Crown Point Car Accident Attorneys
Last updated on August 28, 2024
When you’re involved in a car accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills, insurance claims and legal complexities can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why hiring an attorney to help you navigate this challenging time is crucial. The right attorney can ease your burdens and secure the compensation you need to put this chapter behind you.
At the law firm of Miller Sachs & Hess, PC, we are here for you. Our car accident lawyers provide quality legal counsel to injury victims across Northwest Indiana. With roots in Lake County going back to the 1960s, we are proud to be one of the oldest and most trusted law firms in the area. Our attorneys have more than a century of combined experience and many awards and recognition for their outstanding work.
We truly care about our clients and will treat you like family. Our goal is for you to walk away satisfied – and in a much better position than when you started.
Protect Yourself After A Car Accident
The moments, days and weeks following a car accident can be confusing and stressful. Here are some steps to take in both the immediate and subsequent aftermath of an accident:
- Check for injuries: Ensure that everyone involved is safe. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Gather information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver. Take photos of the scene, vehicles and any visible injuries.
- Stay silent: Don’t admit fault or say anything that could be used against you later.
- File a police report: Always report the accident to the police, even if it seems minor. That way you will have documentation of the accident.
- Seek medical attention: Get a medical evaluation, even if you don’t have any obvious injuries.
- Contact an attorney: Reach out to a lawyer to discuss your case and understand your rights. Don’t accept a settlement offer, give a formal statement or take any other steps that could jeopardize your rights without first consulting an attorney.
- Document everything: Keep thorough records of your bills, medical care, missed work and other accident-related expenses.
The sooner you get help from a lawyer, the stronger your position for building a strong case from the outset.
Who Will Pay For Your Accident-Related Expenses?
Determining who will cover your expenses can be complicated. Typically, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying the accident-related costs such as medical bills, vehicle repairs and lost wages. If you opt to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) coverage through your own policy, your medical bills will be covered up to applicable limits. Things get complicated in cases involving commercial vehicles or rideshare services, where commercial policies are at play.
Pursuing insurance claims and getting your bills paid can feel like an uphill battle. Our attorneys can take that weight off your shoulders by handling all the insurance-related issues so you can focus on recovering.
How Much Is Your Car Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your car accident claim depends on factors such as the severity of the crash and the resulting injuries and losses. Valuing a claim involves breaking down the damages (losses) you’ve suffered, both economic and noneconomic. Your damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Permanent disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Our lawyers will carefully evaluate your case to determine the full extent of your damages. We understand how to properly value a car accident case and present compelling evidence to support that valuation.
How Long Will Your Case Take?
The length of time it takes to resolve car accident cases can vary significantly. Some cases settle quickly, while others may take months or even years. Factors that influence the timeline include the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate.
When you work with us, you can rest assured that we will work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible. Our goal is to get you the full compensation you deserve without squandering time on needless delays.
How Long Do You Have To File A Claim?
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in court is two years from the date of the accident. However, it’s important to speak with a lawyer well before that deadline. Contacting an attorney early can help preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
What If You Are Partially At Fault For A Car Accident In Indiana?
Under Indiana law, if you are partially at fault for a car accident, you can still recover damages, but your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault. Indiana follows a legal doctrine known as “modified comparative negligence. ” This allows injured parties to seek compensation even if they share some blame for the accident, so long as they are not more than 50% at fault.
Under Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rule, your percentage of fault will also directly impact the amount of compensation you can receive. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%. So, if your damages amount to $100,000, you would receive $80,000 after the reduction. However, if you are found to be 51% at fault for your injuries, you would recover nothing.
Determining fault in a car accident can be complex. It involves evidence like:
- Police reports: They provide an official account of the accident, including any citations issued at the scene.
- Witness statements: These offer independent perspectives that may support or contradict the involved parties’ accounts.
- Expert testimony: Experts like accident reconstruction specialists may be required to analyze vehicle damage, skid marks or other physical evidence to establish how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
Insurance companies will investigate the accident and assess the percentage of fault. It’s crucial to understand the insurance company’s determination of fault is not final, and you have the right to challenge it if you believe it is inaccurate. Insurance companies’ primary goal is to minimize payouts, which means their assessment might not always be in your favor.
Because Indiana’s modified comparative negligence law can affect the outcome of your claim, it is better to work with an experienced car accident attorney, especially if you believe you might be partially at fault. They can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate on your behalf to help ensure your level of fault is accurately assessed and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
The statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in Indiana is two years from the date of the accident. Acting promptly is vital, especially if the fault is being disputed. Even if you think you may share some responsibility, do not assume you are ineligible for compensation.
Start Exploring Your Options For Recovery
If you’ve been in a car accident, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We want you to receive a solid financial recovery so you can start moving forward with your life. Contact us online or by phone at 219-227-4259 to speak with a car accident lawyer about your options.