Car Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis

Why Choose Crossen Law Firm as Your Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer

Everyone has the legal right to represent their own interests after an Indiana car accident. However, navigating the personal injury claim process and recovering a fair settlement is not easy. The other driver’s insurance company will likely do everything they can to get out of paying you a high-value settlement. Even dealing with your own insurance company can be challenging. An Indianapolis car accident lawyer will be able to guide you through the claims process and help you build a strong case. They will have the experience and skills needed to negotiate with the insurance company to ensure they award you fair compensation for the damages you have suffered.

Furthermore, if you sustain a serious injury in the accident, you may not have the capacity to represent yourself or take the necessary steps to build a strong case. This is why it’s beneficial to have an experienced auto accident attorney who can help you while you are seeking treatment and recovering.

At Crossen Law Firm, our Indianapolis car accident lawyers have the time, experience, and expertise to help you navigate your claim, handle the details, and secure a fair-value settlement on your behalf. Our legal team has decades of experience helping car accident victims get the compensation they deserve.

Our team of car accident attorneys has a multi-million dollar track record of recovered compensation. After taking your car accident case, our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to make sure the facts and specific details support your case.

We will also determine all of the parties responsible for the car crash, which can sometimes include more than one driver. Establishing negligence and who was at fault is key to getting you the compensation you deserve. Our car accident attorneys will make sure that all negligent parties bear responsibility and provide due compensation.

If you have been injured in an accident, contact a skilled car accident lawyer right away at (317) 401-8626.

Crossen Law Firm Car Accident Case Results

$190,000 Car Accident Settlement

The defendant driver testified that he stopped at a stop sign, but our client failed to yield the right of way. Our client testified that he had the right of way on the road and the driver failed to come to a complete stop at the stop sign, causing the accident and injury to our client’s shoulder. An Indianapolis car accident lawyer got to work and found an independent witness through a newspaper ad. The witness testified that our client did indeed have the right of way. They also testified that the defendant did fail to stop at the stop sign and seemed to be in a hurry. Crossen attorneys were able to resolve the case because of this witness, avoid trial, and settle for $190,000 for injuries to the client’s shoulder.

$450,000 Car Accident Settlement

Two cars collided and then those cars hit our client’s car. It was important to hire a accident reconstructionist for this multi-vehicle accident to determine speed, impact, and distance the cars traveled before and after impact. The accident reconstructionist was able to show that both of the other vehicles were at fault and caused the accident. As a result, our Indianapolis car accident lawyers were able to quickly resolve the case and settle for $450,000 for a concussion our client sustained during the accident and lost wages.

Our Experienced Auto Accident Attorneys Focus on You

Our Indianapolis car accident attorneys will deal with gathering evidence and handling communication with the insurance company for you, ensuring your settlement is truly fair and reflective of the extent of your injuries, property damage, and hardship. Additionally, we will take the burden of paperwork off of your hands and handle all of the details and filing processes for you.

The Crossen Law Firm has long been committed to taking on difficult insurance companies that attempt to get out of paying clients their full settlement after a traffic accident. Let us help you get the full amount to which you are entitled.

If you or a loved one have been in an auto collision, don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of the Crossen Law Firm today.

You can schedule your FREE consultation by phone at 317-401-8626 or by contacting us online. Our contingency-free pricing means you pay nothing unless we win your Indianapolis car accident case.

Indiana Car Accident Statistics

The following data from 2020 was released by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute:

• There were a total of 175,816 traffic accidents in 2020
• 808 of those car crashes were fatal, 26,303 were nonfatal
• Speeding was a factor in 15,032 of the collisions
• Alcohol was a factor in 3,820 of Indiana car accidents
• Of the accidents that occurred, 334 of those who died were not using their seatbelt
• There were 2,943 total individuals involved in Indiana motorcycle accidents in 2020
• 138 people died in those motorcycle accidents
• The most collisions per month in Indiana occur during the fall and winter (October, November, and February)
• The most fatal collisions occurred in the fall and summer (June and October)
• Collisions were most common on Fridays and Wednesdays
• The highest number of collisions occurred between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m.
• The highest number of fatal collisions occurred on Sundays from midnight to 6 a.m.
• The most prevalent car collision type in 2020 was hit-and-runs

Indianapolis Car Accident FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Indianapolis car accidents. If you have further questions after reading, please contact us to speak to an experienced car accident lawyer.

What are the Most Common Causes of Indiana Car Accidents?

