Blog Topic

Texting While Driving
Posted by: Steve Wagner
February 25, 2010

Truck and bus drivers of equipment over 10,000 pounds now face large fines if caught texting while driving. Effective immediately, The Transportation Department has banned texting while other safety advocates continue the fight against all cell phone use of all drivers behind the wheel. Research complied by Federal Motor Carrier Administration says that drivers who are texting take their eyes off of the road an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds. These distracted drivers are a result of many accidents that often lead to serious injury or death.

If you have been injured, or a love one killed, due to a driver texting while driving, call the Indiana injury law firm of Wagner Reese & Crossen for a free consultation today. Call (800) 792-0332 or visit us on the web at http://www.injuryattorneys.com/.

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Shelby County Indiana Passenger Van Accident
Posted by: Trevor Crossen
February 01, 2010

Two family members are dead following a family trip to Atlanta, GA. Vijay Patel, 20, Broadview, IL, and Sujay Patel, 20, Summit, IL, died after a semi truck rear ended their passenger van on I-65N at mile marker 80, near Edinburgh in Shelby County, Indiana. Shelby County is 25 miles south of Indianapolis. The driver of the 18 wheeler, Randall L. Chriscoe of Ramseur, North Carolina was previously seen weaving in and out of traffic and traveling at a high rate of speed. Just as the passenger van was attempting to pull off into the shoulder of the highway, Chriscoe rear-ended the family, pushing the van off of the road and causing it to flip. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Truck accidents can happen as the result of driver fatigue. The "weaving" of the semi-truck prior to the accident may reveal that of fatigue of the truck driver. Investigation into the actual cause will need to be done promptly.

If you or a family member has been involved in an accident, please contact Wagner Reese & Crossen for a free consultation.

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Orange County IN Fatal Accident
Posted by: Steve Wagner
January 12, 2010

We have all thought about it as we are driving behind or next to a semi-truck hauling large pieces of equipment: what if that equipment came loose and fell from the bed of the truck? Last night on S.R. 37 at County Line Road in Orange County, Indiana, about one mile north of Orleans, such an event took place as a semi-truck driver attempted to negotiate a turn. The fatal accident occurred after a 42,000 pound coil came off of the trailer, striking a north bound pick-up truck and another car behind the truck. Three people were killed.  The driver of the pick-up truck has been identified as 22 year-old Zachary Staggs of Bedford, IN.  There were two passengers in his vehicle.  Shannon Steele, 21, Jasper, was killed in this unfortunate accident and 11 year-old Mackenzie Taylor was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries.  The driver of the vehicle behind Staggs, 41 year-old Michael Daugherty of Mitchell, IN, was also killed in the accident.

This horrible accident likely could have been prevented if proper safety steps were undertaken by the truck driver, his company, and the shipper. Chains can wear and break; cargo can tilt and shift and fall. These are foreseeable hazards. As a prior safety director of a major trucking company, Charles Stratis of Wagner Reese & Crossen knows that all three parties (driver, company, and the shipper) have a responsibility to adequately secure the load. Unfortunately, in an industry premised on speedy deliveries, safe packaging and loading is often overlooked in warehouses, in drop yards, and on dark loading docks.

Cases such as this will require a thorough investigation and the hiring of numerous experts. For example, if the load fell due to a broken chain, a metallurgist (an engineer dealing in metals and metals analysis) should be hired. If the load fell due to improper loading, a packaging and cargo expert may be needed. Finally, if the accident was due to the driver's negligence in failing to secure his load, a truck expert like Mr. Stratis would be needed.

For more information regarding truck accident injury claims, contact Wagner Reese & Crossen at (800) 792-0332 or www.InjuryAttorneys.com. 

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Indiana 9 Collision Involving UPS Truck
Posted by: Trevor Crossen
November 13, 2009

A four car collision in Anderson, Indiana sent one elderly woman to the hospital. A vehicle traveling northbound on Indiana 9 was rear ended and pushed into the southbound lanes causing a collision with 74 year old Marilyn Vandergrift. That collision caused Vandergrift to then hit a parked UPS truck whose driver was in the back of the vehicle retrieving a package for delivery. Vandergrift was transported to St. John's Medical Center with minor injuries.

It may be a violation of law for a delivery driver to park his delivery vehicle in the roadway. Motorists also have a duty to maintain a lookout for stopped vehicles in the roadway. Many motorists are injured from this manner.

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Indiana I-65 & Keystone Ave Accident
Posted by: Steve Wagner
November 09, 2009

A family traveling through Indianapolis on Friday night was involved in a serious crash on I-65 at Keystone Avenue. The McCormick family was hit from behind by an RV driven by Charles Walker, Knox, Indiana. The father, Erik McCormick was not injured. The mother, Erin McCormick, was treated and released on the night of the accident. However, the McCormick's two small children, 4 year old Gwendolyn and 2 year old Quintin remain in critical condition in Riley Hospital. The driver of the RV was cited for several offenses, including speeding when required to reduce speed.

