Car Accident Attorney Indianapolis, IN

Your Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident attorney Indianapolis, Indiana trusts knows that while many of the new model vehicles have safety features and systems that have been implemented, the reality is that victims are still killed in vehicle accidents every single day. According to federal statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death for people between the ages of 1 to 54. 

And it is not just high-speed car accidents that cause severe injury and death. A crash that occurs at low speed can still cause an occupant in the vehicle to suffer a serious injury, such as their head slamming into the side window or injuries from the deployment of the airbag. Some of the more common types of injuries that a car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN clients’ suffer include the following:

• Back injury
• Brain injury
• Bruising
• Fractured bones
• Head injury
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations
• Neck injury
• Soft tissue injury

Safety Restraints

As an Indianapolis, IN car accident attorney can attest, the most important way to minimize injury in a car accident is to always wear your seat belt. These safety restraints have certainly evolved over the years. When auto manufacturers first began installing seat belts, there was only one part, the strap that went across a person’s lap. Today’s seat belts include shoulder belts, which go across the person’s shoulder and chest.

The seat belt keeps the vehicle occupant in one position, no matter what type of impact or stop the vehicle experiences. Seat belts stop the force of an impact from spreading across the wearer’s chest and pelvis. This minimizes the effect of the collision on the person wearing the belt’s body and prevents ejection from the vehicle.

Airbags also play a pivotal role in protecting occupants in a crash. They do not replace seat belts, but instead, work to supplement the belts. Airbags are made of a flexible fabric bag, cushion, impact sensor, and inflation module. When there is a collision and there is some type of impact to the vehicle, the airbag will inflate and deflate quickly.

In today’s vehicles, there are multiple airbags placed in various areas in the vehicle. Frontal airbags are installed in the steering wheel and dashboard area in order to protect the driver and front-seat passenger. Side airbags are installed in the vehicle’s door and/or seat and provide head and neck protection. New vehicles also have curtain airbags installed in the roof in order to protect occupants during rollover crashes.

What You Need To Do After a Car Accident

When you leave your house in the morning, you probably do not expect to be involved in a motor vehicle accident. Unfortunately, a car accident can happen at any time. It is normal to feel stressed after being involved in a motor vehicle collision. What do you need to do next? Do not forget to reach out to a car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN, such as a lawyer from the Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers.

Call 911

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, the first thing you need to do is call 911. No matter how minor you think the accident might be, you need the authority to show up at the scene. They need to write up an official police report. If there is no report, it might be like the accident never happened. You should be honest with the police officer about what happened during the accident. Once the police officer is done, make sure you ask for a copy of the police report. You might need this for the insurance company or your car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN.

See a Doctor

You also need to make sure you see a doctor after a motor vehicle accident. You may feel fine after the collision; however, the adrenaline in your system can make it difficult for you to detect the signs and symptoms of injuries. Make sure the doctor is thorough. Then, once the visit is done, ask for a copy of your medical records. This is going to serve as evidence that you were injured in the car accident. You will need this if you decide to file a car accident or personal injury claim in the future.

Reach Out To a Lawyer

After you are confident that there is a plan in place for your medical recovery, it is important for you to reach out to a car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN, such as an attorney from the Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers. You may have a lot of expenses following a motor vehicle collision. You might have medical bills to pay, and you need to get your car fixed. If you cannot return to work immediately, you might have a difficult time making ends meet. A car accident lawyer can take a look at your case and see if you are entitled to compensation. You do not have to face this situation by yourself.

Let a Car Accident Attorney Help

If you have been in a car accident, contact Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers to find out how our firm can help with any legal action you may be entitled to take. Call our office to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney Indianapolis, IN clients recommend.

Five Questions About Car Accidents Answered

Can I can handle my own car accident claim?

You should not handle your own car accident claim. There are nuances of the law you may not be aware of which could trip you up along the way. You may not know how to compel witness testimony, for example. Or you may weakly leverage skill in negotiations due to your subjectivity. We highly recommend scheduling a consultation with our office to discuss how we can help.

What can I do to protect my car accident claim before I meet with an attorney?

