Were you hurt in a crash in Indianapolis, IN, and wondering what to do next? If so, an Indianapolis car accident lawyer at Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers can help — call us today at (317) 920-6400 for an initial consultation to discuss your claim.
Car accidents can leave you with medical bills, lost wages, and a lot of stress. This page explains what to expect, how a lawyer can help, and the steps to take after a collision. If you’re unsure where to start, our team offers a free case review and can guide you through each step.
Why Choose Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers for Help After a Car Accident in Indianapolis, IN?
When selecting a law firm to handle a serious injury case, reputation and results matter.
Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers stands out among Indiana law firms for its proven track record and recognition within the legal community:
- Three partners have been awarded Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association.
- The firm has earned Martindale-Hubbell’s AV rating, the highest rating available for legal ability and ethics.
- The firm and its attorneys are regularly listed in Best Lawyers in America, one of the most respected peer-reviewed publications in the profession.
These honors reflect the skill, dedication, and commitment the firm brings to every case. Clients can expect a thorough investigation of crashes, careful gathering of evidence, consultation with leading medical experts, and strong advocacy in negotiations or at trial.
With decades of experience in Indiana accident law and deep knowledge of how local courts and insurance companies operate, Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers provides the trusted representation needed to pursue fair settlements and verdicts.
Call our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation and clear next steps.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a lawyer after a crash evens the playing field between you and powerful insurance companies. Adjusters are trained to reduce payouts, but an attorney makes sure your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of getting fair value for your claim.
A car accident lawyer can also:
- Access experts such as accident reconstructionists and medical specialists
- Handle all paperwork, filings, and deadlines
- Negotiate directly with insurance companies on your behalf
- Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered
Having an experienced lawyer on your side shows insurers that you are serious. This often results in stronger settlement offers and gives you the peace of mind to focus on recovery.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Car Accident Case?
The amount of compensation available after a car accident in Indianapolis varies widely, depending on the facts of the case. A minor crash with only property damage will be worth less than a case involving permanent injuries or lifelong care needs.
Key factors that may influence how much your case is worth include:
- Severity of injuries – Minor injuries typically result in smaller claims, while catastrophic injuries can greatly increase case value.
- Length of recovery – Longer recovery times often lead to higher medical expenses and greater disruption to your life.
- Medical costs – Both current treatment expenses and projected future medical needs are considered.
- Lost wages and earning capacity – Income lost during recovery and the impact on your ability to work in the future.
- Available insurance coverage – Policy limits may cap the amount you can recover from certain parties.
- Non-economic damages – Compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
- Comparative fault – In Indiana, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault for the accident (if any).
Because every case is unique, only an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer can provide a realistic estimate after reviewing the evidence, your medical records, and the long-term effects of your injuries.
What Damages Are Available to Indianapolis Car Accident Victims?
Victims can recover several types of damages after a car accident, depending on the facts of the case.
For example:
Economic Damages
These cover real costs you can document, like:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Out-of-pocket expenses (travel to appointments, home care)
Economic damages are calculated with bills, pay stubs, and receipts, and they form the base of most settlements.
Non-Economic Damages
These cover the personal toll of your injuries, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or scarring
Non-economic damages are less tangible but just as real. A lawyer helps quantify these losses for a fair claim.
Punitive Damages
In rare situations where a driver’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional, a court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer. These are not available in every case and require strong proof.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partially At Fault for a Car Accident in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault approach. That means your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault and total damages are $100,000, your recovery would be $80,000 after the 20% reduction.
However, if you are more than 50% at fault for the crash, Indiana law generally prevents you from recovering any damages at all. This rule encourages fair sharing of responsibility but makes it important to show that your share of fault is limited.
An experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer can help challenge overstatements of your fault and build evidence to protect your award.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Indiana?
In Indiana, time limits apply to filing a lawsuit after a car accident. For most personal injury claims, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss that deadline, you usually lose the right to sue.
