Richmond Indiana Reckless Driving Lawyer

For more than four decades, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell has represented people hurt by reckless drivers across Indiana, including right here in Wayne County. We don’t do volume. We do preparation that wins.

If a reckless driver changed your life in Richmond, talk to an attorney who will move first. We’ll show you where the evidence is, who’s responsible, and how we’ll pursue the full value of your case – with no upfront cost.

When Reckless Driving Leads to Serious Consequences

Even with year‑over‑year improvements, risky driving still causes preventable tragedies, according to the NHTSA. The data below shows where Indiana made progress and where concern remains, so families in Richmond and Wayne County understand the landscape we’re fighting in.

Reckless and Dangerous Driving Trends

• Law enforcement recorded 37,209 speeding violations during grant-funded patrols in 2023
• Serious bodily injuries fell from 5,443 in 2022 to 4,232 in 2023, with speeding and lack of restraint cited as major contributors
• Fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled increased from 1.11 in 2022 to 1.12 in 2023

What this means for victims:

• High-risk behavior still causes preventable crashes on US 27, I 70, and US 40
• A single reckless act can trigger multi-vehicle collisions, catastrophic injuries, and long recoveries
• Rapid preservation of intersection video, EDR data, and phone records often decides cases

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

Examples of Reckless Driving Behaviors in Indiana

Reckless driving encompasses many dangerous behaviors, not just a single contributing action. Based on our experience, drivers in Indiana commonly endanger others by:

• Excessive speeding well beyond posted limits.
• Tailgating or following too closely.
• Road rage incidents such as weaving between lanes or forcing another driver off the road.
• Ignoring traffic signals or stop signs.
• Distracted driving, such as texting behind the wheel.

Each of these actions goes beyond ordinary negligence because they demonstrate a disregard for safety. That legal distinction is critical in court, where proving recklessness can increase potential damages and affect liability.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

Injuries and Losses Caused by Reckless Drivers

Reckless‑driving can be high‑energy events that break bones, injure the brain and spinal cord, and interrupt paychecks. In Richmond, we see the pattern often: a violent impact, an ER visit, then months of treatment, time off work, and insurers trying to minimize what recovery will really cost.

Our job is to translate every medical note and missed shift into proof the insurer must respect.

Victims of reckless driving often face serious, sometimes permanent injuries, including:

• Fractures and broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries leading to partial or complete paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) with long‑term cognitive effects
• Wrongful death, leaving families without their loved one

What these injuries actually mean in day‑to‑day life matters. Hospital bills, rehab, and specialist care stack up quickly.

Bottom line: reckless conduct causes layered losses – medical, financial, and human. We turn those losses into a clear, evidence‑backed damages model that insurers can’t ignore, and if they try, we’re prepared to prove it in court.

Click to contact us today

Establishing Liability in Richmond Reckless Driving Cases

In Indiana, proving liability in reckless driving cases requires demonstrating that a driver acted with a willful or wanton disregard for safety. This is a higher standard than simple negligence, and it often requires more detailed evidence.

Under state law, reckless drivers can be held responsible for injuries and damages they cause, but in certain cases their employers may also share liability. For example, if a commercial driver in Richmond was operating recklessly while on the job, the employer could be accountable for failing to enforce safety policies.

Building a strong case requires multiple forms of evidence: police reports, witness statements, crash reconstruction, and surveillance or dashcam footage can all establish recklessness.

Because Indiana’s statute of limitations for car accident claims restricts the time available to take action, it’s essential to begin working with a CFLB attorney quickly to start the investigation.

Damages You May Be Entitled to Seek

When a reckless driver derails your health and your income, the question isn’t “what does the policy offer?” – it’s “what will it take to rebuild a life?” At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we build damages from the ground up: treatment plans and future care, wage loss and earning capacity, and the human losses insurers prefer to ignore. It’s about justice and proof, not guesswork.

Victims of reckless driving accidents in Richmond may be eligible for compensation covering both economic and non‑economic losses, such as:

• Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity if injuries prevent a return to work
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
• In wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship

How we help you prove the full value:

• We coordinate with your treating doctors and independent experts to project future medical needs and rehabilitation
• We document wage loss and earning capacity with employer records and vocational analysis
• We translate day‑to‑day impacts – sleep disruption, anxiety, lost activities – into a clear, evidence‑backed presentation for negotiation and, if needed, trial

See how preparation turns into outcomes: review our case results and the recoveries we’ve secured for injured Hoosiers, and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with a reckless driving attorney.

Our 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

Why Work With Christie Farrell Lee & Bell in Richmond

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we have decades of experience representing victims of reckless and dangerous drivers across Indiana.

If a reckless driver has harmed you or a loved one in Richmond, our expert attorneys are ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll fight for you, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard.

Richmond Reckless Driving FAQs

Do I need a police report if the crash seemed minor?

Yes. In Richmond, the police report often drives how insurers assign fault. Call 911 and ensure an officer documents the scene, especially at high‑risk corridors.

How long do I have to file an injury claim in Indiana?

Generally two years from the date of the crash. Some government‑related claims can carry shorter notice requirements. Starting early protects evidence and options.

What if the reckless driver wasn’t ticketed?

A citation helps, but it isn’t required for civil liability. We prove recklessness with evidence sets like speed data, lane position, phone use, and witness statements.

Can I recover if I’m partly at fault?

Indiana uses modified comparative fault. If you are 50% or less at fault, your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault; above 50%, you cannot recover. Solid evidence keeps unfair fault percentages in check.

Where will my case be filed?

Most Richmond cases proceed in Wayne County Circuit or Superior Courts. Venue can shift based on where the crash occurred or where defendants are based.