the vehicle's driver drove from the scene following the accident. The victim was identified as a 3 year old girl. Fort Wayne is about 2 hours north of downtown Indianapolis.

Indiana investigators say the toddler was in the road when the car drove down the street at a high rate of speed. After examining the scene, Fort Wayne police officers determined the driver tried to stop before hitting her. The appearance of skid marks at the scene of the accident led them to this conclusion. Investigators also say the vehicle was skidding sideways before colliding with the toddler, hurting her. She was listed in far condition at last check at a local hospital.

As the daylight hours extend this time of year, it is especially important to keep an eye on our children. Many kids are outdoors longer, and many are playing in Indiana streets. While most have fun, some do wind up hurt in crashes with vehicles. In fact, a Texas A&M system website on Pedestrian Safety notes that almost one-fourth of kids between the ages of 5 and 9 killed in vehicle accidents in 2002 were pedestrians. Also noteworthy, the article mentions a study that found pedestrian injury is the second leading cause of unintentional injury related deaths among kids.

Continue reading " HIT AND RUN CAR CRASH INJURES LITTLE INDIANA GIRL IN FORT WAYNE " »

An Indiana teenager is fighting for his life after he was hurt in a Pool Accident on Indianapolis's southwest side. The accident happened Sunday evening at a swimming pool located in the Valley Brook Trailer Park.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers say the 13-year old victim was found at the bottom of the pool by another 13-year old boy. The injured teen was celebrating his birthday when the accident occurred. Indiana investigators say a person at the party did give the boy CPR. Indianapolis emergency crews then transported the boy to Indianapolis's Riley Hospital for Children. At last check, he was listed in critical condition with his injuries.

According to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers, this pool accident appears to be exactly that -- an accident. And this time of year, it is especially important for people to be vigilant when it comes to pool safety. Just look at the statistics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these victims, two are children aged 14 or younger. And while many people do not die in drowning accidents, their injuries can be devastating. The CDC reports these drownings can cause Brain Injuries that can cause long-term damage like memory loss or learning disabilities, or the victim can end up in a permanent vegetative condition.

One way to protect your loved ones from a drowning accident is to make sure everyone knows proper Pool Safety. And Indy Parks can help. Their staff is offering a new water safety class called "Make A Splash." This program is for children ages 6 and older. It starts today and runs through Friday. This Indianapolis-area class is free and kicks off at Marion County's Brookside Park Pool.

Continue reading " INDIANAPOLIS BOY HURT IN POOL ACCIDENT IN MARION COUNTY, INDIANA " »

An On the Job Accident in Lafayette, Indiana killed one man and hurt another. The workplace accident happened last week at Fairfield Manufacturing. Lafayette is roughly an hour northwest of Indianapolis. The Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office said 28-year old Kyle Rhodes from Lafayette was identified as the employee who was killed.

The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration is looking into the industrial accident which could have Workers' Compensation implications. Worker's Compensation is also known as Work Comp, and these terms refer to the laws that cover an injury or death that occurs while the employee is on the job. Forklifts are often to blame for Workers' Compensation injuries and deaths, and a forklift was, indeed, involved in last week's on the job accident.

After investigating, the Lafayette Police Department said two employees at Fairfield Manufacturing were hurt when they were pinned between a forklift and a Semi Truck. This apparently happened on a rear loading dock. Other details about the tragic work related accident are being withheld.

As mentioned earlier, forklifts are often involved in workplace accidents. The website, www.toolboxtopics.com, details a recent study which shows this. The study found most of the deadly forklift accidents were when an employee was crushed by the vehicle falling over. That happened in 42% of the cases. 25% of the time, the fatal forklift accidents involved someone being crushed between the vehicle and a surface. And the third most deadly forklift accident involved someone being crushed between two vehicles. As for the industry with the most forklift fatalities -- manufacturing had the most with 42.5%.

Continue reading " WORK RELATED ACCIDENT IN LAFAYETTE, INDIANA KILLS ONE MAN " »

Dozens of Indiana children are recovering after a School Bus Crash. The bus accident happened Tuesday in Hancock County close to Mount Comfort and involved two Mount Vernon Community School Corporation buses. The Buck Creek Fire Department's chief said about 30 students were taken to a local Indiana hospital. The students are in grades 5-12.

Eyewitness accounts and reports from Indiana investigators seem to imply that a car might have stopped suddenly which caused the Vehicle Accident. The bus behind the car apparently collided into it due to the car's sudden stop. The second bus driver was allegedly distracted by a student on the bus so the driver didn't realize the car had stopped suddenly or that the first bus had struck the car. Thus, the second bus crashed into the first.