First, get appropriate medical care. Even if you don’t feel injured, you still should be seen by a medical professional for evaluation. Adrenaline can mask the symptoms of car accident injuries for hours, and shock can hide them for days. Next, preserve any evidence that was gathered. Photos, police reports, medical records and your written account of what happened are all helpful for your car accident attorney to begin building your case.

Should I talk to the negligent party’s insurance company?

You should avoid talking with the negligent party’s insurance company, except to refer them to your attorney. We recommend to not provide a recorded statement, sign any documents they send you, or generally have any communications with them. Unfortunately, you could be manipulated into saying something that could be used to portray your injuries as less serious than your claim states.

What questions should I ask a car accident lawyer during a consultation?

You should ask your car accident attorney several questions to help you feel comfortable with hiring them for your case. These can include: Do you limit your practice to personal injury law?, How many years have you been practicing personal injury law?, Have you tried or successfully negotiated cases with facts similar to my claim?, and What are the merits and/or obstacles of my case?

What if the negligent party has minimal insurance?

If the negligent party only has minimal insurance, you may be able to recover damages from your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. These laws may be different in other states. Your attorney may be able to help you pursue a claim against your own insurance.

Indianapolis Car Accident Infographic

What is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

The value of your case will depend on a number of factors. First, the extent of your injuries can affect the value of your case. In general, the more serious the injuries are, the more compensation may be available. The type of insurance you have, the coverage levels all parties involved carry, and any supplementary coverage options in the policies, as well as an additional umbrella policy, may also have a role in determining the potential settlement value. Finally, your Indianapolis, IN car accident attorney ‘s ability to negotiate will be a major factor. For all of these reasons, it is often worthwhile to have a leading car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN on your side. 

If you are curious about what your case is worth, the best thing you can do is to call an experienced lawyer. Only a qualified legal advocate can help you to understand the potential, or possible value of your case. After an in-depth review and investigation, your lawyer will have a better understanding of what amount of compensation may be available. 

How an Insurance Company May Compensate You

Typically, insurance will only cover damages up to the policy limits. If your injuries exceed these limits, you will likely need to file a claim against your own policy. Your experienced personal injury attorney can best evaluate the sources of possible compensation.

Insurance companies often have well-paid legal teams working for them. These teams will work to reduce your claim by utilizing their own experts who might argue you were at fault. Their goal may be to lower the cost of the settlement through sharp, often overwhelming, negotiations. If you are not ready to face these tactics or are concerned about surmounting pressure by insurance adjusters, please consider having your own legal team on your side. 

Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers experience with car accidents can assist in leveling the playing field. Let us help you to get the settlement you are looking for. Rest assured if they refuse to settle, we will be ready to take them to court. 

Partial Fault and Victim Blaming

In many car accident cases the defendant will try blaming the victim for what happened. Sometimes they will entirely reverse the claim, arguing it was you who caused the accident. Other times, they make an attempt to reduce the damages by claiming you made an error, such as distracted driving, and that was a contributor to the crash. There are rules that Indiana courts refer to when comparative fault is a factor in a claim. Our car accident attorneys in Indianapolis, IN know how to handle these defenses. If this is a concern right now, call Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers.

How to Choose a Doctor for Car Accident Injuries

One of the most important steps to take after a car accident is to seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away and you don’t want to put your health in jeopardy. Here are some tips for selecting the right doctor for your car accident injuries:

Do Not Rely on Your Primary Care Doctor

After you have been in a car accident, your first thought might be to go to your primary care doctor. However, he or she likely isn’t someone your car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN would recommend to diagnose and treat your injuries. A primary care physician focuses on internal medical conditions, not injuries. However, your primary care doctor may be able to refer you to a doctor who specializes in treating car accident injuries.

Do not Delay Medical Care

Not everyone feels terrible after a car accident. In fact, some people may feel perfectly fine. However, that does not mean you should wait to see a doctor. There are several car accident injuries, like whiplash and concussions, that don’t show symptoms right away. If you delay medical care, your injuries could get worse. Additionally, if you don’t see a doctor right away, the insurance company may try to argue that you aren’t truly hurt and deny your claim.

