Auto Accident
Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers
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Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers
You’re cruising on your way home from work. It was a long day, and you can’t wait to get home, kick off the work shoes, and relax. Suddenly, you get sideswiped by an approaching vehicle. Your automobile is severely damaged, and you suffer injuries.
The auto injuries require a visit to the hospital. There are additional doctor appointments or procedures to correct the issues, and you may experience lasting pain. The car accident injuries cause you to miss time from work, and therefore you lose out on wages. The medical bills begin to pile up. Is there any way out of this mess?
You’re simply trying to recover, but since there is no such thing as a “simple auto accident,” somebody will have to handle the expenses and complications that have consumed your life since the collision.
This is where auto injury law comes in. Filing a claim to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional pain and suffering is vital. A car accident attorney in Indianapolis can help you build a strong case and recover damages. Stewart & Stewart is here to defend victims of car accidents who are recovering from life-altering injuries.
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Download our Indiana Auto Accident Handbook
It’s filled with helpful information
- What to do after an accident.
- When to hire an attorney after being injured.
- How to determine fault.
- How to handle insurance companies.
- Understanding damages you can recover.
- Road safety tips to avoid accidents.
- The most dangerous intersections in Indiana.
And it’s yours with no cost and no obligation – compliments of Stewart & Stewart.
Auto Accident
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Indianapolis
You have lost wages due to your inability to work, and you can’t ignore the overwhelming expenses from items like medication, a rental car, rehabilitation, and car repairs that have quickly piled up. Future bills that could add up if you experience any long-term pain and suffering will only make matters worse.
Stewart & Stewart is eager to help Indiana auto accident victims who need professional legal services and is prepared to utilize all resources necessary to get you a fair settlement.
When you’ve been injured in an Indiana auto accident, don’t panic. Get Stewart. At Stewart & Stewart, our Indiana car accident lawyers study every detail of your Indiana car accident case to ensure that you get the help and money you deserve for your injuries.
Our firm is a team of experienced, professional car accident lawyers dedicated to fighting for injured people throughout Indiana and defending their legal rights. An Indianapolis auto accident lawyer from Stewart & Stewart is available around the clock and will provide the immediate attention you deserve following your Indiana car accident.
According to The National Safety Council, one in every eight drivers will be involved in an auto accident this year. If you are one of these drivers, it’s time to hire a trustworthy personal injury lawyer that will aggressively fight for your rights.
Stewart & Stewart is eager to help Indiana auto accident victims who need professional legal services and is prepared to utilize all resources necessary to get you a fair settlement.
Steps to Follow After an Auto Accident
According to The National Safety Council, one in every eight drivers will be involved in an auto accident this year. If you are one of these drivers, it’s time to hire a trustworthy personal injury lawyer that will aggressively fight for your rights. Stewart & Stewart is eager to help Indiana auto accident victims who need professional legal services and is prepared to utilize all resources necessary to get you a fair settlement.
When you’ve been seriously injured in an auto accident, you need help. Follow these steps to protect your rights to compensation.
1. Stay calm.
Stay in control and pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible without causing more accidents. Be sure never to leave the scene of an Indiana auto accident if your vehicle was involved in the collision in any way.
2. Call the authorities.
Check to see if anyone has been injured in this Indiana auto accident. If medical attention is needed, contact 911. Also, know that all Indiana auto accidents should be reported to the police. Creating a police report of the car accident can be beneficial in determining fault and negligence for an injury accident.
3. Gather information.
Talk with any people who witnessed your Indiana auto accident. Write down names, contact information, and any other pertinent details they can provide.
4. Visit your doctor.
It is also best to visit a doctor immediately following an auto accident—whether you think you have been injured or not. While the doctor is examining you, be sure to mention specific details about how your Indiana car accident occurred and any injury or pain you suffered as a result.
5. Inform your insurance company.
Call your insurance company immediately to report the accident. Failing to report the accident immediately could, in some instances, result in the insurance company not covering you. However, if you find yourself dealing with an insurance adjuster, whether at the scene of the auto accident or after, don’t sign anything or give any statements.
6. Get a lawyer. Get Stewart.
Before signing any statements, consult an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer that specializes in helping those who have been injured in auto accidents as a result of another’s negligence. At Stewart & Stewart, we have helped thousands of clients get the compensation they deserve for injuries suffered in an Indiana auto accident.
Car Accidents in the United States—Statistics You Should Know
Car accidents are far more common than any other type of personal injury in the United States. You face a risk every time you get into your car, so taking precautions on the road to keep you and your family safe is vital.
