Introduction
Indiana ranked fifth among all states in the number of train accidents and deaths in 2022, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. That statistic sits at the center of Crell Law’s approach to train accident cases, where the firm investigates the circumstances of each accident with full knowledge of how frequently these incidents occur in the state. Based in Fort Wayne, Crell Law handles personal injury cases arising from bicycle accidents, train accidents, and premises liability and slip and fall incidents, serving clients throughout Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas of Indiana.
The firm’s address is 2712 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809, and the website is andrewsandcrell.com. Free consultations are available.
Personal injury cases at this firm follow a consistent approach: thorough investigation of the accident circumstances and evidence before making any claims, with compensation pursued for medical expenses, lost earnings, and emotional distress. The commitment to investigation matters because personal injury cases often turn on the quality of evidence gathered early, before witnesses become unavailable and physical evidence disappears.
Practice Areas
Bicycle Accidents: Indiana law establishes specific obligations for drivers sharing the road with cyclists. Under state law, drivers must maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle. Indiana also treats bicyclists as having the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles, which means cyclists are entitled to use the roadway and are owed the same duty of care from other drivers. When a driver violates that duty and injures a cyclist, the injured person has the right to pursue compensation. Bicycle accident cases require documentation of the road conditions, witness accounts, evidence of the driver’s conduct, and a clear accounting of the cyclist’s injuries and their effects on daily life and earning capacity.
Train Accidents: The statistics bear out what Fort Wayne residents who live near rail corridors already know: Indiana has a significant rail activity and, with it, a disproportionate share of serious rail incidents. Crell Law handles cases arising from train accidents, investigating the cause, the parties responsible, the applicable regulations, and the full scope of the victim’s injuries and losses. These cases can involve multiple parties, including railroad companies, equipment manufacturers, and others, and they often implicate federal railroad safety regulations alongside Indiana state law.
Premises Liability and Slip and Fall: Property owners in Indiana owe a duty to maintain their properties in reasonably safe condition for those who enter lawfully. When a wet floor, an uneven surface, inadequate lighting, or another hazardous condition causes someone to fall and sustain injury, the property owner may be liable for the resulting damages. Premises liability cases require establishing that the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to address it, or that the owner created the hazard in the first place. Crell Law investigates the physical circumstances, examines incident reports, reviews any surveillance footage, and builds the factual record necessary to support the client’s claim.
Location and Service Area
The office is located at 2712 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809. The firm serves clients in Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas of Indiana. Fort Wayne is Indiana’s second-largest city and the seat of Allen County, with a significant rail network and active road traffic that gives rise to the types of cases the firm handles.
Client Focus
Crell Law represents individuals who have been injured in circumstances where someone else’s failure caused the harm. Bicycle accident victims face the particular challenge of making claims against drivers and their insurers, often while dealing with serious injuries sustained from a collision with a motor vehicle. Train accident victims may face complex cases involving large corporate defendants with significant legal resources. Slip and fall clients are often met with skepticism by property owners and insurers who prefer to minimize liability.
The firm’s approach to each of these situations begins with investigation. Before any claim is made, the firm examines what actually happened, who was responsible, and what evidence exists. This thorough approach protects clients from entering negotiations or litigation without a solid factual foundation. Free consultations give prospective clients the opportunity to learn whether they have a viable claim before making any commitment.
FAQ
What does Indiana’s three-foot passing law mean for bicycle accident cases?
Indiana law requires that motor vehicle drivers leave at least three feet of clearance between their vehicle and a bicycle when passing. If a driver passes too closely and strikes a cyclist or forces the cyclist off the road, that violation of the statute is direct evidence of negligence. In a personal injury case, this provision helps establish that the driver failed to meet the standard of care required by law. Crell Law examines the specific circumstances of each bicycle accident to determine whether this and other traffic laws were violated.
How does Indiana’s ranking for train accidents affect these cases?
Indiana’s fifth-place ranking among states for train accidents and deaths means that rail incidents are not rare occurrences here. The frequency of incidents also means there is an established body of regulatory and legal experience surrounding these cases in Indiana. Railroad companies operating in the state are subject to federal oversight under the Federal Railroad Administration, and violations of federal safety standards can support a negligence claim. The firm investigates the specific cause of each accident rather than treating all train cases as variations on a single scenario.
What types of compensation can be pursued in a personal injury case?
Crell Law pursues compensation for medical expenses, including both past treatment costs and projected future medical needs where the injury is ongoing or permanent. Lost earnings account for income the client was unable to earn because of the injury, as well as future earning capacity if the injury has a long-term effect on the ability to work. Emotional distress damages address the psychological toll of a serious accident and injury.
Is there a cost to consult with the firm?
No. Crell Law offers free consultations. This allows prospective clients to discuss the circumstances of their accident, understand whether they have a viable claim, and learn how the firm approaches their type of case without any financial obligation upfront.
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident or slip and fall?
The most important steps are to seek medical attention promptly, even if injuries seem minor at first. Document the scene if possible, including photographs of the location, any hazards, and your injuries. Preserve any evidence, including clothing and equipment. Note the names and contact information of any witnesses. Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney, as those statements can be used to minimize your claim. Contact Crell Law for a free consultation to understand your options.
Closing
Fort Wayne residents dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident, a train incident, or a slip and fall have a local firm that starts with investigation rather than assumptions. Crell Law combines knowledge of Indiana’s specific traffic statutes, federal railroad regulations, and premises liability standards with a commitment to building the factual record that supports each client’s claim. Free consultations are available at 2712 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809.