Auto Accident Lawyers Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis Indiana car accident lawyers and auto accident attorneys representing people injured by negligent drivers
Taking the burden from you after a serious auto accident
Getting into an auto accident is a frightening and stressful experience. Dealing with negligent drivers who refuse to admit fault or insurance companies that fail to provide you with good customer service and inadequate compensation for your injuries makes matters worse. If you are facing these challenges, reach out to the skilled car accident lawyers in Indianapolis at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers. Our firm’s team understand your struggles and we work hard to be responsive to your needs at all times. Together, we pursue the compensation you need and deserve for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Determining the exact cause of an accident
After a car accident, seek medical attention immediately if necessary, take pictures of the damage and collect insurance information from the other driver as well as contact information from any witnesses. Then, secure the assistance of Indianapolis car accident lawyers, Charlie and Don Ward, to begin the investigation before any spoliation of evidence. Determining the exact cause of the accident is critical to the pursuit of compensation from negligent parties or their insurance companies. In many cases, car crashes are the result of traffic violations, the most common of which are the following:
- Failure to yield. A driver does not make a full stop at a stop sign or red light or runs through an unmarked intersection.
- Exceeding the speed limit. Posted speed limits are there for a reason — to tell drivers the safe speed of travel. Motorists should not exceed these limits.
- Driving while intoxicated. People who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol do not have the same reaction times as sober drivers. This makes an accident much more likely to occur.
- Distracted driving. Motorists have an obligation to pay attention to the road and avoid the use of cell phones and other mobile devices when driving. They should not adjust car stereos or take their eyes off the road while their vehicles are in motion, as this constitutes distracted driving.
Rules to follow after and Indiana car accident
- Do not discuss the accident with anyone but your attorney, as doing so could impact your ability to collect damages.
- Refrain from using any kind of social media, including Twitter and Facebook; The Indiana Court of Appeals in Wilson v. Indiana, addressed tweets, stating they may be used in Indiana courts as evidence.
- Do not delete any postings you have made on social media accounts.
- You should also refuse any settlement offers before consulting with your lawyer.
Let your car accident lawyers work with uninsured or underinsured motorists
Indiana requires all drivers to carry automotive insurance, but not all drivers obey this law. Not only is this illegal, but it also causes a great deal of stress for people involved in an accident with underinsured or uninsured motorists. Fortunately, your auto insurance policy should include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, providing you with compensation to cover the costs associated with injuries or property damage. This is true even if the other driver has insurance, but the damages owed to you exceed the policy’s limits.
Financial protection after a car crash
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, Indiana auto policy protection typically includes coverage for medical expenses, lost wages and property damage to vehicles. However, if the accident was the fault of another driver, the amount of compensation you receive depends on that person’s insurance policy. Because insurers aim to minimize how much they pay accident victims, they sometimes try to mislead injured people regarding what constitutes a fair payment. Our car accident lawyers know the strategies used to minimize or deny payment and can help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve to recover damages for your personal injury.
Motor Vehicle Accidents Caused by Scooters
Scooter operators are required to observe the same rules of the road as motorized vehicles. If you have been injured due to a scooter driver’s negligence, call law enforcement to the scene of the accident, seek medical treatment immediately and contact a personal injury and scooter accident lawyer to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Hit and run accidents caused by scooters
If an electric scooter operator is responsible for injuries you have sustained in an accident and he or she leaves the scene of the accident, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries with the help of an auto accident lawyer Indianapolis, IN turns to in legal ground-breaking issues. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Identify the color and/or scooter company provider;
- Get a good description of the driver;
- Note the time and exact location of the accident;
- Call 911;
- Obtain witness contact information;
- Seek immediate medical treatment;
- Contact an experienced personal injury and scooter accident lawyer before valuable evidence is missing.
Auto accidents happen every day in Indiana, but that does not make them any less serious. If you were severely injured as a result of the other driver’s actions, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. When found at-fault, that driver’s insurance company is obligated to pay for your accident damages. However, at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers, our auto accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN has seen many instances of the insurance carrier denying a valid claim or else paying substantially less than the victim’s damages. In most cases, they get away with this because the victim is not aware of their legal rights. In this way, the person is victimized twice. An auto accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN from our firm can help prevent this scenario from occurring. Call our office today to learn more during a free consultation with our auto accident lawyer.
Your Legal Right to Compensation
When someone acts negligently or carelessly and as a result, someone else is seriously injured, that person may be held responsible for compensating the victim for their damages. An auto accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN from our firm can review your case and determine which damages may qualify for compensation. If you were injured because another driver was careless, there may be associated costs that you are not aware that can be included in your claim. For example, did you know that until you have your doctor’s approval to return to work that your missed wages can be considered part of your car accident damages? It’s important to understand what damages qualify under personal injury law. Your auto accident lawyer from our firm can help you with this and make all the difference as to the amount of compensation you collect.
A Personal Injury Claim
When someone hits your vehicle and you sustain a serious injury, you or your auto accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN will need to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. To increase the likelihood of your claim being accepted and your damages fully reimbursed, you should include as much relevant detail as possible. For example:
- The police report of the accident that determined the other driver was at fault.
- Your physician’s medical assessment of your injury.
- A complete list of your accident damages to-date as well as anticipated damages such as future medical care.
Documentation of your damages is important. Otherwise, the insurance company is likely to deny your claim or else offer to compensate you for only a small percentage of your total amount of damages. At Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers, our auto accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN has extensive experience filing personal injury claims and has a successful record of obtaining the maximum possible amount of compensation for clients.