Under Indiana law, minor children injured in an accident can bring a claim through their parents or even a court appointed guardian or "next friend." Recoverable damages include past and future medical bills, compensation for pain and suffering, and compensation for the permanency of any injuries. If your child has been injured in an accident due to some else's negligence, call Wagner Reese & Crossen today for a free consultation. The lawyers at Wagner Reese & Crossen all have young children and know firsthand how devastating child injuries can be.

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Terre Haute Indiana Crash
Posted by: Steve Wagner
September 30, 2009

Indiana State Police were on the scene within seconds following a two-vehicle crash on Indiana 63 at Durkees Ferry Road in northwestern Vigo County. Two sisters, Cindy K. Meyers, Grayville, IL, and Sara B. Bucko, Newburgh, IN, were trapped in their 2007 Chevrolet truck after flipping over several times and coming to a stop on the roof of their vehicle. The driver of a Chevrolet van, Travis A. Stafford, West Terre Haute, was cited for failure to yield the right-of-way after he hit the driver's side rear of the pickup truck while attempting to cross the highway. Bucko suffered internal injuries and was airlifted from the scene of the accident to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Accidents such as this are all too common on rural roads and highways. One careless action is all it takes to change lives forever. If you have been injured in an accident, call the injury attorneys at Wagner Reese & Crossen. We will jump into action and immediately take all the steps necessary to preserve your rights. Put power on your side-call today (800) 792-0332.

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IN Toll Road Accident
Posted by: Steve Wagner
September 30, 2009

A group of four men traveling home from a hunting trip through Indiana to Pennsylvania were injured when the driver of their vehicle fell asleep. Their truck hit the guardrail, causing them to flip. The crash happened on the Indiana Toll Road between mile marker 84 and 85 near the Mishawaka exit. The most severely injured, Jack Oswalt, Indiana, PA, had to be extricated from under a trailer that their vehicle was hauling. Another occupant of the truck, Colten Oswalt, had broken fingers and cuts.

Under Indiana law, an occupant of a vehicle cannot make a personal injury claim against the driver if the occupant is the parent, child, brother or sister of the driver. Most states have similar law which is often referred to as a "Guest Statute." However, a claim by an occupant against the driver for the driver's negligence in causing an accident can be made against a friend who was driving (or even a grandparent or uncle). While at first it may seem like this is an unreasonable thing to do (sue your best friend or grandma??), the reality is that the driver's automobile insurer pays all damages. In fact, most drivers want their insurance to pay for any damages suffered by friends or family members in an automobile accident. If you have questions about making a claim following an automobile or truck accident, call us today for a free and confidential consultation. Toll Free (800) 792-0332.

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Vevay IN School Bus Crash
Posted by: Steve Wagner
September 09, 2009

Switzerland County school bus driver Jerry Monjar is being called a hero following an accident involving a pick-up truck and a third car. The pick-up truck, driven by Tad Max Frost, collided with the school bus and then the car in an attempt to avoid hitting the car which was stopped. While the car's driver, Carianne Wilholt, Vevay, Indiana, was treated and released, Frost was taken by ambulance to a local hospital after sustaining several broken bones. Eight children in the school bus suffered minor injuries and were treated and released at King's Daughters' Hospital in Madison, Indiana. School officials reported that Monjar was able to keep the school bus from overturning in the accident.

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Oshkosh Indiana Motor Vehicle Accident
Posted by: Trevor Crossen
August 28, 2009

One person is dead and another injured following an accident in Oshkosh, Indiana on Interstate 65. Srinivasa Sawar-Rao, 49, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle, Dubey Mohany, 38 was airlifted in serious condition to Advocate Christ Hospital and Medical Center in Oak Lawn, IL. Mohany lost control of her vehicle while attempting to pass a semi-truck. She overcorrected, causing the vehicle to roll over six and a half times, landing on its roof.

Attempting to pass a semi-truck is a dangerous maneuver.  If you need help with investigating this type of an accident, call Wagner Reese & Crossen.  InjuryAttorneys.com.

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Deputy Undergoes Spinal Surgery
Posted by: Steve Wagner
August 25, 2009

An accident on Indiana 63, 1 mile north of US 36, has left an eight-year veteran of the Parke County Sheriff's Department in fair condition in Methodist Hospital. Sheriff's Deputy James Awbrey's patrol car was struck in Vermillion County by a pick-up truck driven by Thomas Crouch, South Bend. Awbrey was on escort detail for an oversize load of heavy equipment when he stopped his police car on Indiana 63 in order to block traffic. His emergency lights were activated. Upon his arrival to Union Hospital-Clinton, he was airlifted to Methodist Hospital because of the severity of his internal injuries. On Wednesday, he underwent surgery to repair extensive spinal injuries sustained as a result of the crash. The initial investigation revealed that Crouch bent down to pick up a drink that spilled on his floorboard.

