We have been discussing speed-related accidents all week following the death of Katherine Atkins, 26, of Valparaiso, who died in a car accident in Westville that also left two children critically injured.
Atkins died in July when an SUV, driven by John Mikle, of Michigan City, hit a turn in a road too fast and crossed into her lane, hitting her vehicle head-on. Police have yet to charge Mikle with a crime and they are still investigating the accident while awaiting toxicology reports.
It’s possible that Mikle could be held liable for Atkins’ death and the injuries sustained by the children through a lawsuit. A wrongful death lawsuit could provide Atkins’ family with compensation for their losses. A personal injury suit could provide compensation to the children. It could pay for damages related to:
- Medical treatment: costs associated with medical care, as well as any current or future treatment for the children injured
- Income: damages for lost wages as a result of Atkins’ death based on her predicted income
- Pain and suffering: the children involved in this accident, as well as Atkins’ family members can seek compensation for their the pain inflicted on them
- Emotional distress: this would relate to the emotional effects the injuries sustained by the children or Atkins’ family members have from the accident, which can include things like depression and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment: the children could seek damages if they fail enjoy everyday hobbies and activities like they did in the past.
We have discussed how negligent driving leads to death and catastrophic injuries. Speeding is a common offense drivers make on Indiana roadways. A report by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) said that 9.6 percent of all collisions were speed-related in Indiana in 2010. Fatal accidents are avoidable if drivers obey speed limits and follow traffic safety sign warnings. If you or your family members have been injured by a negligent driver, please contact our office for a free consultation, either by calling us at (800)-269-3443 or by filing out the contact form located on this page.