High Speed Car Crash Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis

Every year, countless Indianapolis residents find their lives suddenly changed by high-speed car accidents. When accidents happen at excessive speeds, the consequences are often devastating, leading to serious injuries, significant property damage and even fatal collisions. If you or a loved one has been affected by a high-speed car crash, an experienced car accident lawyer can help protect your legal rights and guide you through the complex legal process of seeking compensation.

At the Crossen Law Firm, our Indianapolis car accident attorneys understand the unique challenges that high-speed collision cases present. As your dedicated car accident lawyer, we’ll work tirelessly to help you navigate your car accident claims and fight for the fair settlement you deserve.

Our experience handling Indianapolis car accident cases has given us deep insight into the specific challenges and requirements of pursuing compensation in Indiana courts and with Indiana car insurance companies.

Why You May Need To Hire a High Speed Car Accident Lawyer

When you’re involved in a high-speed car accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and car accident victims frequently find themselves struggling to navigate complex legal and medical systems while trying to recover.

An experienced lawyer can help prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you during this vulnerable time and ensure you receive the compensation you need and are entitled to.

Our experienced auto accident attorney team frequently sees car accident cases where accident victims face:

• Extensive medical bills and ongoing medical bills from treating serious injuries, including emergency room visits, surgeries and rehabilitation.
• Complex car accident claims processes that can be difficult to navigate while recovering from car accident injuries sustained.
• Insurance adjusters who may try to minimize your personal injury claim or pressure you into accepting a lower car accident settlement.
• Challenges in gathering evidence, including the police accident report, medical records and testimony from expert witnesses.
• The need to document both economic and non-economic damages to ensure full compensation.
• Difficulties dealing with the at-fault party’s insurance provider while focusing on medical treatment.

Your insurance company may initially cover some medical expenses, but we can help ensure all providers are properly compensated. An experienced car accident attorney can handle these challenges while you focus on recovery.

Our Indiana car accident lawyers have extensive experience managing personal injury cases and understand how to build a strong legal claim on your behalf. We know that every car accident case is unique, and we take the time to understand the specific circumstances of your car accident to build the strongest possible case.

When you work with our Indianapolis car accident lawyer team, we’ll:

• Thoroughly review your police report and all available evidence.
• Interview witnesses and gather additional documentation.
• Work with car accident reconstruction experts to establish fault.
• Handle all communications with the insurance company.
• Calculate the full value of your current and future damages.
• Negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
• Prepare your car accident case for trial if necessary.

Reasons People Speed on Indianapolis Highways

Understanding why speeding occurs is crucial for both prevention and establishing liability in personal injury suits. As experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyers, we’ve seen numerous factors contribute to high-speed collisions.

Common reasons for speeding include:

• Running late for work or appointments
• Distracted driving leading to unconscious speed increases
• Aggressive driving behaviors and road rage
• Impaired judgment due to alcohol or drugs
• Unfamiliarity with posted limits
• Purposeful disregard for traffic laws
• Emergencies (real or perceived)
• Peer pressure and showing off
• Racing or competitive driving
• Overconfidence in driving abilities
• Poor weather condition assessment
• Malfunctioning speedometer

Each of these factors can contribute to a serious car accident, and understanding the underlying cause is crucial for building a strong personal injury case. Our Indianapolis car accident attorneys work diligently to identify all contributing factors to strengthen your car accident claim against the at-fault party.

How Speeding Exacerbates Accidents

The impact of speed on traffic accidents cannot be overstated. As auto accident lawyers with years of experience handling Indianapolis accident cases, we’ve seen how excessive speed can dramatically increase both the likelihood and severity of crashes. Speeding affects accidents in numerous ways:

Increases the Force of Impact

The physics of high-speed collisions means that force increases exponentially with speed. A car accident at 60 mph has four times the energy of a crash at 30 mph, leading to drastically more severe damage to both vehicles and occupants.

