Indiana Injury Lawyer Blog

A Car Accident in Boone County, Indiana left one man dead. The Auto Collision happened Wednesday morning on United States Interstate 865. The Indianapolis Car Crash Attorneys at Kooi Law learned 23 year old Max Watters from Zionsville, Indiana was killed in the accident. A man in another vehicle was also hurt in this Vehicle Collision.

Indiana State Police say Watters apparently drove his car across the median on United States Interstate 865 and into oncoming vehicles. Indiana investigators say his car then crashed into a mini van driven by 33 year old Jonathon Sherrill from Franklin, Indiana. Sherrill's two young daughters were in the vehicle at the time of the crash, but fortunately, they were not hurt. However, Sherrill did suffer injuries. The force of the Car Collision apparently caused Watters's car to split in two. He was taken to a local Indianapolis Hospital where he died.

Too many people are killed every year in Auto Accidents not only in Indiana but throughout the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration compiles data on deadly vehicle accidents in an effort to make our roads safer. While it is not clear why Watters drove his car across the median and into oncoming traffic, researchers with the NHTSA found that failing to stay in the proper lane is a leading cause of deadly motor vehicle accidents. In fact, nationwide in 2009, failure to stay in the proper lane resulted in 7,696 drivers involved in deadly crashes. That made up 17% of all the drivers in fatal vehicle accidents.

In Indiana in 2009, not staying in the proper lane resulted in the third most drivers involved in deadly vehicle collisions. Swerving or avoiding due to wind, slippery surface, etc. and driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication were the top two related factors for drivers involved in fatal crashes in Indiana in 2009.

Many more people are injured in Auto Accidents than are killed in them, but the effects can still be devastating not only for the victims but for their families as well. The Indiana Car Crash Attorneys strongly recommend victims take specific steps following an accident to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve to help them recover their losses. As soon as possible following the accident, victims should gather police reports, accident photos, witness statements, driving records, and medical records.

Continue reading "A ZIONSVILLE MAN IS KILLED IN CAR CRASH IN BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA" »

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers learned Binford Boulevard in Marion County, Indiana was the site of a deadly Vehicle Collision. The accident happened Tuesday morning. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers say the victim is 75 year old Chong I. Chong.

Indiana investigators say the fatal Car Crash involved a Toyota and a van. Chong was driving the Toyota. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers say Chong's car was going west on Delmar Road before it headed into the lanes going north in front of the van. The van's driver reportedly was unable to prevent hitting the car. Thus, the van collided with the driver's side of the Toyota. The impact of the crash apparently caused both vehicles to travel across some of the lanes of Binford Boulevard and then through a grassy median. Both vehicles eventually stopped moving in the lanes heading south on Binford Boulevard. At last check, the driver of the van was not hurt in the vehicle accident. Chong died at the scene. Indiana investigators are still not sure what caused this fatal accident.

The Indiana Auto Accident Attorneys at Kooi Law know a person's age and experience behind the wheel can sometimes be a factor in Auto Accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration took a look at people's ages in fatal vehicle crashes. Data showed the age group with the most fatalities from auto collisions in 2009 is the 25-34 year old group. 5,689 people aged 25-34 were killed in vehicle crashes that year. In Indiana, that age group also was the one with the most people killed in auto accidents in 2009. 122 people in Indiana died from vehicle crashes in 2009.

In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration examined the time of day when fatal vehicle accidents happen. In 2009, data showed the time when most deadly auto accidents happen is in the 6pm-8:59pm time period. During that time in 2009, 4,988 fatal vehicle accidents occurred across the United States. When researchers looked at Indiana only, they found a different time period had the most deadly crashes. In Indiana in 2009, the 3pm-5:59pm time period was the deadliest with 98 fatal vehicle accidents.

Researchers also examined the days of the week to see which day has the most deadly Auto Accidents. Data from 2009 showed the day with the most fatal vehicle accidents was Saturday with 5,786 fatal crashes. Saturday was the deadliest day in both Indiana and throughout the United States.