Ask Family and Friends For Recommendations

If any of your friends or family members have suffered injuries in car accidents, don’t hesitate to reach out to them for doctor referrals. They have the first-hand experience and can help you find a doctor who has the proper experience to treat your injuries.

Select a Doctor Who Accepts Third Party Billing

When you get hurt in a car accident, you should never have to pay for any of your medical treatments out of your own pocket. That’s why it’s important to go to a doctor who accepts third-party billing.

Do not Be Afraid to Ask Questions

When you see a doctor for the first time about your injuries, don’t hesitate to ask questions about his or her credentials to treat your specific injuries. A car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN may also recommend asking your doctor about the detailed plan they have developed to treat your injuries and if you will experience any side effects.

Be Truthful With Your Doctor

When you visit a doctor for your injuries, provide him or her with detailed information about the symptoms you have been having, when the symptoms began, and if you have any pre-existing conditions or not. A car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN advises against exaggerating about your injuries. If you do that and the insurance company finds out, they could deny your claim.

Evidence You Need in a Car Accident Case

To have a successful car accident lawsuit, you have to prove that the other driver was negligent. In order to do that, you have to collect several types of evidence, including:

Police Report

If anyone is injured in a car accident, the police are required to come to the scene to make a report. In the report, they will include important facts about the accident, such as when and where it occurred and the names of everyone involved. This report can stop other drivers from changing their stories later on. Make sure to get a copy of this report for your car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN.

Photos

Photos of the accident scene are one of the most important pieces of evidence you can have. Get clear shots of all the cars involved in the accident, as this will show how much damage each vehicle sustained. You should also take photos of the surrounding area, including traffic signs and skid marks on the road. If you have visible injuries, such as lacerations on your arms, you should take photos of those.

Witness Testimony

If there were third 3rd party witnesses present when the car accident occurred, you should obtain their names and contact information. They can back up your account of the accident and help you prove that the other driver was at fault. Witness testimonies can help avoid “He said, she said” situations.

Medical Records

After a car accident, it is important to get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. The sooner your injuries are diagnosed and treated, the faster you will recover. You will also need to provide medical records to the court to show your medical expenses and the extent of your injuries.

Your Testimony

Your version of the events also serves as important evidence. Since your memory can fade over time, your car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN may suggest writing everything you remember in a journal as soon as possible. For example, if you recall the other driver talking on a cellphone right before the accident occurred, you should write that information down.

Accident Reconstruction Experts

If the cause of the car accident is complex, your car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN may need to hire an accident reconstruction expert to review the scene and determine how the accident happened.

Handling Insurance After a Car Accident

After you have been in a car accident, one of the first things you may be wondering about is whether you should be speaking with the other party’s insurance company. Can any harm really come from it? After all, you want to explain your side of the story and make sure they know that you were not the one who caused the accident. However, almost any insurance agent you speak with will want to record your conversation and will likely ask you more questions than you should be answering. Here’s what you need to know when the other party’s insurance gives you a call.

They are not there to help you

When speaking with someone from an insurance company, they can put on a great show. They can come across as highly sympathetic, understanding of your situation, and sorry for the pain you are in. Remember, though. They are there only to get information from you and report it to their company. Information taken out of context may hurt your claim. 

They will give you the lowest number they can

This includes outright denying your claim. If you do not have an attorney by your side, you may be tempted to take the lowest offer or not file an appeal if they deny your claim. The insurance company is, literally, banking on this. 

A recorded conversation could hurt your claim

A particularly aggressive insurance adjuster will word statements and questions in a way that is meant to confuse you. They may also push you to agree to things you may not know about regarding the accident. If they get you on a recording making statements or agreeing to statements about the accident, they can use this if the case goes to court to make sure you get the lowest compensation possible. 

You may not know the extent of your injuries

Even if you have gone to see your doctor, you may still not fully understand the extent of your injuries. Brain injury symptoms may not even be present for days after the accident or you may have no idea how long rehabilitation or physical therapy will take. Do not give any indication regarding how your treatment is going or how you feel to the insurance adjuster. 

