Attorneys Who Can Help After a Spencer County Car Accident

The tranquility and picturesque scenes of Spencer County hide a persisting issue that affects communities across the nation—car accidents. From the scenic byways that meander through its landscapes to the main thoroughfares connecting its towns, the county’s road network presents a dynamic canvas of challenges.

The roads and highways have witnessed their fair share of crashes, some raising questions about road safety, driver behavior, and adequate highway design. In this article, our attorneys explore the factors that contribute to car accidents in Spencer County and the most common locations where they occur.

Common Causes of Spencer County Crashes

According to traffic safety research from the Indiana University Public Policy Institute, there were 812 crashes in Spencer County in 2020. While most victims escaped with minor injuries, at least 81 people suffered car accident injuries that were severe enough to be labeled incapacitating.

Authorities have identified the most common causes of 2020 crashes as:

Drinking and Driving

Drivers under the influence contributed to at least 15 road accidents in 2020. While this statistic might seem low, we cannot overstress the dangers of drinking and driving. Alcohol can dull the senses and slow a driver’s reaction times, turning a fender-bender into a serious or fatal collision.

Excessive Speed

High speeds reduce a driver’s ability to maintain vehicle control, especially in adverse weather conditions or on curvy roads. This can result in skidding, spinning out, or rollovers. Excessive speed also significantly increases the risk to vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists, who have less protection in the event of a collision. Speeding was a factor in at least 45 collisions in Spencer County in 2020, causing victims to suffer a wide range of car accident injuries.

Inexperience

Ten percent of all car accidents in the county involved a driver between the ages of 15 and 20. While not all teen drivers cause accidents, many lack the experience to anticipate and respond to road hazards. Their reliance on smartphones and inexperience in handling challenging road conditions make them particularly vulnerable. Peer pressure and a sense of invincibility can lead to reckless driving behaviors, further compounding the risks.

Semis and Trucks

While a car crash certainly has the potential to cause life-altering injuries or fatalities, this risk is even greater with truck accidents due to the added weight and size differential involved. Spencer County truck accidents sometimes involve large commercial vehicles used to transport equipment and coal to and from the local coal mines. These massive, heavy vehicles can potentially cause devastating injuries and fatalities.

Wildlife

Wildlife collisions pose significant dangers on the road, particularly in regions with high deer populations. Over 35% of all car accidents in Spencer County in 2020 involved deer—resulting in property damage and minor injuries. Fortunately, most victims avoided more severe outcomes, such as head trauma, broken bones, or extensive vehicle damage.

Deer collisions can be especially dangerous at night when visibility is reduced, and the risk of hitting these animals is higher. Additionally, attempting to swerve to avoid a deer can lead to loss of vehicle control, while sudden braking can cause whiplash.

Turn to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer for Help

Indiana is a “fault state” regarding car and truck accidents. This means that an injured driver or passenger must go to the at-fault driver’s insurance provider to get compensated for their medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other damages.

Tuley Law Office’s experienced legal team can help you recover the compensation you need to improve your quality of life following a serious car accident. We use a strategic approach in everything we do, working to get you the highest possible sum for your losses.

Our guidance and recommendations can help you deal with insurance companies and work through other issues stemming from your personal injury case. If you’ve been involved in a car crash in Spencer County, we encourage you to contact the Tuley Law Office today at 812-625-2113 to discuss your case in a confidential consultation.