Continue reading "INDIANAPOLIS CAR ACCIDENT WITH VAN LEAVES ONE WOMAN DEAD" »

The Indiana Car Accident Lawyers at Kooi Law can report the suspect in Friday's chase with Muncie, Indiana police died over the weekend at a local Indianapolis hospital. The Marion County coroner's office confirmed 30 year old Jeffery Odell Eldridge's death. Eldridge suffered serious injuries in an Auto Accident stemming from the chase. His car crossed the middle of Indiana State Road 28 and struck a Semi Truck head on near Delaware County Road 675-W.

That Semi Truck Collision isn't the only vehicle crash Eldridge found himself in Friday. Before he struck the tractor trailer, Eldridge had been leading Muncie police on a chase. Officers tried to arrest him near Delaware County Road 400-W's intersection with Indiana State Road 28. However, the suspect apparently hit an officer with his car which trapped the officer against a pickup truck. Eldridge then took off in his car while other Muncie police officers opened fire.

Indiana investigators are looking into this incident. Indiana State Police say it is not clear if Eldridge was struck with any bullets when officers opened fire at him during the chase. The police officer who was pinned against the truck was injured, but he has since been released from Ball Memorial Hospital. It is not clear if his injuries are considered Work Comp related or when he will return to work. Indiana Workers Compensation refers to injuries a worker sustains while on the job. However, Indiana treats police officers and firefighters differently when it comes to Worker's Compensation because their jobs carry great risk. Indianapolis Work Comp Lawyers are well-versed in the state's Work Comp laws and codes and can help injured workers receive the medical care and compensation they deserve.

One risky aspect of a police officer's job is when they are in their patrol cars chasing a suspect. Friday's chase started when the suspect apparently stole a few purses from people at a local Target and two Walmart stores. Eldridge, then, reportedly tried to use an ATM card from one of those purses.

The United States Department of Labor looks into Work Comp injuries in an attempt to improve employee safety. Its data shows how dangerous highways and chases can be for police officers. In its recent study, the Department found the number of deadly work injuries among protective service occupations went up 6% last year after two years of declines. The jump was led by police officer deaths which went up 40% in 2010. The number of police officer deaths last year was 134 versus 96 the previous year. Of the 134 deadly work injuries among police officers, 57 involved highway incidents and 48 involved homicides. Most other jobs in the protective service group saw workplace deaths drop last year.

Continue reading "SUSPECT IN CAR ACCIDENT WITH MUNCIE, INDIANA POLICE DIES AT INDIANAPOLIS HOSPITAL" »

Indiana Auto Accident Lawyers learned an Indianapolis woman was in a Car Crash with several police cars in the Indiana Dunes State Park. Chesterton, Indiana police officers say that woman, 29 year old Britni Morrison, was subsequently arrested and taken to a jail in Valparaiso, Indiana. Several Indiana police squad cars were damaged in the auto accident. No word if any of the officers were injured or if Indiana Work Comp issues are involved.

Before Morrison was taken to jail, she was treated at Porter Hospital where she apparently told police she took bath salts before this vehicle accident. And this Car Accident took a series of twists and turns. Local Indiana police say it began on Indiana State Road 49. That's where officers found Morrison driving her damaged car. They believe her vehicle sustained damage after her Honda Accord struck a Ford Focus just minutes earlier. Morrison allegedly left that scene and did not stop when officers found her driving on Indiana State Road 49. The police pursuit continued into the Indiana Dunes State Park where her vehicle hit a big boulder.

After that collision, Indiana investigators say Morrison put her car in reverse and quickly headed further into the park, barely missing parked police cars. At this point, officers from Chesterton, Burns Harbor and Porter tried to block her with their patrol cars, but she struck them. Finally, Morrison stopped her vehicle and officers apprehended her. Indiana Workers Compensation Lawyers have not received confirmation if any of the officers were injured in the collision.