The car accident attorney Indianapolis, IN looks to for advice about reporting an accident to the insurance company, recommends you seek legal counsel immediately following the crash. We will advise you of your rights and may wish to be present when making the call, assuring that the insurance companies are only given the necessary information and nothing more! 

To get the assistance you are looking for, please call Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers today to speak with our Indianapolis, Indiana car accident attorney.

3 Steps To Take After a Car Accident

A car accident is a scary experience whether or not you are the at-fault driver. If you receive injuries from an accident, you may choose to hire a car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN, to pursue legal action for compensation for medical expenses. Here are three things you should do immediately after a car accident in case you choose to file a lawsuit. 

See a Doctor

To win your case, you will need to prove injuries from the accident. If you fail to see a doctor immediately after the incident, the other driver involved in the case could argue that your injuries happened at a later date and were not caused by the accident. It is a good idea to see a doctor the same day of the accident to identify and document any injuries you have. This documentation will prove the extent and cause of your injuries.

Avoid Disclosing Details of Your Case

You may want to explain your injuries to people around you, but the attorneys at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers may advise you to avoid disclosing any important details or posting the incident on social media. You never know which details will be important in court, so it is usually a good idea to avoid discussing the case with anyone other than your doctor or lawyer. 

Obtain a Police Report

A police report is one of the most important documents for a car accident attorney. This report will explain exactly what happened during the accident and include any contributing details such as road conditions, potential hazards and eyewitness statements that you may have not seen at the time of the accident. These reports are typically complete within a few days of the accident and are available for your records. It is a good idea to pick one up as soon as it is available so that your attorney from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers can gain a thorough understanding of what led to the accident. The more knowledgeable we are about the case, the more likely it is that we can win you the compensation you deserve, so a police report is a vital piece of evidence.

Car accident injuries due to negligence by another driver, may entitle you to compensation. A car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN, can help you navigate the legal field and hopefully win your case.

Car Accident Attorney – Indianapolis, IN

If you have recently been involved in a car accident, you are likely feeling overwhelmed. It is important to know that you are not alone. Every year a staggering number of Americans receive injuries, some severely and even fatally, in car accidents  If you have not yet sought medical attention, please do so now. All legal matters related to your accident can wait until you are medically cleared. After you have obtained any necessary medical attention, you can begin to focus on legal and practical concerns. But again, you should know that you are not alone. An experienced Indianapolis, Indiana car accident attorney can help you to better understand your legal situation and can advise you of your options accordingly. That way, you can make an informed decision about how you should handle the aftermath of your accident.

Common Car Accident Types

One of the ways in which an experienced Indianapolis, IN car accident attorney can help you to better understand your legal options is by exploring what caused your crash. Fault and liability concerns drive personal injury claims. By studying the type of car accident, and the contribution of the other driver and/or circumstances to that accident, your Indianapolis, IN car accident attorney can clarify whether you have strong grounds to file a legal claim. If you do have a solid case to make, you may receive significant financial compensation for your harms.

Some car accident causes are straightforward. Others are complex by a number of factors. Chances are that your accident falls into at least one of the following major collision types. But please note that you may have a strong case even if it does not. The most common types of motor vehicle accidents are:

Rear-End Crashes

A motor vehicle plows into the back of your car

Head-On Crashes

Your car collides with something located directly in front of it

Side-Impact Crashes

A car is hit from the side, usually by another motor vehicle

Drunk Driving Collisions

The cause of an accident, at least in significant part, is due to the legally drunken state of another driver

Distracted Driving Accidents

Distractions, often due to digital devices, cause the accident

Rollover Crashes

During the course of your collision, your motor vehicle flipped; possibly caused in-part by poor road or weather conditions

Legal Assistance Is Available

If you have recently been involved in an accident and have yet to explore your legal options, please consider scheduling a consultation with Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers today. Our experienced Indianapolis, IN car accident attorneys can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to file a legal claim after we learn about the unique circumstances surrounding your collision. We look forward to speaking with you. 

Tips to Avoid a Car Accident

Practice Defensive Driving

Defensive driving is essential at night. Get into the habit of driving slower and increase your following distance when you’re behind the wheel in the dark. In addition, pay attention to your surroundings and obey all traffic signs.

