Our Bloomington Car Accident Attorneys

The weeks after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with medical costs, insurance companies, and potential legal battles. The right lawyer makes a significant difference in ensuring you are fairly compensated for your injuries and damages. 

Here’s what you can expect from the Bloomington car accident attorneys at Wilson Kehoe Winingham.

Types of Cases Our Bloomington Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys Cover

Wilson Kehoe Winingham has decades of experience helping clients get compensation for a variety of car accidents, including:

• Head-on collisions
• Intersection crashes
• Rear-end collisions
• Side collisions
• Muti-car accidents
• Fatal car accidents

Where Do Bloomington Car Accidents Happen?

Car accidents in Bloomington, Indiana, can happen anywhere on the road, but there are some areas where crashes tend to occur more frequently because of traffic volume, road design, and other factors. 

Here are a few key locations in Bloomington where accidents have been more common:

Intersections With High Traffic Volume

• 3rd Street and Walnut Street. This intersection, close to downtown Bloomington, sees a lot of traffic due to its proximity to the Indiana University campus, local businesses, and housing. Congestion, pedestrian traffic, and turning movements have all led to accidents here.
• Ind. 45/46 Bypass and College Mall Road. Near major shopping centers and Indiana University, this high-traffic intersection’s design and heavy flow of cars can lead to rear-end crashes and other types of accidents.
• Indiana Avenue and 10th Street. With heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic due to its location near IU, accidents can happen at this intersection, especially involving students walking or biking.

Highway and Bypass Areas

• Indiana State Road 45/46 (The Bypass). The Bypass runs around Bloomington and sees significant traffic, including both local commuters and long-distance travelers. Speeding, lane changes, and exits can contribute to crashes.
• State Road 37 (SR 37). The stretch of SR 37 that runs through Bloomington has a mix of intersections, turning lanes, and high-speed traffic. Accidents can happen when drivers don’t adjust to speed limits, road conditions, or frequent changes in traffic patterns.

College Campus Areas

• Around Indiana University. Areas between downtown and the IU campus experience frequent accidents due to heavy student pedestrian traffic, cyclists, and motorists, often leading to minor crashes or fender benders.
• Grant Street and 10th Street. These streets can see traffic congestion and frequent accidents due to the volume of pedestrians and cars.

Residential Streets

South Bloomington (Near Sare Road, Rogers Street, and Country Club Drive): These residential areas sometimes experience crashes, especially during rush hours or in adverse weather conditions. Poor visibility, intersections, and narrow lanes contribute to accidents in these areas.

Construction Zones and Road Work

During ongoing construction projects, certain parts of Bloomington might experience an uptick in accidents. Areas that are temporarily altered for road repairs can confuse drivers or create unsafe conditions, leading to collisions. 

What to Do After a Car Accident in Bloomington

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and want to ensure you’re treated fairly by insurance companies, it’s vital to handle the situation carefully from start to finish. Insurance companies can be complex to navigate, but following a few essential steps can bolster your position for receiving a fair settlement.

1. Ensure Safety and Call Authorities

First, make sure everyone involved in the crash is safe. If the accident is minor and you can move, get your vehicle to a safe location (out of traffic) to avoid further collisions. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately for medical assistance.

Even if the accident seems minor, always call the police. They will ask questions at the scene and create a police report, which is crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes.

2. Record the Scene

Use your phone to record everything—damage to all vehicles involved, any skid marks, the positions of the vehicles, the surrounding environment (traffic signals, signs), and any visible injuries. Note the details!

3. Take Names and Information

Write down all drivers’ names, contact information, and insurance details, and get the names and contact info of any witnesses. If the police create a report, ask how you can obtain a copy.

4. Avoid Admitting Fault or Making Detailed Statements

When talking to other drivers, the police, or insurance companies, stick to the facts. Don’t say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault, either at the scene or later in your communications with the insurance company. Even if you feel responsible, the full details of the accident need to be investigated before fault can be determined.

5. Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident, even if you weren’t at fault. Failure to do so quickly could result in complications or denial of your claim. Limit statements to the facts and avoid speculation. 

Your insurer may have specific steps or requirements for filing a claim. Make sure you comply with their requests to avoid delays.

6. Get a Medical Evaluation

Even if you feel fine, always see a doctor after a car accident. Injuries from car accidents—like whiplash or soft-tissue damage—can appear hours or days later. 

A medical record that links your injuries to the accident will be critical for your insurance claim and any potential personal injury lawsuit. If a doctor recommends follow-up visits or therapy, be sure to follow their instructions to show that you’re taking your injuries seriously.

7. Keep Detailed Records

Keep all medical treatment records, including bills, prescriptions, therapy visits, and any other related expenses. Do the same for any car repairs, rental cars, and other costs you incur as a result of the accident. This will be essential for calculating the value of your claim. 

Also, preserve all correspondence with your insurance company, the other driver’s insurance, and any legal or medical professionals involved in your case.

8. Call Our Car Accident Attorneys

If your case involves serious injuries or significant property damage, or if you’re facing difficulties with your insurance company, consulting an experienced personal injury attorney may be a wise step. 

The legal team at Wilson Kehoe Winingham can help negotiate a fair settlement or represent your interests in court if necessary. Call (317) 920-6400 or visit our contact page for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bloomington Car Accidents

How long will it take to settle my car accident claim?

The time needed to settle a car accident claim can vary widely. If the case is straightforward and both parties agree, it may take a few months. However, if there are disputes over fault, significant injuries, or if you need to go to trial, it could take longer—sometimes up to a year or more. We can provide a more accurate timeline based on the details of your case.

Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

It depends on the accident’s severity and your case’s complexity. If you’ve sustained serious injuries, the other party is disputing fault, or you’re not satisfied with your insurance company’s offer, it’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer. Our injury attorneys can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.

How much will it cost to hire a lawyer for a car accident claim?

Our Bloomington car accident lawyers at WKW work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or award, allowing you to pursue legal help without upfront costs.