Usually, when an worker is hurt on the job, that worker is entitled to Work Comp benefits. "Workers' Compensation" or "Work Comp" are terms that refer to the laws, insurance, and benefits pertaining to an injury a person sustains while in the course and scope of employment. Work Comp laws vary by state, but in every state, there are certain jobs exempt from that state's general Worker's Compensation laws and codes.

In Indiana, police officers work in a field that does not fall under Indiana's general Work Comp laws. In short, it's because the work of a police officer carries with it inherent risks of injury. Firefighters are in a similar Work Comp situation. A specific Indiana code details how Indiana police officers and firefighters should be treated and what benefits they are entitled to in the event they are hurt or die while on the job.

Indiana Code 36-8-4-5 states Indiana will pay for the care of a police officer or firefighter who is hurt while on duty. That care includes any needed surgeries and hospital or special nursing care. However, the code does state the city which paid for the care might need to be reimbursed if the injured officer has a certain cause of action against a third party.

Continue reading "INDIANAPOLIS WOMAN IN CAR CRASH WITH POLICE IN THE INDIANA DUNES STATE PARK" »

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office is expected to look into a deadly Motorcycle Crash. The Indiana Vehicle Accident Lawyers at Kooi Law can report the victim was identified as 41-year old Robert Staley from Richmond, Indiana. His motorcycle apparently collided with a car Sunday night on United States 40. 23 year old Allen Drook was driving the car.

Wayne County's sheriff says Drook told officers he didn't notice Staley's motorcycle because its headlight was off. The Vehicle Crash apparently happened when Drook's car collided with Staley's motorcycle as it turned in front of it. Staley died instantly.

Motorcycles often find themselves involved in deadly Vehicle Crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that in 2005, 4,553 motorcycle riders died as a result of a crash. However, the majority of the riders were not alone on the road when the accidents occurred. Researchers found 56% of those fatal accidents were from collisions involving multiple vehicles. And 89% of those were simply two-vehicle accidents. Thus, it only takes one other vehicle on the road to increase the risk of a deadly motorcycle accident. Additionally, more often than not, that other vehicle is a passenger car.

Researchers with the NHTSA looked at trends in these deadly Motorcycle Crashes and found for the accidents involving a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle, 35% of the passenger car's driver-related factor was not yielding the right of way. Motorcycle riders were only to blame for not yielding the right of way 4% of the time. Also, about 70% of two vehicle accidents involving motorcycles happened from May to October. Officials determined that was because those months are during peak motorcycle riding season.

Officials also examined the point of impact in motorcycle accidents. In 2009, 36.6% of fatal Motorcycle Crashes involving a motor vehicle such as a passenger car had the front as the initial point of impact. Left or right sides only accounted for about 6% of the deadly collisions. And the rear made up 3.6% of deadly motorcycle crashes.

Motorcycle helmet use can be a huge factor in the severity of injuries if a crash occurs. Helmet laws do vary by state, though. Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyers are knowledgeable on our state's laws concerning helmet use. The law applies to motorcycle riders who are 17 years old or younger and does cover all low-powered vehicles.

Continue reading "RICHMOND, INDIANA MAN DIES AFTER CAR CRASHES INTO HIS MOTORCYCLE IN WAYNE COUNTY" »

The Indianapolis Auto Accident Lawyers at Kooi Law have learned an Indiana Car Accident case is heading to trial next week in Tippecanoe Superior Court. The Vehicle Crash happened in February and involved a Ford Explorer and a Buick Sedan. Buck Creek's Stephanie Adams was driving the Buick and is charged with obstruction of traffic which is a Class A misdemeanor and the Class D felony of obstruction of traffic causing serious bodily injury. Chicago's Henry Iniguez was driving the Explorer and was seriously hurt in the Auto Collision. Adams did not suffer any injuries.

Indiana investigators contend Iniguez was driving on Indiana State Road 26 when he tried to pass Adams. He was reportedly unable to pass her because her vehicle was left of the center line. So, Iniguez's SUV went off the road, and when he over corrected, he hit Adams's car. This Vehicle Collision caused Iniguez's vehicle to roll over.