Here are some alarming statistics on car accidents in the United States:
- There are an average of 6 million car accidents every year.
- More than 90 people die every day because of car accidents.
- There are 3 million victims of car accidents every year in the country.
- Around 2 million of those victims deal with permanent, life-altering injuries.
- 1 in 7 people doesn’t wear a seatbelt despite the safety feature reducing the chance of death from car accidents by 45 percent.
And here are some auto accident statistics specific to Indiana. Contact a car accident attorney in Indianapolis for more information on how you can pursue legal action for your injuries:
- There were over 217,396 car accidents on Indiana roads in 2019.
- The crashes resulted in 739 deaths.
- The auto accidents contributed to 31,194 non-fatal injuries.
There are several contributors to car accidents in Indiana, along with the rest of the United States. Several of the below types of accidents are avoidable:
- Alcohol: Drinking and driving causes nearly 3 percent of all auto collisions in Indiana. There were 3,926 car accidents that involved a driver under the influence of alcohol in 2019. You should contact a lawyer immediately if you were injured because of a drunk driver.
- Speeding: Driving too fast is another common reason for auto accidents. In 2019 there were 20,200 collisions that involved a speeding drivers, leading to 188 fatalities. This represents 9.3 percent of all accidents in the state, and over 25% of deaths.
- Distracted Driving: The use of smartphones and other devices while operating a vehicle is dangerous. In 2019, there were 6,261 collisions that had distracted driving as the primary cause. These accidents caused 13 fatalities and close to a thousand injuries.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless or aggressive driving is also common on Indiana roads and in other states. Following too closely, failure to yield the right of way, and unsafe lane movement are examples of reckless or aggressive driving. In 2019, there were 142,000 collisions caused primarily by unsafe actions taken by the driver.
Contacting an auto injury lawyer and seeking financial justice is part of your recovery. While you or someone you know heals from the injuries, seek compensation for your medical bills and missed time from work.
In a Crash? Need Cash?®
Accidents happen in other ways besides driving or riding in a car or truck. Sharing the road safely and legally is the responsibility of all who travel on our busy streets. When riding a bike, walking, or jogging, the potential dangers grow larger and more serious. Collisions between cars and pedestrians can result in major injuries with lasting effects.
In a Crash? Need Cash?® At Stewart & Stewart Attorneys, we want to protect your rights. If you or someone you love was struck by a car or truck, know that our lawyers handle injury cases resulting from negligent, distracted, or intoxicated drivers failing to:
- yield to stopped traffic at crosswalks
- check for pedestrian sidewalk traffic before entering or leaving roadways
- check rear windows/mirrors before reversing their vehicles
Don’t pay out of pocket for injuries that weren’t your fault. Our lawyers are here to determine the cause of your pedestrian accident and hold the driver accountable for his or her actions. Our 24/7 team is ready to help. Call or complete a free online consultation form to get the experienced legal help you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after an accident will it take for my case to be settled?
In Indiana, a car accident victim has up to two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Once this claim is filed, a number of factors impact the time it takes to settle an accident case. The typical auto accident settlement process takes several months to complete, but in the worst case can take over a year. This process starts with the injured party seeking medical attention, which is vital in determining the damages incurred by the innocent party. A car accident attorney will then take the information, along with other evidence such as photos of the accident site, statements from witnesses and official police incident reports, to craft a demand letter that will be sent to the at fault party or their insurance company.
To learn more about this topic, check out our article “How Long Will it Take to Settle my Indiana Auto Accident Case?“
Should I contact a car accident attorney if I was rear-ended?
While most individuals who get rear ended are found not at fault, there are several factors that can impact whether any fault lies with the injured party. Indiana has a “comparative fault” system that adjusts how much compensation a victim can receive, which makes it vital to have an experienced attorney that is able to argue the merits of your case. Even if you are only found partially at fault, that determination can result in a loss of thousands of dollars in compensation. Only an auto accident attorney can ensure that you get the fair compensation you deserve.
To learn more about this topic, read our article titled “If I Get Read-Ended in Indiana, Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney?“
Why shouldn't I accept an offer from my insurance company?
It is in the best interest of your insurance company to pay out the bare minimum amount for your auto accident. They want to get your claim closed out as soon as possible and with minimal cost on their end. Due to this, it is common for them to offer an amount that is only a fraction of what you could obtain as compensation if you were to work with an auto accident lawyer. When you work with Stewart & Stewart, your attorney will make sure that your damages are calculated accurately, your potential injuries are accounted for, and that your settlement is in line with industry averages.