There are exceptions — for example, if a claim involves a government vehicle or entity, special notice rules or shorter timelines may apply. Also, if the injured person is a minor, the clock can be paused until they turn 18 in some cases. Because deadlines matter, contact a lawyer at Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to protect your rights.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no upfront fees; the lawyer is paid a percentage of the recovery only if you win or settle. Typical contingency fees range, depending on the stage of the case and whether it goes to trial.
In addition to attorneys’ fees, there may be case costs for expert reports, medical record retrieval, and filing fees — your lawyer often advances these costs and is reimbursed from your settlement. Ask your attorney for a clear fee agreement so you understand how fees and costs will be handled.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
A lawyer can do many things to strengthen your case and aim for full compensation.
Key tasks include:
- Investigate the accident scene and preserve physical evidence.
- Obtain and analyze police and crash reports.
- Secure video, traffic camera, and witness statements.
- Hire accident reconstructionists and other experts.
- Gather comprehensive medical records and link injuries to the crash.
- Communicate with insurers and handle all negotiations.
- Calculate total damages, including future care and lost earning capacity
- File a lawsuit and move the case through litigation, if needed.
- Prepare witnesses and represent you at trial or mediation.
These steps build a strong claim and protect you from low or unfair offers.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most car accident cases settle before trial. Insurance companies often prefer to avoid the cost and uncertainty of court. However, some cases do go to trial — especially when liability is disputed or the injuries are severe and compensation offers are low.
Preparing for trial from day one strengthens your negotiating position. Your lawyer will evaluate your case and recommend whether to accept a settlement or proceed to court. If a trial becomes necessary, your attorney will present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue your case to a judge or jury.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Indianapolis?
Taking the right steps after a crash protects your health and your claim:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Move to safety if possible and turn on hazard lights.
- Report the crash to the police and request a written report.
- Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver(s).
- Take clear photos of vehicles, damage, license plates, injuries, and the scene.
- Get contact info for witnesses and note road, weather, and lighting conditions.
- Seek medical attention right away, even for minor pain.
- Notify your insurer, but avoid detailed statements before talking to a lawyer.
- Keep records of medical visits, bills, and time off work.
- Contact an Indianapolis car accident lawyer to protect your rights.
Follow these steps to preserve evidence and demonstrate the connection between the crash and any injuries.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
We handle a wide range of car accident cases in Indianapolis.
Below are common types with short blurbs, and where you can find more detailed information on our site.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes often cause neck and back injuries like whiplash. These can result from distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden stops. Our lawyers can review crash reports and witness statements to prove fault. We also work with medical experts to document your injuries and demonstrate the full impact of the crash on your daily life.
T-Bone (Side-Impact) Collisions
Side-impact crashes occur at intersections and often cause severe injuries. We investigate traffic signals, driver actions, and visibility to establish liability. Our team gathers surveillance footage and witness testimony to build a compelling case against the negligent driver.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes are often catastrophic. We focus on driver impairment, lane departures, and vehicle defects when building these claims. Because these cases often involve life-threatening injuries, we fight aggressively for full compensation to cover both immediate and long-term needs.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
If a driver flees the scene, we pursue legal options, including uninsured motorist claims and law enforcement assistance to locate the at-fault party. Our attorneys move quickly to preserve evidence and ensure you still have avenues for financial recovery even if the driver is never found.
Distracted Driving Crashes
Phone use, eating, or adjusting controls can lead to crashes. We gather phone records and witness accounts to prove distraction. Holding distracted drivers accountable not only strengthens your case but also helps promote safer roads in Indianapolis.
Drunk or Impaired Driving Accidents
DUI collisions can strengthen your case because driving under the influence is illegal and dangerous. We work with toxicology and arrest records to support your claim. In many cases, punitive damages may also be available to punish reckless conduct and deter future violations.
Commercial Truck Accidents
Truck crashes involve unique rules and multiple liable parties. We use experts to analyze driver logs, vehicle maintenance, and company policies. Our lawyers also pursue trucking companies and insurers to ensure every responsible party is held accountable.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims
When the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, your own policy may provide coverage. We help maximize these claims. Our attorneys carefully review policy language and negotiate with your insurer to secure the benefits you’re entitled to.