While school buses are considered one of the safer modes of transportation, bus accidents do happen, of course. The website, www.safeguard4kids.com, quotes a study that found there are more than 140 school bus accidents every day in the United States, and almost 10,000 children are hurt in school bus crashes every year.

As for the bus drivers in Tuesday's vehicle collision, student accounts indicate at least one of the drivers was hurt after she was pinned between her seat and the steering wheel. Her injuries might fall under the Work Comp category. Workers' Compensation is term used to detail the laws that pertain to an injury that happens while the employee is in the course and scope of employment or, in other words, while on the job.

The Indiana Department of Labor keeps track of worker injuries as a step towards improving working conditions in various industries throughout the state. Transportation and Warehousing are grouped together for this purpose and are tied with construction for the business field in Indiana with the second most occupational fatalities in 2009.

Continue reading " STUDENTS HURT AFTER TWO INDIANA SCHOOL BUSES CRASH IN HANCOCK COUNTY " »

Indiana's Medical Malpractice law is facing a challenge from an unlikely source -- a Fishers doctor. Many Indiana lawmakers and physicians consider The Indiana Compensation Act for Patients as one that protects doctors and provides them and the medical system with stability. However, now Dr. Scott Hubbard, would like that law to change.

As reported by www.theindychannel.com in the article, "Patients Blast Indiana Law that Protects Doctors," a doctor did not diagnose Hubbard's cancer in 1999 when he underwent his initial biopsy. Hubbard sued his doctor for Medical Malpractice, but Indiana's Medical Malpractice law limits the amount of money he can recover. Even though his medical expenses are close to $2 million dollars and his lost wages are more than $4 million, the most money he can receive in a medical malpractice lawsuit is $1.25 million. Hubbard says Indiana's Medical Malpractice law is, thus, unfair.

The Indiana Compensation Act for Patients has faced legal challenges before since it was enacted in 1975. The law determines the process for handling a medical malpractice case as well as the possible jury awards. One step is for the case to be heard by a "medical review panel."

However, patients and their families who would like the law changed point to statistics surrounding this panel. According to the Indiana Department of Insurance, from 1975-2009, the medical review panel issued opinions in 12,034 cases and did not find medical malpractice in 7,674 of them. That's about 64% of the time. Thus, many patients and their families say this data shows the medical malpractice law favors doctors.

Continue reading " FISHERS DOCTOR WOULD LIKE INDIANA MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW TO CHANGE " »

An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer was hurt in a Car Crash involving another patrol car. The auto accident happened at the intersection of 38th Street and Illinois Street in Indiana's Marion County Tuesday morning. The officer's injury could possibly be deemed Work Comp related because it happened while the officer was in the course and scope of employment.

As reported by www.fox59.com in the article, "Two Officers Crash During Pursuit on Indianapolis North Side," Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers were chasing a suspect in their police cruisers when the officers collided into each other. One of the officers was taken to a local Indianapolis hospital with a possible shoulder injury. After the auto accident, the suspect tried to run away, but Indianapolis police officers eventually caught and arrested him.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers are, of course, part of the local government. And, Indiana state and local government employees are not immune from injuries on the job. According to the Indiana Department of Labor, 15,300 injuries and illnesses were reported among state and local government workers in 2009. That amounts to a rate of 5.0 per 100 employees.

Continue reading " INDIANAPOLIS POLICE OFFICER HURT AFTER CAR CRASH INTO ANOTHER PATROL CAR IN MARION COUNTY " »

Indiana State Police say two people were severely hurt after a Truck Crash in Dearborn County. The victims are 42-year old J.F. Booth from Cleves, Ohio and 38-year old Tracy Goudreau from Massachusetts. No word if their injuries are Work Comp related. Dearborn County is in eastern Indiana, about 90 minutes from Indianapolis.

As reported by www.cincinnati.com in the article, "Driver, Passenger Critical After Crash," Indiana State Troopers say Booth was the driver of the pickup truck involved in the Vehicle Accident. Indiana investigators say Booth was driving south on Jamison Road when he lost control of the truck. The vehicle then hit an embankment, did many flips and then struck the embankment again. Booth and Goudreau were ejected from the truck, and both were not wearing seat belts.

