Suspected Drunk Driver Causes Chain Reaction Crash on I-80 in Northwest Indiana
As we approach the end of the year and some of the most recognized holidays, you may begin to hear about more and more accidents occurring on Indiana roadways. During this time of year, roadways tend to become more congested and many drivers begin to show signs of carelessness and negligence which ultimately contributes to more crashes occurring. Just a few days ago, the Chicago Sun Times reported on a major wreck that transpired in northwest Indiana on I-80 just before the Grant Street exit.
According to the news source, the driver of a 2005 Ford F-150 whom police suspect was drunk, collided into the back of a Ford Focus on I-80. The collision, which occurred just after midnight, resulted in the Ford Focus being pushed into the back of a semi-trailer truck that had been stopped in traffic. Because of the difference in size between the Focus and the semi, the impact of the second crash left the driver of the Focus, who has been identified as a 22-year-old male from Winamac, trapped inside his vehicle. The news outlet shared a photo of the wreck and in it, all that can be seen is a pile of crumpled up metal.
The 22-year-old had to be extricated from his vehicle by the Gary Fire Department and was then transported to Northlake Methodist Hospital in critical condition. As for the driver of the Ford F-150, he also had to be transported to the hospital, but his injuries were said to have been non-life threatening. Indiana police were awaiting the results of a toxicology test before confirming that truck driver was, in fact, intoxicated. Thankfully, the semi-truck operator was uninjured in the collision.
Aside from the crowded roads and inattentive motorists, you can also expect to see an increase in the number of drunk drivers occupying the roadways this holiday season. Sadly, these drivers contribute to the increased number of collisions that are reported during this time of year. Did you know that in 2016, 781 people lost their lives in drunk-driving-related crashes in the month of December alone” [Source: U.S. Department of Transportation]? The source also highlights that “over the past five years, an average of 300 people died in drunk driving crashes the week between Christmas and New Year.”
What these statistics and the accident cited above tell us is that motorists, now more than ever, need to remain vigilant and alert while out driving so that in the event you encounter a drunk or even distracted driver, you are able to maneuver out of their way in an effort to prevent a collision.
Were you recently involved in a car accident in Gary, Indiana?
If you answered yes, then perhaps now would be a good time to contact the Gary, IN car accident lawyers at Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC. We understand how difficult life can become following a collision which is why we are here to help you overcome the various obstacles you are now faced with. Not only can we help you seek justice for the unfortunate circumstances the crash has left you with, but we will gladly represent you and fight for you to receive the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to that can help cover some of the unexpected expenses you are now required to pay.
To learn more about how Gary, IN car crash attorney Marshall P. Whalley can help you through these tough times, give us a call at 219-769-2900 to schedule an initial consultation.
You can also visit Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC at:
51 W. 112th Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone-219-769-2900
Toll Free-855-442-7211
Fax- 219-769-2995
