Terre Haute Car Accident Lawyers

Terre Haute Car Accident Lawyers: Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Terre Haute, Indiana

The aftermath of a car accident can be both overwhelming and devastating. You are likely reeling from a possibly life-altering event that happened in a flash. You may have medical bills piling up. And depending on the extent of your injuries, you might not be able to work, adding to your financial stress.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you likely have grounds to sue for a financial settlement. But navigating these waters alone can be challenging and intimidating. That’s where the experienced Terre Haute car accident lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham can help. For decades, we’ve helped Terre Haute, Indiana accident victims through each step of the process to get the full and fair compensation they deserve.

About the Town of Terre Haute, Indiana

Terre Haute is a city in and the county seat of Vigo County, near the state’s western border with Illinois. The city is home to both Indiana State University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Nearly 60,000 residents call Terre Haute home and enjoy the many amenities that the city has to offer.

Terre Haute has worked to revitalize the businesses and culture in its downtown district. The city boasts many festivals, museums, restaurants, shops, and the addition of multiple hotels as part of its revitalization. These efforts were recognized in 2010 when the Indiana Chamber of Commerce named Terre Haute Indiana’s Community of the Year.

How to Prove Negligence in a Terre Haute Accident

Your car accident lawyer at WKW will work hard to prove negligence to help build your case. While a car accident may seem straightforward as to who’s at fault, in reality each situation usually comes with its own complexities. Both parties involved will have their perspectives, and witnesses may be questioned. Perhaps there were traffic cameras in the area that documented the crash. But the parties must come to an agreement as to who is at fault, or the case will move from a possible settlement to the courtroom.

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.

Possible Damages to Recover After a Car Accident in Terre Haute, IN

There are two main types of compensation you may be entitled to following a car accident: economic 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
• Other property damage
• Lost income or wages
• Car rental
• 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:

• Loss of companionship
• Trauma, including fear and anger
• Lower quality of life due to injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability

How Much Is Your Terre Haute Car Accident Worth?

Each accident—and the resulting damage—is unique, so there is no standard answer to this question. A lawyer will need to look into the details in order to get a better idea of a potential settlement amount. If you’ve been involved in a car accident with another driver at fault, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer is essential to securing a comprehensive full and fair settlement.

Types of Terre Haute Accidents Our Attorneys Cover

No matter your own personal experience, reach out to the knowledgeable car accident lawyers at WKW to get help navigating the road ahead following your accident. Accidents happen in all sorts of ways, and while some are more serious than others, you should pursue compensation if another party was negligible. Some of the most common types of car accidents that we handle in and around Terre Haute include:

• Head-on collisions
• Intersection crashes
• Side collisions
• Rear-end collisions
• Failure to yield
• Accidents involving bicyclists or pedestrians
• Tractor-trailer wrecks
• Single car crashes
• Motorcycle/scooter accidents
• Semi-truck crashes

Car accidents of all types can lead to severe injuries, significant property damage, and even fatalities. Get the help you need today with an experienced Terre Haute car accident lawyer from WKW.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Terre Haute, IN

You are likely not quite yourself in the immediate aftermath of a car accident, even if it was just a minor fender bender. But the steps you take right after the accident could help your case considerably down the road.

First, get yourself and any passengers to safety, out of the flow of traffic. If your vehicle can be moved, pull it off to the side of the road as a safety precaution for others.

Next, depending on the severity of the accident, either call 911 or local police. You’ll want to make sure an official police report is filed.

Gather Information and Evidence to Build a Case

Document the accident scene with photos and/or videos. Include not only property damage but also the surrounding area, any road signage or road damage, signals, etc.

Be sure to get contact information from others involved in the accident, including insurance details. This includes getting contact information from any potential witnesses.

Seek Medical Assistance From a Professional

You will want to get a medical check-up following any car accident. Even if you think you feel ok, pain may crop up later when your adrenaline wears off. Or what seems to start off as a minor condition may worsen after more time passes, so it’s good to have an evaluation on file.

What Rights Does a Car Accident Victim Have in Indiana?

In the state of Indiana, the law recognizes that people can be found negligent or otherwise responsible for harm or injury sustained in an accident. If you are the victim of a party’s negligence, working with a lawyer at Wilson Kehoe Winingham in Terre Haute can help you get your rightful compensation. Accidents can happen in an instant, but may have long-term or even lifelong repercussions. You may find yourself unable to work, or even walk. Spending time doing the things you love may now come with constant pain. You should not suffer in silence if the responsible party did not take the necessary care to prevent your injury from happening and possibly changing your life.

Indiana Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents

Statute of limitations is the set of laws that dictates the timing for when you may file lawsuits in court. These differ from state to state and also vary with the type of claim. For a car accident in Indiana, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. While there are exceptions to this rule, such as if a government vehicle is involved, we recommend you start working with a car accident attorney as soon as possible to give you the most time to ascertain future medical troubles or financial losses.

Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in Terre Haute, Indiana Area

You will likely feel overwhelmed following a car accident. Maybe your car is damaged to the point that you need to get a rental and insurance adjusters are calling. You may have medical bills piling up or need to take care of a loved one who’s been injured. But there’s no need to go it alone. Having an experienced WKW car accident attorney on your team will help take the pressure off and provide the guidance you need so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.

Communicates Directly With the Insurance Company

You will be at a disadvantage if you begin negotiations with an insurance company on your own without the guidance of an experienced attorney. We encourage our clients to not speak directly with an insurance adjuster without an attorney present. It is the adjuster’s job to maximize profit for their employer. Insurance companies will try to lowball you, so if you accept their first offer, you have likely left a lot of money on the table. An experienced attorney will have an idea of what’s at stake and know how to negotiate for a higher settlement amount.

Helps to Recover Damages in a Timely Manner

When WKW obtains a settlement or verdict for our clients, our work doesn’t end there. After all the stress your incident has caused in your life, the last thing you need is to be waiting around for the funds to materialize. We will get to work right away to resolve any liens that are attached to your recovery, making sure you receive your compensation as soon as possible. A quick resolution provides both practical and mental benefits as you move forward.

Dangers of Representing Yourself in a Terre Haute Car Accident Case

Legally, there is nothing stopping you from representing yourself in a car accident case in Indiana. However, it is strongly recommended that you hire a lawyer to help you through this process. While this is likely the first time you are encountering filing a claim, an experienced car accident lawyer at WKW will have years of experience. This not only allows you to focus on healing, it also will likely result in a larger settlement.

How Much Does a Terre Haute Car Accident Attorney Cost?

Don’t let concern over the cost of legal fees put you off from getting the help you need. The car accident attorneys at WKW work on a contingency fee basis. That means no out-of-pocket expenses for our clients. Instead, our attorneys only get paid if you win a settlement, aligning both parties’ interests. This allows you to focus on healing and getting your life back together, without any added stress.

Choosing a Reliable Terre Haute Car Accident Law Firm to Represent Your Case

It’s important to find a quality, experienced attorney and law firm to represent you following a car accident. Look for a car accident lawyer who has experience that’s relevant to the particulars of your case. It’s also important to find the right personal fit for you and your case. You want a firm you trust and a lawyer you have a good rapport with, along with someone who will guide you step by step through the process. We advise you to avoid any car accident law firms or attorneys who ask for money up front.

The Terre Haute car accident lawyers at WKW have decades of experience helping victims in car accidents get full and fair settlements. This work is the core of our entire practice.

Wilson Kehoe Winingham: Terre Haute Car Accident Lawyers You Can Trust

The car accident attorneys at Wilson Kehoe Winingham are experienced and in Terre Haute to support you or a loved one through the stressful time following a car accident. We limit the number of cases we take on so each and every client gets the attention they deserve. We’ll put our firm’s experience and resources to work for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Partner with an experienced firm you can trust for optimal results.

Reach Out to WKW for Help After Your Terre Haute Car Accident

There’s no reason to go it alone when the experienced car accident lawyers at WKW are here in Terre Haute and ready to help. We’ll put our firm’s experience and resources to work for you, and stay with you each step of the way. Reach out to us today at (317) 920-6425 or go online to set up a no-obligation, free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the driver in the back always liable for a rear-end collision?

It’s a common misconception that the driver in the back is always the one responsible for rear-end collisions. In fact, if you’re the driver in the rear, you may find yourself having to prove that the driver in front of you caused or at least contributed to the accident, given that you’re expected to leave a safe distance between cars. Examples of when the driver in front may be liable include a failure to signal when planning to execute a turn, leaving a broken-down or stalled car in the flow of traffic, or if they have non-working brake lights they’ve neglected to repair.

What will insurance cover for a totaled car?

If you’ve been in a car accident that’s resulted in your car being totaled, you are likely dealing with medical issues in addition to learning what’s next with replacing your vehicle. This can be stressful.

So, how do you know if what the insurance company is offering for your vehicle is fair? Generally speaking, the value of your vehicle is determined by what’s known as fair market value, or actual cash value. This means that the car is worth what other identical vehicles would sell for in today’s market, regardless of what you paid or what you may owe on the car.

We suggest researching your local market to see if the insurance offer is adequate. This includes shopping around on various websites where used cars are sold to find comparables on your exact model. You may also wish to contact dealers to see what they think the value is. That way you are armed with information to present to the insurance company if they propose a number that is too low to be considered fair. An experienced car accident lawyer can also help negotiate with the insurance company for a better offer.

Are you required to accept an insurance settlement?

If you’ve received a settlement offer from an insurance company that you feel is too low, you are under no obligation to accept it. In fact, it’s commonly known in the legal field that the initial offer made will likely be a lowball offer. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer who knows the tactics of insurance adjusters is the best way to ensure you get a full and fair settlement. Eventually, however, if you refuse to accept what they’ve put on the table, you may need to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial.

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