Seatbelt use, or lack thereof, can play a role in the severity of injuries from an auto accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009, using seat belts in passenger vehicles saved more than 12,000 lives. And from 2005-2009, seat belts are credited with saving more than 72,000 lives.

Continue reading " DEARBORN COUNTY, INDIANA TRUCK CRASH INJURES TWO " »

The Indiana State Department of Health is looking into a potential Work Comp related illness among Purdue University employees. Workers in Beering Hall are wondering if too many of their peers are getting cancer. This illness could be considered Work Comp related if it, indeed, was contracted while employees were in the course and scope of employment.

As detailed by www.wishtv.com in the article, "Is There a Cancer Cluster in Beering Hall," the employees notified the Department of Radiological and Environmental Management, and Purdue University then contacted the Indiana State Department of Health. Workers with the Indiana Department of Health are now trying to figure out which students and workers were diagnosed with cancer after being in Beering Hall. Those findings are expected next month. So far, officials with the West Lafayette campus say there have been 17 people diagnosed with cancer since 1994.

Unfortunately, dozens of Hoosiers do get sick every year while in the course and scope of employment. As reported by the Indiana Department of Labor, in 2005, 26,900 work-related injuries and illnesses required the injured worker to miss work, and 4.4% of them were because an employee was exposed to a harmful substance.

Continue reading " POTENTIAL WORK COMP RELATED ILLNESS AT INDIANA'S PURDUE UNIVERSITY " »

One person is dead following a Car Crash in Hamilton County, Indiana. That's just north of Indianapolis. The auto accident happened at about 4:15 Friday morning at Indiana State Road 37 and Essig Avenue which is north of Noblesville. The victim is identified as 50-year old Larrie Foor from Elwood, Indiana.

As reported by www.fox59.com in the article, "Fog Possible Factor in Deadly Hamilton County Crash," two vehicles were part of this auto accident. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Department says Foor's car was going south on Indiana State Road 37 when a green car, driven by 29-year old Hannah Freeman, going in the opposite direction veered across the center line and collided with Foor's car head-on. A passenger, 19-year old Amber McKinley, was taken to an Indianapolis-area hospital. Freeman was also taken to an Indianapolis-area hospital. No word if any of the injuries are Work Comp related. Freeman is now facing charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Initially, Indiana investigators believed fog might have played a role in this fatal car crash. As many of us do know, weather conditions can play a big role in auto accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2,675 people were killed in vehicle crashes in 2009 throughout the country when rainy conditions were present. Surprisingly, while still too many, only 660 people were killed in auto accidents when snow or sleet conditions were present.

Continue reading " DEADLY CAR CRASH IN HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA " »

Two Indiana adults face charges for falsely reporting that an Indiana toddler died in a hit and run Car Accident. Goshen's 22-year old Mande Turner-Berger had told Indiana detectives that her daughter, 18-month old Mariah Gibson, was killed Monday night after the toddler let go of her mother's hand, wandered into the street and was hit by a car that then fled. Goshen detectives soon determined that story was false, and Turner-Berger and her boyfriend, Goshen's 31-year old Daniel Pennington, were arrested.

As detailed by www.wndu.com in the article, "Update: Police Arrest Mother and Boyfriend in Wake of Goshen Toddler's Death," Indiana detectives said they could not confirm specific events that Turner-Berger had detailed. After further investigating, Goshen detectives concluded that Mariah's mother had made up a fake story to hide the real reason her daughter died. So far, police are not saying what that real reason is behind Mariah's Wrongful Death.

While Goshen detectives believe Mariah's death was not simply the case of a pedestrian who was hit by a car, too many young pedestrians are killed every year on Indiana roads. According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, nine pedestrians under the age of 15 were killed in 2004. That was 12% of the pedestrian fatalities in the Hoosier state regardless of age.

Continue reading " UPDATE: GOSHEN DETECTIVES DETERMINE INDIANA TODDLER WAS NOT KILLED IN HIT AND RUN CAR CRASH " »

Indiana residents and people throughout the country who are veterans or are in the military might soon have new options when it comes to Medical Malpractice. Currently, a 1950 Supreme Court ruling protects military medical personnel from medical malpractice lawsuits. But, that could soon change.

As detailed by the Associated Press in the article, "Military Faces Challenge to Malpractice Shield," the United States Supreme Court is considering taking on a case of an officer who died after a nurse put a tube down the incorrect part of his throat. The Supreme Court, then, might overturn that 1950 law known as the Feres Doctrine. The Congressional Budget Office believes overturning the law would cost the federal government about $135 million yearly in claims.