Reduces the Effectiveness of Vehicle Safety Features

Modern vehicles are designed and tested for crashes at certain speeds, but excessive speed can overwhelm even the most advanced safety systems. Safety features like airbags and crumple zones may not function as intended when impact forces greatly exceed their design parameters.

Decreases Driver Reaction Time

At higher speeds, the distance traveled during the typical human reaction time of 1.5 seconds becomes dramatically longer. A driver traveling at 80 mph covers 176 feet before even beginning to brake, compared to just 88 feet at 40 mph.

Makes Law Enforcement Investigation More Difficult

Higher speeds result in longer crash scenes with debris scattered over greater distances, making it more challenging for officers to accurately document the accident scene and determine the sequence of events.

Skid marks and other evidence can extend for hundreds of feet, diluting the evidence, thus complicating the investigation process.

Leads to Severe Injuries and Increased Fatal Collisions

The increased force of high-speed impacts often results in catastrophic injuries that wouldn’t occur in lower-speed crashes. Vital organs and bodily structures face forces they simply weren’t designed to withstand, leading to devastating injuries and higher mortality rates.

Complicates the Insurance Claims Process

Higher-speed accidents typically result in total vehicle losses and more severe injuries, leading to more complex claims involving multiple insurance policies and coverage limits. These cases often require extensive documentation and expert testimony to prove the full extent of damages.

Increases Stopping Distance Significantly

Total stopping distance includes both reaction time and braking distance, both of which increase dramatically with speed. A vehicle traveling at 70 mph needs nearly 430 feet to stop completely on dry pavement, almost twice the distance needed at 50 mph.

Reduces Vehicle Stability and Control

Higher speeds magnify the effects of even small steering adjustments and reduce tire grip on the road. This makes vehicles more susceptible to losing control during emergency maneuvers or when encountering unexpected road conditions.

Makes Navigating Curves and Turns Safely Difficult

Centrifugal force increases with the square of velocity, making it exponentially more difficult to maintain control in curves at higher speeds. What might be a safe curve at 45 mph can become deadly at 65 mph.

Increases the Risk of Hydroplaning

As speed increases, tires have less time to channel water away from their contact patches. A vehicle going 70 mph in wet conditions is much more likely to hydroplane than one traveling at 50 mph, with some tires losing contact with the road entirely.

Makes it More Difficult To Judge Safe Distances

Human depth perception and speed judgment become less reliable at higher speeds, making it harder for other drivers to accurately gauge safe following distances or merger timing. This can lead to dangerous miscalculations and sudden panic reactions.

Reduces Effectiveness of Guardrails and Safety Barriers

Highway safety features are designed and tested for specific speed ranges, typically up to 70 mph. When vehicles impact these barriers at significantly higher speeds, they may not properly redirect the vehicle or absorb crash energy as intended, potentially leading to more severe accidents.

Understanding these factors is crucial when building car accident claims, as they help establish the full scope of the at fault party’s negligence and its impact on car accident victims.

Indiana Speeding Laws

Under Indiana law, speeding violations are taken seriously. Indiana Code establishes comprehensive regulations governing vehicle speed and related offenses.

Our Indianapolis car accident lawyer team stays current with all legal requirements to better serve our clients in Indiana car accident and personal injury cases.

Key aspects of Indiana’s speeding laws include:

Basic Limits of Speed for Different Road Types

Indiana establishes standard limits of 70 mph on rural interstate highways, 65 mph on urban interstate highways, 55 mph on most state highways and 30 mph in residential areas. Local authorities may adjust these limits based on specific road conditions and safety considerations.

Enhanced Penalties for Excessive Speeding

Drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 mph face elevated fines, potential license suspension and even criminal charges. This is particularly serious when excessive speed occurs in urban areas or zones with reduced limits.

Special Speed Zones Near Schools and Construction Areas

Limits are typically reduced to 20-25 mph in school zones during specified hours, with fines doubled for violations. Construction zones also carry mandatory reduced speeds and significantly increased penalties, with fines of up to $1,000 for first offenses.