Adams explained to Tippecanoe County sheriff's investigators that she was in the middle of the road to protect Iniguez's car because the vehicles were heading towards a hill. There are conflicting reports on whether Adams used her brakes during this time. Additionally, Iniguez claims Adams made a negative gesture to him before the Auto Accident.

Indiana Auto Accident Lawyers recognize a civil lawsuit in a such case could bring the plaintiff money to cover medical expenses and lost wages if the victim missed work due to injuries suffered in the Vehicle Crash. If someone is involved in an Auto Accident, it is important they seek out the proper legal advice to make sure they receive the proper care and compensation. In Indiana, it is extremely helpful for a victim's case if the accident victims take certain steps as soon as they are able. If they are not physically or mentally able to, a victim's family member may be able to help them take the necessary actions.

The charges Adams faces are detailed in Indiana Code 35-42-2-4 under the "Obstruction of Traffic" heading. The law details someone who "recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally obstructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic commits obstruction of traffic." That is considered a Class B misdemeanor. However, additional charges can apply if the action includes using a motor vehicle. That's Class A misdemeanor. Additionally, if that offense causes "serious bodily injury," it may be considered a Class D felony. You'll recall Adams is facing both a Class A misdemeanor and a Class D felony.

Continue reading "INDIANA CAR ACCIDENT WITH INJURY CASE HEADS TO TRIAL" »

An Indiana woman died and two children were hurt in a Car Accident near Bloomington. The auto collision happened Sunday on Wayport Road. Indiana investigators identified the victim as 68-year old Judith Combs from Columbus, Indiana.

Indianapolis media outlets report Indiana investigators say Combs was heading north on Indiana State Road 37 when she didn't yield to an approaching Jeep as she was pulling onto Wayport Road. The driver of the Jeep, thus, collided with Combs's car. Two children were in Combs's car at the time of the crash. Local police say the children were hurt but not severely. They were transported to Indiana University Health Hospital. The driver of the Jeep was reportedly slightly injured. It is unclear if any of the drivers' injuries are Workers Compensation related.

As mentioned earlier, Combs was 68 years old at the time of the deadly auto accident. She is in an age group that, statistically, has some of the fewest deaths in vehicle crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 2,374 people aged 64-74 were killed in vehicle accidents in 2009. That's the fewest in any age group after the age of 16.

Continue reading "INDIANA WOMAN DIES IN CAR ACCIDENT NEAR BLOOMINGTON" »

Just days after a statewide Texting While Driving Ban went into effect in Indiana, a young driver learned firsthand how dangerous the combination can be. 21-year old Lucas Harrison from Connersville was in an Auto Accident last week after he says he was texting while driving. Harrison ended up crashing into a business in Richmond, Indiana. Fortunately, he was not hurt in the vehicle collision.

Harrison reportedly told local Indiana police he cannot recall what happened in the moments prior to the accident. He says he does remember driving and texting on Chester Boulevard and then waking up in a smashed up vehicle. Before the accident, Harrison's car reportedly crossed the center lane and two northbound lanes and then crashed into and through the Grandview Medical Equipment building before stopping in the parking lot. No one was hurt.

Because of a new Indiana law that bans texting while driving, Harrison received a ticket for the illegal use of a telecommunications device. The new legislation went into effect July 1st and carries a fine that could go up to $500.

Many recent studies document the dangers of cellphone use while driving and texting while driving. The Washington Post reports 28% of traffic crashes happen when people talk on cellphones or text while driving. Of those crashes, almost 1.5 million a year are caused by cellphone conversations, and 200,000 are caused by texting.

Continue reading "CONNERSVILLE DRIVER LEARNS DANGERS OF TEXTING AND DRIVING AFTER INDIANA CRASH" »

A multi Vehicle Accident on Sunday in Warren County, Indiana left one man dead. 25-year old Tyler Potts from Williamsport, Indiana died when his Motorcycle Crashed into a car.