Over the years, the Feres Doctrine has faced many legal challenges but thus far, has remained intact. In Indiana, the state's medical malpractice law, known as the Indiana Compensation Act for Patients, has faced legal battles as well since it was enacted in 1975. Indiana was the first state in the country to put in place medical malpractice reforms, and other states soon followed.

Continue reading " U.S. SUPREME COURT MIGHT CHANGE MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW FOR MILITARY IN INDIANA AND COUNTRY " »

Indiana State Police are investigating a deadly Semi Truck Crash in Marshall County, Indiana. Two people died in last week's Vehicle Accident after a semi truck collided into an SUV. The semi truck driver was not injured, but had the driver suffered injuries, they could have been deemed Work Comp related if the driver was on the job when they occurred.

As reported by www.wndu.com in the article, "Marshall County Accident Claims Two Lives," the victims were both in the SUV. Indiana State Police officers say the SUV's driver, 80-year old Charles Avery, did not stop at an intersection for a tractor trailer that was approaching. Thus, the semi truck collided with the SUV. Avery died instantly while his wife, Virginia, died a little while later.

Unfortunately, statistics show that as we get older, our driving abilities decline. USA Today documents a recent study that showed fatality rates for drivers start to rise after the age of 65. And, from ages 75-84, the death rate per 100 million miles driven is the same as for teen drivers. Even more troubling, for drivers 85 years old and older, the fatality rate is almost four times higher than it is for teenage drivers.

Continue reading " TWO PEOPLE DIE IN SEMI TRUCK CRASH IN MARSHALL COUNTY, INDIANA " »

An Elkhart County toddler was killed in a hit and run Car Crash in Goshen, Indiana Monday night. Goshen is about 3 hours north of Indianapolis. The 18-month old was identified as Mariah Gibson.

As detailed by The Elkhart Truth in the article, "Goshen Police Look for Info in Hit-and-Run Toddler Death," Goshen police officers say the toddler was walking on a sidewalk with her mom at around 9:30 at night when she let go of her mother's hand and ran into an intersection. Her mother, Mande Turner-Burger, was apparently holding another baby in a car seat and had been holding Mariah. The car is described as an older red passenger vehicle. Indiana investigators say that after the car struck Mariah, it went north on Eighth Street.

While tragedies do happen, parents should be extra watchful of their children this time of year. According to www.walkinginfo.org, child pedestrian fatalities are highest in May, June, and July. This is believed to be because children are playing outside more during these months.

Continue reading " INDIANA TODDLER DIES AFTER HIT AND RUN CAR CRASH IN GOSHEN " »

The Anderson, Indiana community is mourning the death of a teenager after a Car Crash early Sunday. 18-year old Derrick Wilson, who is believed to be a student at Anderson High School, died after his car struck a tree at around midnight. A passenger in the car was hurt and taken to a local Indiana hospital.

As detailed by The Herald Bulletin in the article, "Teen Driver Dies in Crash Near University," the auto accident happened on Fifth Street. The Anderson Police Department is looking into what caused the crash, and at last check, they were still unsure as to why Wilson drove off the road and into a tree. The Indiana State Police and the Madison County Coroner are also investigating the crash. The coroner says Wilson died from blunt force injuries to the head and to the chest.

Unfortunately, thousands of teenagers die in vehicle accidents every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. And, per mile driven, drivers in the 16-19 year old age group are four times more likely than older drivers to crash.

Continue reading " INDIANA TEEN DRIVER KILLED AFTER CAR CRASHES INTO TREE IN ANDERSON " »

Two people are dead following a Car Crash in Parke County, Indiana. That's in western Indiana about 90 minutes west of Indianapolis. The auto accident happened early Monday morning on United States 41, just north of Rockville. No word yet on the identities of the victims or if their deadly injuries were deemed Work Comp related.

As reported by www.theindychannel.com in the article, "2 Killed in Car Crash," Parke County Sheriff's Department officials say the car was going south when it went off the road and hit a culvert. They say the vehicle then went into the air and rolled and landed upside down. Both the driver and passenger were thrown from the car. Indiana investigators are looking into what caused this deadly car accident.

This auto accident happened at about 1:30 in the morning which is not considered a very dangerous time period on Mondays. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the time period of midnight to 2:59am on Mondays had the second fewest fatal vehicle accidents in the country in 2009 on Mondays with 316 deaths in vehicle crashes. Only 3am-5:59am on Mondays had fewer deadly auto accidents.

