Every year, careless driving on Indiana roads leads to devastating accidents that leave innocent victims facing hospital bills, time away from work, and painful recoveries.

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we’ve seen firsthand how much damage a single careless act can cause. Our firm has a long history of securing justice for crash victims across Indianapolis, including a $60 million verdict for a victim harmed in a motor vehicle accident. We invite you to schedule a free initial consultation with an expert careless driving lawyer to discuss your case.

Speak With an Experienced Indianapolis Attorney at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell

Hurt by a careless driver? Talk with a team that’s been fighting for Hoosiers for over 40 years. Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.

What we’ll do for you:

  • Listen to your story and map next steps.
  • Preserve key evidence and investigate fault.
  • Deal with the insurer while you focus on healing.
  • Pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other losses.

We pair deep trial experience with personal, responsive service. When an insurer downplays your loss, we push back with facts and results.

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

Understanding Careless Driving in Indiana

Indiana law makes a clear distinction between careless and reckless driving. Careless driving usually stems from inattention or poor judgment rather than willful disregard for safety, but the impact for victims is no less serious.

According to Indiana Code § 9-21-8-52, offenses that may be considered careless include:

  • Unsafe lane changes.
  • Failing to use a turn signal.
  • Driving above the posted speed limit.
  • Following too closely.
  • Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting in-car devices.

These behaviors may seem minor in isolation, but when they lead to collisions, victims are left dealing with injuries and financial strain. Our attorneys know how prosecutors and insurers evaluate these cases, and we use that knowledge to build injury claims that clearly demonstrate a careless driver’s responsibility.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

Common Injuries in Careless Driving Crashes

Even “minor” collisions can cause injuries that disrupt work, family life, and long‑term health. Here are injuries we frequently see in Indianapolis cases involving careless drivers:

  • Whiplash and other soft‑tissue strains or sprains to the neck, back, and shoulders
  • Concussions and traumatic brain injuries, including post‑concussion symptoms
  • Spinal injuries such as herniated or bulging discs and nerve impingement
  • Fractures and dislocations in the wrists, arms, ribs, hips, or legs
  • Internal injuries and organ damage from seat belt force or blunt impact
  • Facial injuries, dental trauma, and scarring from airbag deployment or glass
  • Knee, ankle, and shoulder injuries from bracing or vehicle intrusion
  • Psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTS

How We Help If You’re Hurt

Early medical care and documentation make a real difference. Our team coordinates with your providers, gathers records and expert opinions, and builds a clear picture of how the crash impacted your health and livelihood. We then use that evidence to pursue compensation for treatment, lost income, and the day‑to‑day losses that don’t show up on a bill. If the insurer won’t be fair, we’re ready to take your case to court.

Not sure where to start? Reach out and we’ll walk you through the next steps, at no cost.

Click to contact us today

Proving a Driver’s Carelessness After an Accident

When you’ve been injured in a crash, the other driver may argue that their behavior was not “careless,” or insurers may try to downplay the impact of their actions. Proving carelessness requires showing how their conduct directly caused the accident and your injuries.

Our attorneys use a wide range of evidence to build strong claims for victims, including:

  • Police reports and officer statements.
  • Eyewitness accounts from passengers or bystanders.
  • Surveillance or dashcam footage when available.
  • Cell phone records in cases involving distracted driving.
  • Expert testimony on crash reconstruction.

We also connect careless behavior to the specific injuries our clients suffer, whether it’s a whiplash injury from a rear-end collision or severe harm from a T-bone accident. By proving the link between negligence and injury, we make it harder for insurers to deny responsibility or offer a low settlement.

“Careless driving cases often come down to showing how an ordinary mistake created extraordinary harm. In Indianapolis, I’ve worked with victims whose lives changed because another driver looked at their phone for just a few seconds. Our job is to gather the evidence that proves the crash was preventable, so our clients can get the resources they need to recover.”

– Lee C. Christie, Partner at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell

How an Attorney Can Protect Your Future

After an accident caused by careless driving, many victims are overwhelmed by medical bills, lost wages, and the pressure of dealing with insurance companies. Without representation, insurers often push quick settlements that fall far short of what victims truly need.

Working with Christie Farrell Lee & Bell means you have attorneys who:

  • Develop a legal strategy tailored to Indianapolis courts and insurers.
  • Calculate the full value of damages, including future costs for rehabilitation or long-term care.
  • Negotiate aggressively for fair compensation or take the case to trial if necessary.
  • Keep you informed at every stage, so you never feel left in the dark.

Our goal is not just to resolve your claim but to protect your long-term future. We fight to ensure that careless drivers are held accountable and that your recovery reflects the true impact of your injuries.

Our Careless Driving Attorneys

Tina M. Bell

Tina M. Bell

Partner
Meet Lee C. Christie

Meet Lee C. Christie

Partner
Laura J. Conyers, RN

Laura J. Conyers, RN

Associate
Meet Kevin P. Farrell

Meet Kevin P. Farrell

Of Counsel
Meet Kathy A. Lee

Meet Kathy A. Lee

Retired
Meet Kyle L. Christie

Meet Kyle L. Christie

Partner
Katherine M. Marshall

Katherine M. Marshall

Partner
Christopher D. Simpkins

Christopher D. Simpkins

Associate

It’s About Justice – Contact Christie Farrell Lee & Bell

Serious injury isn’t one thing we do – it’s all we do. Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.

What happens when you reach out:

  • Speak with an attorney and get clear next steps.
  • We’ll evaluate your case and preserve key evidence right away.
  • You’ll work with a trial-tested team that stands up to insurers.

Start your free consultation and let our Indianapolis attorneys fight for the recovery you deserve.

FAQs About Careless Driving in Indianapolis

What is considered careless driving in Indiana?

Careless driving in Indiana generally refers to unsafe actions behind the wheel that don’t rise to the level of reckless driving but still put others at risk. Examples include speeding at moderate levels, unsafe lane changes, failing to signal, or distracted driving. While these may seem minor, when they cause a crash, victims have the right to pursue compensation.

Can I sue a driver for careless driving in Indianapolis?

Yes. If you were injured because another driver was careless, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Indiana law allows victims to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when someone else’s negligence or carelessness caused the crash. An attorney can help gather evidence and prove the driver’s responsibility.

How long do I have to file a claim after a careless driving accident in Indiana?

Under Indiana law, most personal injury claims – including those involving careless driving – must be filed within two years of the accident date. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation. It’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible so evidence can be preserved and your claim protected.