Anderson Car Accident Lawyers

Have you suffered from injuries in an Anderson, Indiana car accident? When drivers act negligently, they endanger other road users and can cause significant harm. Depending on the severity of a motor vehicle accident, these incidents can often be life-altering. After enduring auto accident injuries, you may experience physical, emotional, mental, and financial confusion and pain. Having an experienced Anderson car accident lawyer at your side can help make the healing process more manageable.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be eligible for financial compensation. The Anderson car accident lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham are available to help you with your car accident case.

Anderson, Indiana Car Accident Statistics

Anderson is a city in and the county seat of Madison County, Indiana. More than 50,000 people call Anderson home. The city is proud of its historical downtown area and also offers easy access to many outdoor activities. Anderson is located along the White River and is in a largely agricultural area of the state.

According to the Indiana Crash Facts book, the state of Indiana had 350,641 individuals involved in car accidents in 2019. After seeing annual increases for years, this number is down slightly from 2018, but is still a serious concern.

And Madison County’s numbers remain high, with nearly 4,300 collisions and a ranking of number 11 in the state for total collisions out of 92 counties. Anderson is surrounded by rural roads, where one in three fatal accidents take place in Indiana.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer?

It is crucial that you choose the correct law firm to represent you following your Anderson car accident. Remember, you only have one chance to get compensation; there are no do-overs, so choose your legal representation very carefully.

Auto accident cases can quickly become complicated. There can be many factors at play, and determining liability is difficult when there might be more than one driver at fault. You need to be represented by a law firm with the experience and resources necessary to build a strong case so that you can secure compensation for your injuries.

What Makes WKW Special?

With extensive experience in auto accidents and injuries, the Anderson car accident lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham can help you get the compensation you deserve. Plus, our lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning no out-of-pocket costs to you.

Our firm was built on the foundation of “restoring lives” so we can help our clients move forward. In the event of a tragic car accident, let the legal team at WKW work toward the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones.

Our dedicated team of lawyers has been recognized and awarded for their work. Three of our attorneys have been named Indiana Super Lawyers, two of whom have been included in the Top 10 Indiana Super Lawyers list. WKW partners Bruce Kehoe and Bill Winingham have also been recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” for Indianapolis in Best Lawyers. It is this standard of excellence and dedication that we will bring to your car accident case.

What Are Some of The Common Causes of Car Accidents in Anderson, IN?

The majority of car accidents happen—at least in part—because of human error, along with a variety of contributing factors. Some of the main causes for car accidents include:

• Distracted driving (texting, talking on the phone, eating, grooming, etc.)
• Impaired driving (operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol)
• Speeding
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Reckless or aggressive driving (switching lanes too quickly, disregarding the safety of others, etc.)
• Fatigue (sleepiness, drowsiness, or exhaustion)
• Weather conditions (rain, snow, fog, wind, etc.)
• Road conditions (poorly maintained roads, improper signage, etc.)
• Vehicle defects
• Loss of control
• Driver illness or medical condition

Knowing the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents can help keep you and your family safe on the road. Preparing for safety before getting in the car is an important part of being proactive about avoiding potential collisions.

What Injuries Might be Sustained by Victims of an Anderson Wreck?

Injuries sustained in a car accident vary widely depending on the severity of the crash. The following are examples of the most common Anderson car accident injuries:

• Broken bones
• Scrapes and cuts
• Internal bleeding
• Soft tissue damage
• Whiplash
• Knee injuries
• Back or neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Death

Some of these injuries, such as back or neck injuries, may not be apparent in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Instead, they could show up days or weeks later. This is why it’s so important to get checked out by a medical professional following any Anderson car accident.

What to Do Directly After a Car Crash in Anderson, IN

Car crashes and other auto accidents can be very scary, especially if there are injuries and severe damage. If you are involved in an auto accident, take the following steps:

• Stay calm and get to safety
• Check for injuries
• Call the police
• Document the accident
• Collect information
• Seek medical care
• Inform your insurance company
• Call an attorney

Stay Calm and Get to Safety

The first thing you should do is get to a safe location as quickly as possible. If you can, move your vehicle to the side of the road. If not, leave your car where it is and make sure you and your passengers are at a safe distance and out of traffic. Additionally, try to warn oncoming vehicles of the collision to avoid further accidents.

Check for Injuries

Check yourself, your passengers, and people in the other vehicles for injuries. Seek medical attention immediately if anyone is seriously injured. Do not try to move someone who is badly hurt unless there is immediate danger; doing so could injure someone further.

Call for Help

Contact law enforcement to file an official accident report. Notify them of any injuries so medical personnel can be dispatched, if necessary.

Stay Put Until You’re Told to Leave By Police

Unless you are injured, it’s important to stay at the scene and cooperate with the officer.

Get Contact Information From All Present Parties

Record the following information concerning the accident:

• Names and contact information of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident
• License plate number, make, and model of all vehicles involved in the accident
• Insurance information of all drivers involved in the accident
• Names and badge numbers of all police officers at the scene
• Service or reference number of the official accident report
• Names and contact information of any witnesses

This information is crucial to building a successful case because your attorneys will use it in their investigations.

Document the Scene With Photos or Videos

Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the scene. Record a walk-around of your car. You should also photograph the other driver’s car, the road, skid marks, broken signs, broken guardrails, and other aspects of the accident scene.

It is also helpful to keep a diary of all significant details concerning the accident. This evidence will be helpful for your auto accident case. Make a list of damaged property, write down traffic and weather conditions, and describe the position of cars and the length of any skid marks you see.

