Indiana Injury Lawyer Blog

The Indiana Semi Truck Accident Lawyers at Kooi Law can report a Tractor Trailer Driver died in a Vehicle Accident just after midnight Thursday. Indiana State Police say the Truck Crash happened on United States Interstate 65 near Downtown Indianapolis. The truck driver is identified as 30 year old Sukhinder Dhuga from Ontario. His passenger did suffer injuries. Indiana Workers Compensation issues could be involved.

Indiana State Police say the semi truck driver might have fallen asleep while driving; thus, causing the crash. Dhuga apparently went off the right side of the highway, struck a guardrail and flipped. Indiana police say he was stuck under the semi while his passenger was thrown from the vehicle. Medics took both victims to a local Indianapolis hospital. Dhuga died there while his passenger's status is not known at last check by Indianapolis Vehicle Crash Attorneys.

As mentioned earlier, Indiana Work Comp issues might be involved in this case. Workers Compensation is defined as the body of laws that pertains to an injury a worker suffers while in the course and scope of employment. In other words, it's an injury a person suffers while on the job. Each state has its own specific laws to cover Workers Compensation. And the experienced attorneys at Kooi Law are well-versed on Indiana's and Illinois's Work Comp laws and can help answer your questions if you believe you are suffering from a work-related injury.

Semi Truck Drivers are frequently victims of Work Comp injuries due to vehicle crashes. According to Truckinginfo.net, the United States Department of Transportation estimates there are more than 500,000 trucking accidents every year. The website further explains more than 75% of truck driving crashes are because of an error by the driver of the passenger vehicle. Only 16% of all truck driving crashes are due to the truck driver’s fault.

No matter who is to blame, injuries can be severe in a semi truck accident. Statistics show about 5,000 people are killed in truck crashes every year. And unfortunately, about 98% of the time, the drivers of the other vehicle are killed in a truck crash.

Continue reading "SEMI TRUCK DRIVER DIES IN TRACTOR TRAILER CRASH IN INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA" »

The Indianapolis Semi Truck Accident Lawyers can report a Tractor Trailer Crash Monday morning. Indiana Work Comp issues are often involved when a truck driver is injured in an Auto Accident. However, there is still no word on the condition of the truck driver in this crash. Monday's truck crash happened on United States Interstate 865.

Officials with the Indiana Department of Transportation say the Semi Truck was heading on the northbound ramp to United States Interstate 465 to westbound United States Interstate 865 when the driver lost control and collided with the southbound United States Interstate 465 overpass. INDOT workers were examining the bridge to see if it suffered any damage in the Truck Crash. No word yet if the driver of the truck was hurt in the accident. The Tractor Trailer was transporting boxes for Hardee's.

Semi Trucks play a key role in Indiana's economy and in our nation's economy as a whole. Some estimates put the number of tractor trailers in our country at 2 million with more than 3 million truck drivers. While Semi Trucks do pose a risk on the road simply because of their size, some statistics might surprise you. The website, www.truckinfo.net, found that commercial trucks are involved in 2.4% of all car crashes. And trucks are 3 times less likely to be in a collision than a regular motor vehicle. When broken down into minutes, one person is apparently hurt or killed in a truck crash every 16 minutes.

Indiana Workers' Compensation Lawyers know many of these Semi Truck Crashes involve Work Comp. Work Comp is often referred to as Worker's Compensation and often comes into play when a worker is injured or killed while on the job. In Indiana, the Indiana Work Comp Act mandates that employers have worker's compensation insurance or a self-insured program. Some jobs are excluded from the Work Comp Act but most do fall under it. The experienced Indiana Work Comp Attorneys at Kooi Law can help injured workers figure out if their injuries are covered under the Act and if so, how much financial compensation they should receive.

Worker's Compensation benefits may still apply even if the injured worker died from his or her injuries. In this unfortunate situation, that worker's spouse and/or children would be entitled to compensation. Those benefits could include funeral and burial expenses in addition to up to 500 weeks of disability payments. In some cases, a non-family member could be deemed a dependent and entitled to compensation. Thus, it is important to contact an Indianapolis Work Comp Attorney in the event of a fatal workplace accident involving a loved one.

Continue reading "SEMI TRUCK COLLIDES WITH BRIDGE ON INDIANA HIGHWAY" »

A Corunna, Indiana man was seriously hurt in a Tanker Truck Crash in DeKalb County, Indiana. The Truck Accident occurred Wednesday night on Indiana State Road 327. The Indiana Semi Truck Crash Lawyers can report the injured man was the driver of the truck and is 52 year old Kevin Grate. It remains to be seen if Indiana Workers Compensation issues will arise.

Indiana State Police say a cow may be to blame for this Vehicle Collision. Indiana investigators say as Grate drove to the top of a hill, he noticed the cow and tried to not strike it. However, he apparently did strike the cow, and the truck left the roadway and collided with a utility pole. Then, Indiana State Police say the truck rolled over and went into a ditch that was filled with water. Grate suffered multiple injuries including a head injury. He was transported to a local Indiana hospital for treatment.

When someone is hurt while on the job, it is often deemed a "Work Comp injury." Work Comp or Workers' Compensation refers to the set of laws pertaining to a workplace injury and the insurance benefits a worker could be entitled to if he or she is hurt while in the course and scope of employment. In other words, if a worker is injured while on the job, that worker could be entitled to receive Work Comp. Each state has varying Worker's Compensation laws and codes. The experienced Indianapolis Work Comp Attorneys at Kooi Law are extremely familiar with Indiana's Work Comp laws and can guide an injured worker through the legal process -- from reporting the injury to the proper authorities to making sure that worker receives the medical treatment and financial compensation he or she deserves.

Work Comp injuries are not relegated to injuries that happen in a traditional office, store or factory. Often, a vehicle that an employee is in for work purposes can be the "office" where that work related injury occurs. The Indiana Department of Labor examines work related injuries in an effort to improve workplace safety. Officials with the Indiana Department of Labor found that in 2009, the transportation industry (which the Department of Labor couples with the warehousing industry) had the second most workplace deaths with 17. The Construction industry also had 17 work related deaths. Only the Agriculture industry had more workplace fatalities in 2009 with 23.

While even one Work Related Death is one too many, Indiana's workplaces do appear to be getting safer. The Indiana Department of Labor reported that in 2009, the state had the fewest occupational fatalities on record with 123.

Continue reading "CORUNNA, INDIANA MAN HURT IN TANKER TRUCK CRASH IN NORTHERN INDIANA" »

A Semi Truck Accident in Indianapolis left one man dead and two people injured. The Indiana Tractor Trailer Collision Attorneys at Kooi Law learned the injured were taken to local Indianapolis hospitals. Still no word if Worker's Compensation issues will come into play.

This Semi Truck Crash happened on United States Interstate 465 shortly before midnight Wednesday. It all apparently started when a car got a flat tire and pulled onto the shoulder of I-465. 31 year old Kymari Cobel from Paoli, Indiana was driving the car, and 21 year old Zachary Wright from Cicero, Indiana was a passenger. Cobel began to drive again after the tire was changed but felt something was not right with the new tire so she pulled onto the shoulder again. Indiana State Police say that's when a pickup truck pulled near the car, and the driver offered to help. 32 year old Gregory Lacy from Georgia was a passenger in that pickup truck.

Apparently, all four people from the car and the pickup were walking on the shoulder of the Interstate when Indiana State Police say a big rig swerved onto the right shoulder of Interstate 465 and hit the Good Samaritan's pickup truck, then struck the Good Samaritan and two other people on the shoulder. That as-yet-to-named Good Samaritan was killed. The semi did not hit Cobel. Indiana State Police say the two injured people are Lacey and Wright. The Indiana Truck Accident Lawyers learned the driver of the tractor trailer was identified as 58 year old Paul Morris from Cincinnati, Ohio. Indiana investigators are looking into what exactly caused this deadly vehicle accident.

Workers Compensation issues are involved if a worker is hurt while in the course and scope of employment. At this point, it is not yet clear if any of the injured or the deceased were on the job when this Semi Truck Accident occurred. An experienced Indiana Work Comp Lawyer can help injured workers and their families figure out what medical treatment they need and what compensation they are entitled to.

