If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, you need an advocate who will fight for your rights. At Wilson Kehoe Winingham (WKW), our South Bend car accident lawyers stand ready to get you the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or visit our Contact page for a free consultation today!
Why Choose Wilson Kehoe Winingham as Your South Bend Car Accident Lawyers?
At WKW, we’ve dedicated over 40 years to restoring people’s lives. After you’ve suffered a serious injury, we take over the fight for fair compensation so you can focus on healing. Here’s a brief overview of what happens when you call the South Bend car accident attorneys at Wilson Kehoe Winingham:
Free Consultation
At WKW, we offer a free case evaluation to determine if you qualify for compensation. Our accident lawyers at WKW will listen carefully to the accident details, explain your options, and walk you through your next steps. If you choose to retain us, you get our “No Win, No Fee” services, so you won’t owe us any money if you don’t get compensation.
Case Preparation
A thorough investigation is the first step in any car accident claim. When the lawyers at WKW investigate an accident, we always start at the actual crash scene. Engaging an attorney as soon as possible after the crash will help preserve vital evidence that could otherwise be destroyed.
Payment Demand
A demand letter is a professional document requesting payment for expenses caused by someone else’s negligence. When you send a demand letter, the insurance company may respond in one of four ways:
- They can accept your demands and pay accordingly.
- They can counter-offer.
- They can deny your claim and refuse to pay.
- They may not respond at all.
We can tell you how to proceed after each of these responses.
Negotiation
Our South Bend car accident attorneys stand between you and the opposing party. We negotiate on your behalf, collect and scrutinize documents related to your claim, and collaborate with local professionals and expert witnesses to back up your version of events. We also review everything before you sign in case the other party asks for something you didn’t—or shouldn’t—agree to.
Settlement
A car accident settlement is an agreement between the parties involved in an auto accident. Settlements—as opposed to court cases—can save both parties time and money. Car accident settlement timelines vary case by case but typically last one to three months. You only have one chance to get the compensation you need, so we make sure your settlement is enough to cover your past and expected future losses.
Types of Cases Our South Bend Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys Handle
Wilson Kehoe Winingham fights for victims and their families after all kinds of car accidents, including:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone collisions
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Fatal collisions
Where Do South Bend Car Accidents Happen?
In South Bend, certain roads and intersections have a higher incidence of car accidents. While the specific danger can change over time due to construction, traffic patterns, and other factors, some areas that have historically been noted for higher accident rates include:
- U.S. Route 31 (Mishawaka Avenue). This major highway sees heavy traffic and can have a lot of accidents, especially around Notre Dame and St. Mary’s.
- The Bypass (Indiana 933). While it’s designed to handle high-speed traffic, on-ramps and exits can be risky.
- Western Avenue. This thoroughfare is known for its high traffic volume, particularly near commercial areas, which can lead to accidents.
- State Road 23/South Bend Avenue. Several dangerous intersections make this busy road a hot spot for turning-related collisions.
- Main Street and Twyckenham Drive. These intersections are known for accidents, often due to the high volume of vehicles.
- Sample Road. This area can be congested, leading to accidents, particularly near schools and shopping areas.
What to Do After a Car Accident in South Bend
Stress levels skyrocket after a car crash, and keeping a cool head at the scene can be difficult. Here are a few steps to take after a crash that could help protect your health—and your claim:
1. Get to Safety
Your first priority should be your health and safety. If possible, move to a safe location, away from traffic. Once you’re out of harm’s way, assess yourself and your passengers for injuries.
2. Call 911
If someone is hurt, call 911 for an ambulance. Even if there are no injuries, you should still report the accident to the police. Wait for law enforcement to document what they see at the scene and create an accident report.
3. Exchange Information
Collect the contact and insurance details from all drivers and the names and contact details of any witnesses. Take photos that clearly show each vehicle’s license plate number and note their make and model.
4. Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene showing vehicle damage and any relevant road conditions or signs. You may want to record a voice note listing your damaged property, how you’re feeling, the people at the scene, and other important details in case you forget them later.
5. Get Prompt Medical Treatment
Even if you don’t need a trip to the emergency room, you should still get medical attention after a crash. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and insurers may question the integrity of your claim without a doctor’s note. In general, you shouldn’t wait more than 24 hours to go to the doctor.
6. Report the Accident to Your Insurer
Report the collision to your insurance provider, giving them ONLY necessary details about what happened. Avoid giving recorded statements! Insurance adjusters know which questions to ask to bait you into saying something that will discredit you later.
7. Keep Good Records
Maintain a meticulous file of all crash-related documents, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies. These will be invaluable as evidence in an injury case, especially if there are significant injuries or disputes over liability.
8. Call a Car Wreck Attorney
Under state law, victims only have two years from the date of an accident to file an injury lawsuit in Indiana. For this reason, contacting our indianapolis personal injury lawyer legal team at Wilson Kehoe Winingham as soon as possible after a crash is vital. Call us today to tell us your story and get answers at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Bend Car Accidents
Client Testimonials:
"Bill, Jon and Megan made me feel comfortable right away. They listened, then asked question. They explained what they could do for me very clearly, defining the parameters of their service and possible outcomes. I would recommend the firm to any of my friends and family members."
Nancy Z.
"Bruce and his staff did an amazing job on my case and had everything so well put together that it truly made a difference during settlement time. I would recommend this group to any one."
Chase Pitcock
"Amazing team, and caring. Always there to answer any questions I had. Handled my case very quickly, never cutting corners. Best people to have on your side in the worst time in your life"
Jessica Maxwell
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Contact Us
Let WKW put our experience to work for you. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
Or, call us today at (317) 920-6400