If you are injured and would like to file a lawsuit, continuing to document your injuries on a daily or weekly basis can act as evidence for your case. Keep detailed descriptions of how your daily life has been impacted. This can help to verify your experience with the judge and court.

Remove Any Necessary Items From Your Vehicle Before It’s Taken

Be sure to grab any essential items from your car before leaving it at the scene, including personal belongings (purse, briefcase), glasses, insurance records, and your garage door opener.

Receive Medical Treatment for Any Injuries

It’s important to get checked out by a doctor, even if you don’t have any noticeable injuries. Injuries from a car accident could take days or months to appear. Or your injuries could worsen over time. Don’t wait until you are in pain to see a doctor. Get a quick checkup as soon as you can after the accident.

Call Your Insurance Company and Report the Accident

Make a thorough accident report to your automobile insurance company. However, when speaking with the insurance adjuster, don’t sign any documents or give any statements. Anything you say could be used against you in the future.

Get a Vehicle Repair Estimate From a Reputable Source

If necessary, take your car to a repair shop and get an estimate. If you have a trusted mechanic, we recommend going there before you go to one an insurance adjuster recommends. Don’t forget that you have a choice in the matter.

Don’t Give Any Statements or Accept Any Settlements

When speaking with the insurance adjuster—or really anyone—don’t sign any documents or give any statements. Anything you say could be used against you in the future.

Contact a Reliable Auto Accident Attorney

Contact an experienced Anderson auto accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. At WKW, we specialize in assisting people who have been injured in car wrecks in Indiana. Our team can help you navigate the complexities of personal injury law and determine if you can seek compensation for your injuries.

Is a Police Report Required?

No, but you should always call the police and have an official accident report filed. The report will be very helpful as your car accident lawyer builds your case. Police reports usually contain the following kinds of information.

• Weather and road conditions: This can help paint a picture of the state of the roads when the accident took place. It may also help to form an idea as to whether or not the other driver was acting in a reckless manner given the conditions.
• Contact information: You will likely feel out of sorts following an accident and may forget to gather all relevant information at the time. The police report will include the name and contact information of the other parties involved, and possibly of any witnesses.
• Evidence collected at the scene: If a driver is suspected of being under the influence, information on a blood draw or sobriety test would be noted in the report.
• Property damage to vehicles: There may be diagrams included in the report or an indication of the severity of damage done to the vehicle(s) involved.
• Citations issued: If a driver was ticketed at the scene for breaking the law, this would definitely be helpful information for your lawyer in determining fault.
• Summary or conclusions: Police reports will often include a summary or opinion on the cause of the accident by the responding officer(s).

So while a police report isn’t admissible as evidence in court, you can see how it could help your case. When you hire a car accident lawyer, they’ll obtain the report and use it to help set the scene and determine fault.

How Much Is a Car Accident Claim Worth?

Each car accident case is unique, so it is difficult to answer this question. The dollar amount sought will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of property damage as well as any injuries and their long-lasting impacts.

Compensation can be sought for both monetary (medical bills) and non-monetary (pain and suffering) damages. The car accident lawyers at WKW have experience with all of these details and will not leave money on the table.

What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered With a Car Accident Claim?

Following your car accident in Anderson, you may be left reeling from injuries, a totaled car, or worse. If it’s your first time dealing with these losses, it can be hard to know where to start.

There are typically two ways to determine a claim’s monetary value: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages, also known as special damages, are typically more straightforward, as they have a quantifiable dollar amount associated with them. Examples include medical expenses, damage to your vehicle or other property damages, car rental fees, and therapy or rehab.

Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, do not have a dollar amount directly associated with them. Types of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, fear or trauma, loss of companionship, and reduction in quality of life due to injuries sustained.

Is Indiana a No-Fault State?

Indiana is what’s known as an at-fault state. This means you can seek damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance as opposed to filing on your own policy. In some accidents, both parties may be found partially at fault, which would affect the settlement. If you are found to be 20% responsible, then you are only eligible to receive 80% of the settlement. Any driver that’s determined to be 51% or more at fault is not eligible to receive compensation from the accident.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in Indiana?

Indiana has a set of laws dictating when you can file lawsuits in court. These deadlines are called statutes of limitations. The statute of limitations differs among states and is based on the type of claim you are filing.

The Indiana statute of limitations for an auto accident is two years from the day of the incident. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as if your accident involved a government vehicle. But because of this strict deadline, we recommend that you contact an experienced Anderson car wreck lawyer today.

Other Car Accident Laws

We’ve already discussed Indiana’s at-fault system and the statute of limitations. Additionally, the state of Indiana dictates other requirements with the goal of promoting driver safety. For example, the state requires every driver to carry auto insurance. This includes injury and property liability in addition to uninsured motorist coverage. You must carry at least the minimum requirements to legally drive in the state.

Work With Us | Experienced Anderson Car Accident Lawyers at WKW

We are proud of our case results and winning record. With more than 30 years of experience, the auto accident attorneys at WKW will investigate and analyze every part of your case and make sure you get the assistance you need to be successful. Whether your case is negotiated at settlement or brought to trial, WKW is more than ready for the challenge.

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm Today

With extensive experience in auto accidents and injuries, the Anderson car accident attorneys at Wilson Kehoe Winingham can help you get the full and fair compensation you deserve. In the event of a tragic car accident, let the legal team at WKW work toward the best possible outcome for your case.

Call 317.920.6400 today or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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