Unfortunately, large trucks like semis are involved in many fatal Vehicle Accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration took a look at such collisions and found in 2009, large trucks were involved in 308 deadly vehicle crashes with a non-motorist. Researchers also found the majority of fatal Semi Truck accidents involved several vehicles. In 2009, large trucks were in more than 2,600 deadly crashes involving multiple vehicles as opposed to 603 deadly crashes involving simply that single vehicle.

Continue reading "TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENT IN INDIANAPOLIS LEAVES ONE MAN DEAD AND TWO PEOPLE HURT" »

United States Interstate 70 in Indiana's Marion County was the scene of a Semi Truck Accident Monday morning. The Tractor Trailer Crash happened just west of downtown Indianapolis and included two Semis. The Indiana Truck Accident Lawyers learned a car was also involved in this crash. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the collision. However, Indiana Work Comp issues could have been involved if the semi drivers were hurt while on the job.

Indiana investigators say hydroplaning may be to blame for this Trucking Accident. A driver of one of the semi trucks said it was raining at the time of the accident and his trailer started to hydroplane. The trailer then hit a wall. The driver of a second semi truck was apparently trying to not hit that tractor trailer when it collided with a car.

The Indianapolis Vehicle Collision Attorneys at Kooi Law are experienced in handling auto accidents that stem from hydroplaning. Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle's tires are separated from the road due to water or another liquid forming a layer between the tires and the road. Thus, the tires have little or no traction on the road, and the driver has reduced ability to break or steer effectively. Hydroplaning is often referred to as "aquaplaning."

One of the main causes of hydroplaning is poor road construction. When a road is constructed the proper way, it will have a center at a higher angle than its sides. This makes a "cross slope" which enables water to drain off the road. However, over a period of time and in some cases, because of a paving contractor's or road engineer's negligence or error, some roads do not have the proper cross slope or have no cross slope at all. In these situations, water tends to pool on the road, and hydroplaning can occur and lead to Vehicle Collisions.

Vehicle Collisions are often a cause of Workers Compensation issues. The Indiana Department of Labor examined all sorts of workplace injuries and found in 2009, transportation and warehousing had the second highest number of workplace fatalities with 17. The construction industry also had 17 workplace deaths. Only the agriculture industry had more with 23. There are certain steps an injured worker should take if he or she is hurt while in the course and scope of employment. Each state has its own specific Work Comp laws and codes so an injured worker should check with his or her own state's regulations.

Continue reading "TWO TRACTOR TRAILERS CRASH IN INDIANA'S MARION COUNTY" »

In St. Joseph County, Indiana, the Fatal Alcohol Crash Team is looking into a Truck Crash with multiple injuries. The Indiana Workers' Compensation Attorneys at Kooi Law can report at least three people were hurt in Wednesday's Vehicle Accident. The injured include a firefighter and a police officer. It is not clear what, if any, Indiana Work Comp issues will be involved since the injured workers were on the job when they were hurt.

As for what caused this Truck Accident, it apparently started when a Clay Fire Territory pumper tanker truck was responding to a call in Harris Township. At the same time, Roseland police were going to a different call. For some reason, as both were going through the same intersection, the truck collided with the patrol car and then rolled onto its side. The truck reportedly also struck a passenger car before it flipped. Another police car was apparently involved in this Vehicle Collision as well. Clay fire officials say it seems like the police car struck their truck. Equipment at the intersection does give fire trucks a green traffic signal.

Three people were hurt in this Vehicle Crash. A firefighter, a police officer, and a civilian were all taken to a local Indiana hospital for treatment for their injuries. None of the injuries were considered extremely serious. At last check, the Indiana Truck Accident Lawyers learned the firefighter was released from the hospital. Indiana's general Worker's Compensation statutes do not usually pertain to emergency responders like firefighters and police officers because these jobs are deemed to carry inherent risks. Instead, Indiana has a separate code that specifically details how police officers and firefighters should be treated medically and compensated if they are, indeed, hurt while in the course and scope of their employment. Experienced Indianapolis Work Comp Lawyers can help injured workers navigate the legal process to ensure they receive the proper benefits.

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the job of firefighter does entail serious risks for workplace injuries. One risk concerns fire truck traffic accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration examined data from Fire Truck Collisions in the years 1994-1996. Officials found in general, about 2,472 fire trucks are involved in police-reported accidents each year in our country. Each year, these crashes caused 6 fatalities to fire truck occupants, 413 fire truck occupant injuries, and a total of 1,076 people were hurt in these collisions including 21 fatalities.

Researchers also looked at the type of injuries suffered in Fire Truck Accidents. They found usually, the most severe injuries happen in the other vehicle involved in the collision. Deadly injuries happened in less than 1% of accidents involving fire trucks. Some type of injury happened in about 24% of fire truck crashes, and property damage happened in about 75% of fire truck accidents.

Continue reading "EMERGENCY RESPONDERS IN INDIANA HURT IN TRUCK CRASH" »

A stretch of United States Interstate 65 north of Indianapolis is often the site of Vehicle Accidents. Indiana Semi Truck Accident Lawyers are familiar with last Friday's truck crash. That's when Indiana State Police say on I-65, a UPS Semi Truck was struck in the rear by another vehicle. That Truck Collision caused the UPS tractor trailer to hit a Fedex Semi Truck. Two drivers were hurt in this Vehicle Accident.

Last week's Truck Crash prompted Indiana State Police to take a look at the 40 miles of United States Interstate 65 between Lafayette and Indianapolis. Last week's auto collision was the second crash in the past few months that involved several vehicles and caused the highway to shutdown. The Indiana Car Accident Lawyers at Kooi Law learned both were attributed to a driver not paying attention. Indiana State Police looked at data and found more than 100 auto crashes happened on that section of the highway this year. In those collisions, at least 16 people were hurt and one was killed.

However, Indiana State Police say despite the seemingly high number of vehicle crashes, this part of I-65 is not more dangerous than any other section of the highway. When examined in its entirety, 6 people were killed and more than 250 were hurt in more than 1,100 Vehicle Collisions on I-65. In 2010, 15 people were killed and more then 400 suffered injuries on I-65. In the section of the highway between Lafayette and Indianapolis, two people died and more than 30 were hurt last year in vehicle accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration took a closer look at fatal vehicle collisions and where they occur. In its recent report, the NHTSA found in Indiana in 2009, 270 multi vehicle deadly accidents happened on roadways while only six happened off roadways. Conversely, single vehicle fatal accidents occurred more often off roadways. In Indiana in 2009, 263 single vehicle deadly crashes happened off roadways while 80 happened on roadways.

Nationally, the trend was the same in 2009. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found many more fatal multi vehicle accidents happened on roadways than off roadways. As for deadly single vehicle crashes, almost twice as many occurred off roadways than on roadways in 2009.

Continue reading "INTERSTATE 65 NORTH OF INDIANAPOLIS EXAMINED AFTER SEMI TRUCK CRASH WITH INJURIES" »

A 17-year old boy is dead following a Garbage Truck Accident in Randolph County, Indiana. Indianapolis Workers Compensation Lawyers learned this apparent On the Job accident happened Labor Day near Parker City, Indiana. However, it is not yet clear if Indiana Work Comp issues will be involved. Delaware County's deputy coroner identified the fatal victim as Stephen Tiller from Greenville, Ohio. He apparently has relatives in Randolph County. Another garbage truck worker was hurt in the accident. He broke his leg and was taken to a local Muncie, Indiana hospital for treatment.

Indiana investigators say the Truck Accident involved a garbage truck that is part of a family business owned by Tiller's relatives. The two victims allegedly were riding on the front of the truck and were thrown off it when the truck hit a tough spot in the roadway. After he was thrown from the truck, Tiller was apparently run over by the garbage truck which killed him. The injured worker was thrown into a ditch. Randolph County police say the victims should not have been riding on the front of the truck, but rather, they should have been on the sides or rear of the vehicle. The person behind the wheel of the truck is thought to be the teen's brother.