According to Indiana State Police, Potts was on his motorcycle on Indiana 263 when a car driven by 74-year old Kay Lape from West Lebanon, Indiana started to turn left. Lape apparently was not aware of Potts's whereabouts on the road. Thus, she turned her car in front of the motorcycle which caused the motorcycle to collide with the car. Potts was taken to a local Indiana hospital where he later died from his injuries. Lape was not hurt in the auto accident.

Indiana State Police say Potts was wearing a helmet in the vehicle crash. While helmet use will not prevent every motorcycle crash fatality, studies do show helmets can save many lives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found helmets are about 37% effective in avoiding deaths. That means that in 2003 when there were 3,661 rider deaths in motorcycle accidents, more than 1,100 more motorcyclists would have died had they not been wearing helmets.

Continue reading "WARREN COUNTY VEHICLE CRASH KILLS INDIANA MAN" »

Two Indiana brothers suffered injuries after a Car Accident on Indianapolis's Far East Side. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers say the crash happened Monday night shortly after 8 o'clock.

Indiana media outlets report the 17-year old brother was driving the vehicle. His 18-year old brother was a passenger. Indiana investigators say the accident appears to have started when the 17-year old lost control and hit a tree. Speed might have been a factor.

As for injuries, the 18-year old was critically hurt and is seeking treatment at Indianapolis's Wishard Memorial. His 17-year old brother was also injured in the auto accident but not seriously.

Many parents of new teen drivers worry about the safety of their teenagers and for good reason. The website, www.driverzed.org, details the frightening statistics. For example, auto accidents are the leading cause of teenager deaths. The number of teen fatalities in 2003 in vehicle crashes was more than triple the amount of teen suicides and more than twice the amount of teen murder victims. And 61% of teen deaths when they were passengers in a vehicle occurred when another teenager was the driver. Additionally, for 16- and 17-year-olds, having just one passenger in the vehicle increases the crash risk by about 50%.

Continue reading "INDIANA BROTHERS HURT AFTER CAR ACCIDENT ON INDIANAPOLIS'S EAST SIDE" »

We have an update to a tragic story from last year when an Indiana police officer was killed in a Car/Bicycle Accident. Today, Indianapolis's Sue Ann Vanderbeck pleaded guilty for her role in the deadly collision. Greenfield police officer William Phillips died in that crash. He was on a training ride at the time of the collision, and we'll discuss any potential Worker's Compensation issues later.

The Indianapolis Star reports Vanderbeck's plea deal consists of four years of home detention, but it could be cut to two years for good behavior. She will also lose her driver's license for half a year. She was facing the charge of leaving the scene of an accident causing death.

You may remember this vehicle crash from back in September. That's when Vanderbeck stuck Phillips with her car just after midnight. He and two other police officers were riding their bicycles on United States 40 at the time of the accident. They were part of the bike patrol team and had recently completed their shift. They were on a training ride on department issued bikes.

Workers Compensation is often discussed when a worker suffers an injury while on the job. However, some jobs like police officer and firefighter have the risk of injury associated with them so Indiana's standard Workers' Compensation Act does not apply. Many states have separate laws or codes concerning what actions to take when a police officer or firefighter is hurt or killed while in the course and scope of employment. Indiana Code 36-8-4-5 details how an Indiana city like Indianapolis should pay for the care of a police officer or firefighter who is hurt while on the job. Those injuries include one that results in a disability or death.

Continue reading "INDIANAPOLIS WOMAN PLEDS GUILTY TO AUTO ACCIDENT THAT KILLED INDIANA POLICE OFFICER" »

Indiana investigators are looking into the death of a pedestrian involved in a Car Crash in Hendricks County. The auto accident happened on Indiana State Road 67 Sunday morning.

According to the Hendricks County Sheriff's Department, a 48-year old man was walking on the road when a car hit him. 49-year old Patti Huffman from Mooresville was behind the wheel of that vehicle. She apparently did stop after the collision and dialed for emergency assistance. Indiana investigators report the victim was walking in a dark part of Indiana State Road 67 when he was hit by the car.

