Why You Need Westfield Car Accident Lawyers

When you’re involved in a car accident, the legal process can be overwhelming for Westfield residents and getting the maximum compensation you deserve requires more than just filing a claim. Westfield car accident lawyers specialize in protecting your rights and helping you get a reasonable settlement.

Whether you’re facing an insurance company that undervalues your claim or a car accident with multiple parties, having an experienced legal team is essential.

Insurance companies often aim to settle quickly and for as little as possible. Without legal representation, you may be left covering costs for medical bills, car repairs, and missed wages. A Westfield area car accident lawyer will handle negotiations and other legal car accident needs. If you or a loved one has an injury from a car accident, don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Call Crossen at 317-401-8626 today for a free consultation to learn how we can meet your car accident needs.

Accidents Involving Ride-Share Drivers

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft have become popular, but accidents involving ride-share drivers can complicate the legal process.

Unlike a regular car accident, a ride-share driver is considered a commercial driver, and different insurance policies may apply, including the ride-share company’s coverage. This creates unique challenges when determining which insurance company is responsible for covering damages.

If you’re injured in a ride-share accident, either as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, it’s crucial to gather evidence at the scene and report the accident to the ride-share company.

However, navigating the claims process with a ride-share company’s insurance coverage can be confusing. A skilled Westfield car accident lawyer will guide you through the process, seeing that you receive the full settlement you’re entitled to.

There’s a time limit to filing a car or pedestrian accident case, so don’t wait. Contact Crossen Car Accident Lawyers today at 317-401-8626, and we will help you navigate these complex personal injury insurance claims.

Accidents Caused by Defective Vehicles or Parts: Your Legal Options

In some car accidents, the fault may not lie with the driver but with a defective vehicle or faulty parts. In these cases, the car manufacturer or a third-party repair shop may be liable for the accident.

Common vehicle defects that lead to accidents include faulty brakes, defective airbags, and malfunctioning seat belts.

Seeking justice by proving a defective part caused the accident can be difficult, as it requires technical expertise and thorough investigation.

Your lawyer will work with accident reconstruction experts and engineers to identify the defect and establish someone else’s negligence. Additionally, if multiple parties contributed to the defect, such as a part manufacturer and the car company, they may both be held responsible.

How to Prove Fault in a Car Accident

Proving fault is a crucial element in any car accident claim. Indiana operates under an at-fault system, which means that the person responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages.

However, proving fault requires more than your word—it involves gathering concrete evidence, such as police reports, eyewitness accounts, and accident reconstruction.

In some cases, fault may be shared between drivers. Indiana’s modified comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation as long as you are not more than 51% at fault.

Your percentage of fault will reduce the amount of compensation. For example, if you were 20% responsible for the accident, your settlement would be reduced by 20%.

Need legal representation from an accident lawyer in Westfield, Indiana? Contact our Westfield Car Accident Lawyers at 317-401-8626 for guidance on how to build a strong case.

Injuries Common in Car Accidents

Car (or pedestrian) accidents can result in a wide range of conditions, from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions.

Some of the most common injuries after car accidents include:

• Whiplash: A neck injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Damage to the brain that can lead to long-term cognitive impairment.
• Broken bones: Fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, or other bones.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine, which can lead to partial or full paralysis.
• Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs, often resulting in internal bleeding.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Car Accident

After a car accident, you will likely deal with one or more insurance companies. Their goal is to minimize payouts, and they may offer a quick settlement that doesn’t fully cover your expenses.

Insurance adjusters are trained to look for ways to reduce the amount they pay, whether by questioning the severity of your injuries or disputing fault.

When you work with a car accident attorney, they will handle all communications with the insurance companies on your behalf.

Your car accident lawyers will work to negotiate a fair settlement that covers all of your expenses, from medical bills to lost wages and pain and suffering.

What to Do After a Car Accident

After a car accident that was someone else’s fault, we offer the following advice to protect our clients’ rights:

• Seek medical attention: Some dangerous conditions aren’t immediately apparent even if you feel fine.
• Report the accident: Call the police and make sure a report is filed.
• Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, and any injuries.
• Exchange information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details.
• Contact our car accident lawyers: The sooner you involve a lawyer with extensive knowledge of accident-related practice areas, the better your chances of recovering maximum compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim?

