Hurt In An Automobile Crash? Our Car Accident Lawyers Can Help.

Every year, millions of Americans are injured in car crashes. Tragically, thousands of these accidents result in fatalities. One driver’s distraction or lack of attention can cause devastating consequences for others on the road and their families. If you or a loved one is the victim of another driver’s negligence, then you may have the right to legal compensation for your injuries and the medical bills you have incurred. Our experienced Indiana car accident attorneys at Harper and Harper, LLC, can help you consider your legal options.

With more than 100 combined years of legal experience, they regularly handle cases involving all types of auto accidents. Whether our clients were in fender benders or accidents involving serious injuries, our team works to make sure that car crash victims get the compensation they deserve.

Determining The Cause Of The Crash And Proving Negligence

Even a simple car crash can involve complicated legal claims. Thankfully, one of our Indiana car accident lawyers can help you determine whether you have a right to compensation and how to make your strongest claim. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, our team can help you determine whether the other driver was negligent. Common behaviors leading to car accidents include:

• Texting and distracted driving
• Speeding and reckless driving
• Drunk driving
• Failing to yield
• Following too closely (tailgating)

Indiana is a “fault state” when it comes to car accidents, and proving the other driver’s negligence is the key to obtaining compensation. Unfortunately, investigating the crash on your own can be very difficult while trying to recover from your injuries, particularly when the case involves a hit-and-run (known as leaving the scene of an accident in Indiana). That’s one of many reasons to hire an attorney for your car accident claim.

Our Car Crash Lawyers Will Fight For The Compensation You Deserve

Our knowledgeable attorneys can also help you determine the type of damages that you may be able to recoup. As a car accident victim, you could be eligible to receive compensation for various types of damages, including:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Lost wages
• Lost future earnings
• Physical disabilities

Our skilled Indiana car accident attorneys have experience helping crash victims determine whether they have valid legal claims and, if so, the damages that they may be able to recover. As our lawyers represent our clients, they also provide them with important information about their cases and are available to answer questions or address concerns.

Why Do You Need A Lawyer If The Insurance Company Wants To Settle?

An insurance company will likely be quick to make a settlement offer for your injuries. While this may seem like a blessing at first, it will likely be far less than you will need or deserve long-term. An insurer will not be interested in “making things right” with you. Its goal will be to resolve your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. As your legal representatives, our Indiana car accident lawyers will review your case, reject lowball offers and fight to maximize the compensation you receive.

10 Things To Never Do If You’re Injured In An Automobile Accident

It can be difficult to think clearly immediately after a crash, but remembering and following the rules below could be the key to maximizing the value of your car accident claim:

1. Never let the other driver convince you to NOT call the police: The other driver may have a suspended license or an outstanding warrant or might be under the influence of intoxicants, so they may ask that you keep the police out of it. Don’t. In other words, always call the police. A police report can be invaluable down the road.
2. Never leave the scene without exchanging your name, contact information and vehicle registration number with everyone involved: If the accident results in physical injury or death, call the police or 911 immediately. Wait for the police to arrive. Leaving the scene of the accident in Indiana without taking these steps – even for a minor impact – can be a crime.
3. Never assume that the police will take pictures of the scene or the vehicles: In other words, if you’re physically able to do so yourself, take pictures at the scene. If not, ask a friend or family member to do it.
4. Never engage in extensive conversation – other than with the police or medical professionals – at the scene of the accident, especially regarding the circumstances of the accident: In other words, limit your conversation with everyone except the police or medical professionals.
5. Never assume that someone else – including the police – will get the names and contact information of witnesses: Witnesses oftentimes won’t wait around for the police to come. Therefore, you should get any witnesses’ names and contact information as soon as you’re physically able to do so. Be sure to ask witnesses immediately if they remember the license plate of any driver who fled the scene, as this person could be charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Indiana.
6. Don’t wait to get medical treatment if you’re hurt or in pain: Seek medical treatment even if you’re not in pain, as you still may be hurt. Symptoms of injuries don’t always present themselves on the same day or even in the same week. Slight pain can become severe pain in the days following a collision. A delay in treatment can provide an excuse for an insurance company to later deny your claim.
7. Don’t delay speaking with an attorney: Insurance companies don’t wait to take witnesses’ statements or gather evidence. Memories fade, cars are repaired and people move. Talk with an experienced Indiana car accident attorney as soon as reasonably possible.
8. Never give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting with a lawyer: You are not obligated to speak with the company just because it reached out to you.
9. Never sign any document unless it’s for the police or your insurance agent: Most importantly, never sign a release without first consulting an Indiana car accident lawyer.
10. Never forget to ask your insurance agent to provide proof of insurance to the state: If you’ve been involved in a collision, state law generally requires that you provide proof of insurance to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles within 90 days. Failure to do so may result in the suspension of your license.

You may be tempted to tell the details about your harrowing experience to others. Before you do, though, keep this in mind: The less you say about your claim, the better. Posting about your claim online, discussing claim details with inquisitive insurance agents or even talking to anyone other than your attorney about your case can jeopardize the compensation you receive for your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

The laws surrounding car accidents in Indiana can differ significantly from other states, whether you are seeking compensation for injuries or facing potential liability. In either case, below are answers to some of the most common car accident questions that our team at Harper and Harper, LLC, has received.

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

Call 911 immediately and await police arrival. Carefully answer their questions about the incident to ensure an accurate police report.

Who is at fault in a car accident?

Each case is unique and requires details like driver actions and evidence to assign fault accurately. That said, the at-fault party in Indiana is the driver whose negligence caused the car accident.

What are the potential legal consequences of admitting fault in a car accident?

Admitting fault in an Indiana car accident can severely compromise your legal claims. You may:

• Forego any compensation for your losses
• Raise your insurance costs
• Open yourself to civil liability
• Limit the investigation options

Always prioritize working with an Indiana car accident lawyer to help defend your rights.

When is it appropriate to involve a lawyer in a car accident case?

Consider involving an attorney in a car accident case if there are significant injuries, disputed liability, unclear fault, multiple parties involved or challenges dealing with insurance companies. A compassionate Indiana car accident attorney can help you understand your legal options.

What steps can I take to protect my rights immediately after a car accident?

In Indiana, after a car accident, prioritize safety first by doing the following:

1. Assess yourself and others involved, and call 911 if anyone needs immediate medical attention.
2. Secure the scene by turning on hazard lights and moving vehicles – if it’s safe to do so – to help prevent further accidents.
3. Gather information by exchanging contact and insurance details with all drivers involved. Document the scene by taking photos of the damage, skid marks and other relevant details.
4. File a police report, even for minor accidents.
5. Consult an experienced Indiana car accident lawyer.

Following these steps will help safeguard everyone’s well-being and protect your legal interests.

Meet With Our Team Today

Contacting an attorney early can ensure that you have the guidance you need every step of the way. At Harper and Harper, LLC, our Indiana car accident attorneys look forward to meeting with you during a free initial consultation to discuss your accident and your potential case. Call our Valparaiso office today at 219-733-8837 to discuss your case or email us here. Our phones are answered around the clock.