Auto Accident Injury in Indiana
Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Indiana? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in IN that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Indiana
In Indiana, car accidents are one of the leading concerns, with large numbers reported each year. For instance, in 2023, Indiana recorded 205,000 crashes that included 845 fatal wrecks, leading to 898 deaths. In addition, more than 51,000 injuries were reported as a result of the crashes. Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving majorly contribute to the occurrences of these crashes. Speeding, in particular, accounted for approximately one-third of all fatal crashes. Roads in the state remain particularly unsafe for pedestrians and motorcyclists, claiming 117 pedestrian deaths and 147 motorcyclist deaths.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.
File a Police Report
Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.
Accidents involving death, personal injury or property damage in excess of $1,000 require investigation by a law enforcement officer. The investigating officer is required to submit their report within 24 hours. If you are involved in an accident, you are entitled to request a copy of the report.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:
- Full name, address, phone number and email address
- Driver’s license state and number
- Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number
Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
- Burn injuries
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Laws in Indiana
Liability Laws for IN
When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.
Indiana Codes 34-51-2-5 and 34-51-2-6 outline the state’s contributory fault legislation. According to these rules, fault may be shared between multiple drivers in car accidents. A claimant can collect compensatory damages for injuries, but the amount provided for is dependent upon the degree of fault attributed to the claimant. Furthermore, if the person filing the claim has a higher percentage of fault than the others involved, they are not allowed any compensation.
Statute of Limitations in IN
Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. The statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim for a car accident is two years in Indiana. This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer In Indiana
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in IN!
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