Continue reading " TWO PEOPLE DIE IN CAR CRASH IN PARKE COUNTY, INDIANA " »

An Indiana doctor's former patients are circling January 9th on their calendars. That's when Merrillville's Dr. Mark Weinberger is set to stand trial on federal health care fraud charges. The former northwestern Indiana nasal doctor also faces hundreds of Medical Malpractice lawsuits.

As detailed by www.wthr.com in the article, "January Trial Set for Indiana Doctor Who Hid in Italy," a trial date was set after a judge rejected a plea deal that would have sent Weinberger to prison for four years. The doctor had pleaded guilty in October to 22 counts of billing for procedures he never did. The judge said the plea agreement wasn't tough enough. Another plea deal is possible. A deadline for that was set for December 23rd.

You may recall Weinberger was arrested in 2009 in Europe after he had disappeared for about five years. He fled the country after one of his patients died from cancer after he did not diagnose it. Weinberger was recently convicted of Wrongful Death in that medical malpractice case.

In Indiana, Medical Malpractice cases are governed by the Indiana Compensation Act for Patients. It's been in place for more than 30 years. The Act dictates the amount of money a wronged patient can recover in a medical malpractice case and established a two year statute of limitations in most cases.

Continue reading " TRIAL DATE SET FOR INDIANA DOCTOR FACING HUNDREDS OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWSUITS " »

Indiana families with loved ones in nursing homes now have another area of concern. This week, the United States Department of Health and Human Services released findings of its latest audit which showed a troubling form of Nursing Home Abuse. The data showed about 1 in 7 elderly nursing home residents were given an atypical antipsychotic medicine.

As detailed by www.npr.org in the article, "Audit Finds Widespread Use of Antipsychotic Drugs in Nursing Homes," the residents were given these antipsychotic drugs despite findings, and even an FDA warning, that there is a higher chance of dying when the drugs are used to treat dementia in the elderly. The FDA only approved the use of these drugs to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services audit found 88% of Medicare claims for atypical antipsychotic drugs showed the medicines were prescribed for elderly nursing home residents with dementia.

According to the recent audit, the three drugs most involved in this nursing home abuse are Seroquel, Risperdal, and Zyprexa. The Inspector General also found in this audit that drug companies were marketing these medicines towards the elderly despite the health risks.

If you suspect your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse or neglect at a nursing home in Indiana, you can contact the Division of Long Term Care of the Indiana State Department of Health. They are located in Indianapolis.

Continue reading " NEW AUDIT FINDS NURSING HOME ABUSE INVOLVING ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS " »

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels signed a bill Wednesday prohibiting people in Indiana from texting while driving. It's an effort to cut on down on distracted driving which causes thousands of Auto Accidents every year. The ban goes into effect July 1st.

As reported by www.fox59.com in the article, "Statewide Ban on Texting and Driving Takes Effect July 1st," the new law bans the use of any device to type, send, or read text messages or emails while operating a moving vehicle. Drivers will, though, still be allowed to perform these functions if they are using hands free or voice operated technology. If Indiana drivers violate this new law, they'll face a fine of up to $500.

Recently, several studies have shown how big a problem distracted driving is. Thousands of people are killed in car crashes on Indiana roads and on roads throughout the United States because drivers are not paying attention to the roadways. According to the federal government's own website for distracted driving, www.distraction.gov, in 2009, more than 5,400 people were killed in vehicle crashes due to distracted driving, and more than 445,000 people were hurt in auto accidents due to distracted driving. And of the people killed in a distracted driving related accident, about one in five was due to cell phone use.

Continue reading " INDIANA'S GOVERNOR SIGNS TEXTING WHILE DRIVING BAN IN EFFORT TO PREVENT AUTO ACCIDENTS " »

The Vigo County community is grieving after two Indiana boys died in an Auto Accident last week. The vehicle crash happened Friday afternoon on Old Riley Road. Indiana State Police say the victims are Cale Roberts and Noah Washington, both 11 years old. The boys were in the backseat of a car that Roberts's sister was driving. Chelsea Roberts is a senior at Terre Haute South High School.

As reported by www.mywabashvalley.com in the article, "Two Riley Students Die in Crash; VCSC Sending Help to School," Indiana State Police say Chelsea Roberts apparently drifted off the road and hit an SUV when she over-corrected. Medics took both boys to an Indianapolis area hospital via helicopter. However, the children did die from their injuries. No word if the SUV driver suffered any injuries or if they were Work Comp related.

