The Indianapolis Star reports that Indianapolis ranked 39th overall for “best & worst cities to drive in” and 82nd in driver safety among the 100 largest cities in the United States. The study, conducted by WalletHub, compared the cities across four dimensions, which included the cost of ownership and maintenance, traffic and infrastructure, safety, and access to vehicles and maintenance. Here’s how the Circle City fared in each category:
- Cost of ownership and maintenance: 19
- Traffic and infrastructure: 51
- Safety: 82
- Access to vehicles and maintenance: 26
Clearly, Indianapolis has a long way to go when it comes to safety. Among the metrics considered in the safety score were accident likelihood in the city vs. the national average and the number of hard braking events per 1000 miles.
What Causes Traffic Accidents in Indianapolis?
While this study tells us that Indianapolis is not particularly safe, it doesn’t necessarily tell us why. For accident victims, what’s most important to understand is that when negligence causes accidents, people can recover compensation, and the negligence of other drivers is invariably the most common cause of motor vehicle accidents. Some examples of driver negligence that can lead to serious car crashes include the following:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving without headlights at night
- Following too closely
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Failing to properly maintain a vehicle
Poorly maintained or designed roadways are another issue that can cause serious, injury-causing wrecks. In some cases, poor maintenance or design could rise to the level of negligence on the part of the government agency (or private party, in some cases) responsible for the road. Some common issues that might be the result of negligence include the following:
- Severe potholes
- Uneven lanes
- Shoulder drop-offs
- Inadequate signage
- Malfunctioning stoplights
- Overgrown vegetation
- Improperly graded turns
- Missing or faded lane markings
Importantly, there are special rules that apply to claims made against state agencies. One of these rules is that these kinds of claims must be brought more quickly than those against private parties, so it is imperative that anyone who believes they have a claim based on poor road maintenance or design to call an attorney immediately.
Call the Law Office of Hurst Limontes LLC Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with an Indianapolis Car Accident Attorney
If another driver’s negligence or a road defect causes you injury, you should speak to an attorney as soon as you can. In some cases, you may be able to recover compensation under Indiana Law. The attorneys of the Law Office of Hurst Limontes LLC are committed to helping injured victims obtain justice and know how to maximize our client’s settlements and awards. We will review your case at no cost to you and will only collect legal fees unless we bring your case to a successful resolution—meaning that you get money. To schedule a free case evaluation with a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, call our office today at (317) 636-0808 or send us an email through our online contact form.