Evansville Reckless Driving Lawyer

How Our Evansville Lawyers Prove Reckless Driving in Court

In Indiana, a reckless-driving charge under IC 9-21-8-52 refers to conduct that shows a disregard for safety, such as driving at unreasonably high speeds, passing on blind curves, or weaving between lanes. Our attorneys at Christie Bell & Marshall know that proving recklessness in a civil case requires reconstructing the entire event through documented proof, not just citing the ticket. We move fast to gather the evidence that shows not only what happened, but why the driver’s conduct crossed the line from negligence to recklessness under Indiana law.

Our legal team works to secure every piece of evidence that paints the full picture:

• Crash reports and narratives from the investigating officer, highlighting speed estimates, witness statements, and any contributing violations.
• Dashcam, traffic, or business-camera footage showing the vehicle’s behavior seconds before impact.
• Digital and physical proof, including tire marks, debris paths, and event data from onboard computers.
• Pattern evidence, such as prior citations or known behavior that establishes risk awareness.
• Distraction and phone-use overlap, which often makes a reckless-driving claim stronger when backed by call logs or text-time analysis.

Our attorneys analyze each fact through the lens of Indiana law to support claims for punitive damages or enhanced recovery where the circumstances warrant it. We work directly with you to build a case that shows not only what the driver did, but why their actions meet the legal standard for recklessness.

We invite you to explore our case results to see how our detailed approach to evidence can turn disputed cases into substantial recoveries.

Our Accident Attorneys

Tina M. Bell

Partner

Meet Lee C. Christie

Partner

Laura J. Conyers, RN

Associate

Meet Kevin P. Farrell

Of Counsel

Meet Kathy A. Lee

Retired

Meet Kyle L. Christie

Partner

Katherine M. Marshall

Partner

Christopher D. Simpkins

Associate

Speak with a personal injury lawyer today. Call: 317-488-5500

Immediate Steps That Protect Your Claim in Evansville

Reckless-driving cases move quickly because critical proof can vanish within days. Knowing what to do in the first 48 hours after a crash can make the difference between a well-documented claim and one that insurers dismiss. At Christie Bell & Marshall, we guide clients through these crucial early steps to preserve evidence and protect their legal rights. Follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Report the crash immediately. Call 911 and obtain your case number from the responding officer. You can later retrieve the official report through EPD’s accident report portal.
2. Document every visible detail. Take photos of vehicle positions, lane markings, debris, and surrounding conditions. Note traffic cameras or nearby businesses that may have footage.
3. Seek prompt medical attention. Even minor symptoms should be evaluated, as neck and back injuries often worsen in the days following the collision.
4. Avoid detailed statements to insurers. You are required to report the crash, but do not provide recorded statements without legal advice. Insurers often minimize liability by reframing your words.
5. Correct factual errors quickly. If your report omits details or misstates events, request a written amendment. Our attorneys assist clients with this process to ensure their record supports the claim.

Once you have the report number, we help verify that all police narratives, diagrams, and video requests are logged correctly, then build your civil claim from there.

Your reckless driving lawyer will focus on every aspect of case preparation, from filing public-records requests and coordinating with medical providers to organizing timelines and drafting demand letters that reflect the full scope of your losses. We take the administrative burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery while we focus on building the strongest possible claim.

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Who May Be Liable in an Evansville Reckless-Driving Crash

Civil liability after a reckless-driving crash often extends far beyond the person holding the steering wheel. At Christie Bell & Marshall, our attorneys identify every liable party to ensure the recovery reflects the full scope of loss. We investigate not only the driver’s actions but also the roles of employers, vehicle owners, contractors, and even government entities when their decisions or negligence contributed to the crash.

Here are the parties commonly held liable in our claims:

• The reckless driver remains the primary defendant, especially when citations or eyewitness statements support aggressive or unsafe conduct.
• Vehicle owners or employers may share responsibility under Indiana’s course-and-scope or negligent entrustment rules. If an employee was driving a company car while speeding through the Lloyd Expressway, that employer could owe damages for both property and bodily injury.
• Construction contractors or maintenance crews can also be liable when inadequate work-zone control, missing signage, or poor lane closures contribute to collisions.
• Government entities, in limited cases, may share fault if poor roadway design or delayed maintenance created conditions that encouraged reckless driving. These claims require early notice under the Indiana Tort Claims Act.