Unfortunately, overcorrecting is often the cause of deadly vehicle crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in Indiana, overcorrecting or oversteering was to blame for 65 fatal vehicle collisions in 2009. That was 6.6% of all the deadly accidents.

Continue reading " VIGO COUNTY COMMUNITY MOURNS DEATH OF TWO INDIANA BOYS IN CAR CRASH " »

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers arrested a 24-year old suspect, Geoffrey Collins, in a deadly Pickup Truck Crash in Marion County. Indiana's David Smith was killed in the hit and run accident on Saturday, and Jason Pedigo was severely hurt.

As detailed by www.fox59.com in the article, "Driver Admits Fault in Fatal Hit and Run Accident," witnesses say the victims were pushing a shopping cart in the eastbound lanes of West Morris Street in Indianapolis when a vehicle hit them. Two days later, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers found the pickup truck that matched the one described as hitting Smith and Pedigo. Collins owns that truck and did confess to being the driver in this deadly hit and run Vehicle Crash. He now faces numerous charges.

This deadly vehicle accident happened at around 11:45pm on Saturday. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, their most recent data shows that 9pm -11:59pm is the 3rd deadliest time period (out of 8) on Saturdays with 880 fatal crashes.

Continue reading " UPDATE: INDIANAPOLIS POLICE MAKE ARREST IN DEADLY AUTO ACCIDENT IN MARION COUNTY " »

A man and woman from Marion, Indiana were arrested after a Truck Crash on United States Interstate 70 near Richmond. Indiana State Police say the suspects were in a stolen pickup truck from Anderson with a trailer when they crashed and then left the scene in a stolen car.

As reported by www.wishtv.com in the article, "2 Arrested After Crash of Stolen Truck on I-70," Indiana State Police say 36-year old Dustin Havens was driving the stolen truck when he lost control, and the truck tipped over. He then apparently got out of the truck and into a stolen getaway car driven by 30-year old Danielle Denham. Officers with the Wayne County Sheriff's Department and Hagerstown Police Department found the suspects on Indiana 38 shortly after the truck accident. Officers arrested both suspects who now face a series of charges.

Many pickup trucks do have a tendency to roll over. The website, www.cars.com, cites a U.S. Department of Transportation study that found rollovers in any vehicle made up 35% of all deadly crashes in 2007 with rollovers making up 46% of pickup truck fatalities.

Continue reading " TWO MARION RESIDENTS ARRESTED AFTER STOLEN TRUCK CRASH IN INDIANA " »

A northern Indiana father and daughter are dead after a Vehicle Crashed into the bicycle they were on Sunday. The LaGrange County Sheriff's Department says the victims are 32-year old Jason Helmuth and his four year old daughter, Jayna. They were both from Shipshewana, Indiana which is about 3 hours north of downtown Indianapolis. The driver of the vehicle is from Middlebury. No word if he was on the job and suffered any Work Comp related injuries.

As reported by the Elkhart Truth in the article, "Father and Daughter on Bike Hit by Vehicle and Die Sunday in Shipshewana," LaGrange County Sheriff's Department officials say the bicycle/auto collision happened on Indiana State Road 120 near 9460 W. The vehicle's 22 year old driver was apparently going east as were Helmuth and his daughter on their bicycle. The driver then allegedly hit the bicycle from behind which caused Helmuth and his daughter, a passenger on the bicycle, to be thrown from their bike. They both died at the scene.

Bicycle/vehicle crashes happen all too often and can happen due to a variety of circumstances. A study detailed on www.bicyclinglife.com looked into several of the causes and determined that a vehicle driver not stopping at a stop sign was the most prevalent cause of a bicycle/auto accident. A driver entering the road from an uncontrolled driveway or alley while the bicyclist was on a crossing path was found to be the second leading cause of a bicycle/vehicle crash.

Continue reading " NORTHERN INDIANA FATHER AND DAUGHTER DIE AFTER VEHICLE CRASHES INTO THEIR BICYCLE " »

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers are looking into a hit and run Auto Accident in Marion County, Indiana that left one Indianapolis man dead and another Indianapolis man hurt. 33-year old David Smith was found dead on a street on Indianapolis's west side. 28-year old Jason Pedigo was found on the street as well in critical condition. Medics took him to Marion County's Methodist Hospital.

As detailed by The Indy Star in the article, "1 Killed, 1 Hurt in Apparent Hit and Run," Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers say evidence and witnesses all point to the likelihood that the two victims were struck by a vehicle while the victims were walking in the street. Some people told Indiana investigators they, themselves, had to swerve in their vehicles to avoid hitting the men.