Additionally, Indiana investigators say the fatal victim was doing job-related tasks when the tragic truck accident happened. When people are hurt or killed while doing job-related duties, Indiana Workers' Compensation might come into play. Work Comp refers to the body of law and insurance that covers injuries workers suffer while in the course and scope of employment. The experienced and honest Indiana Work Comp Lawyers at Kooi Law can help you decide if in fact, your injury is work-related and if so, what type of treatment and compensation you and/or your family deserve. It is important to note that work comp injuries do include deadly ones, and the injuries are not limited to ones that happen in an office, factory or other structural place of employment. Instead, Workers Compensation injuries often include those that happen in vehicles if the injured worker in that vehicle sustains that injury while on the job.

In fact, the Indiana Department of Labor found transportation is often tied to Work Comp injuries and deaths. The Department recently released its annual Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries report for last year. The data showed 115 people died from deadly occupational injuries in Indiana in 2010. And of those 115 work-related fatalities, 54 involved transportation incidents.

Continue reading "TEEN DIES IN GARBAGE TRUCK ACCIDENT IN PARKER CITY, INDIANA" »

Putnam County, Indiana was the scene of a Semi Truck Crash Tuesday. The truck accident happened in a Construction Zone on United States Interstate 70. Indianapolis Semi Truck Lawyers can report the driver of the truck was not hurt in the Vehicle Accident. If the driver, 48 year old Bryan Clarke, had been injured, Indiana Workers Compensation issues might have been involved.

Indiana State Police say in this Semi Collision, the tractor trailer did not decrease its speed enough and ended up almost hitting other vehicles. Instead, Indiana investigators say the driver veered out of the way, went off the road and flipped. An Indiana State Trooper examined the truck and its trailer after the crash and did not find any brake problems. Thus, the big rig's driver was ticketed for not slowing down to avoid a collision.

This isn't the first time a Vehicle Accident occurred in this construction zone of United States Interstate 70. Indiana Vehicle Crash Lawyers learned this week's truck crash was at least the 4th major collision since August 15th. That's when the construction project began.

Road construction zones do pose hazards for drivers and for workers. The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) looked into this danger. According to its research of LIUNA members who died on the job, while only 38% of the LIUNA’s members were working on road construction projects, more than 73% of the on-the-job deaths happened in road and highway construction. In a nationwide survey of road construction zone deaths, 23% of the fatalities were due to workers who were hit by traffic. And it is estimated that about one-third of work zone deadly collisions involve large trucks.

Large trucks are becoming more present on Indiana's highways and throughout the country. The website, www.truckinfo.net, estimates more than 15 million trucks operate in the United States, and about 2 million of them are tractor trailers. And those trucks log many miles each year. In fact, in 2006, the transportation industry logged more than 432 billion miles. So how many Truck Accidents might there be? The United States Department of Transportation found more than 500,000 truck crashes happen every year. While that might seem like a larger number, data shows commercial trucks are involved in about 2.5% of all vehicle accidents each year. And, trucks are 3 times less likely to be in a collision than a regular motor vehicle. In terms of minutes in day, studies show one person is hurt or killed in a truck crash every 16 minutes.

Continue reading "INDIANA CONSTRUCTION ZONE IS SITE OF SEMI TRUCK CRASH" »

A Construction Zone on Indiana's Interstate 70 was the scene of a deadly Semi Truck Accident. The fatal truck crash involved two semi trucks. It happened Wednesday afternoon near Indiana's Putnam and Clay County line. The identity of the tractor trailer driver who died has not yet been released, but the victim was from Ohio. It is not yet confirmed if Work Comp issues are involved. Indianapolis Workers Compensation Lawyers can help auto accident victims and/or their families determine if they are entitled to Work Comp benefits. As for the driver of the other semi, 57 year old Kundan Randwaha is from Canada and was not hurt in the Vehicle Collision.

Indiana State Police say the Big Rig Crash happened as traffic was heading through a one lane construction zone and then came to a halt. Randwaha's truck was, thus, not moving when it was struck in the rear by the Ohio driver's semi truck. That truck also collided with a guardrail. As a result of the crash, the Ohio man's cab went up in flames. And that wasn't the only fire stemming from the collision. Later, some debris from the accident that was being transported away from the scene caught fire in another truck. That truck was on Indiana State Road 243 at the time.

Marion County authorities will perform an autopsy on the Ohio victim. Indiana State Police are looking into what caused this fatal Truck Crash. So far, the tractor trailers do not appear to have had any mechanical problems.

As mentioned earlier, Indiana Work Comp Lawyers can help accident victims and/or their families figure out if they should receive Workers Compensation benefits. The basic definition of Work Comp refers to an injury a worker receives while in the course and scope of employment. Worker's Compensation injuries do extend to fatal ones. Each state has its own specific Work Comp laws and codes and insurances rates that employers pay so they can provide Workers Compensation benefits in the event one of their workers suffers an injury while on the job.

Not surprisingly, Semi Truck drivers are often covered under Work Comp because those benefits do not simply apply to when a worker in an office or warehouse is injured. Driving a truck can be considered in the "course and scope of employment."

In this recent Semi Truck Accident, a construction/work zone was involved. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration looked at large truck crashes in construction/maintenance zones and found that about 3% of them cause injuries and more than 4% of them are deadly.

Continue reading "TRUCK DRIVER KILLED IN SEMI TRUCK CRASH ON INDIANA'S INTERSTATE 70" »

A truck driver is dead following a Semi Truck Accident in Indiana's Boone County on Thursday. Three big rigs were involved in the Vehicle Collision on United States Interstate 65. Workers' Compensation issues are not yet confirmed, but truck drivers could be entitled to Indiana Work Comp benefits if they are hurt while in the course and scope of employment. Experienced Indianapolis Worker's Compensation Lawyers can help injured Semi Truck Drivers determine if they should receive Work Comp benefits and how much they should receive.

In this recent Tractor Trailer Crash, Indiana State Police say the driver of a semi truck drove into the rear of two other semi trucks that were in a construction zone. One of the big rigs was hauling two trailers. One of those trailers had petroleum products in it, and the other trailer had paint products in it. Thus, that truck went up in flames as a result of the vehicle crash. The truck that initially collided with it became stuck inside that trailer and that semi's driver died.

This part of United States Interstate 65 is all too familiar with deadly Semi Truck Accidents. Less than 2 months ago, a truck driver died as a result of a similar semi crash. And in January of this year, a truck driver was hurt when he collided with the rear of another Semi Truck close to the spot where this week's deadly truck crash happened. Now, Indiana State Police are looking into why this part of United States Interstate 65 is the site of so many deadly Semi Truck Crashes.

Semi Trucks themselves are often involved in deadly vehicle crashes no matter what highway they find themselves. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that across the country, large trucks were in 3,215 deadly vehicle crashes in 2009. That accounted for about 7% of all the fatal vehicle accidents that year. However, in Indiana, large trucks were involved in a larger percentage of all the deadly vehicle collisions with 10.9% of Indiana's fatal vehicle collisions involving large trucks.

Not surprisingly, the Indiana drivers of Semi Trucks often find themselves needing Work Comp benefits. Worker's Compensation is a term that refers to an injury or death a worker sustains while in the course and scope of employment. Each state has its own Work Comp codes and laws. Thus, it's important for injured employees to seek out an honest and hard-working Indiana Work Comp Lawyer to ensure the proper steps are taken to ensure the injured workers receive the medical care and Workers Compensation benefits they deserve.

Continue reading "THREE SEMI TRUCKS CRASH IN INDIANA'S BOONE COUNTY LEAVING ONE DRIVER DEAD" »

Delaware County, Indiana was the site of a deadly Semi Truck Crash Saturday afternoon. 71-year old Rose Ann Trego from Muncie, Indiana was killed when her vehicle collided with a tractor trailer on Indiana State Road 32. The semi truck driver, Wallace Chase, is from Indianapolis, and he was hurt in the Vehicle Accident. Indiana Workers Compensation issues could be involved, but it is not yet clear. Experienced Indiana Workers' Compensation Lawyers can help victims learn what benefits they are entitled to if they injured while on the job. On the job injuries often occur when a worker is in a vehicle doing work related tasks such as trucking and transportation.