The time it takes to settle a car accident claim can vary widely depending on the case’s complexity. Settlements involving serious injury or going to trial will take longer.

Working with our experienced car accident lawyers can help expedite the process by ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly, negotiations proceed smoothly, and your case is presented as strongly as possible.

What Happens If the Other Driver Fled the Scene of the Accident?

If the other driver fled the scene, it is considered a hit-and-run accident. This can make recovering compensation more complicated, but you still have options. If the driver is not found, you may recover maximum compensation through your own insurance under uninsured motorist coverage.

Make sure to document everything, call the police to report your car or motorcycle accidents, and seek medical attention if needed.

A car accident lawyer can help gather evidence, such as surveillance footage or witness testimony, to help track down the fleeing driver.

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

It is always a good idea to see a doctor after a car accident, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, might not be immediately apparent. Additionally, seeking medical attention right away helps document your injuries, which will be important if you decide to file a personal injury claim.

Medical records will also serve as crucial evidence in your personal injury claim, and if you delay treatment, the insurance company will use that against you.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, the actions you take can significantly impact your health and the outcome of your claim.

Here are the steps you should follow:

• Provide safety: If possible, move to a safe location and check for injuries.
• Call 911: Report the accident and request medical care if needed.
• Exchange information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details.
• Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, damage, and surroundings.
• Get witness statements: If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and a brief statement.
• Contact a lawyer: Speak with an auto accidents attorney before discussing the accident with insurance adjusters.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident or suffer permanent disability, you may be entitled to recover several types of compensation. Those types include:

• Medical expenses: Coverage for hospital visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment related to auto accidents.
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to your temporary or permanent injuries.
• Property damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or reduce your ability to earn income in the future.
• Wrongful death compensation: If accident victims are killed, survivors may be entitled to wrongful death compensation for lost wages, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.

How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident Injury?

In Indiana, fault for a car accident is determined using evidence from the accident scene, eyewitness testimony, police reports, and, in some cases, expert analysis.

Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning that each party’s contribution to the accident will affect the amount of compensation they can recover.

If you’re found to be less than 51% at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover partial compensation for an injury.

For example, if you are 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

Proving fault can be challenging, but an experienced car accident lawyer will help gather the necessary evidence to build a strong personal injury claim.

What if Car Accidents Involve a Ride-Share Driver?

Accidents involving ride-share drivers, such as those driving for Uber or Lyft, introduce additional complexities to your personal injury case.

Different insurance policies may apply depending on the ride-share driver’s status at the time of the accident (whether they were en route to pick up a passenger or had a passenger in the vehicle).

The driver’s personal and driver’s insurance should be involved.

Navigating the claims process for a ride-share accident can be difficult. A lawyer experienced in handling ride-share car accident cases will be able to identify which insurance policies are in play and ensure you receive proper compensation.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help with My Car Accident Case?

A lawyer can provide invaluable help in your car accident case by:

• Investigating the accident: Collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining police reports.
• Handling insurance companies: Dealing with insurance adjusters on your behalf to ensure a fair settlement.
• Proving fault: Using expert testimony and evidence to establish liability.
• Maximizing settlements: Ensuring you receive payment for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
• Representing you in court: If necessary, take your personal injury case to trial to fight for the settlement you deserve.

Contact our Westfield Car Accident Lawyers Today

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. The team at Crossen Law Firm has the experience to provide top-notch legal representation during your car or motorcycle accident personal injury case.

We offer personal attention and free consultations with no obligation for all Westfield clients to meet your car accident needs.

Each Crossen accident lawyer in Westfield works hard to ensure you are fairly compensated and we secure the best outcome for you. Leveraging extensive research and proven strategies, we confidently navigate through the intricacies of the law to advocate effectively on your behalf.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Westfield, Indiana, call Crossen Car Accident Lawyers at 317-401-8626.