Indiana roads and roads throughout the country can be dangerous places for pedestrians. As compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, data shows that in 2009, more than 4,000 pedestrians were killed in vehicle crashes in the United States. That's almost the same as the number of motorcyclists killed that year in vehicle accidents.

Continue reading " INDIANAPOLIS MAN KILLED AFTER LIKELY HIT AND RUN CAR ACCIDENT IN MARION COUNTY " »

An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer was involved in a Car Crash Thursday morning in Marion County. His new patrol car was damaged, but apparently, the officer was not hurt. If Officer Tracy Dodd was hurt in the vehicle accident, his injuries could possibly be deemed Work Comp related because they happened while he was on the job.

As recorded by www.wishtv.com in the article, "New IMPD Squad Car Smashed in Wreck," Indiana crash investigators say Dodd was driving south in his patrol car on Post Road in Indianapolis when another car, a Cadillac, pulled out in front of him and collided head-on with his squad car. An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department sergeant said he could detect alcohol on the Cadillac driver's breath.

Alcohol can be deadly when mixed with driving. Thousands of people die every year from drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 9,800 deadly vehicle crashes that involved alcohol-impaired driving in the United States in 2009. That's about 32% of all deadly auto accidents that year.

Continue reading " INDIANAPOLIS METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICER IN HEAD-ON CAR CRASH IN MARION COUNTY " »

A Southern Indiana Car Accident leaves one Indiana woman dead and four others hurt. The head-on vehicle collision happened Tuesday night in Harrison County, just more than 2 hours south of Indianapolis. 35-year old Michelle Vaughn from Mauckport, Indiana died at the scene.

As detailed by www.wave3.com in the article, "1 Dead, 4 Hurt in Southern Indiana Crash," Indiana State Police say one car, a Mitsubishi, was going west when it veered into oncoming traffic and hit another car, a Kia, head-on. Vaughn was driving the Mitsubishi. Her two sons were in the car and were hurt in the auto accident. They were taken to a local Louisville hospital. The Kia's 36-year old driver from Mauckport, Indiana as well was seriously hurt and was airlifted to a hospital. Her passenger from Corydon, Indiana also suffered serious injuries.

Unfortunately, hundreds of Hoosiers die every year in vehicle collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009, there were 693 traffic fatalities in Indiana. While even one death is too many, that number is actually encouraging because it is 15% lower than the previous year. In 2008, there were 820 traffic fatalities in Indiana.

Continue reading " INDIANA WOMAN DIES AND FOUR OTHERS ARE HURT IN CAR CRASH IN HARRISON COUNTY, INDIANA " »

A Truck Accident in Gary, Indiana claimed the life of a semi truck driver. 60-year old Gregory Ingram died Tuesday afternoon on United States Interstate 80/94. That's about two and a half hours from downtown Indianapolis. Indiana State Police say as Ingram was standing outside his semi truck, a pickup truck hit and killed him. If Ingram was on the job, his injuries and subsequent death could deemed Work Comp related.

As reported by www.nwitimes.com in the article, "Truck Driver Struck, Killed by Passing Vehicle on Borman," Ingram was apparently outside his tractor trailer which was parked on the shoulder of United States Interstate 80/94. Indiana State Police say as Ingram was attempting to get back into his semi, a pickup truck driven by a Chicago man veered and hit the semi truck's box trailer. The pickup truck then allegedly collided into Ingram. The force of the Vehicle Accident caused Ingram to be tossed onto the pickup truck and then tossed onto the ground. Ingram was pronounced dead at a local Gary hospital. Indiana State Police cited the Chicago, Illinois pickup truck driver for unsafe lane movement.

As stated earlier, an injury that occurs in the course and scope of one's employment could be considered Workers' Compensation related. And unfortunately, fatal vehicle accidents while the victims are on the job do happen all too often on Indiana roads. Not surprisingly, according to the Indiana Department of Labor, the transportation industry has the second highest number of workplace deaths. In 2009, the transportation and warehousing industry in Indiana had 17 workplace fatalities. Only the construction and agriculture industries had an equal number or more workplace deaths.