In this Truck Accident, Trego apparently veered into oncoming traffic as she was driving east on Indiana State Road 32 near Mount Pleasant Township. She reportedly tried to get back into her own lane, but it was too late. She hit the westbound semi truck head-on. The truck driver was transported to a local Indiana University hospital for treatment for his injuries. Indiana investigators say speed does not appear to be a cause of the deadly Truck Crash because both vehicles were going the speed limit or very close to it.

At the time of the Vehicle Crash, Trego and her family were already dealing with a loss. Her husband died July 27th after a long illness. They were married 52 years.

As for the Tractor Trailer driver, Indiana investigators say his injuries do not appear to be severe. However, even non-severe injuries can leave a worker unable to perform his work related duties. This is where experienced and honest Indiana Workers' Compensation Lawyers at Kooi Law can be invaluable. They are well-versed in Indiana's Work Comp laws and codes and can help victims and their families receive the benefits they deserve. Indiana does have specific guidelines injured workers should follow to ensure they receive the proper care and benefits. Thus, if an employee does suffer an injury in the workplace, it is important to contact an Indianapolis Workers' Compensation Lawyer as soon as possible to make sure that employee receives the treatment and compensation to which he or she is entitled.

In Indianapolis and in cities and towns throughout Indiana, Semi Truck Accidents are often tied to Workers Compensation benefits. Work Comp does extend to when a worker dies while on the job. In fact, in 2009, the Indiana Department of Labor found the transportation and warehousing industries had the second most deadly workplace injuries with 17. Only the agriculture industry had more with 23.

Not surprisingly, Semi Trucks are involved in thousands of accidents both fatal and non-fatal every year. The United States Department of Transportation estimates 500,00 truck accidents happen each year. Interestingly though, when looking at fatalities from Vehicle Crashes, researchers found fewer than 9% of those deaths involved commercial vehicles like tractor trailers.

Continue reading "SEMI TRUCK CRASH IN DELAWARE COUNTY KILLS MUNCIE, INDIANA WOMAN" »

Indianapolis's northwest side was the site of a deadly Motorcycle Crash that involved a Truck as well. The Truck Accident happened Thursday afternoon. Experienced Indiana Vehicle Accident Attorneys can assist victims who are hurt in all types of Vehicle Collisions including truck crashes and motorcycle accidents. In this specific crash, the truck was a paving one so if the driver was on the job when the accident happened and was injured, Indiana Workers Compensation issues could be involved. However, reports are that the 51-year old driver from Kokomo, Indiana was not hurt in the crash. It was the motorcyclist who was killed.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers say the Motorcycle Accident happened when the pickup truck had a red light but apparently was unable to stop. Thus, the truck collided with the motorcycle which was close to a United States Interstate 465 exit ramp. The collision caused the motorcyclist to become trapped under the truck. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers say the victim was probably not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

While many people enjoy riding motorcycles, these vehicles are involved in thousands of deadly accidents each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found in 2005, more than 4,500 motorcycle riders were killed in motorcycle crashes. Of those, 44% were in single vehicle accidents, and 56% were in crashes with more than one vehicle. When examining the multi vehicle motorcycle crashes, investigators found most of the fatalities happened when only two vehicles were involved. And 85% of those crashes included a passenger vehicle not another motorcycle. Not surprisingly, in those two vehicle accidents, 98% of the fatalities were motorcycle riders and 2% were in the passenger vehicle.

Due to the risk involved with riding a motorcycle, many lawmakers and safety experts have pushed for the use of motorcycle helmets. However, recent research shows many motorcycle riders are not wearing Department of Transportation compliant helmets. This is believed to have been the case in this week's deadly Motorcycle Crash in Indianapolis. In fact, compliant motorcycle helmet use has actually decreased! The United States Department of Transportation found in 2009, motorcycle helmet use stood at 67%. One year later, use had dropped to 54%.

Recent research looked at this trend further and found DOT compliant motorcycle helmet use in the Midwest including Indiana dropped by 24% to 43% in 2010. Helmet use also dropped in rural parts of the country and during both weekdays and weekends.

Continue reading "INDIANAPOLIS MOTORCYCLE CRASH WITH TRUCK LEAVES ONE DEAD" »

A 47-year old man from Delphi, Indiana is dead following a Tanker Truck Crash in Indianapolis. Deadly accidents can unleash many legal challenges for the victims' families, and the Indiana Truck Accident Lawyers at Kooi Law are experienced in helping victims' families receive the benefits they deserve.

In this recent truck crash, the tanker was carrying gasoline, and it was the truck's driver, Shawn Sullivan, who was killed. If he was, indeed, on the job when the truck collision occurred, his family and/or dependents could be entitled to Workers Compensation benefits. However, it is not yet clear if Work Comp issues are involved.

As for how this Vehicle Accident happened, Indiana investigators say Sullivan's truck veered off the right side of the Crawfordsville Road ramp as the truck was heading to United States Interstate 465. The truck then hit concrete barriers in a construction zone and flipped. The impact of the crash caused thousands of gallons of gasoline to spill out of the truck.

Additionally, officials with the Indiana Department of Transportation say the asphalt near the ramp was damaged in the Tanker Truck Accident. Thus, the Crawfordsville ramp was still closed at last check as crews work to clean up the spill and figure out how to move traffic away from the affected asphalt.

Gasoline is, obviously, considered a hazardous material, and according to the United States Department of Transportation, each day, more than 800,000 shipments of hazardous materials in trucks are made. Unfortunately, about 200 hazmat trucks each year find themselves in deadly collisions, and 5,000 are involved in non-deadly accidents. Because of the dangers associated with carrying hazardous materials, the drivers of these trucks face a high risk of injury and death if they crash.

Thus, truck drivers carrying hazardous materials should be aware of their employer's Workers' Compensation benefits. Work Comp refers to the insurance an employer or company carries to care for a worker if that employee is hurt while on the job. The laws and benefits surrounding Workers Compensation vary by state, but the Worker's Compensation Lawyers at Kooi Law are well-versed in the Indiana and Illinois Work Comp laws and codes.

And, it is important to note, that in the event that the worker is killed while in the course and scope of employment, that worker's family may very well be entitled to certain Work Comp benefits. However, an injured worker or the family of a deceased worker must take specific actions to ensure they receive proper care and the benefits they deserve.

Continue reading "DELPHI, INDIANA MAN DEAD AFTER TANKER TRUCK CRASHES IN INDIANAPOLIS" »

One person is dead following a Semi Truck Accident in Mooresville, Indiana. Workers Compensation issues could be involved, and Indiana Worker's Compensation Lawyers can help injured or deceased victims and their families with these often complex situations. In this case, three vehicles were involved in the accident. The vehicle collision occurred near Indiana State Road 267 and Indiana Street on Monday.

As for what happened, Mooresville police say the tractor trailer hit a pickup truck, and then the pickup truck collided with another vehicle. The semi truck was transporting mail at the time of the Vehicle Crash. The driver of the pickup truck was killed in the vehicle accident.

Pickup trucks fall into the "light truck" category when looking at vehicle crash statistics, and light trucks are involved in thousands of deadly accidents every year in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found light trucks were involved in 17,02 fatal vehicle collisions in 2009 making up 39.4% of all deadly vehicle crashes. In that category, both standard and compact pickup trucks accounted for more than 8,000 fatal vehicle accidents which is more than 18% of all deadly crashes.

So why are pickup trucks involved in so many crashes with deadly consequences? Indianapolis Truck Accident Lawyers and safety experts took a look at recent studies and found that research shows the high fatality rate is often tied to seatbelt use or lack thereof. One study found only 69% of people in pickup trucks wore safety belts in June of 2003 while 81% of people in passenger cars and 83% of people in SUVs and vans were wearing safety belts.

