Were you hurt in a car accident in Indiana? Our Indiana car accident lawyers are here to help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation: (888) 437-5464
Car accidents happen every single day and bring with them plenty of stress and anxiety.
In fact, you can look on the state website to find information about car crashes in the state.
Along with the property damage accidents cause, you may also be treated for your injuries, deal with insurance issues, and experience financial worries. If you are involved in a car accident, know you have legal rights.
The experienced Indiana car accident attorneys at Gerling Law are ready to help you fight for your rights and compensation.
Contact us online or call (888) 437-5464 today for a free consultation.
What to Do Immediately Following a Car Accident
The steps you take after your collision can significantly affect you and your personal injury claim. You should be sure to take the following steps, if possible.
Call 911
Call 911 and request police assistance. If there are injuries, also ask for medical attention. Police will take a police report, and paramedics will treat any injuries. If there is an ambulance on the scene, do not refuse medical attention. You may have injuries you are unaware of at the moment.
Collect Information
If possible, try to collect any information and gather evidence from the auto accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles and the surrounding area and speak to witnesses. Also, be sure to speak to the other driver and get their information.
Information to collect should include:
- Name and address,
- Driver license information,
- Vehicle description, and
- Insurance information.
Anything collected from the scene of the accident can help you in the future.
File a Claim
Whether or not you are at fault for the accident, you will need to notify your insurance carrier. You should contact the insurance company as soon as you can. They will ask for details about the accident, and you can provide any information you may have. The insurance company will also assign an adjuster who will take care of every aspect of your claim, including vehicle inspections and settlement offers.
Getting Treatment After the Crash
After all of the above steps, the next important step is getting medical treatment. Even if you don’t believe you have any injuries after your accident, you should still see your primary care physician. Tell them about any ache or pain you may be having. Some serious injuries are not evident right away and take a few days to appear.
If your doctor suggests any medical treatment, be sure to take their advice. Getting medical treatment not only aids in your recovery but also strengthens your Indiana car accident case. Be sure you attend all treatment sessions and that every session is well documented.
Damages to Consider in Indiana Car Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents can mean financial hardship, whether it be for medical reasons or property damage. Seeking damages in your case will help you receive fair compensation for your losses. The two kinds of damages available for auto accidents are economic and non-economic damages.
Our Indiana car accident lawyers will explain.
Economic Damages
It is possible to calculate economic damages and assign a dollar amount.
They include:
- Medical bills,
- Other medical expenses, and
- Lost income.
Proper documentation supports the calculation of these damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Unlike economic damages, it is not as easy to calculate non-economic damages.
They include:
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional and mental anguish, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Along with documentation, testimony from witnesses or experts can help support non-economic damages.
Your personal injury lawyer will know how to calculate your damages accurately for your Indiana car accident case.
Comparative Negligence
Indiana follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This rule may affect the amount of compensation you are able to recover. Your damages will ultimately be reduced by the percentage of fault for your share of liability.
For example, if you are seeking $100,000 in damages after a car accident but are 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced to $80,000. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you will not be able to recover damages.
Statute of Limitations for Indiana Car Accident Lawsuits
A statute of limitations is a legal time restriction that dictates how long you have to file your lawsuit. This time restriction varies depending on the type of case. In Indiana, the statute of limitations to file your lawsuit is two years after the date of the accident.
If you fail to file your claim within the two-year time limit, you will be unlikely to recover any damages. It is always a good idea to speak to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible to get started with your case and avoid going over the statute of limitations.
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I had a great experience with Robert Rock as my attorney. The Gerling Law team has been fantastic throughout the process. Everything went really great- super smooth! - Linda B.
Do You Need an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer?
In certain instances, you may be able to deal with your car accident claim on your own. But more often than not, you will need the help of a car accident lawyer. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your collision, an Indiana auto accident attorney will best know how to handle your case. They can provide legal help and take care of all the necessary tasks for your case, including:
- Collecting all the required information pertaining to your accident;
- Gathering all medical documentation;
- Interviewing any possible witnesses;
- Determining Fault; and
- Dealing with the insurance company.
Having a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer on your side is invaluable in car accident cases.
Why Choose Gerling?
With over five decades of experience, Gerling Law is passionate about helping clients through trying times.
We fight tirelessly and aggressively to get the compensation accident victims deserve.
Every situation is different, but our skilled legal team is ready to take on even the most challenging injury cases.
If you have been involved in a car accident, contact Gerling Lawor call us today at (888) 437-5464. We will review your case, answer your questions, and give you sincere legal advice during your free case evaluation.