Continue reading " SEMI TRUCK DRIVER DIES AFTER HIT BY PICKUP TRUCK IN GARY, INDIANA " »

Indiana State Police are looking into a deadly Semi Truck Crash in Ripley County. 31-year old Wess Lovins was killed in the Auto Accident when his car collided with a semi on United States 50. He was from Milan which is about an hour and a half southeast of Indianapolis. The tractor trailer's driver and co-driver did suffer injuries. These injuries could be deemed Work Comp related because they happened while the victims were on the job.

As reported by www.eaglecountryonline.com in the article, "Milan Man Dies in U.S. 50 Crash," Indiana State Police say Lovins was heading west on United States 50 when his car veered to the left and hit a semi truck head-on. The Ripley County Coronor's office says Lovins died at the scene.

The deadly semi truck crash happened at 11pm. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the time period of 9pm-11:59pm is one of the deadliest with 4,359 fatal vehicle accidents. Only 3pm-5:59pm and 6pm-8:59pm are deadlier.

Continue reading " MILAN, INDIANA MAN DIES AFTER SEMI TRUCK CRASH IN RIPLEY COUNTY " »

An Indiana woman died after a head-on Vehicle Crash in Hamilton County involving the ambulance she was in and a minivan. The auto accident happened Wednesday night on Indiana State Road 38. Beverly Baker was a quadriplegic going to a local Indiana hospital for a procedure. It is not clear if the minivan driver or the ambulance crew suffered any Work Comp injuries.

As reported by www.fox59.com in the article, "Quadriplegic Patient Dies After Ambulance is Hit by Another Vehicle Head-on," the ambulance was on Indiana State Road 38 when a minivan did not stop at a stop sign and collided with the ambulance. The ambulance then flipped over and landed in a ditch. Baker's cot broke due to the force of the crash. Hamilton County's sheriff says medics and police officers determined Baker was ok after the crash and continued to take her to the hospital. However, upon her arrival, doctors realized Baker had multiple injuries including a hematoma and broken bones. Baker became comatose after emergency surgery and died three days later.

Now, Baker's daughters are questioning the actions of medics and Hamilton County police officers. Her daughters tell Fox 59 they believe mistakes were made at the scene of the vehicle accident, mistakes that cost their mother her life. The Hamilton County sheriff's crash investigation team is looking into the auto accident.

While ambulances do provide much needed medical help, they can prove deadly. According to www.emsworld.com, in 1991-2000, occupied ambulances were involved in 300 deadly collisions. Those auto accidents resulted in 82 ambulance occupants dying and 275 people in other vehicles and pedestrians dying.

Continue reading " INDIANA WOMAN DIES AFTER AMBULANCE SHE WAS IN CRASHES INTO MINIVAN IN HAMILTON COUNTY " »

The Portland, Indiana community is mourning the loss of their fire chief. 34-year old Matt Aker was killed Saturday after a Motorcycle Crash. A car apparently hit him while he was riding his motorcycle. Portland is in eastern Indiana, about two hours from downtown Indianapolis.

As detailed by www.wthr.com in the article, "Motorcycle Crash Kills Indiana Fire Chief," the Vehicle Collision happened as Aker was in a Walmart parking lot. He apparently was riding past one vehicle when a car that was pulling out of the parking lot hit him. The car's driver told Indiana investigators she could not see Aker or his motorcycle when she was pulling out of the lot. Aker was pronounced dead at a Fort Wayne, Indiana area hospital.

Unfortunately, thousands of motorcyclists are killed every year in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,595 motorcycles were involved in deadly crashes in 2009. That accounted for about 10% of all fatal vehicle crashes that year.

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An Auto Accident in Indianapolis involving four cars Saturday left several people hurt. The car crash happened after a chase between the suspects and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers. The chase began in downtown Indianapolis and kept going on the city's east side. No word if any of the injuries are Work Comp related.

As reported by www.theindychannel.com in the article, "Police: Chase for Suspects Ends with Crash, Injuries," Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers say the incident began after officers saw a Pontiac driving recklessly. When an officer attempted to pull the suspect over, the suspect did not stop and a chase ensued. The chase eventually ended with a four car crash. The people in the Pontiac then ran away. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers are still looking for them.

Apparently, one person was hurt when debris from the car crash hit him and caused him to fall off a ladder. It is not clear if he was on the job or if he suffered a work comp injury, but people do get hurt from falls from ladders all too often. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, on a yearly basis, about 1,400 ladder accidents that cause injuries occur. 42% of those hurt were working on the ladder when the accident happened.

Continue reading " SEVERAL PEOPLE HURT IN MARION COUNTY CAR CRASH AFTER INDIANAPOLIS POLICE CHASE " »