Seeking Recovery After a Car Accident
Our Indianapolis, IN car accident lawyer knows that if you have ever seen an accident on the road, you understand the sinking feeling it can bring to your stomach. Why did the accident happen? Has anyone gotten hurt? You need to do everything you can to reduce your chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. If you are involved in a car accident, reach out to Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers. Take a look at some of the most common causes of car accidents below.
Driving Under the Influence
During the past few decades, there has been a massive campaign to reduce the rate of drunk driving accidents. Even though the rates have come down, there are still people who are involved in car accidents because they were operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you operate a vehicle while under the influence, you can suffer from impaired judgment and slow reflexes. This could make it more likely for you to be involved in a car crash.
Driving While Tired
Another common reason why car accidents happen is that people drive while tired. When you feel like you cannot keep your eyes open, then you should pull over and take a nap. If you fall asleep behind the wheel of a car, you will immediately lose control of your vehicle. But if you are in a car accident due to fatigue, reach out to an Indianapolis car accident lawyer.
Driving While Distracted
Finally, a lot of car accidents happen because people decide to split their attention between the road and something else. For example, some people may talk on the phone while driving. Other people may send a text message while driving. Driving while distracted can dramatically increase your chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Make sure you focus on the road when you are behind the wheel.
If Your Accident Was Caused by a Drunk Driver
Drunk driving accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence. If you are the victim of a drunk driver and he or she was sentenced to prison, you may be concerned about recovering damages. As our car accident lawyer knows, we help victims of DUI drivers who injured them. Depending on the nature and extent of your damages, you may have multiple legal options for getting justice.
Your Checklist After a Car Accident
After a car accident, you may want to have a checklist handy of to-do items for your claim. Making note of the things you need to do can help you keep track of tasks that should be done for your claim. Keep these things in mind so that you can go through the claims process smoothly:
Report the Accident
Don’t hesitate to report the accident to law enforcement from the scene of the accident. Dialing 911 is an appropriate number to call whenever an accident occurs. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may have an obligation to report it to the proper authorities. If there were injuries, death, or serious property damage, you should call the local sheriff or the local police department by selecting “SOS” from your iPhone or by dialing 911.
Exchange Contact Information
There are certain legal obligations you have after you have been in a car accident. Even if you do not believe you were responsible for the accident, you must talk with the other driver and share your name and contact information, your driver’s license, insurance information, and the car registration number. Under no circumstances should you ever admit fault before consulting with your lawyer.
Tend to Injuries
When another person sustains injuries, you may want to assist them. If you are on the phone with 9-1-1, the officer or medical personnel may give you instructions to reasonably assist someone who needs medical help. Depending on local and state laws, the “Good Samaritan Law” may protect you from a lawsuit. In any emergency medical situation, use your common sense and do not exceed the limits of your medical know-how.
Gather Evidence
When you are still at the scene of the accident, use your phone to take pictures or videos. It can be helpful to take a video walking through the scene of the accident and recounting exactly what happened from your perspective. If there were witnesses to the accident, get their contact information. Make note of any bad weather, stoplights that are not working, or obstructed views of street signs.
Record Witness Statements
You should also speak with and write down the recollections of any witnesses to the accident. The police officers who arrive at the scene of the accident may not have the time or personnel to interview all the witnesses or get their statements. However, witness statements are essential, particularly if they saw the other driver being careless, reckless, or engaging in wrongful conduct right before the accident.
Acquire the Police Report
Accident investigations by police officers can be quite helpful as evidence for your claim. If you have any information about why the other driver caused the accident be sure to tell the officer at the scene.
Seek Medical Attention
Do not refuse medical care at the scene, as you may need it, and it may be essential for your claim. This is a common mistake that many injured car accident victims make. If emergency medical providers at the scene don’t recommend you be taken directly to the hospital, make plans to see a doctor the same day or as soon as possible. If you refuse or delay medical treatment, it can ruin your chances of compensation. An insurance professional or attorney for the other motorist may be quick to deny your claim, using the argument that the accident didn’t cause your injuries.
