Car Accident Lawyer In Greenfield, Indiana
Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of injury in Indiana. At Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP, our lawyers care about protecting the rights of accident victims and their families. We understand how difficult it is for families to recover after a loved one is injured in an accident.
After many serious accident cases, a victim may be hospitalized, leaving the family with many questions about treatment, medical bills and the process of physical recovery. In other instances, a victim may decline medical care as adrenaline masks the symptoms and pain of a serious injury. It is important that accident victims obtain proper medical treatment after a crash.
Unfortunately, many people learn that insurance companies work quickly to minimize their risk in paying a claim. The insurance companies are in the business of protecting their own bottom line. We are here to level the playing field when a dangerous driver causes harm. Call us at 317-468-2355 to explore your options.
Types Of Injuries People Suffer After Car Accidents In Greenfield
Car crashes can cause serious harm, even at lower speeds. The sudden impact places stress on the body, usually leading to injuries that may not show symptoms right away. Frequently reported injuries after a crash include:
- Whiplash: This neck injury occurs when the head moves quickly back and forth during impact. It can lead to stiffness, headaches and reduced range of motion.
- Traumatic brain injuries: A blow to the head during a collision can disrupt normal brain function. Symptoms may include dizziness, confusion, memory issues or long-term cognitive problems.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can affect movement, sensation and overall mobility. In severe cases, spinal injuries may result in partial or permanent paralysis.
- Broken bones: The force of a collision frequently causes fractures in the arms, legs, ribs or collarbone. These injuries require medical treatment and extended recovery time.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening without prompt medical care.
We can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation after a crash.
Common Types Of Motor Vehicle Accidents In Indianapolis
Driving in the Indianapolis metro area, especially on busy highways like I-70, can lead to different kinds of car accidents. Knowing about these can help you stay alert and safe:
- T-bone accidents: These happen at intersections when one car hits the side of another. This often occurs if a driver runs a red light or doesn’t yield properly.
- Speeding accidents: Driving too fast can lead to serious crashes because it’s harder to react quickly. Speeding is common, especially on highways.
- Lane swiping: Also called sideswipe accidents, these occur when a car changes lanes without checking for others, causing contact on the side. This often happens in heavy traffic.
- Distracted driving: Using phones or other devices while driving can cause accidents because drivers might not see traffic signals or other cars in time.
- Multivehicle accidents: These involve several cars and often happen on busy highways like I-70. One mistake can lead to a chain reaction affecting many vehicles.
Any of these accidents can cause damage and injuries. If you’re involved in a car accident in the Indianapolis area, our knowledgeable car accident attorneys are here to help you understand the legal steps and get the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Indianapolis
Some of the factors that contribute to collisions throughout Indianapolis include:
- Distracted driving: Using a phone, adjusting navigation, eating or focusing on other distractions can pull attention away from the road and cause sudden crashes.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the severity of an accident when a collision occurs.
- Drunk driving: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination and reaction time, making impaired drivers a major risk to others on the road.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive actions such as tailgating, weaving through traffic or ignoring traffic signals can lead to dangerous crashes.
- Failure to yield: Many accidents occur when drivers fail to give the right of way at intersections or when merging.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris or poorly maintained roadways can also contribute to serious accidents.
Our distracted driving accident lawyer can help determine liability and protect your interests during the claims process.
What To Do After A Car Accident
No one wants to think about getting into a car accident, but being prepared can save you a lot of trouble in case it happens. Follow these steps to ensure safety and proper documentation:
- Check for injuries. If you or any of your passengers are hurt, call 911 immediately.
- Move to safety. If possible, move your vehicle out of the way to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights.
- Call the police. Even for minor accidents, it’s important to have a police report.
- Exchange information. Collect contact information, insurance details and vehicle registration from all drivers involved.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the accident scene. Gather evidence of vehicle damage, road conditions and any visible injuries. This can be helpful for your insurance claim.
- Notify the insurance company. Contact your insurance provider to report the accident.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel uninjured, we recommend seeing a doctor. Some injuries or symptoms may not be immediately felt or seen until days later.
- Contact a lawyer. Call our office to get in touch with our personal injury team. We can guide you through the steps.
Following these steps can help you manage the aftermath of an accident effectively while safeguarding your interests. However, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. If you need support right away, don’t hesitate to contact Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP.