"Distracted Driving" is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents, whether from a radio usage, cell phone usage, or another distraction as in this case. Now Deputy Awbrey will have to rely on the worker's compensation system, as well as a potential personal injury claim against Crouch, to help him pick up the pieces.

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Federal Regulations Require Reflective Vests
Posted by: Steve Wagner
July 24, 2009

Beginning last November, federal regulations require people working along roadways to wear day-glow reflective vests. The new regulations came shortly after Deputy Sara Jones was killed in Monroe County. Deputy Jones was directing traffic on State Road 45 to assist a wrecker in removing a vehicle from a ravine. While Deputy Jones had a reflective vest in her patrol car, she was not wearing it at the time of the crash.

However, with new federal regulations in place, it seems that not all law enforcement officers are following the rules. It even appears that certain police agencies have modified the rules. Through an investigation conducted by WISH-TV 8, it was discovered that many officers are making traffic stops and never putting on their reflective vests. The Indiana State Police defended their officers by saying, "...it wasn't necessary for them to wear it for the everyday traffic stop." Wasn't it the "everyday traffic stop" that left Deputy Sara Jones a victim of an avoidable accident? The original federal rule calls for the safety vests to be worn at all times. Each vest cost taxpayers $70.

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Family Killed in Indiana Crash
Posted by: Steve Wagner
June 30, 2009

Five family members were killed in a fiery crash on Friday when a semi-trailer rear ended their pick-up truck. The accident occurred in Crown Point, Indiana on Interstate 65. The semi-trailer was unable to stop in time as traffic came to a stop. The pick-up was crushed between two semi-trailers and caught fire. Brian Workman, 33, Joanna Workman, 31, and children Ashley, Tyler, and Ryan, Hobart, Indiana, were all killed in the crash. The drivers of the semi-trailers were not injured.

This is yet another horrible tragedy illustrating how dangerous tractor trailers can be. A careful investigation will be needed to determine whether the at fault driver was simply inattentive, or whether the accident was caused by some more preventable cause such as fatigue caused by driving in excess of the hours allowed by law. An accident reconstruction expert should also be utilized to make sure that equipment failure did not contribute as well. For more information on truck accidents, visit http://www.injuryattorneys.com/.

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Evansville Two-Car Accident on University Parkway
Posted by: Steve Wagner
May 26, 2009

Donald Ketchem, Evansville, was injured after being rear ended by Brandon Becker on Saturday afternoon. Eyewitnesses to the crash said that Becker had been traveling at a high rate of speed. The impact caused Ketchem's truck to go off the road and down an embankment. Shortly after the accident, Ketchem was conscious and complaining of neck and back pain. Ketchem had to be cut out of his vehicle by the Perry Township Fire Department.

If you've been injured due to the carelessness of another motorist, call the accident attorneys at Wagner Reese & Crossen today for a free consultation! Call toll free at (800) 792-0332 or visit us on the web at http://www.injuryattorneys.com/.

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Formal Charges Filed in INDOT Death
Posted by: Steve Wagner
May 07, 2009

Highway workers have one of the most dangerous jobs around. The latest example occurred March 24^th when an accident claimed the life of 49 year old Mark T. Shepherdson, of Newburgh, Indiana. Shepherdson was driving an Indiana Department of Transportation truck towing an arrow board in order to alert drivers to change lanes as highway workers repaired the shoulder of Interstate 164. William M. Hurt, 62, Boonville, was driving a dump truck that ran into the arrow board and rear of the INDOT truck. Shepherdson died at a hospital following the accident. Hurt was taken to a hospital, and his injuries were not life-threatening.

William Hurt was later formally charged with reckless operation of a vehicle and disregarding a traffic control device. If Hurt is convicted or pleads guilty, the criminal record would be admissible in any later civil lawsuit. For more information on pursuing a personal injury claim arising out of a highway accident, contact the injury attorneys at Wagner Reese & Crossen for a free consultation. Toll free (800) 792-0332.

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State Road 64 Evansville Indiana Crash
Posted by: Steve Wagner
May 01, 2009

Harry Stevenson, 67, Mount Carmel, Illinois was pronounced dead at the scene of an accident near the border of Illinois and Indiana on State Route 64. Stevenson was slowing to make a left turn on to County Road 950 West when the car behind him, driven by Nancy Carpenter, hit the right rear of his vehicle as she attempted to pass Stevenson. The impact pushed Stevenson into the westbound lane of traffic. Stevenson was hit by Alex Windes, 22, Allendale, Illinois. Windes and Carpenter were sent to area hospitals with minor injuries. All three drivers were wearing seatbelts.