To learn more about this topic, check out our article titled “4 Reasons You Should Not Accept Your First Offer From an Insurance Company”
Do I need a car accident lawyer if I was not at fault?
While it may be obvious to you that you were not at fault for your car accident, the facts of the case may not be as clear to a third party that is reviewing your case. It is not enough to not be the cause of the accident, you need to prove that to your insurance company and potentially to a court. It is common for even the innocent party to be found partially at fault, due to a variety of reasons, which can cost you thousands of dollars in compensation. A car accident lawyer will work with you to get the evidence you need to make the best possible case and defend against any allegations of fault by the other involved parties.
To learn more about this issue, check out our article “Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?
What if I got in a car accident and don't have insurance?
Indiana law requires all drivers carry an insurance policy. Offenders can have their license suspended and receive a fine, even if it is their first offense. Worse than this, if you are found at fault you can be on the hook for thousands of dollars in property damage and medical bills. Even if you have no savings or assets to cover the damages, a court can order that your wages be garnished to cover the expenses from the accident you caused. This makes it vitally important to have an experienced auto accident lawyer to represent you, especially if there is any question of fault.
To learn more about this topic, read our article titled “What Happens When I Get in a Car Accident Without Insurance?“
Will the police report say who is at fault?
When an investigating officer responds to an auto accident in Indiana, they fill out what is called a “Standard Crash Report”. This report has a section for the officer to list what they believe is the primary cause of the accident. A variety of options are given to the officer such as intoxication, excess speeds, failure to signal or yield, use of a cell phone and more. They are then given an additional section to provide their narrative of the events that took place. While this report is an important piece of evidence in any car accident lawsuit, it is not a definitive determination of fault. The report only outlines the opinion of the responding officer and is not enough on its own to assign blame for the accident.
To learn more about this topic, visit our article titled “Does a Police Report Say Who Was at Fault in Indiana?“
What if the other driver brake checked me?
Most rear-end collisions are the fault of the rear driver, as all drivers are expected to create enough space between them in the vehicle in front. However, in some cases a driver that break checks another vehicle can be found at fault for the accident. These cases can be difficult as the at fault party is likely to deny wrongdoing and attempt to pass the blame onto the other driver. In these cases, it is vital to have a car accident attorney on your side to make the best possible argument on your behalf.
To learn more about this topic, read our article titled “If Someone Brake Checks You and an Accident Occurs, Who Is at Fault?”
What if I lost wages due to my accident?
If you missed work due to an auto accident, or suffered from a debilitating injury that has impacted your ability to continue your career, you may be eligible for financial compensation for your lost wages. A number of factors can determine whether you are eligible such as if you were at fault, the extent of your injuries, and the type of job you are employed to do. A car accident attorney is your best resource in obtaining fair compensation for your injuries.
To learn more about this topic, read our article titled “If I Miss Work as a Result of an Indiana Car Accident, Can my Lost Wages be Recovered?“
How long do I have to file a claim for my auto accident?
When you are involved in an auto accident in Indiana, you typically have two years from the day of the accident to file an auto accident claim. This makes it vitally important for you to seek immediate medical attention after an accident, as well as get an auto accident attorney on your side to fight for you. In some cases, there can be exceptions to the statute of limitations that can give you additional time to pursue a case, and it is vital to have an auto accident lawyer who understands the intricate nature of the law in Indiana.
To learn more about this topic, read our article titled “What Is the Statute of Limitations to Bring an Indiana Auto Accident Case?“
What if I was drinking before I got in an accident?
If you were drinking before you got involved in an accident, this can have a significant impact on your case and any potential legal penalties. Even if you were not over the legal limit, a toxicology report showing alcohol in your system can impact the amount that your insurance company offers for a settlement. In Indiana it is common for both drivers to share fault for an accident, and any alcohol in your system can impact this. If you had alcohol in your system when you were involved in an accident, it is vital to contact an experienced car accident attorney to represent you.
To learn more about this topic, read our article titled “Can Alcohol in My System Affect My Car Accident Claim?“
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If you have been involved in an Indiana personal injury accident, contact us at Stewart & Stewart Attorneys. Our Indiana personal injury lawyers represent victims throughout the state, including Carmel and Anderson. We have also successfully advocated for clients throughout the area, including Fort Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis, South Bend. Complete a free online consultation form or call us at (800) 33-33-LAW!
Stewart & Stewart Attorneys have the knowledge and experience to defend your rights in the following areas of Indiana injury law: auto accident, brain injury, drug injury, defective product, fire and burn injury, insurance dispute, medical malpractice, motorcycle accident, nursing home abuse, slip and fall, truck accident, workers’ compensation and wrongful death.