Year after year, thousands of people die while pedestrians in Indiana and throughout the country. While walking is a great form of exercise, caution needs to be exercised as well. The website, www.walkinginfo.org, reports that in 2009, almost 11 people died everyday in pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents. A study also found that about 59,000 pedestrians suffered injuries that year in auto crashes.

Pedestrians can take steps to protect themselves from injury when out on the roads or sidewalks. They can wear bright and light colored clothes and reflective material. They can walk facing traffic and not wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while crossing the street. These are just some of the simple steps pedestrians can take to keep themselves safe in Indiana or wherever they find themselves walking near vehicles.

Continue reading "INDIANA PEDESTRIAN KILLED IN CAR CRASH IN HENDRICKS COUNTY" »

Two Indiana residents are recovering after a Car Crash involving their motorcycle. The Motorcycle Collision happened Monday in Peru which is in Miami County, Indiana. The injured are Paul Schipper and Diane Schipper. Both are from Kokomo, Indiana.

Indiana State Police along with the Miami County Sheriff's Department reported to the auto accident scene on United States 31 at Airport Road. Apparently, the vehicle collision started when Paul Schipper's motorcycle hit the driver's side of a car driven by 22-year old Diamond Walker. Walker is also from Peru, Indiana. Both Schippers fell off the motorcycle and hit the ground head first. The victims are seeking treatment at a hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana for severe head injuries among other injuries.

Indiana State Police say Paul Schipper did not have a helmet on, but numerous studies do show motorcycle helmets can save lives. The website, www.examiner.com, points to a federal study that found helmets saved 1,784 motorcyclists' lives in 2007. Additionally, the research showed that if all motorcyclists had helmets on, about 800 more lives could have been spared. Helmets are thought to be about 37% effective at thwarting deadly injuries to motorcyclists. Put another way, for every 100 motorcyclists not wearing a helmet who were killed in vehicle crashes in Indiana and throughout the country, 37 of them could have been saved had the 100 put helmets on.

Continue reading "TWO INDIANA RESIDENTS SEVERELY HURT IN CAR CRASH WITH MOTORCYCLE IN PERU" »

Five people were hurt in a Delaware County, Indiana Car Crash that involved a 13-year old driver. The auto accident happened Friday in Muncie, Indiana. Four of the victims are children, and they were taken to local Indianapolis, Indiana hospitals for treatment for their injuries. The injured children are all 13 years old or younger.

Muncie Police say the 13-year old took the wheel after the original driver, 49-year old Pamala Neal from Muncie, Indiana, passed out. Tests after the car accident show she had numerous drugs in her system. One of the children who was hurt in the auto accident said the group was going to get pizza when Neal started acting erratically. She apparently then passed out and her vehicle went into oncoming traffic. Indiana investigators say that's when a 13-year old passenger, Taylor Neal-Balfour, took the steering wheel and attempted to drive the car back into its proper lane. Muncie Police say a Pickup Truck then had to move quickly because the car had pulled in front of it. This, apparently, led to the head on crash between the car and the pickup truck.

As for the people involved in the Truck Crash, the truck's driver was apparently not hurt. And the three people inside the truck were reportedly not hurt either. All the people in the car -- Neal and the four children -- suffered injuries.

While it is widely known that driving while on drugs is extremely dangerous, unfortunately, it does happen. The State University of New York at Potsdam established a website about the dangers involved with drinking, drugs and driving. It details how the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 18-20% of hurt drivers are using drugs. The University's own analysis led them to believe the figure should be higher. They site a study of drivers admitted to a Maryland trauma center which found that 34% tested positive for drugs only, while 16% tested positive for alcohol only.

Continue reading "13-YEAR OLD BEHIND WHEEL IN DELAWARE COUNTY, INDIANA CAR CRASH" »

An Indiana firefighter will be laid to rest Tuesday after he was killed in a Truck Accident Thursday on Pendleton Pike. The visitation for 35-year old James Shelly will be Monday at Calvary Temple Church in Indianapolis. His funeral the following day will also take place at the Indianapolis area church.