Another legal issue that could come into play is Workers' Compensation which is often referred to as "Work Comp." Worker's Compensation varies by state. In general, it is the insurance and laws concerning an injury a worker suffers while in the course and scope of employment. It also takes into account a worker who dies while on the job. When an employee suffers a workplace injury, immediate and specific actions are often required to ensure Work Comp benefits. An Indiana Workers Compensation Lawyer is very familiar with what needs to be done and can guide injured workers and their families through the process.

In Indiana, workers suffer thousands of injuries each year. Often, those injuries are fatal. The Indiana Department of Labor reported 123 workers were killed while on the job in 2009 in the Hoosier state. As for injuries and illnesses, 94,800 of those were reported among Indiana workers in 2009. That represented the lowest occupational injury and illness rate on record in Indiana.

Continue reading "TWO TRUCKS INCLUDING A SEMI CRASH IN INDIANA, KILLING ONE" »

Southern Indiana was the site of a deadly Semi Truck Accident early Wednesday morning. The fatal Auto Collision happened on United States Interstate 64 in Crawford County, Indiana. 51 year old James Loper was killed and 36-year old Eddie Goodine was hurt. Vehicle highway accidents often lead to Workers Compensation issues which we'll examine in a moment.

In this recent highway vehicle accident, Indiana State Police report the victims were in a Fedex Semi Truck that veered off the highway and hit an overpass. It is not yet clear which victim was driving the vehicle. No other vehicles were involved in the fatal accident. Goodine is apparently in stable condition at a local Kentucky hospital.

As mentioned earlier, auto accidents on highways can result in Worker's Compensation benefits. The driver or passenger, of course, must have been hurt or killed in the collision and on the job when the crash happened. The Indiana Department of Labor found that in 2009, 25 Indiana workers were killed because of a highway crash. That made highway vehicle crashes the leading cause of death in the workplace.

Continue reading "ONE MAN IS KILLED AND ANOTHER HURT IN SOUTHERN INDIANA SEMI TRUCK CRASH" »

A deadly Semi Truck Accident in Wayne County, Indiana closed United States Interstate 70 for a few hours Friday evening. The victim in the Auto Collision was identified as 56-year old Danny L. Orr from Indianapolis.

Local Indiana media outlets report the victim's van struck the rear of a semi truck which had decreased its speed due to an earlier vehicle accident. A military convoy was part of that earlier vehicle crash. It is not clear if any of the injuries in the two accidents are Workers Compensation related.

As mentioned earlier, the fatal accident occurred when the victim's van rear-ended the tractor trailer. That point of impact is the second most frequent in deadly crashes involving large trucks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found in 2009, 514 fatal accidents involving large trucks and another motor vehicle had the rear as the initial point of impact. That accounted for 16% of all such crashes.

Continue reading "SEMI TRUCK CRASH ON INDIANA HIGHWAY KILLS INDIANAPOLIS MAN" »

A Semi Truck Accident left two people with injuries. The Vehicle Crash happened in Indiana's St. Joseph County on the Indiana Toll Road. Two men were hurt, but it is not yet clear if their injuries are Workers' Compensation related.

Indiana's South Bend Tribune reports the semi truck driver fell asleep so the truck veered across the median and hit a ditch on the other side of the road. The injured men were said to suffer from neck and back injuries.

This tractor trailer accident occurred at about 4:30am on Wednesday, and fatigue is believed to be a cause of the crash. Driver fatigue is a big problem on America's roads especially when it comes to the drivers of large trucks like semis. The website, smartmotorist.com, notes a study that found 52% of 107 single vehicle crashes involving heavy trucks were related to fatigue. And more data concerning vehicle collisions on two of our country's busiest roads shows about 50% of the deadly accidents on those roads were connected to driver fatigue.

Continue reading "SEMI TRUCK ACCIDENT IN INDIANA'S ST. JOSEPH COUNTY INJURES TWO PEOPLE" »

A dump truck driver was hurt in a Truck Accident in Marion County, Indiana. The Vehicle Crash happened Tuesday night on United States Interstate 70. It is not yet clear if the driver was on the job and thus, if Workers Compensation issues are involved.

Indianapolis media outlets report Indiana State Police say the truck was heading west in a construction zone when it struck the Cumberland Road overpass. The collision caused the dump bed to come apart from the truck. The truck driver was hurt in the accident and taken to Indianapolis's Methodist Hospital for treatment. Officials are now looking into the overpass to see if it suffered any structural damage in the truck crash.

Fortunately, no construction workers were hurt or killed in the road construction zone accident. However, construction zones are extremely dangerous places. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that from 1995-2002, 844 workers died while on the job at a road construction zone. Those fatalities accounted for 9% of all fatalities in construction, and more than half of them were due to a worker being hit by a vehicle or mobile equipment.

Continue reading "DUMP TRUCK ACCIDENT IN MARION COUNTY, INDIANA LEAVES TRUCK DRIVER HURT" »

Indiana investigators are looking into a deadly Truck Accident in Warrick County. The Vehicle Crash happened Monday afternoon on East State Road 62. The victim was identified as 57-year old Dwight Burch from Boonville, Indiana.

Indiana State Police say Burch's truck left the road and struck an embankment before stopping in a ditch. Investigators aren't sure what caused the truck crash but say Burch was probably unconscious when his truck left the road. He was unconscious when paramedics arrived. An autopsy is set for tomorrow.

Light trucks are involved in hundreds of auto accidents a year in Indiana. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 364 light trucks were involved in deadly vehicle crashes in 2009. That accounted for 36.7% of all the fatal vehicle crashes that year. Only passenger cars were in more deadly accidents than light trucks.

Continue reading "TRUCK ACCIDENT IN WARRICK COUNTY, INDIANA KILLS ONE" »

One man is dead after a Semi Truck Crash in Boone County, Indiana last week. The Auto Accident happened on United States Interstate 65 and caused the southbound lanes to be closed for hours. It is not yet known if any of the injuries will result in Workers Compensation issues.

Indiana investigators say the deadly truck accident started when a semi flipped on Interstate 65 near the Lebanon exit. That caused traffic to build up which reportedly led to a second tractor trailer hitting a third semi in the back. That second semi burst into flames, and its driver was killed.

Fatigue is suspected as a factor in the vehicle collision, and it often is the cause of truck crashes. The website, www.saferoads.org, notes the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found about 750 people are killed and 20,000 are hurt every year due to fatigued commercial vehicle drivers.

Continue reading "DEADLY SEMI TRUCK CRASH IN BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA" »

A Semi Truck Accident caused headaches for drivers on Indianapolis's Eastside. The Auto Collision happened Tuesday evening and affected drivers on United States Interstate 70 and United States Interstate 465.

Indiana State Police report the tractor trailer hit a guardrail and then flipped on the United States Interstate 70 on ramp from United States Interstate 465. It is not clear why the trucking accident happened or how severely hurt the truck driver was. We are also awaiting work on whether any Workers Compensation issues are at stake. Work Comp injuries occur when an employee is on the job.

Semi truck accidents do occur quite frequently not only in Indiana but throughout the country. Of course, millions of trucks take to America's roads every year. The website, www.truckinfo.net, estimates more than 15 million trucks are in use in the U.S., and of those, about 2 million are semi trucks. Despite their prevalence, trucks are actually 3 times less likely to be in a vehicle collision than a regular motor vehicle. That's according to www.truckinfo.net. However, research also found that one person is hurt or dies in a truck crash every 16 minutes. And, the United States Department of Transportation found about 500,000 truck accidents happen each year.

Continue reading "SEMI TRUCK CRASH IN INDIANA'S MARION COUNTY LEAVES DRIVER HURT" »

A 41-year old Indiana woman died in a Car Accident in Johnson County on Tuesday. The vehicle crash happened on Indiana 135. Another person in a Truck was hurt.

Johnson County officials say the woman's car went across the center line and hit an on-coming pickup truck. Indiana investigators say the woman died at the scene while the 47-year old male driver of the pickup truck was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

This auto accident happened in the overnight hours. And hundreds of people die each year throughout the country in vehicle crashes that happen in the early or overnight hours. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found almost 500 people died in 2009 in vehicle collisions between the hours of midnight and 5:59am on Tuesdays. While even one death is one too many, Tuesday was actually the day with the least number of auto accident fatalities in that time period in 2009.