Causes of Rear-End Collisions
A large percentage of car accidents in the U.S. are rear-end collisions. These accidents occur when the front end of one vehicle slams into the back end of another vehicle. Rear-end collisions may result in some pretty serious injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries. If you were injured in a rear-end collision that was another driver’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation. An auto accident lawyer Indianapolis, Indiana drivers recommend explains some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions:
Distracted Driving
It’s important for drivers to always keep their focus on the road ahead. If they take their eyes or mind off the road for even a few seconds, they can cause an accident. For example, drivers who look away to check a text message are more likely to crash into the back end of the vehicle in front of them.
Poor Weather Conditions
If it has been snowing or raining a lot, the roads can become very slippery. It’s important for drivers to drive extra carefully during these times to reduce the risk of accidents. Drivers who aren’t careful can lose control of their vehicle and slam into the vehicle in front of them.
Tailgating
When drivers are in a hurry to get somewhere, they may tailgate the vehicle in front of them. This is very dangerous. Driving too closely to other vehicles can increase the risk of accidents. If the driver in front suddenly slams on the brakes, the driver behind won’t have enough room to stop and will rear-end that vehicle. An Indianapolis, IN auto accident lawyer knows this is one of the most common causes of these types of crashes.
Drunk Driving
While people know the dangers of drunk driving, some drivers unfortunately still drive under the influence. Drivers who have had too much to drink have slower reaction times and poor judgment. They may have trouble judging when they need to stop and rear-end the vehicle in front of them.
Fatigue
It’s very dangerous to drive when overly tired. You may close your eyes for several seconds and misjudge the distance between you and other vehicles.
Speeding
Speeding is another risky behavior some drivers engage in and can increase the risk of rear-end collisions. Drivers who drive above the speed limit may not have enough to stop when the vehicle in front slams the brakes unexpectedly.
Can You Prevent Rear-End Collisions?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to avoid rear-end collisions completely. That’s because you have no idea it’s coming until you are hit. However, the driver who rear-ended you should be held responsible for his or her actions. It’s important to talk to an auto accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN about filing a claim. If you were injured in a rear-end collision, you should schedule a consultation with experienced auto accident attorneys right away. He or she can review your case for free and inform you of your options. Your lawyer can help you gather evidence, talk to insurance adjusters and be on your side every step of the way.
Call the Auto Accident Lawyer Who Will Protect Your Best Interests
If you are the victim of an auto accident and you suffered one or more serious injuries as a result, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Request a free consultation with our skilled lawyer who can determine the value of your case. Call us today to schedule a case review with an experienced auto accident lawyer Indianapolis, IN victims count on when they want justice.
Cell Phone Distracted Driving Accidents: What You Need to Know
Every day, drivers use cell phones while driving, the most dangerous form of distracted driving. Cell phone distracted driving creates a substantial potential for drivers, passengers, and anyone else on the road to be killed or severely injured. If you or a loved one have been in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, an experienced auto accident lawyer Indianapolis, IN from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
The Dangers of Cell Phone Use While Driving
As an Indianapolis, IN auto accident lawyer can attest, many drivers underestimate how quickly a car accident can happen. At 55 miles per hour, a car travels the length of a football field in just five seconds. The handful of seconds it takes a driver to read or send a text is all the time necessary to have an accident with devastating consequences for the people involved. Cell phone use distracts drivers in these ways:
- Visual distraction – Using a cell phone requires drivers to take their eyes off the road. A driver looking at a mobile phone is not watching where the car is going or what it is doing.
- Manual distraction – Drivers take one or both hands off the steering wheel while texting or holding a phone.
- Cognitive distraction – Even if drivers are looking straight ahead while talking or texting, they may experience “inattention blindness,” as their focus is not entirely on operating the vehicle.
Who Is Responsible for Texting and Driving Accidents?
Drivers with a fixation for cell phones are legally liable, meaning they are responsible for damages resulting from their actions. People have a duty of care to take reasonable measures to avoid harming others. This duty of care extends to a person behind the wheel of a car. Drivers have an obligation to look out for the safety and well-being of not only their passengers but anyone else on the road as well. Texting or other distracted use of a cell phone while driving is a dangerous activity that violates the driver’s duty of care. When this negligence results in an accident, the driver is responsible for the damages they inflict upon others. Auto accident attorneys in Indianapolis, IN know how to maximize their clients’ compensation for injuries and much more.
Personal Injury Damage
Personal injury damages include medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages & earning potential, and pain and suffering. Multiple sources of compensation are available for severe injuries or wrongful death claims from car accidents. Before you agree to settle with an insurance company, talk to the experienced auto accident attorneys from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers.
Additional Sources of Compensation
Injury victims can file a motor vehicle insurance claim, but few can identify additional financial sources. And few would know the legal rules and procedures that enable you to access other resources. To get additional compensation, you would likely benefit from the help of one of the smart auto accident attorneys Indianapolis, IN victims trust at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers. Your car accident lawyer can run an asset check on the negligent or careless driver. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation.
Speak with knowledgeable and experienced auto accident attorneys in Indianapolis
If you are the passenger of a vehicle involved in an accident, the auto accident lawyers at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. After an auto accident that causes injury to you or a loved one, seek legal counsel. Set up a free initial consultation with the personal injury attorneys at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers today by calling 317-639-9501 or by contacting us online.
Charlie Ward
cpw@WardLawFirm.com
728 S Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46225
317-639-9501
888-639-9501
Charles P. Ward
Attorney
Donald W. Ward
Attorney