If you have been injured in an accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at Wagner Reese & Crossen for a free consultation. We don't get paid until you do!

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Indiana State Road 44 Crash
Posted by: Steve Wagner
April 23, 2009

John Gilley, 33, Connersville, Indiana suffered serious injuries following an accident on SR 44 between Rushville and Glenwood. A Ford F-150 driven by William Dawson, Jr. crossed the center linewhile traveling eastbound, striking the driver's side door of Gilley's Ford Thunderbird. It is still unclear why Dawson crossed the center line. The impact forced the door off of the Thunderbird, pushing him into a ditch and back up an embankment. Gilley was airlifted to a hospital in Indianapolis after receiving treatment on the scene from RMH Ambulance. On Sunday, he continued to be listed in critical condition.

If you're injured in an accident, call the Indiana accident attorneys at Wagner Reese & Crossen. We will immediately investigate the accident, preserve all available evidence, and then aggressively pursue your claim.

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Distracted Drivers
Posted by: Steve Wagner
March 24, 2009

In Indiana, it appears that distracted drivers are to blame for a high percentage of highway fatalities. In two recent accidents, distracted drivers are to blame for the deaths of two people. While swatting at a spider, a driver in Spencer County hit the back of an SUV causing the SUV to swerve and hit a semi truck head on. The driver of the SUV died as a result of the crash. A teenager also died in Perry County after being rear-ended by a tractor trailer. Inattention is also to blame in that accident as well.

In February, 2009, it was reported that 465 accidents were caused by distracted drivers. However, that figure is not completely accurate. In reality, 465 drivers admitted to being distracted while driving which led to a crash, and in some cases, a fatal crash. What is the leading culprit? Cell phone usage. In Indiana, police crash reports now have a special section devoted to whether or not the driver was on a cell phone at the time of the accident. With the proliferation of text messaging and emailing using smart phones, accidents caused by distracted drivers will only increase.

If you have been injured by a distracted driver, the personal injury law offices of Wagner Reese & Crossen today for a free consultation at (800) 792-0332. http://www.inuryattorneys.com/.

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US 31 and SR 38 Hamilton County Crash
Posted by: Trevor Crossen
March 20, 2009

A crash in Hamilton County has closed US 31 in both directions at 196^th Street. It appears as though three vehicles are involved in this serious accident. A semi tractor-trailer collided with a car at US 31 and State Road 38 in Westfield, Indiana. The collision caused damage to the power lines and traffic lights. While the police report that several people were injured, it is currently unclear the extent of the injuries. Two people were taken to Methodist Hospital via LifeLine.

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, visit us at www.injuryattorneys.com to find out more about your rights.

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Lanesville Man Hit by Tractor-Trailer
Posted by: Steve Wagner
March 02, 2009

A man was hit by a semi tractor-trailer while changing his battery on the side of the road. Ronald Stewart, Lanesville, had parked his green Chrysler Caravan directly in front of a Hyundai Sonata in the emergency lane of Interstate 64, near the Georgetown exit. A Mack truck heading westbound crossed into the emergency lane striking the Hyundai Sonata. The Sonata was pushed into the Caravan, dragging Stewart almost 200 feet. The truck was driven by Garland S. Cope, Scottsburg. While Cope and a passenger in the Sonata refused medical treatment, Stewart was rushed by Yellow Ambulance to University Hospital in Louisville with life-threatening injuries.

Anyone of us could find ourselves stranded on a highway with a flat tire, overheated engine, or a dead battery. In this circumstance, certainly you should pull off the road as much as possible and turn on your vehicle's emergency blinkers. Another vehicle with activated blinkers should also be positioned behind the disabled vehicle if at all possible. Despite these precautions, roadside repairs are still a risky business, especially if drivers fail to slow and use caution in passing the disabled vehicle. For information regarding the rights of accident victims, visit http://www.injuryattorneys.com/.

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Fatal Fishers Crash
Posted by: Steve Wagner
February 20, 2009

A McCordsville, Indiana woman is dead after an impaired driver crossed the center line on 96^th St. Police say that a Mercury Cougar heading westbound on 96^th St. driven by Kyle Hughes, Indianapolis, crossed into the eastbound lane and fatally struck 45 year old Angela Michael. Michael was driving a Saturn station wagon. The crash occurred just west of Cumberland Road near Sargent Road. Hughes has admitted to being under the influence of sleeping pills, pain medication, and anti-anxiety medication, as well as smoking marijuana. Hughes' 2 year old son was a back seat passenger in his vehicle. While Hughes is facing several criminal charges, the investigation continues.

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