A car crash can change your life in an instant. As such, it’s helpful to understand the many different ways that an accident can occur. While an accident can truly be just that — an accident — collisions are most often the result of reckless or negligent driving.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Indiana include:

• Speeding: Speeding accidents in Indiana can be catastrophic and expensive. In 2020, 25% of the state’s fatal traffic collisions were speed-related.
• Distracted driving: Distracted driving can include actions that are permissible but still cause the driver’s attention to shift away from the road. For example, adjusting the radio or other settings, talking to passengers, or using a navigational system or cell phone while driving can all be considered distractions. While these actions are not illegal, minimizing distraction and the time spent on such tasks is critical to safe driving.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Drunk driving accidents are preventable, yet the damage can be irreversible. In 2020, 13% of Indiana fatal car accidents involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
• Drowsy driving: Operating a vehicle while on a little sleep can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Previous research by AAA estimated that 16% to 21% of reported fatal accidents involved drowsy driving. However, new research shows that many drivers underestimate their drowsiness, which means more accidents could be the result of drowsy driving than are actually reported.
• Reckless driving: Indiana law defines the term “reckless” with driving as a person who knowingly engages in risky driving conduct. They should know that their actions could be dangerous, but they engage in the activity despite the potential hazard. This can involve swerving on a highway, excessive speed, or passing a stopped school bus.

It’s worth noting that while human error and negligent driving behaviors are most often the cause of accidents, maintenance issues can also lead to collisions. For example, if a tire blows or there is a defective or malfunctioning car part, this could cause you to get into an accident. In these cases, the repair shop or even the car manufacturer could potentially be held liable.

It is also possible for bad weather to contribute to car accidents, such as slick roads from rain, snow, and ice. Dense fog can also hinder a driver’s ability to see and lead to an accident. Poorly maintained roads, such as excessive potholes, missing guardrails, and malfunctioning traffic lights, can also contribute to collisions. If this is the case, it may be possible to hold the local government responsible.

What are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?

While not all car accidents result in injury, when they do, they can be a nightmare to deal with. Personal injuries can range from minor to severe, with some healing in only a few days or weeks, while others can have serious lasting effects on a person’s life.

Experiencing injury, no matter its extent, will always be traumatic. After a crash, safety should be your top priority, and that means addressing injuries and medical needs as quickly as possible. For serious injuries, you or someone else at the accident scene may need to call 911 and request emergency medical attention.

Some of the most common car accident injuries include the following:

• Soft tissue injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck injuries and whiplash
• Back and spine injuries
• Broken bones
• Bruising and lacerations

Do I Need to See a Doctor After an Indiana Car Accident?

Again, while not all car accident injuries are severe, your health and safety should always be your number one priority. Even if you don’t feel like you are injured, it is always best to seek medical attention after an accident just to be sure.

Not all injuries are immediately apparent. For example, if you are bleeding internally, you might not notice any symptoms right away, but if you wait too long, you could put your life at risk. So when in doubt, always get checked out by a doctor.

Furthermore, your injuries will serve as evidence when you file a personal injury claim to recover compensation in your car accident settlement. So, if you think you will need help covering your medical bills, make sure you seek medical treatment and keep copies of your medical records.

Medical costs are often the most financially burdensome after an accident. You should speak to your health insurance company about what treatments and costs might be covered, but just know that medical expenses are one of the things you can be compensated for when you file a car accident claim.

If your insurance policy doesn’t cover all of your medical expenses, you can file a claim against the at-fault party, and they will be held financially responsible for your expenses. However, you will need as much medical documentation as possible to prove how much you are owed.

What is the Statute of Limitations in Indiana for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

When filing personal injury claims or personal injury suits, there is a deadline for when the claim must initially be filed. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.

In Indiana, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the car accident. Whether you are filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party or a property damage claim, you have two years to file from the date of the accident.

Relatives of someone who was killed in a car accident also have two years to file a wrongful death claim. However, with wrongful death claims, you have two years from the date of the death instead of two years from the date of the accident.

It is always a good idea from a strategic standpoint to begin your car accident lawsuit as soon as possible. If the statute of limitations passes, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will be unable to pursue compensation. Filing early also gives you a better chance of winning your case, as it gives you and your Indianapolis car accident lawyer more time to collect evidence before it is lost, damaged, or forgotten by key witnesses.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Recover After My Car Crash in Indiana?

What personal injury cases are worth or how much compensation a person can recover can vary from case to case. The value of your car accident or personal injury claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and other losses suffered.