The Four Ds That Cause Car Accidents
There are four Ds that cause car accidents. Pay attention to the other driver if you’re in an accident, to see if any of them could apply. Don’t confront the other driver; ask for their contact info and insurance card. When the police arrive, you can mention your suspicion to the officer taking your statement.
- Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is probably the most notorious of the four Ds. MADD — Mothers Against Drunk Driving — was formed in 1980. Its mission at the time was to put an end to drunk driving. Their goal is zero drunk driving accidents in the U.S. In 2021, MADD celebrated the 35th anniversary of its designated driver campaign, Tie One On for Safety. MADD estimates that they have helped save over 330,000 lives with their drunk driving awareness programs.
- Drugged Driving
MADD has expanded its mission statement to include drugged driving. Drugged driving has been on the rise lately, due to increasing rates of legalization of marijuana. It’s harder to track than drunk driving, as there’s no breathalyzer for marijuana or other drugs that can be administered at the side of a road. Field sobriety tests are still effective, though. An Indianapolis car accident lawyer can get a copy of the police report where the other driver’s condition may be stated, along with any blood or urine testing that was done at the police station or hospital.
- Distracted Driving
Cell phones are the major cause of distracted driving accidents. Talking on the phone while driving can be distracting enough, but texting is worse because you have to take your eyes off the road to read messages and type out replies. However, they’re not the only cause of distracted driving. Putting on makeup, eating breakfast, and singing along to the radio can all distract you from your primary purpose behind the wheel: driving safely.
- Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving may be just as dangerous as drunk driving since sleep deprivation can have similar side effects as being drunk. Dizziness, trouble focusing your eyes, nodding off behind the wheel, poor balance, and inability to concentrate. If you start feeling drowsy while driving, pull over somewhere safe and take a nap.
Indianapolis Car Accident Infographic
Indianapolis Car Accident Law Statistics
Based on the latest Indiana statistics from City-Data for the most Recent Indiana Crash Report, there were 205k traffic collisions resulting in injury and property damage, 8.3 fatal accidents took place in Indianapolis for every 100,000 people. During this same period, the average number of fatal accidents in the state of Indiana was 18.4.
Indianapolis Car Accident FAQs
With so many different lawyers out there, you may wonder how to choose the right one. Jotting down your questions is a good start when you are doing your research, and you should do so as soon as possible while the memory is still fresh. The more time that passes after the date of your accident, the more difficult it may be to recall critical information. Your attorney can address all of your questions and concerns. In case you forget a topic, you can just refer to your notes. If you ask certain questions during the consultation, you can find the right lawyer.
Do You Specialize in Car Accident Cases?
Civil lawyers don’t all specialize in the same branch of law. Some may have experience handling vehicle accident cases while others handle medical malpractice cases. It’s important to choose a lawyer who has extensive experience handling car accident cases.
What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses in My Case?
Before you pursue a lawsuit, you should find out about all the strengths and weaknesses in your case. Your Indianapolis car accident lawyer should be completely honest with you and tell you if it’s worth taking your case to court. If your lawyer doesn’t think you have a strong case, it may be better to try to settle with the insurance company right now.
How Long Do You Think It Will Take to Resolve My Case?
If you suffered a serious injury in a car accident, your medical bills may be piling up and you wonder when you can return to work again. That’s why you should ask an Indianapolis car accident lawyer how long you think it will take to resolve your case. While this will depend on several different factors, your lawyer should be able to give you a general estimate.
How Can I Improve My Chances of Success in My Case?
Just because you have a lawyer, you can and should still assist in your claim. For you to receive maximum compensation, it’s important to be proactive in your case. Ask your lawyer what you can do to improve your chances of having a successful case. For example, he or she may suggest seeing additional doctors or taking photos of the accident scene.
Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers, Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer
728 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
Contact Our Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer Today
Hiring an experienced lawyer is often not the first thing people think to do after an accident, but it is a necessary step in securing the compensation and repairs that are rightfully yours. Charlie Ward has often said “We protect our clients from the unknown” and that can be some of the best legal help after an accident. If you have been involved in an accident, contact the legal team at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers at (317) 639-9501 to explore your legal options with our car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We look forward to speaking with you.
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