Wrongful Death Claims From Car Accidents
If a loved one dies in a crash, we help families pursue wrongful death claims to recover funeral costs, lost support, and other damages. We provide compassionate guidance throughout the process while aggressively seeking justice for your family.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor to life-changing. Even crashes at lower speeds can result in significant harm that requires medical care.
Some of the most common injuries seen in Indianapolis collisions include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries – Sudden jolts often strain muscles and ligaments in the neck and back.
- Broken bones and fractures – Arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones are especially vulnerable.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – Concussions or more severe brain trauma can lead to headaches, dizziness, and long-term cognitive issues.
- Spinal cord damage – These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive rehabilitation.
- Internal organ damage – Blunt force trauma may cause bleeding or injury to organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs.
- Burns and lacerations – Fires, airbags, or shattered glass can cause scarring or disfigurement.
No matter the type of injury, it’s crucial to seek medical treatment right away and to document how the accident has affected your health and lifestyle. This not only supports your recovery but also strengthens your legal claim.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
While every crash is unique, many Indianapolis car accidents share common causes tied to driver negligence.
The most frequent include:
- Distracted driving – Texting, using GPS, or eating while driving leads to delayed reactions.
- Speeding – Driving above the limit or too fast for conditions reduces stopping time and increases crash severity.
- Impaired driving – Alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications impair judgment and coordination.
- Failure to yield – Ignoring traffic signals or right-of-way rules at intersections often leads to T-bone crashes.
- Reckless driving – Tailgating, aggressive lane changes, and road rage put everyone at risk.
- Fatigued driving – Drowsy drivers have slower reaction times, similar to intoxicated drivers.
- Weather and road conditions – Rain, snow, ice, and poorly maintained roads contribute to loss of control.
- Vehicle defects – Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions can cause unavoidable accidents.
Identifying the exact cause is essential for proving liability and recovering fair compensation. An Indianapolis car accident lawyer can investigate your crash and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Indianapolis Car Accident Statistics
Understanding the scope of car accidents in Indianapolis highlights how common and serious these events are.
According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and local crash reports:
- Thousands of crashes occur in Marion County each year, with Indianapolis accounting for a large share.
- Distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving are leading contributors to collisions.
- In recent years, Marion County has ranked among the top counties in Indiana for fatal and injury-causing crashes.
- Intersections, especially along major routes like I-465, I-70, and U.S. 31, see a high concentration of collisions.
These statistics show that no one is immune to the risk of a crash, whether driving in heavy city traffic or on suburban roads. If you’ve been hurt in an Indianapolis accident, understanding these trends can help reinforce the importance of seeking both medical and legal help promptly.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Indianapolis
Certain intersections in Indianapolis are notorious for high accident rates, often due to heavy traffic, complex layouts, or driver inattention.
Some of the most dangerous include:
- 38th Street & Guion Road – Frequent rear-end and side-impact crashes due to congestion.
- Keystone Avenue & Fall Creek Parkway – A busy merge area with confusing traffic patterns.
- Washington Street & Belmont Avenue – High pedestrian traffic combined with fast-moving vehicles.
- 86th Street & Allisonville Road – A busy commercial corridor where lane changes and turns often cause collisions.
- 38th Street & Emerson Avenue – Known for frequent red-light violations and side-impact crashes.
While any intersection can be hazardous under the wrong circumstances, these areas consistently see more accidents. If you were injured in a crash at one of these locations, an Indianapolis car accident lawyer can help you gather evidence, prove fault, and pursue compensation.
Call Our Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers Today for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash, don’t wait to get the legal support you deserve. At Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers, our experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyers are ready to stand by your side. We have the knowledge, resources, and dedication to take on insurance companies and fight for every dollar you deserve.
We offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis — you don’t pay unless we win. Call us today to schedule your case review and take the first step toward justice and recovery.
Car Accident Infographic