Remove All Distractions

While driving, it’s imperative to keep your eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel at all times. Remove any distractions from your vehicle, and put your phone in your trunk or another hard-to-reach location.

Schedule Eye Exams Annually

Often, drivers have no issues seeing during the day but are unable to see as well while they are driving at night. If you find it more challenging to see the road clearly at night, visit the eye doctor regularly for an exam. An eye doctor may recommend glasses or contacts for nighttime driving.

Do Not Drive When Fatigued

Driving at night may cause you to feel more tired. For this reason, it is essential to avoid driving if you feel fatigued and cannot concentrate. Try sipping some coffee or taking a cold shower before you drive at night. Pull over and rest if you feel like you are going to fall asleep in the driver’s seat.

Avoid Drinking and Driving

Drunk driving accidents are more likely to occur at night than during the day. If you are participating in a nighttime activity or event that involves drinking, arrange a safe ride home in advance. Ask a trustworthy friend or family member or use a ride-sharing service like Uber.

Injured in a Nighttime Accident? Contact a Highly Skilled Indianapolis, IN Car Accident Lawyer

What Can I Receive Compensation For After a Car Accident?

If you receive injuries in a crash that was another driver’s fault, you may obtain financial compensation for your losses, both economic and non-economic. Some of the damages a car accident lawyer Indianapolis trusts may seek on behalf of a victim include:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of income and benefits from being unable to work while recovering
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Permanent disability
• Scarring
• Disfigurement

If you sustain an injury in a car accident that was the result of someone else’s negligence, it is in your best interest to seek experienced legal representation from a car accident attorney Indianapolis, IN clients recommend from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers. Call our office today for a free consultation.

Once you know that you want to go to court you need to find a car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN that suits your needs. Finding a reputable car accident attorney to work with is more important than you can imagine in times like this. A good attorney is going to make your life easier and give you the ability to go through a case to get what you need done. 

When it comes to finding the right attorney for you, you have to look for five key things. Knowing what you are getting into is key, and you can find the right one for you. It does take time but in the end it is worth it and you can trust that Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers fills all these spots. 

Indianapolis Car Accident Statistics

According to the National Safety Council, car accidents are the leading cause of personal injury in the United States. In 2021, there were over 6 million car accidents in the United States, resulting in over 3 million injuries and 40,000 fatalities. Drunk driving and speeding are two of the most common causes of fatal car accidents.

If you have been injured in a crash caused by another party, make sure you have a dedicated car accident lawyer advocating for you to ensure you get the financial compensation you may be entitled to.

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Car Accident Attorney

Communication Style

Is there anything worse than someone who can’t communicate efficiently? A good attorney is going to make it easy for you to understand what they will do for your case and how they can help you. They will be upfront about their processes, fees, values, and more. If you have questions, be direct and to the point so communication is clear. It is best to step away if you find yourself leaving their office with more questions than answers. And when the communication isn’t clear in the interview, then it is likely to never be clear through the process which can end up costing you in the long run.

Engaged Conversation

Are they engaging with you or is their mind wandering during your consultation? Do you feel like they aren’t really paying attention to you? A good attorney will engage in the conversation and be listening to you as well. You can easily end up with a smaller settlement or nothing at all if the attorney is only putting in the minimum amount of effort required. Your attorney should be asking you detailed questions about what your legal goals are and your case.

References

Always ask for references that you can contact and speak to. Even if you don’t ever contact them, a good attorney is going to give you them. Avoid an attorney who doesn’t provide you with references.

Office Space

Keep an eye on how their office is. The more organized it looks the more organized they probably are. You really don’t want someone to be shuffling through piles of paper on their desk to find what they need. How does the staff handle incoming calls or just overall how they work in the office? The more organized the better.

Experience

The biggest thing here is to know their experience. How have they done in the past? Make sure you have someone who knows what they are talking about. You need to know that they have the proper experience in car accidents before going forward.

If you are searching for a car accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana then look no further than Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers to answer your questions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to see what we can do for you with a free consultation.

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