Understanding Car Accidents
Car accidents happen every day in Indianapolis. All participants in accidents have many questions and additional worries. It is not always possible to cope with the consequences of accidents on your own and this is not the best solution. Therefore, many seek qualified help. For those who are looking for reliable Indianapolis car accident lawyers, our recommendations are written. After all, choosing the best lawyer will help protect your rights and claim the most favorable solution to your case.
Car Accident Statistics
The Indiana University Public Policy Institute has released its 2022 report. Marion County, home to Indianapolis, leads in total collisions with 36,489:
- Fatal – 140
- Non-fatal – 5298
- Property damage only – 31,051
Unfortunately, Marion County also leads in the number of victims – 65,616:
- Fatal – 145
- Incapacitating – 3,152
- Nonincapacitating – 4,747
- No injury – 57,572
Recent Car Accidents in Indianapolis
The Indiana University Public Policy Institute did an excellent study of the causes of crashes in Marion County in its 2022 report:
Driver: Unsafe actions Failure to yield the right of way Following too closely Unsafe backing Unsafe lane movement Improper turning Disregard signal/regulatory sign Speed too fast for weather conditions Improper lane usage Unsafe speed Left of center Improper passing Wrong way on one-way | 33,402 31,955 16,311 12,316 8,302 7,989 7,891 5,021 4,795 2,837 2,245 251 |
Driver: Loss of control Overcorrecting/oversteering Ran off-road | 3,250 3,165 |
Driver: Distractions Unspecified distraction Cell phone/other electronic device | 6,535 586 |
Driver: Cognitive/physical impairment Asleep or fatigued Driver illness Alcoholic beverages 2 | 1,807 790 2 |
Driver: Miscellaneous factors Other—unspecified Influenced by Pedestrian Action | 16,739 673 |
Driver factors (all) Environmental factors Vehicle factors Unknown | 166,862 27,141 5,531 7,402 |
Typical Injuries in Car Accidents
Car accidents are unfortunate events that can result in physical and emotional trauma.
The most common physical injuries are traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, loss of a limb, and whiplash injuries.
Emotional traumas such as PTSD, depression, loss of sleep, nightmares, and suicidal thoughts can also be equally traumatic. Emotional trauma may not appear immediately after the accident but over time. Therefore, it is essential to seek help in time, this will help you find the true cause and recover faster.
Features of Car Accident Insurance
Auto policies typically provide the following types of coverage:
Bodily Injury Liability: Pays for injuries your vehicle causes to others. The policy limit limits the amount.
Property Damage Liability: Occurs when your vehicle causes property damage to others. The policy limit limits the payout.
Medical payments: This covers the payment of your medical bills and those of your passengers who are injured in an accident.
Collision: Covers damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision or rollover.
Comprehensive: Pays for damage to your vehicle resulting from hazards other than collision or rollover.
Insurance policies must have minimum limits of $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident for bodily injury coverage, and a minimum of $10,000 for property damage coverage.
When Should I Hire Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers?
In some situations, hiring Indianapolis car accident lawyers can help increase compensation and save you from many problematic issues when settling your case.
If, as a result of an accident, you require medical attention due to serious injuries sustained.
They are trying to blame you for a car accident.
The insurance company offers you a low settlement price or denies your claim.
You need help preparing and filing claims for damages.
It is impossible to settle a case before it goes to trial.
If you experience any of the above, it is recommended that you hire a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis. He will professionally represent your interests.
Qualities to Look for in Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers
To effectively handle your case, Indianapolis car accident lawyers must have certain qualities:
Experience and expertise | A good Indianapolis car accident lawyer should specialize in personal injury law. The lawyer’s specialization plays a key role in a thorough understanding of relevant laws and precedents. Add to this the experience of handling car accident cases, and we get a synergy to achieve maximum results. |
Track record and reputation | A lawyer’s track record is built based on the successful settlement of cases. This provides hope for a lawyer’s ability to achieve maximum compensation for their clients. His reputation should play an important role in choosing a Indianapolis car accident lawyer. Positive reviews and recommendations can indicate his honesty and professionalism. |
Negotiation skills | The best and fastest way to resolve the case is at the negotiation stage. Indianapolis car accident lawyers with strong negotiation skills will be able to achieve a fair settlement without having to go to trial. |
Tips for Finding Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers
Local presence. It is advisable to choose car accident lawyers who practice in Indianapolis. They will have a better understanding of local laws and will be familiar with procedures. This will have a positive effect on the results of your business.