Shelley was a firefighter with the Pike Township Fire Department but was not on the job when the Vehicle Accident happened. The Pike Township Fire Department says Shelly died when a box truck collided head on with the vehicle he was driving. Indiana investigators say the box truck first struck a semi truck and then careened into the lane Shelly was in and hit his vehicle. Two children were in the vehicle with him. They were transported to an Indianapolis area hospital for treatment.

As for the drivers of the box truck and the semi truck, there is no word on whether they suffered any injuries, and if they did, it is not yet known if their injuries would be considered Worker's Compensation related. Work Comp injuries are considered those that occur when the worker is on the job.

Shelly was driving a Chevy Avalanche at the time of the truck crash. Pickup trucks are, unfortunately, involved in hundreds of deadly vehicle accidents each year in Indiana. According to the federal government's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, light trucks were involved in 364 fatal auto crashes in Indiana in 2009. That accounted for 36.7% of all the deadly vehicle crashes that year and was second only to passenger cars.

Continue reading "INDIANA FUNERAL SET FOR PIKE TOWNSHIP FIREFIGHTER KILLED IN TRUCK ACCIDENT" »

Indiana State Police were on the scene of a deadly Auto Crash south of Indianapolis Tuesday night. One woman was killed and three other people, including a baby, were hurt in the vehicle accident that happened on United States Interstate 65 in Edinburgh.

According to Indiana State Police, 21-year old Natasha Custodio-Ortiz was driving an SUV from Wisconsin to North Carolina. Indiana investigators say for some reason, the vehicle left the highway and flipped. Custodio-Ortiz and a passenger in the back were both ejected. Custodio-Ortiz died from her injuries. That passenger suffered serious injuries and is receiving treatment at Indianapolis's Methodist Hospital. Another passenger suffered less severe injuries, and a 9 month old baby who was in the SUV was, fortunately, not seriously hurt.

Indiana State Police say the infant was in a child safety seat at the time of the auto accident. Research shows how vital it is for children to be in car safety seats to protect them from injury and even death in the event of a car crash. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes a study that found child safety seats reduce the chance of dying in a passenger car by 71% for infants and by 54% for children ages 1 to 4 years.

Of course, a child must be properly restrained in a car safety seat for it to be most effective at preventing injuries in an auto accident. Several websites can provide helpful information on the proper way to install and use a child safety seat. One such site is www.healthychildren.org.

Continue reading "AUTO CRASH IN INDIANA LEAVES ONE WOMAN DEAD AND THREE PEOPLE HURT" »

Indiana investigators are still looking for the driver who might be to blame for a Truck Crash May 30th in Southern Indiana. The Vehicle Collision on Indiana 265 left one woman fighting for her life, and now her family is offering a reward for clues that might lead to the other driver involved in the auto accident.

On the website, www.newsandtribune.com, the article entitled "Family Offers Reward in Near-Fatal Wreck" explains that the victim is 52-year old Pamela Price. She is receiving treatment for her severe injuries at University Hospital in Louisville. Indiana State Police report the Clark County accident happened when Price was driving her pickup truck. Apparently, she braked hard, veered and then collided into a guardrail before her truck flipped. She was thrown from her truck during all of this. Price said she had to brake hard because a car had pulled up in front of her and slammed on its brakes. Price said that driver was mad at her because she had passed him earlier. Thus, Price believes the accident was intentional.

Price was not wearing a seat belt during this auto accident. While seat belts do not prevent every injury, they are an important safety measure. Researchers at James Madison University looked at seat belt safety and noted several key facts. Among them, researchers found that about 35,000 people die in vehicle crashes every year, and roughly 50 percent of these people could be saved if they wore their safety belts. Also, the study found for every one percent increase in safety belt use, 172 lives and almost $100 million in injury and death costs each year could be saved. Seat belts also usually keep passengers and drivers in the vehicle in the event of a crash. The JMU study found motorists are 25 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured when they are "thrown clear" than when they stay in their vehicle.