Additional Consequences for Speeding in Combination With Other Traffic Violations

When speeding is combined with violations like reckless driving or running red lights, penalties can stack and may result in criminal charges. Multiple violations within a short period can lead to mandatory court appearances and license suspension.

Requirements for Law Enforcement Officers in Speed Enforcement

Officers must follow specific protocols for speed detection, including regular calibration of radar equipment and maintaining clear lines of sight. They must also be able to demonstrate that speed measuring devices were properly maintained and tested according to state guidelines.

Graduated Penalties Based on Speed Over the Limit

Indiana uses a tiered system for speeding tickets, with fines and points increasing based on how far over the limit the at-fault driver was traveling. Exceeding the limit by 1-15 mph typically results in lower penalties, while violations of 16-25 mph over carry moderate penalties, and 26+ mph over brings severe consequences.

Special Provisions for Commercial Vehicles

Commercial drivers face stricter regulations and more severe penalties for speeding violations, including the potential loss of their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Multiple violations can result in federal disqualification from operating commercial vehicles.

Weather-Related Speed Restrictions

The law in Indiana requires drivers to reduce speed during adverse weather conditions, even if driving below the posted limit. Failure to adjust speed for weather conditions can result in citations and increased liability in the event of an accident.

Emergency Vehicle Exemptions and Requirements

While emergency vehicles may exceed limits when responding to calls, they must still exercise due care and follow specific protocols. These exemptions only apply when emergency lights and sirens are activated and reasonable safety precautions are taken.

Speed Monitoring and Enforcement Methods

Indiana enforcement uses various approved methods for speed detection, including radar, LIDAR and pacing. Each method has specific requirements for accuracy and proper usage that must be documented for citations to be valid.

Reporting Requirements for Speed-Related Accidents

Law enforcement must include detailed speed assessments in accident reports, including estimated speeds, road conditions and contributing factors. These reports become crucial evidence in personal injury cases and insurance claims.

Impact on License Points and Insurance Rates

Speeding violations result in points being added to a driver’s record, ranging from two points for minor infractions to eight points for major violations. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension and significant insurance premium increases that may last for several years.

Understanding these laws is crucial when building car accident claims, as violations can help establish liability and strengthen your case against the at fault driver.

Types of Accidents Caused by Speeding

High-speed driving can result in various types of accidents, each presenting unique challenges for personal injury attorneys handling the resulting claims. Each type of crash presents unique challenges when dealing with the insurance company, particularly in multi-vehicle accidents.

Our Indianapolis car accident lawyer team has experience with all types of speed-related collisions:

• Rear-end collisions with catastrophic damage
• Multi-vehicle pileups on highways
• Rollover accidents due to loss of control
• Head-on collisions with devastating consequences
• Side-impact crashes at intersections
• Single-vehicle accidents from loss of control
• Override and underride accidents
• Chain reaction crashes
• Off-road accidents
• Construction zone collisions
• Bridge and guardrail impacts
• Median crossover accidents

Each type of accident requires a specific approach to investigation and evidence gathering. Our car accident attorney team works with accident reconstruction experts to understand exactly how speed contributed to the crash and document this evidence for your case. We know how to present evidence to the insurance company in a way that maximizes your potential compensation.

Injuries Caused by Speeding on Indiana Roadways

High-speed accidents often result in severe injuries requiring immediate medical attention.

As experienced personal injury attorneys, we’ve helped numerous car accident victims recover compensation for a wide range of injuries including:

• Spinal cord injuries with potential long-term disability
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Multiple bone fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Severe lacerations and burns
• Neck injuries
• Psychological trauma
• Crush injuries
• Amputation and loss of limbs
• Facial injuries and disfigurement
• Soft tissue damage
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Vision and hearing loss
• Nerve damage
• Joint injuries
• Deep tissue bruising

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can lead to significant medical bills and lost wages. Our Indianapolis car accident attorneys work to ensure all current and future medical expenses are included in your compensation claim.