Continue reading "JOHNSON COUNTY WOMAN DIES IN CAR ACCIDENT ON INDIANA ROAD" »

A cherry picker Truck Accident in South Bend, Indiana injured a man and his nephew on Thursday. Both worker Rick Franklin and his 8-year old nephew, Nate, were taken to a local Indiana hospital for treatment for their injuries. Rick was working at the time of the accident but was giving his nephew a ride in the bucket. Work related injuries can sometimes fall under Worker's Compensation.

The South Bend Tribune reports the truck toppled about 50 feet leaving both victims trapped in the bucket. Rick is a worker for Wayne's Tree Service, and the company's crew was apparently working to trim a large tree. The boy was reportedly at the work site with his parents and wanted a ride in the bucket which his uncle agreed to. However, as they were taking off a large branch from the tree, the truck fell over and landed on the ground. It is not clear why the cherry picker toppled.

At last check, Nate was out of the local Indiana hospital while Rick was still there and listed in stable condition.

Construction Accidents involving aerial lifts commonly lead to Worker's Compensation benefits in Indiana and throughout the country. The website, www.buckettrucks.org, notes that 26 construction workers die each year from aerial lifts and about 70% of those involve lifts such as bucket trucks and cherry pickers, and about a third of the fatalities were from tipping over.

Continue reading "BUCKET TRUCK TIPS IN SOUTH BEND, INDIANA INJURING MAN AND NEPHEW" »

A semi truck driver is dead after a Truck Crash in Kosciusko County, Indiana. The Auto Accident happened Tuesday on United States 30 in Pierceton. Another truck driver was not hurt in the two truck collision. Worker's Compensation could come into play, however, for the fatal victim.

A Kosciuscko County Fatal Accident Crash Team official says a tractor trailer driven by Nebraska's Roger Schmale hit another truck in the back. Chicago, Illinois's William Mendez was driving that truck. Indiana investigators say Schmale was apparently going the speed limit but didn't brake until the last moment and thus, crashed into Mendez's truck which was slowing down for a red light. Schmale died from his injuries while Mendez was not hurt.

Workers Compensation issues can arise not simply when a worker is hurt while on the job but also, when a worker dies while in the course and scope of employment. The Indiana Department of Labor reports that in 2009, highway vehicle accidents were the number one cause of death in the workplace. That accounted for 38% of workplace fatalities. The Indiana Work Comp Act details benefits workers' families could be entitled to in the event of a work related death.

Continue reading "INDIANA TRUCK ACCIDENT KILLS NEBRASKA SEMI DRIVER" »

Eight Semi Trucks Crashed on an Indiana highway Monday evening. The truck accident happened on United States Interstate 70 near Terre Haute which is in western Indiana.

According to Indiana State Police, the chain reaction Auto Accident began when vehicles suddenly decreased speed in a construction zone. Three semi truck drivers and one passenger were hurt in the vehicle crash. They were transported to local Indiana hospitals for treatment for their injuries.

If the injured drivers were on the job when they suffered their injuries, they might be able to file a Work Comp claim. Work Comp is a shortened term for "Worker's Compensation." Workers' Compensation encompasses the body of laws concerning injuries a person suffers while in the course and scope of employment. Employers and companies pay into work comp insurance which in turn gives injured employees certain benefits.

Fortunately, in Monday's truck crash, the injuries, work comp related or not, were not fatal. However, construction zones can be extremely dangerous for construction workers and drivers alike. The website, www.workzonesafety.org, found that in 2009, 13 people died in vehicle crashes in construction/maintenance zones in Indiana.

Continue reading "SEVERAL SEMI TRUCKS COLLIDE ON INDIANA HIGHWAY" »

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 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" »

Two drivers on Indiana's Interstate 70 in Hancock County were hurt after a Vehicle Crash. The Auto Accident involved a Semi Truck and a Car and happened in Greenfield early Thursday morning. Greenfield is about 30 minutes west of downtown Indianapolis.

An article on www.wishtv.com entitled, "Overturned Truck Closes I-70 in Hancock County," reports a female driver was going west on United State Interstate 70 when she moved the steering wheel suddenly as she attempted to not hit a deer. However, the woman did strike the deer. In the process, a tractor trailer behind the woman also swerved. This caused the truck driver to lose control, and the semi fell over and lost its load. Both drivers in this auto collision were hurt. The woman was seeking treatment for her injuries at Indianapolis's Methodist Hospital while the tractor trailer driver was at Hancock Regional Hospital.

It is not yet known if the semi truck driver suffered any Work Comp injuries. Workers' Compensation injuries refer to those an employee sustains while on the job. Many work comp injuries do happen in the transportation field. The Indiana Department of Labor examines various workplaces and looks at the dangers each poses as it works to improve safety. When examining the transportation and warehousing industry (the Department of Labor groups them together), the Indiana Department of Labor found on average, hurt workers in this field missed 23 days of work in 2009. That's the highest of any other Indiana industry and 11 days more than in 2008.

Continue reading "INTERSTATE 70 IN INDIANA'S HANCOCK COUNTY IS SCENE OF SEMI TRUCK CRASH RESULTING IN INJURIES" »

A Truck Crash involving two Semi Trailers happened on United States Interstate 70 in Indianapolis. Indiana State Police say the early Wednesday morning Vehicle Accident sent one man to the hospital with serious injuries. Workers' Compensation laws might come into play if it is determined that the injured party was in the course and scope of employment when he was hurt.

As for what caused the Semi Truck Accident, media outlet reports indicate one of the semis hit the other one in the back. Indiana State Police officers say that collision severely damaged the cab of the rear semi and the trailer of the first tractor trailer. Apparently, both semi trucks had been trying to get into the middle lane. The wounded driver is at Indianapolis's Wishard Hospital seeking treatment for his injuries.

With all the semi trucks on Indiana roads, it should come as no surprise to find that the transportation industry has one of the highest number of workplace, or Work Comp, deaths. The Indiana Department of Labor found that in 2009, transportation (coupled with warehousing) had the second most work related fatalities.

When we look specifically at tractor trailer accidents, one finds that there were more than 3,000 in 2009 throughout the country. And rear-ending another vehicle is quite common. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found a rear collision with another vehicle was the second most common form of large truck crashes.

Continue reading "TWO SEMI TRUCKS CRASH IN INDIANAPOLIS CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES" »

A Wednesday morning Truck Crash on Indianapolis's westside leaves one dead and one hurt. The Auto Accident happened on United States Interstate 74 in Marion County and involved a doughnut delivery truck which could mean this vehicle accident might have Workers' Compensation implications.

As detailed by Indiana State Police and media reports, the Cincy Donuts truck driver fell asleep as he was getting from Interstate 74 onto United States Interstate 465. An Indiana State Police officer says the truck then collided with a barrier and flipped. The truck driver's wife was a passenger in the truck, and she died in the vehicle crash. Emergency responders took the driver to Indianapolis's Methodist Hospital for treatment for his injuries.

According to reports, the truck driver was making his deliveries when the truck crash happened. Thus, he was on the job. On the job injuries are often considered Work Comp injuries. It is not clear if the driver's wife was also in the course and scope of employment when the truck accident happened. Unfortunately, our nation's highways are often the scene of work related injuries or deaths. The Indiana Department of Labor notes a Bureau of Labor Statistics study that found in 2009, highway vehicle accidents were the number one cause of workplace deaths with 38% of the fatalities.

Continue reading "INDIANAPOLIS TRUCK CRASH LEAVES DRIVER'S WIFE DEAD" »

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" »

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 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" »

Lafayette's Dustin Stevens is facing criminal charges stemming from a deadly Vehicle Crash on a United States Interstate 65 exit ramp last autumn. The 28-year old is charged in a Tippecanoe County, Indiana Superior Court with several counts including operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a controlled substance in his blood causing death and operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death. The Indiana State Toxicology Lab apparently found traces of marijuana in Stevens's blood.