Collegium of Advocates. Surely the Indianapolis Bar Association has a referral service or directory. Ask them for information about Indianapolis car accident lawyers who meet your criteria.
Initial consultation. Many car accident lawyers in Indianapolis offer free initial consultations. Use them to meet with potential lawyers, discuss your case, and determine if they are a good fit for you.
Directions and recommendations. Personal recommendations often provide the information you need. If one of your relatives, friends, or colleagues has contacted Indianapolis car accident lawyers and was satisfied, then you can get good recommendations.
Comfort level. Look for car accident lawyers in Indianapolis with whom you feel comfortable working. A trusting relationship with your lawyer can be essential to achieving a successful outcome.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Indianapolis
First of all, you should make sure that no one involved in the incident is injured. If there are victims, immediately seek medical help.
It is necessary to ensure the safety of those involved in the accident. They must move to a safe place. On vehicles involved in an accident, the hazard warning lights must be turned on. This will help warn other drivers and avoid a repeat accident at the scene of the accident.
Calling the police is a mandatory step, regardless of the severity of the incident. The police report may be important in moving forward with the case.
Next, you can move on to documenting the scene of the incident and collecting useful information:
- photographs of vehicle damage
- photographs of road signs and brake marks
- contact information of accident participants and witnesses
- other information useful for understanding the causes of the accident
It is necessary to notify your insurance company of the incident. Give them all the necessary information and find out what other actions need to be taken.
It can be very helpful to consult with a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis. His advice can help in collecting the necessary information. The lawyer can also give recommendations on actions to avoid at the scene of the accident.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
When a car accident occurs, those involved are often stressed and may take actions that will have negative consequences on their legal position later on. Check out these common mistakes not to make after a car accident:
Not seeking medical help. It is important to seek prompt medical attention after a car accident. Some injuries have a delayed onset. Delayed medical attention may aggravate injuries. It will also become more difficult to prove their connection with the accident.
Admission of guilt. When communicating with the police or those involved in the accident, do not admit guilt. Also, don’t apologize at the scene. This can be used in a case as an admission of responsibility. Report only facts, not your opinions.
Not notifying your insurance company. The insurance company may deny your claim or significantly delay payments if you fail to notify you of the incident promptly.
Ignoring legal deadlines. Don’t wait too long to file a personal injury claim after a car accident. You may lose your right to claim compensation if the statute of limitations for filing a claim has passed.
List of Typical Car Accident Compensations
Economic damage
- Material damage
- Medical bills and medical expenses
- Lost wages or lost income
Non-economic damage
It covers mental and emotional suffering. Non-economic damage is more difficult to define and calculate. An Indianapolis car accident lawyer can help you with this. In each case, non-economic damages may be directly from injuries, such as pain and suffering, as well as from the consequences of the accident.
Punitive damages
Sometimes punitive damages will be imposed on the at-fault party if reckless behavior or intent to cause harm is proven.
Do This to Avoid a Car Accident
The best advice you can give about car accidents is to avoid getting into them. Below are some tips to help reduce the likelihood of getting into an accident:
- Follow traffic rules
- Keep a safe distance
- Avoid drunk driving
- Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists
- Avoid distractions
- Adapt your driving to weather conditions
- Always signal your intentions (use turn signals)
- Check your blind spots before making a maneuver
- Keep your car in good condition
FAQs
In Indianapolis, an incident report is typically provided within 7-10 business days.
The amount of your car accident claim can vary significantly depending on various factors related to the accident.
Can I receive compensation if I am partly at fault for the accident?
Yes, Indiana follows the modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still receive compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. But the amount of compensation will be reduced depending on the percentage of your fault.