A car accident can leave you dealing with injuries, medical bills, missed work, vehicle repairs, and nonstop insurance calls, all while you’re still trying to recover. You may have many questions about what comes next, what to expect, and how to get the money you need to cover your bills.
Here are answers to common questions our Indianapolis car accident lawyers hear from people who have been involved in traffic accidents. Contact Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers at (317) 920-6400 to schedule a free consultation about your crash in Indianapolis, IN.
If you still have questions or are ready to pursue compensation, reach out to our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys.
Why Choose Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers After a Car Crash in Indianapolis, Indiana
After a serious wreck, it’s easy to feel pressured into handling it yourself, especially when an insurance adjuster sounds friendly or offers quick money. However, Indiana claims can become complicated quickly. Evidence disappears, medical treatment evolves, and insurers may dispute fault or the value of your losses.
When you choose Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers, you get a dedicated legal partner to handle the entire legal and insurance workload in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Here are some of the reasons clients hire our Indianapolis personal injury lawyers after a car crash:
- Proven experience: Our firm brings 124 years of combined experience to high-stakes injury cases, giving you confidence in our legal knowledge.
- Award-winning advocacy: Our attorneys have earned recognition, including the ITLA Trial Lawyer of the Year, Leadership in the Law Award, and the Indianapolis Bar Association’s Distinguished Fellow Award.
- Comprehensive case management: We build a clear liability narrative, meticulously document your damages, and aggressively pursue a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Focus on your recovery: We take over the legal and insurance burdens, allowing you to concentrate on your medical treatment and physical recovery.
- Dedicated fighters: When you have been left injured by someone else’s negligence, you can count on our legal team to fight relentlessly for you and your future.
Call our office today for a free consultation with an Indianapolis car accident attorney to discuss what we can do to help you.
What Steps Should I Take After an Indianapolis Car Accident?
Safety and health are the first priorities after a crash. Pull over somewhere safe away from traffic. Don’t try to get out of your vehicle unless it’s safe to do so. If anyone is hurt, call 911 and request medical help.
After that, here are some other important steps to remember:
- Indiana law requires specific actions at the scene, including stopping, remaining at the scene, and exchanging identifying information with the other party. You’re also required to report the crash as soon as possible when there’s injury or death.
- If you’re able, also take photos and video of vehicle positions, damage, the roadway, skid marks, traffic signals, and visible injuries at the scene.
- Obtain contact information for witnesses and request the responding officer’s name, as well as the report or case number.
- Get checked by a medical professional the same day if you experience pain, dizziness, numbness, or symptoms in your head or neck. Otherwise, it’s still important to see a doctor as soon as possible, ideally within a couple of days.
- You should also notify your insurer about the accident within a few days. Provide them only with facts about the crash, including the date and location of the incident and the parties involved.
If the crash involves an unattended vehicle or other property and you can’t locate the owner, Indiana law requires you to contact law enforcement and provide the necessary information.
What Damages Can I Recover After My Indianapolis Car Crash?
After an Indiana car accident, you are entitled to be made whole by the at-fault party. You may seek damages for your economic losses and non-economic losses.
Damages you may recover in a car accident case may include:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Lost income
- Reduced or lost earning capacity and benefits of employment
- Property damage, including vehicle damage and possibly your vehicle’s depreciated value after repairs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In very rare cases, a third type of damages may be available. Exemplary or punitive damages are awarded to punish a defendant for intentional wrongdoing, gross negligence, or extremely reckless behavior. A jury may award these damages if you were injured by a drunk driver or in a hit-and-run accident.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially Responsible for the Crash?
Typically, yes, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Indiana applies a modified comparative fault rule when two or more people share blame. Your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault, and you can be barred from recovery completely if your fault is 51% or greater.
If you are being blamed for your crash, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney will gather evidence to prove how your accident happened and make sure fault is assigned correctly to protect your right to compensation.
How Long Will It Take to Reach a Settlement in My Case?
There isn’t a single timeline that fits every case. Some claims are resolved within a few months, while others may take a year or longer.
Your case may take longer to resolve if:
- You need ongoing treatment or surgery.
- You haven’t reached maximum medical improvement yet.
- Fault is disputed under Indiana’s comparative fault rules.
- The insurer challenges the seriousness of injuries or the amount of damages.
- The case requires filing a lawsuit and conducting discovery.
As tempting as it may be, it’s risky to settle your claim before you understand your future medical needs or any long-term limitations. At Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers, our goal is to settle your case as quickly as possible without leaving money on the table.
What Is the Deadline to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Indiana?
In most Indiana car accident cases, the statute of limitations is typically two years. However, deadlines can be shorter in special situations. For example, if your crash involves a government vehicle or a claim against a government entity, you may have less time to pursue a claim.
Missing the deadline means your case can be dismissed, and you can be barred from recovering any damages. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights and begin building your case.
Contact Our Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you were hurt in a crash caused by another driver, you may be entitled to money for your losses. Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers is ready to answer your questions and help you understand your options. Call our law firm today to schedule a free case evaluation with an Indianapolis car accident attorney.