As reported by www.jconline.com in the article, "Charges Filed in Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on I-65 Ramp," the auto accident happened on the northbound United States Interstate 65 exit ramp to Indiana 26. Stevens was apparently driving the wrong way when the passenger side of his car crashed into a Semi Truck. 30-year old Brooke Adams was a passenger in Stevens's car. She died as a result of the vehicle collision. No word if the semi truck driver suffered any Work Comp injuries.

Driving under the influence of drugs along with driving the wrong way can be highly dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009, driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication accounted for about 7,000 fatal vehicle crashes. Driving the wrong way accounted for more than 1300 deadly vehicle accidents.

Continue reading "CHARGES FILED AGAINST LAFAYETTE MAN BLAMED IN DEADLY VEHICLE CRASH" »

An Indiana woman suffered severe injuries after she was involved in a Semi Truck Crash in Florida. The Vehicle Accident happened Wednesday afternoon near Englewood. Florida Highway Patrol officers say the Indiana victim is 63-year old Marjorie Bunting from Dagsboro.

As reported by the Herald-Tribune in the article, "Woman Seriously Injured in Englewood Accident," Bunting did not stop at a stop sign while driving her car north. Florida Highway Patrol officers say she then tried to drive her car in front of a semi that was going west. That's when her car collided with the truck. No word if the truck driver suffered any Work Comp injuries. Bunting is expected to be charged with violation of right of way.

People can be involved in auto accidents at any age. Sometimes, tragically, the vehicle accidents are fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 55-64 year old age group had the fifth highest number of people killed in vehicle accidents in 2009 with 3,781 deaths.

Continue reading "INDIANA WOMAN SERIOUSLY HURT IN SEMI TRUCK ACCIDENT IN FLORIDA" »

A Fort Wayne, Indiana construction worker's family is grieving after he was killed in a Semi Truck Accident last week while on the job. On the Job Accidents are often deemed Work Comp related because they happen while the victim is in the course and scope of employment. 25-year old Ryan Zimmerman was working for a contractor for the Indiana Department of Transportation on United States 27 when a semi ran him over and killed him.

As reported by www.wane.com in the article, "Family of Killed Construction Worker Speaks Out," Zimmerman was part of a PRIMCO construction crew fixing concrete on United States 27 in Decatur when the on the job accident happened. He was in a dug up section of the road when the tractor trailer turned, and apparently, that's when the semi's trailer ran over Zimmerman.

As a result of this construction accident, officials with the Indiana Department of Transportation are requesting that drivers use extra caution when in construction zones. Unfortunately, work zones on roads are very dangerous. According to www.workzonesafety.org, in Indiana, in 2009, 13 people died in motor vehicle traffic accidents in construction/maintenance zones. And throughout the country in 2009, large trucks were involved in 122 construction work zone crashes.

Continue reading "FORT WAYNE CONSTRUCTION WORKER'S FAMILY GRIEVES AFTER HE IS KILLED IN SEMI TRUCK ACCIDENT IN INDIANA" »

The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration is looking into an On The Job Accident involving a Semi Truck that left a Marion County, Indiana man dead. The deadly incident happened Tuesday evening on Indianapolis's northeast side. On the job injuries are usually deemed Work Comp injuries because they happen in the course and scope of the victim's employment. Lawrence police say 55-year old Randy Wimmer from Lawrence is the name of the victim.

As reported by www.wishtv.com in the article, "Man Pinned by Semi at Loading Dock Dies," Wimmer apparently died after the driver of the semi truck backed into a loading dock at O'Neal Steel to make a delivery and backed into Wimmer. The tractor trailer's driver discovered this when he got out of his truck to figure out why his truck wasn't sealing properly. The truck driver moved his semi to free Wimmer, but it was too late.

Unfortunately, injuries from loading dock accidents are a common form of Work Comp injuries. According to www.narm.biz, loading dock hazards include falls, carbon monoxide exposure, back injuries, head and eye injuries from falling objects, and injuries from the neglectful operation of equipment.

Continue reading "LAWRENCE MAN DIES AFTER ON THE JOB ACCIDENT IN INDIANAPOLIS" »

An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department patrol car was involved in an Auto Accident with a pickup truck Thursday night. That vehicle crash happened at the intersection of Fall Creek Parkway and 30th Street in Indiana's Marion County. The truck driver, who is from Indianapolis, was arrested for having a suspended license. Neither the truck driver nor the Indianapolis police officer suffered any major injuries, but there is no word if any of their minor injuries are Work Comp related.

As reported by www.wishtv.com in the article, "Driver Arrested After Collision with IMPD Officer," Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers say it appears the pickup truck ran a red light while driving east on 30th Street. This apparently caused the police car that was going south on Fall Creek Parkway to collide with the truck.

Thankfully, both drivers did not suffer any severe injuries. And recent trends show the number of auto accidents with injuries is decreasing. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009, only 27.6% of vehicle accidents resulted in injuries. That's the lowest percentage in the years 1988-2009.

Continue reading "INDIANAPOLIS PATROL CAR COLLIDES WITH PICKUP TRUCK IN MARION COUNTY" »

We're learning more about the deadly Semi Truck Crash in Indianapolis that involved now six vehicles. The multi Auto Accident happened Monday in a construction zone on United States Interstate 70 near United States Interstate 465. One person from Indianapolis died after his car was struck by another tractor trailer while people in other vehicles were hurt. We're still awaiting word to see if any of the injuries are Work Comp related.

As detailed by the Indy Star in the article, "Truck Firm Sought Permit an Hour After Fatal I-70 Crash," Indiana State Police say the company that owns the semi that is to blame for the vehicle accident failed to request a permit for an oversized load until 60 minutes following the deadly multi vehicle collision. Poindexter Transportation is the name of the truck company, and it's based in Indianapolis. Its semi was driven by Indianapolis's Donald Taylor, and Indiana investigators cited him for not having a permit for an oversized load and for violation of a permit.

Indiana State Police say this auto collision began when Taylor's semi was going east and hit a few concrete median barriers forcing them into the westbound lane. Several cars in the westbound lane moved, trying to get out of the barriers' way, and that's when a Suzuki passenger car was hit from behind by another semi. The Suzuki was driven by 41-year old Judson Dye from Indianapolis. He died from the semi crash. Four people were hurt and were treated and released at Indianapolis's Methodist Hospital.

While large trucks like tractor trailers are a vital part of our nation's economy, they can, unfortunately, pose dangers on the road. According to www.smartmotorist.com, in 1996 more than 5,000 people died in large truck crashes. Only 12% of them were in the trucks. And, in auto accidents involving a large truck and a passenger vehicle, 98% of the deaths were people in cars, vans, pickup trucks or SUV's.

Continue reading "INDIANAPOLIS SEMI TRUCK DRIVER AT ROOT OF DEADLY MULTI VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN MARION COUNTY IS CITED" »

An Indianapolis man is dead and four others are hurt after a Semi Truck Accident that also involved several cars on Indianapolis's far westside. The Auto Collision happened Monday morning on United States Interstate 70 under the United States Interstate 465 overpass.

As reported by the Indy Star in the article, "I-70 Construction Zone Crash Kills One, Injures Four," the vehicle crash started when a semi truck heading east and loaded with construction equipment struck temporary concrete barriers on United States Interstate 70. According to Indiana State Police, that impact caused many parts of that barrier to move into westbound lanes and cars were forced to move in an attempt to avoid crashing into the barriers. Indiana investigators say a Suzuki car that was attempting to get out of the way, collided with a car in front of it, and then a tractor trailer crashed in it, smashing the Suzuki. The Suzuki car's driver was a 41-year old man from Indianapolis. He died in this collision with the semi.

Indiana State Police say four other people were hurt in the multi vehicle accident. At least two of the injured are from Indianapolis and were taken to Marion County's Methodist Hospital. No word if any of the injuries are Work Comp related.

Unfortunately, this deadly semi truck accident involved multiple trucks and cars, and that is commonly the case when tractor trailers are involved. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, throughout the country in 2009, large trucks were involved in 2,612 deadly multi vehicle crashes as opposed to 603 deadly single vehicle accidents.