Continue reading "FAMILY OF SOUTHERN INDIANA VICTIM IN NEAR FATAL TRUCK CRASH OFFERS REWARD" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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 " »

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" »

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" »

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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One person is dead following an Auto Accident in Madison County, Indiana Sunday evening. Medics transported one of the other auto collision victims to a hospital in Indianapolis. Another auto crash victim is at Mercy Hospital in Elwood. No word if any of the injuries are Work Comp related.

As reported by www.Fox59.com in the article, "Police Investigate Deadly Crash in Madison County," Indiana police say a car going west on Indiana State Road 28 crossed into on-coming traffic and hit a minivan head on. Indiana investigators say the minivan's passenger died in the auto collision. The minivan's driver was airlifted to a local Indianapolis area hospital. The car's driver suffered numerous injuries including those to the head.

Unfortunately, this auto accident involving a minivan turned deadly. However, statistically, minivans are involved in a relatively few number of fatal auto crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in Indiana in 2009, minivans were involved in 45 deadly vehicle crashes. That accounted for only 4.5% of the fatal auto accidents in Indiana that year.

Continue reading "ONE PERSON DIES IN MADISON COUNTY CAR/MINIVAN CRASH AS OTHER VICTIMS ARE TREATED AT INDIANA HOSPITALS" »

A deadly Multi Vehicle Crash has Hoosiers in the northeastern Indiana community of Angola as well as others throughout Indiana continuing to mourn. Four Angola High School seniors died in the March 26th car accident. This tragic auto collision happened in Alabama on United States Interstate 65. Indiana's Alexx Bauer, Matthew Roe, Evan Weaver and Riley Zimmer were killed in the three car crash.

As reported by The Daily Reporter in the article, "Fort Wayne Radio Stations Raise Money for Families of Four Angola High Seniors Killed in Accident," two radio stations in Fort Wayne pitched in to help the victims' families. The radio stations raised money for those families by staying on the air until they raised $40,000. Within about 24 hours, they had raised $31,000.

All four Indiana victims were 18 years old, and recent research shows the 16-20 age group tends to be involved in many deadly auto crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,653 motor vehicle occupants and motorcyclists who were in the 16-20 year old age group were killed in vehicle crashes in 2009. Out of 11 age groups, only three saw more fatalities.

Continue reading "INDIANA MOURNS DEATHS OF FOUR ANGOLA STUDENTS KILLED IN MARCH CAR CRASH" »

A Southern Indiana chase between Indiana State Police and a stolen ambulance in New Albany ends in a Vehicle Crash and an arrest. 43-year old Larry Loughman from Jeffersonville is charged with felony auto theft in Clark, Floyd, Scott and Jackson counties and is being detained at the Floyd County Jail in New Albany which is about two hours south of Indianapolis.

As reported by www.WTHR.com in the article, "Man Steals Ambulance, Leads Police on I-65 Pursuit," the suspect apparently stole an Orange County ambulance that was parked outside a New Albany restaurant Saturday night while the emergency responders ate. Indiana State Police say Loughman then led troopers on a chase up United States Interstate 65 before he crashed into a police squad car near Seymour, Indiana. No word if the police officers in the patrol car involved in the auto accident suffered any Work Comp injuries.

Work Comp injuries can happen when one is in one's vehicle and is involved in an auto accident if the injury happens when the person is on the job. According to the Indiana Department of Labor, in 2005, 5.2% of the work related injuries that necessitated the employee to miss work were caused by transportation accidents.

Continue reading "INDIANA STATE POLICE PATROL CAR INVOLVED IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH STOLEN AMBULANCE IN NEW ALBANY" »

The Howard County Sheriff's Department in Central Indiana is reporting that a deputy is recovering after his cruiser was struck head-on by a pickup truck on U. S. 31. The accident reportedly occurred south of United States Road 35 when James Smith of Dixon, Kentucky, hit a patch of black ice and lost control of his truck and moved across lanes into the path of Deputy Keith Chesshir's squad car, striking it on the driver's side door.

EMTs transferred both individuals to Saint Joseph Hospital in Central Indiana.

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