Our investigation follows the entire chain of accountability. From the driver’s conduct to the entities that allowed unsafe conditions, we document every factor that turned a preventable act into a life-altering crash.

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Indiana Laws That Shape Your Evansville Reckless-Driving Case

Every successful claim depends on understanding the state laws that define liability and control deadlines. In Indiana, three key rules determine your path to recovery. Our attorneys at Christie Bell & Marshall use these statutes to build persuasive arguments grounded in Indiana precedent, not just policy negotiations. We explain how each rule applies to your case and ensure that every deadline and procedural requirement is met so your claim moves forward without unnecessary obstacles.

• Comparative fault under Indiana Code § 34-51-2 limits recovery if you are partially responsible. You can still collect compensation if you’re found less than 51% at fault, but your award decreases by your percentage of fault.
• Statute of limitations under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4 generally gives you two years from the crash date to file. Waiting too long can forfeit your right to claim damages, regardless of proof strength.
• Duty to remain at the scene outlined in Indiana Code § 9-26-1-1.1 requires drivers to stop, render aid, and exchange information after a collision. Fleeing can turn an already reckless act into a criminal offense that strengthens your civil claim.

Our firm uses these laws to build persuasive arguments grounded in Indiana precedent, not just policy negotiations. That foundation helps us secure stronger results in settlement or litigation.

The Real Value of Full Compensation

After a reckless-driving crash, recovery should cover more than hospital bills or car repairs. It should address every way your life was disrupted. Your attorney will calculate damages with precision, documenting not only financial losses but the physical and emotional toll of recovery.

Medical Care and Ongoing Treatment

We work closely with your treating providers to estimate the full cost of recovery, from emergency surgery and imaging to rehabilitation and pain-management care. When necessary, we bring in medical experts to project long-term expenses for chronic pain or limited mobility.

Lost Income and Earning Capacity

Your paycheck matters just as much as your medical bills. Our lawyers document lost time from work, verify wages through employer statements, and develop future-earnings models with economic specialists.

Out-of-Pocket and Daily-Living Costs

Transportation expenses, home assistance, and replacement services can add up quickly. We include every verified expense so that your settlement reflects the true cost of daily limitations.

Pain, Suffering, and Loss of Enjoyment

Non-economic damages acknowledge what cannot be calculated by receipts: the loss of comfort, independence, and peace of mind. Our attorneys develop clear documentation and firsthand statements that make insurers confront the real human impact behind the claim.

When the facts show extreme recklessness, like racing or endangering pedestrians, we also preserve punitive-damage arguments to hold drivers fully accountable for the harm caused.

Talk to Christie Bell & Marshall About Your Evansville Reckless-Driving Case

Every reckless-driving injury deserves a response backed by precision and urgency. The sooner you act, the more evidence we can preserve and the stronger your claim becomes. Our attorneys are ready to step in immediately, working alongside you to document the crash, secure critical proof, and build a case that insurers cannot ignore. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we are committed to holding reckless drivers accountable and securing the full compensation you deserve.

We invite you to schedule a free initial consultation to review your crash details, evaluate coverage options, and learn how our focused approach can maximize your recovery.

FAQs About Evansville Reckless-Driving Claims

What qualifies as reckless driving under Evansville law?

Any behavior that shows a disregard for safety — such as excessive speed, aggressive lane changes, or passing on a blind curve — can meet Indiana’s reckless-driving definition. Even without a citation, this conduct can support a civil claim when backed by crash reports and witness statements.

Can I recover damages if the other driver wasn’t charged?

Yes. Civil liability does not depend on criminal charges. Our attorneys prove recklessness using evidence like traffic-camera footage, vehicle telemetry, and eyewitness accounts.

What if I was partly at fault for the Evansville crash?

Indiana’s modified comparative fault system may still allow recovery if you are less than 51% responsible. Your total award would simply be reduced by your share of fault.

How do I get a copy of my Evansville police report?

You can request it through the Evansville Police Department’s online accident report system using your case number or name of the involved parties. Our office can also assist you in verifying that the full report and any supplemental diagrams are included.

How soon should I contact a lawyer?

Immediately. The first days after a reckless-driving crash are crucial for securing footage, interviewing witnesses, and preventing insurers from shaping the narrative. Contacting a lawyer early ensures the strongest position for recovery.