There are two types of damages you can recover in a car accident settlement when you seek compensation, and these damages will ultimately determine how much your claim is worth:

• Economic damages: These damages represent your monetary losses, such as lost wages, medical expenses, out-of-pocket expenses, and other costs associated with the accident and your injuries.
• Non-economic damages: These damages do not hold an obvious monetary value but are still things you should be compensated for as a result of your suffering. This can include physical pain & suffering, emotional distress or mental anguish, reduced quality of life, permanent impairment, loss of consortium, and scarring & disfigurement.

Your best chance of recovering fair compensation for your car accident claim is to work with an experienced injury lawyer. An Indianapolis personal injury attorney will have the skills necessary to help you gather evidence, build a strong case, and handle negotiations with the insurance company to ensure you are fully and fairly compensated for all the damages you have suffered.

Is Indiana an At-Fault State for Auto Collisions?

Yes, Indiana is an at-fault state. This means that as the injured party, you have the legal right to file a claim against the at-fault driver or any other at-fault party. However, it’s worth noting that Indiana also follows modified comparative negligence laws. This means that each party’s contribution to the accident can factor into how much money they can recover in the settlement.

For example, if the other driver is determined to be 90% at fault for the accident, but you are 10% at fault, you can still file a claim, but your settlement award will be reduced by 10%. Under the modified comparative negligence system, an injured party is also barred from recovering damages if they are more than 51% at fault.

How is Fault Determined in an Indianapolis Car Accident?

Indiana’s fault-based system means that the injured party will need to provide evidence to establish the other party’s fault. In other words, you cannot simply claim someone else is at fault and win your case without providing evidence to support your claim.

Though who is at fault might seem obvious, legally determining fault can be a complex and lengthy process. This is why it is beneficial to work with an Indiana auto accident lawyer who will have the experience and know-how to help you build a strong case.

Fault may be determined by:

• Inspecting the scene: Examining the final resting places of all involved vehicles can help with accident reconstruction techniques and determine which driver may have made a critical error leading to the collision. Documentation of physical, environmental, and traffic conditions can all help your attorney understand what happened and why.
• Inspecting the damage: Examining crush profiles, the performance or non-performance of safety systems, and vehicle black-box data can all be key information in determining fault.
• Interviewing witnesses: Testimonies of both eyewitnesses and individuals involved in the crash can help to paint a picture of what happened as well as validate or disprove any found evidence of fault.
• Reviewing police reports: The responding police officer will often include an assessment of who they believe to be at fault for a collision in their accident report.

How Do I Work with Insurance Companies and Adjusters After an Indiana Car Accident?

Shortly after your accident, you should receive a call from an insurance adjuster. The insurance adjuster’s job is to evaluate car accident claims to determine an appropriate compensation offer. However, as insurance adjusters typically only have the interests of the insurance company in mind, it is not uncommon for them to try to persuade you to agree to a quick offer that is very low in value compared to the amount you are actually entitled to.

Some insurance company representatives will even employ threatening or bullying tactics if you refuse their initial offer. However, you are under no legal obligation to accept this first offer, and it is in your best interest to avoid signing anything until you speak with an Indianapolis car accident attorney.

Insurance adjusters might also try to obtain private information from you that they can then later use against you. The more information they gain from you, the more likely they are to use that information against you to reduce your settlement offer.

If you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you deserve nothing short of the full amount of compensation that is legally owed to you. Since there are many variables related to injuries and harms, an Indianapolis car accident lawyer can help to provide a thorough review of your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, and other factors for which you can receive financial compensation.

How an Indianapolis Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Car accident cases can be complex and difficult to navigate on your own. However, when you work with an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer, they can provide you with the help and guidance you need to successfully win your case and recover the fair compensation you deserve.

An Indianapolis car accident lawyer can:

• Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident.
• Carefully examine your losses and help you gather evidence to prove the extent of the damages you have suffered.
• Determine all liable parties involved.
• Handle all of the paperwork and other legal details while you focus on rest and recovery.
• Deal with the insurance companies and ensure they offer a fair settlement.
• Represent you in court if necessary.

Explore Your Legal Options With an Experienced Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer

Discussing your case with an experienced Indiana car accident lawyer can help you during this trying time. At Crossen Law Firm, our team will fight tirelessly on your behalf to help you get what you are owed, and you will not owe us anything unless we win your case.

Make the right call. Call Crossen Law Firm at (317) 401-8626 or contact our firm online.