Every day, people are injured in car accidents caused by negligent drivers. If you are hurt in an accident in Indiana, you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages you suffered. But getting the compensation you deserve can prove difficult – especially when the at-fault driver denies responsibility and their insurance company supports this narrative.
If you were injured in a car accident in Lawrence, reach out to Fountain Law Firm, P.C. for legal advice and guidance. We provide a free consultation where we can discuss your legal rights and options. Contact us today to schedule your free case review.
If you were hurt in a car accident, you might wonder whether it’s worth contacting a lawyer. Do you really need a lawyer? The answer is probably, “yes.” You are already dealing with a lot with your injuries, need to schedule multiple medical appointments, trying to coordinate your return to work, and dealing with bill collectors, all while dealing with all of your regular life responsibilities. You probably do not have the time, energy, or wherewithal to deal with everything that goes along with filing an insurance claim.
An experienced car accident lawyer can provide you with the legal support and information you need during this critical time. At Fountain Law Firm, P.C., we are committed to helping you recover maximum compensation for your losses so you can move toward the next chapter of your life with the confidence and financial resources you deserve. You can count on us to:
You can learn more about how we can help when you call us today for your free case review.
In Indiana, car accident victims can seek compensation for the economic and non-economic damages they suffer. Depending on the circumstances, this could include compensation for the following:
An experienced car accident lawyer can review your case and determine the compensation that might be available to you.
Since Indiana is an at-fault state for car accidents, the party who is found at fault for the accident is responsible for the financial damages they cause. To recover fair compensation for your claim, you will need proof the other driver was at fault, which may take the form of:
It is also important to understand that Indiana uses a comparative fault system if the car accident victim seeking compensation contributed to the accident. In this situation, the victim can still seek compensation for the accident as long as they are not more than 50% at fault. However, their compensation is reduced by their degree of fault. Defending against allegations of your own fault is another way that an experienced car accident lawyer can help.
If you are injured in a car accident caused by another party’s negligence, an experienced car accident lawyer from Fountain Law Firm, P.C. can guide you through every step of the claims process, including:
One of the first things to do after getting into a car accident is to contact a car accident lawyer. Fountain Law Firm, P.C. provides a free, no-obligation consultation, so you can discuss your case with a qualified legal professional who can inform you of your legal rights and options.
During the case evaluation, the lawyer will review your case to determine whether you have grounds to make a personal injury claim. The lawyer will ask questions about the accident and your injuries. They will also review any documents you have pertaining to the case. By the end of the consultation, the lawyer may have developed a personalized legal strategy for recovering compensation for the accident.
Fault will need to be established before you can recover any compensation. Although the insurance company may conduct an investigation, you may want your own investigation. This is because the insurance company’s objective is to try to minimize the value of any claim you may have as much as possible to protect its profit margin. Your lawyer can ensure that valuable evidence is not overlooked or misinterpreted.
An accident investigation may involve the following:
Once fault has been established, your lawyer can begin building your claim for compensation. Your lawyer will start adding up all of the financial losses the accident caused with evidence such as:
Your lawyer will also document your non-economic damages like your pain and suffering. Once your lawyer is clear on the full extent of damages, they will send the insurance company a demand letter, demanding the insurance company provide you with a specific amount of compensation in exchange for you not filing a lawsuit.
The insurance company may respond to the demand package by accepting it, denying it, or making a counteroffer. Your lawyer and the insurance company may go back and forth several times before they reach an agreed amount to settle your claim. If an agreement is reached, you will be asked to sign a release of liability in exchange for the agreed-upon settlement amount.
The goal of a personal injury claim is to secure an out-of-court settlement. However, if the insurance company refuses to provide a fair settlement, your Lawrence car accident lawyer may file a lawsuit. This would begin the litigation process.
If you are hurt in a car accident in Lawrence, it’s important to know the steps to take to protect your health and legal rights. Here is a brief checklist to follow:
Finally, hire an experienced personal injury lawyer who can guide you on your next steps.
In Indiana, all drivers are required to maintain liability coverage in certain minimum amounts in case they cause an accident. These limits are:
These are just the minimum amounts. The driver may have more insurance. If you are hit by a negligent driver, your claim is often limited by the amount of insurance coverage available unless you personally sue the at-fault driver. A lawyer can also investigate whether there are other options for recovery.
Indiana law also requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage unless they reject it in writing. The minimum amount of uninsured motorist coverage is the same as the minimum liability coverage amounts. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you in case you are hit by an uninsured driver.
If you are hit by a negligent driver, you can hire a car accident lawyer. However, there are times when it is absolutely essential to have a lawyer, such as:
Fountain Law Firm, P.C. offers a free, no-obligation case review, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us.
Many insurance companies will call accident victims, even shortly after the crash, in an attempt to get them to give a recorded statement. They may even say the statement is necessary to process the claim. However, accident victims need to know that this tactic is only used to harm their claim or help the insurance company. They might try to get the victim to say something the insurance company can use against them. The better tactic is usually to refer the insurance company to your lawyer.
Indiana’s statute of limitations gives you just two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is not a lot of time to do everything necessary to prepare your claim and attempt an out-of-court settlement. Working with an experienced lawyer can help expedite your claim and ensure legal action is taken in a timely manner to preserve your rights.
In 2020, there were 896 traffic fatalities in Indiana. Of these, 148 occurred in Marion County. There were also 38,913 non-fatal injuries in Indiana motor vehicle accidents in Indiana. Marion County ranked highest in the number of collisions at 28,701, as well as the highest number of fatalities. 20.7% of motor vehicle collisions in Indiana were hit-and-run crashes.
Most car accidents in Lawrence are caused by negligence by other motorists, such as:
Indiana’s distracted driving law prohibits drivers from doing any of the following while operating a motor vehicle:
While cell phone use is the most common type of distracted driving, it is not the only form. Anything that diverts your attention from the task of driving can be distracted driving and increase the risk of getting into an accident.
Speeding can cause accidents because speeding drivers have less braking distance than drivers traveling at a reasonable speed. Additionally, speeding is more likely to result in serious injuries because the force of impact is stronger and safety equipment is less effective at higher speeds.
Alcohol or drugs can also cause accidents. Drugs and alcohol significantly impair a driver’s ability to drive safely because they lower inhibitions, cause blurry vision, make it more difficult for them to stay in the same lane, and negatively impact their coordination. When people choose to drink and drive, they should be held accountable for the full extent of the harm they cause.
Drowsy driving causes many of the same issues as those impaired by drugs or alcohol. They have slower reaction times and are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel.
Negligent motorists may break traffic laws accidentally or purposefully, such as:
Our experienced legal team can review your case and determine how the crash occurred.
Some drivers get heated while behind the wheel and engage in intimidating and aggressive behaviors, such as:
While negligent motorists are the main cause of motor vehicle accidents, some other causes may include:
Some motor vehicle accidents are due to defective auto parts, such as tires that cause unexpected blowouts or brakes that lock up when trying to stop before colliding with another driver.
Dangerous road conditions like tight curves, insufficient lighting, or roadside debris can lead to some accidents.
Car accident victims can suffer various types of injuries. Several individual factors can affect the injuries a victim can suffer, including:
That being said, some of the common injuries victims suffer in car accidents include:
At Fountain Law Firm, our attorney is a former accident victim, so she understands firsthand what you are going through. She will work tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you were injured in a car accident in Lawrence, you may be struggling with painful injuries and personal setbacks. You do not have to go through this process alone. An experienced Lawrence car accident lawyer from Fountain Law Firm, P.C. can explain your legal rights and options for recovery. Contact us today for your free case review.