Compensation After a High Speed Car Crash

Victims of high-speed accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

Our law firm helps clients recover:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Property damage to vehicles and personal belongings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Rehabilitation costs
• In-home care expenses
• Medical equipment and modifications
• Transportation to medical appointments
• Family counseling services
• Loss of consortium
• Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases
• Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence

The legal process for securing compensation involves several critical steps:

• Documenting all damages through medical records and expert testimony
• Filing insurance claims with all relevant insurance providers
• Negotiating with insurance adjusters
• Building a strong case with evidence from the police report and scene investigation
• Taking the case to Indiana court if necessary to secure fair compensation
• Coordinating with medical providers and billing departments
• Calculating future medical needs and expenses
• Gathering evidence of non-economic damages
• Documenting loss of earning potential
• Preparing comprehensive settlement demands

Even if the insurance company makes a quick settlement offer, it’s important to understand the full extent of your damages before accepting.

High Speed Accident FAQs

Is it Illegal To Drive Under the Speed Limit?

While driving significantly under the posted limit isn’t automatically illegal, it can be dangerous and may violate Indiana Code provisions about impeding traffic flow. The key is driving at a safe speed for current conditions while not unreasonably blocking other vehicles.

Your insurance company may also have concerns if driving too slowly contributes to an accident.

Factors that may justify driving below the limit include:

• Adverse weather conditions
• Heavy traffic
• Road construction
• Vehicle problems
• Loading and weight considerations
• Special cargo requirements

How Is Felony Speeding Defined in Indiana?

Under Indiana law, speeding becomes a felony when combined with other factors such as:

• Causing serious bodily injury or death
• Repeated violations within a specific time frame
• Speeding in school or construction zones
• Racing on public roads
• Excessive speed over the limit
• Previous related convictions
• Fleeing from law enforcement
• Driving under the influence

The classification of felony speeding can significantly impact both criminal penalties and a civil injury claim.

How Long Do I Have To File a High Speed Car Accident Claim?

In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident.

However, there are exceptions to this rule, and it’s crucial to contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

Factors that might affect your filing deadline include:

• Age of the injured party
• Government entity involvement
• Discovery of injuries
• Multiple at-fault parties
• Insurance company requirements
• Criminal case proceedings

What Is the Difference Between Speeding and Aggressive Driving?

While speeding is specifically about exceeding posted limits, aggressive driving encompasses a broader range of dangerous behaviors.

The negligent driver may be charged with aggressive driving when speeding is combined with other actions like:

• Tailgating
• Unsafe lane changes
• Running red lights
• Failing to signal
• Intentionally blocking other vehicles
• Making threatening gestures
• Brake checking
• Weaving through traffic

Contact a High Speed Car Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis Today

If you’ve been involved in a high-speed car accident, don’t face the challenges alone. Our Indianapolis car accident attorneys are here to help you through every step of the legal process. We handle all negotiations with the insurance company so you can focus on your recovery.

We offer:

• Free consultation to discuss your case
• Thorough investigation of your accident
• Expert handling of all insurance claims
• Aggressive representation of your interests
• No fees unless we win your case
• Regular case updates and communication
• Documenting all communication with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
• Evening and weekend appointments
• Hospital and home visits when needed
• Multilingual staff availability
• Emergency response team

The Crossen Law Firm has built a reputation for successfully handling complex car accident cases and securing maximum compensation for our clients. Don’t let a speeding driver’s negligence go unchallenged.

Contact a car accident lawyer from our law firm today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical bills and other damages.

With decades of combined experience handling Indiana car accident cases, our team understands what it takes to build a winning case. We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and other specialist witnesses to strengthen your claim and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

Remember, the sooner you contact an experienced auto accident attorney after your accident, the better positioned we’ll be to protect your interests and build a strong case. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out to the Crossen Law Firm today and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve: 317-401-8626. Our team of dedicated Indianapolis car accident lawyers is ready to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to under Indiana law.