Fighting For Your Rights While Preparing For Trial
When you contact our experienced car accident attorneys, we will fully review your situation to provide you with straightforward advice about your legal options. When we take on a case, we immediately begin to prepare the matter for trial.
Thorough preparation is a key to success in maximizing compensation in a personal injury claim. Our goal-oriented approach to the law is to your advantage in resolving the legal difficulties you face in the aftermath of a crash. We take the burden of fighting the insurers off your shoulders to allow you to focus on your physical well-being.
Indiana is a comparative fault state. That adds complexity to personal injury law. If you have suffered injury due to the negligence of another, do not let the insurance companies take advantage of the law to minimize or deny your claim. With our deep knowledge of the law and experience handling car accident claims, we know how to uncover inaccuracies in accident reports.
Types Of Compensation Available In Car Accident Cases
The physical, emotional and financial toll of a car accident can be staggering. At Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP, our attorneys have witnessed firsthand the challenges our clients face in the aftermath of a collision. We’re committed to helping you recover not just physically but financially as well.
Indiana law provides various avenues for compensation, and our experienced lawyers will work diligently to pursue every applicable option for your case. While no two accidents are the same, here are some common types of compensation that may be available to car accident victims in our state:
- Medical expenses: This includes current and future costs related to your injuries, such as hospital bills, medications, physical therapy and ongoing treatments.
- Lost wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: This addresses the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve suffered due to what happened.
- Property damage: Compensation for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged personal property.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have affected your ability to do activities you once enjoyed, you may be eligible for this type of compensation.
- Emotional distress: This covers the psychological impact of the accident, such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder.
It’s important to note that the exact compensation you may receive varies based on several factors. These can include the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, the strength of evidence in your case and the insurance policies involved.
Navigating these complexities can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to minimize your claim. Our experienced car accident lawyers are here to guide you through this process, ensuring that all aspects of your damages are thoroughly evaluated and properly presented.
Throughout our firm’s history, we have fought relentlessly for our clients’ rights. We have a proven track record of standing up to insurance companies and pursuing fair compensation for accident victims. Our attorneys combine legal knowledge with a deep understanding of the local court system to build strong cases for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Car Accidents
If you have been involved in a car accident in Indiana, you certainly have many questions about your rights and the legal process. Below are a few questions we hear often:
What are the most dangerous roads in Indiana?
Car accidents can happen on any road in Indiana, but many major highways pose especially high risks. These include I-69, running north-south through Indiana between Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. I-65 also has high traffic volumes that can lead to frequent car accidents, as does I-70. U.S. Route 30 moves through rural areas of the state, which can make accidents more likely and increase response times for emergency personnel.
U.S. 41 is a north-south route that passes through western Indiana, and it sees heavy commercial traffic. Semi-truck drivers use this when navigating across the country, from Michigan to Florida, and truck accidents can be very severe for those in other vehicles. In the northeast, there is also risk along U.S. 30, which is referred to as the Lincoln Highway. No matter where an accident takes place, our team is here to help.
What does comparative fault mean?
Comparative fault means that the authorities will try to determine what percentage of fault lies with each party involved in the accident. An injury victim can seek compensation in Indiana only when they are less than 51% at fault. The total compensation will then be reduced as necessary based on their percentage.
For instance, a driver may be awarded $100,000 but found to be 10% at fault for the accident, meaning they would actually receive $90,000. If someone is 51% at fault or more, they are not able to seek any financial compensation at all. To receive full compensation, a driver would have to show that they were 0% at fault.
How long will my personal injury claim take?
Every situation is unique, and it depends on the details of the case, the complexity and the cooperation of other involved parties, such as the other driver or their insurance company. It also depends on how long it takes to gather evidence. In some cases, evidence may include witness statements and dashcam footage, but there are other cases when it is necessary to bring in crash reconstruction teams and take other such steps that can extend the process. When you work with our attorneys, we can advise on what to expect depending on your case.
No Case Is Too Complex – Every Case Requires Comprehensive Analysis
We understand that car accidents can cause emotional suffering as well as physical injury. We will evaluate every aspect of the harm you have suffered to maximize your recovery, including intangible damages. We understand that every case is unique and, through diligent preparation, we know how to present a complete and compelling case to obtain justice for our clients.
We represent accident victims throughout Indiana. Our main office is in Greenfield. We also have a satellite office in Indianapolis for consultations by appointment. To learn more about your legal options, send us an email or call 317-468-2355. Talk to an experienced car accident attorney today.