Continue reading "INDIANAPOLIS MAN DIES AFTER HIT BY SEMI TRUCK IN MULTI AUTO ACCIDENT IN INDIANA'S MARION COUNTY" »

Two Indiana women are dead after a Semi Truck Accident. The vehicle crash happened on United States Interstate 70 in Ohio on March 26th. The Indiana women were both from Richmond, Indiana and were in a car that collided with a tractor trailer. The car's driver was 47 year old Tina Boswell and 72 year old Tomella Mason was the passenger. The semi truck driver is from Munster, Indiana, and he did suffer some minor injuries. No word if they are Work Comp related.

As reported by The Register Herald in the article, "Two Die in I-70 Crash," Boswell's car was heading west when it crossed the median and crashed head on into the semi truck. Ohio Highway Patrol officers say they believe the car's driver was either tired or suffered a medical issue and thus, say those factors could have led to the deadly auto accident.

While large trucks like semi trucks are frequently found on Indiana roads and have a big size advantage over other vehicles, you might be surprised to learn they are not the vehicle involved in the highest number of fatal auto crashes. As compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009, large trucks were involved in 7.1% of deadly accidents in the United States. Passenger cars, light trucks and motorcycles were all involved in a higher percentage of deadly vehicle collisions according to this study.

Continue reading "TWO INDIANA WOMEN DIE IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH SEMI TRUCK ON INTERSTATE 70 IN OHIO" »

An Indiana school bus and a truck were involved in a Vehicle Crash in Clay County earlier this week. Clay County is in the southwestern part of Indiana. The bus driver and the students aboard the bus suffered minor injuries. The driver of the truck, Kasie Scarbrough, was taken to an Indianapolis hospital with more severe injuries. No word if any of the drivers' injuries are Work Comp related.

According to www.WTHITV.com in the article, "School Bus Crashes into Truck in Clay County," the truck/bus accident happened on Clay County Road 800 North and 150 West. Indiana investigators say the truck's driver did not stop to give the school bus the right of way. Thus, the bus driver hit the truck which then struck a light pole.

While school buses do find themselves in auto accidents, they are considered an extremely safe form of transportation. As detailed by www.parenting.kaboose.com, kids are almost eight times safer traveling in a school bus than with their parents or peers.

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Lawrence police are looking for the driver of a pick up truck after a Truck Crashed into a Marion County church, Lawrence United Methodist Church, Monday morning. Lawrence is about 20 minutes northeast of downtown Indianapolis.

As reported by www.Fox59.com in the article, "Truck Crashes into Lawrence Church Sanctuary," the pastor at Lawrence United Methodist Church says a white pick up truck crashed into the side of the church and ended up in the sanctuary. Fortunately, no one was hurt and some of the items in the sanctuary were not damaged. Indiana investigators say the pick up truck's driver ran away after the Vehicle Accident.

Light trucks are involved in millions of vehicle crashes that cause property damage only. According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 1994-2009, light trucks were involved in more than two million property damage only causing accidents each year. And in 2007, light trucks were involved in more than three million property damage only causing vehicle collisions.

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An 18-year old Indiana bicyclist was involved in a Semi Truck Crash in Hendricks County which is about 30 minutes southwest of Indianapolis. The accident happened at about 5 o'clock Wednesday morning on Indiana State Road 67. The bicyclist, Brian Cook, is from Camby and attends Mooresville High School. Indiana medics took him to Indianapolis's Wishard Hospital with multiple injuries. No word if the truck driver suffered any Work Comp related injuries.

As reported by www.Fox59.com in the article, "High School Student Injured in Bike vs. Semi Crash," Indiana State Police say the high school senior did not stop for the oncoming tractor trailer at an intersection and thus, was hit by the semi truck. Indiana State Police officials also say the cyclist did not have any reflectors or lights on his bike. They believe Cook did not see or hear the truck possibly because he was listening to music and has a previous injury to one of his eyes.

While cycling is known to have health benefits, unfortunately, there are risks. As described by www.bicycleuniverse.info, bicyclists can be involved in many different accidents that lead to injuries. And, not surprisingly, accidents with moving motor vehicles including semi trucks is one of the biggest categories making up 11% of bicycle crashes.

Continue reading "SEMI TRUCK HITS INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ON BIKE IN HENDRICKS COUNTY" »

A tragic Auto Accident involving a Semi Truck on Indianapolis's westside leaves an Indiana teen dead. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers say 13-year old Justice Holifield died when the car she was riding in crashed into a semi trailer truck Friday afternoon. Two other young people, a 12-year old and another 13-year old, were hurt.

Holifield was a student at Indianapolis's Harshman Middle School. Her school band teacher was apparently driving the car. According to the Indy Star article, "Girl, 13, Dies in Crash of Teacher's Car," that car turned onto the United States Interstate 70 East on ramp when it was hit by the truck. No word which driver was at fault or if the truck driver, a 58-year old from Avon, suffered any work comp injuries.

Indiana investigators say the students and their teacher were going to a store to buy things for a school event. It's not clear if Indianapolis Public Schools have a policy on teachers driving students in their own cars or trucks.

Unfortunately, the statistics involving passenger cars colliding into trucks aren't good. As reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in Indiana in 2009, 23 fatalities occurred in vehicle crashes involving a passenger car and a large truck. It is interesting to note that more deaths occurred in accidents involving a passenger car and another passenger car. Twenty-five people died in those crashes. The study also found that passenger cars versus light trucks were the most deadly. Seventy-nine deaths happened in those accidents.

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Police throughout Indiana were involved in apprehending a Michigan City man after he fired gun shots, hitting a semi truck and eventually crashed his car. Indiana police say 25-year old Aaron Di Shon Windom of Laporte County is the driver of that car. He was taken to a Crawfordsville hospital suffering from hypothermia. No word if the tractor trailer driver suffered any work comp injuries.

According to an article about this car crash on www.theindychannel.com entitled, "Police: Road Rage Suspect Fires Shots During Chase," a Fountain County sheriff's deputy says he saw the suspect in a stolen car driving westbound on Interstate 74 in Montgomery County. Indiana State troopers say a chase began when the deputy and a Crawfordsville police officer began to follow the automobile. During the car chase, the driver fired gun shots, hitting a semi truck. Eventually, Indiana police caught Windom after he lost control of his car causing it to crash. Police say he got out of his car and tried, unsuccessfully, to run away.

The driver of this stolen car is wanted in Lake and Laporte countie.

While Windom has his hands full with legal concerns, the truck driver might need an attorney as well if he was hurt during this incident and suffered work comp injuries. "Work Comp" refers to laws focused on an injury that is sustained while one is on the job. And vehicle accidents can cause work comp injuries. According to the Indiana Department of Labor, in 2005, 26,900 work-related injuries and illnesses caused a worker to miss work, and 5.2% were caused by transportation accidents.

Continue reading "LAPORTE COUNTY MAN FACES CHARGES IN SEVERAL INDIANA COUNTIES AFTER CAR CRASH" »

Marion County's west side was the scene of a semi truck accident Monday night. Indianapolis police say the truck jack-knifed on US Interstate 465 near US Interstate 70. According to Indiana investigators, the truck driver says his truck slid after it was cut off by another vehicle. That caused the semi's tank to burst. Fortunately, Indianapolis firefighters say the tank was not full. The auto accident closed northbound lanes for several hours. Work comp issues could be forthcoming.

According to WTHR.com's article, "Boy Killed in Kokomo Crash; Dozens of Slide-offs Reported," this semi truck accident was one of several accidents Monday. In addition, one woman was killed in Anderson. Madison County investigators say the Indiana mother died after she lost control of her car and hit an oncoming SUV. Fortunately, Anderson police say her children were in car seats and were not badly hurt.

Car seats and child booster seats are vital in protecting children in vehicles. As reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, child restraints saved about 9,000 lives from 1975-2008. The NHTSA also finds that auto crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3-14 years old.

Continue reading "SEMI TRUCK ACCIDENT IN INDIANAPOLIS AMONG MANY AUTO CRASHES DUE TO WEATHER" »