Hurt In An Automobile Crash? Our Valparaiso Car Accident Lawyers Can Help.

Every year, millions of Americans are injured in car crashes. Tragically, thousands of these accidents result in fatalities. One driver’s distraction or lack of attention can cause devastating consequences for others on the road and their families. If you or a loved one is the victim of another driver’s negligence, then you may have the right to legal compensation for your injuries and the medical bills you have incurred. Our experienced Indiana car accident attorneys at Harper and Harper, LLC, can help you consider your legal options.

With more than 100 combined years of legal experience, they regularly handle cases involving all types of auto accidents. Whether our clients were in fender benders or accidents involving serious injuries, our team works to make sure that car crash victims get the compensation they deserve. We can also provide information such as:

• Why Do You Need A Lawyer If The Insurance Company Wants To Settle?
• 10 Things To Never Do If You’re Injured In An Automobile Accident
• Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

Determining The Cause Of The Crash And Proving Negligence

Even a simple car crash can involve complicated legal claims. Thankfully, one of our Valparaiso car accident lawyers can help you determine whether you have a right to compensation and how to make your strongest claim. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, our team can help you determine whether the other driver was negligent. Common behaviors leading to car accidents include:

• Texting and distracted driving
• Speeding and reckless driving
• Drunk driving
• Failing to yield
• Following too closely (tailgating)

Indiana is a “fault state” when it comes to car accidents, and proving the other driver’s negligence is the key to obtaining compensation. Unfortunately, investigating the crash on your own can be very difficult while trying to recover from your injuries, particularly when the case involves a hit-and-run (known as leaving the scene of an accident in Indiana). That’s one of many reasons to hire an attorney for your car accident claim.

To speak to an experienced car accident attorney about your injuries, contact our Valpraiso office today at 219-733-8837. We offer free consultations.

Our Car Crash Lawyers Will Fight For The Compensation You Deserve

Our knowledgeable attorneys can also help you determine the type of damages that you may be able to recoup. As a car accident victim, you could be eligible to receive compensation for various types of damages, including:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Lost wages
• Lost future earnings
• Physical disabilities

Our skilled Valparaiso car accident attorneys have experience helping crash victims determine whether they have valid legal claims and, if so, the damages that they may be able to recover. As our lawyers represent our clients, they also provide them with important information about their cases and are available to answer questions or address concerns.

Why Do You Need A Lawyer If The Insurance Company Wants To Settle?

An insurance company will likely be quick to make a settlement offer for your injuries. While this may seem like a blessing at first, it will likely be far less than you will need or deserve in the long term. An insurer will not be interested in “making things right” with you. Their goal will be to resolve your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. As your legal representatives, our Valparaiso car accident lawyers will review your case, reject lowball offers and fight to maximize the compensation you receive.

To speak to an experienced car accident attorney, contact our Porter County personal injury office today at 219-733-8837 for a free consultation.

10 Things To Never Do If You’re Injured In An Automobile Accident

It can be difficult to think clearly immediately after a crash, but remembering and following the rules below could be the key to maximizing the value of your car accident claim:

1. Never let the other driver convince you NOT to call the police: The other driver may have a suspended license or an outstanding warrant, or might be under the influence of intoxicants, so they may ask that you keep the police out of it. Don’t. In other words, always call the police. A police report can be invaluable down the road.
2. Never leave the scene without exchanging your name, contact information and vehicle registration number with everyone involved: If the accident results in physical injury or death, call the police or 911 immediately. Wait for the police to arrive. Leaving the scene of the accident in Indiana without taking these steps – even for a minor impact – can be a crime.
3. Never assume that the police will take pictures of the scene or the vehicles: In other words, if you’re physically able to do so yourself, take pictures at the scene. If not, ask a friend or family member to do it.
4. Never engage in extensive conversation – other than with the police or medical professionals – at the scene of the accident, especially regarding the circumstances of the accident: In other words, limit your conversation with everyone except the police or medical professionals.
5. Never assume that someone else – including the police – will get the names and contact information of witnesses: Witnesses oftentimes won’t wait around for the police to come. Therefore, you should get any witnesses’ names and contact information as soon as you’re physically able to do so. Be sure to ask witnesses immediately if they remember the license plate of any driver who fled the scene, as this person could be charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Indiana.
6. Don’t wait to get medical treatment if you’re hurt or in pain: Seek medical treatment even if you’re not in pain, as you still may be hurt. Symptoms of injuries don’t always present themselves on the same day or even in the same week. Slight pain can become severe pain in the days following a collision. A delay in treatment can provide an excuse for an insurance company to later deny your claim.
7. Don’t delay speaking with an attorney: Insurance companies don’t wait to take witnesses’ statements or gather evidence. Memories fade, cars are repaired, and people move. Talk with an experienced Valparaiso car accident attorney as soon as reasonably possible.
8. Never give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting with a lawyer: You are not obligated to speak with the company just because it reached out to you.
9. Never sign any document unless it’s for the police or your insurance agent: Most importantly, never sign a release without first consulting a Valparaiso car accident lawyer.
10. Never forget to ask your insurance agent to provide proof of insurance to the state: If you’ve been involved in a collision, state law generally requires that you provide proof of insurance to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles within 90 days. Failure to do so may result in the suspension of your license.

You may be tempted to share details about your harrowing experience with others. Before you do, though, keep this in mind: The less you say about your claim, the better. Posting about your claim online, discussing claim details with inquisitive insurance agents or even talking to anyone other than your attorney about your case can jeopardize the compensation you receive for your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

The laws surrounding car accidents in Indiana can differ significantly from those in other states, whether you are seeking compensation for injuries or facing potential liability. In either case, below are answers to some of the most common car accident questions that our team at Harper and Harper, LLC, has received:

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

1. Assess yourself and others involved, and call 911 if anyone needs immediate medical attention.
2. Secure the scene by turning on hazard lights and moving vehicles – if it’s safe to do so – to help prevent further accidents.
3. Gather information by exchanging contact and insurance details with all drivers involved. Document the scene by taking photos of the damage, skid marks and other relevant details.
4. File a police report, even for minor accidents.
5. Consult an experienced Valparaiso car accident lawyer.

Who is at fault in a car accident?

Determining fault in an Indiana car accident often depends on a variety of factors. Every case is unique and requires a thorough investigation into the details of the accident to assign fault accurately. That said, in Indiana, the driver whose negligent actions caused the accident is generally at fault and can be held liable for damages and injuries. Indiana is an at-fault state, meaning they consider the full picture of the accident when determining fault. This is why it’s crucial to collect strong evidence after an accident to help prove you were not responsible. The following types of evidence can help determine who was at fault:

• Police report: The officers who respond to the accident site will create a police report including details from the drivers involved in the accident as well as their own findings regarding how the accident may have occurred.
• Eyewitness statements: Anyone who witnessed the accident may provide valuable insight into what happened and who caused the accident. This is why it’s crucial to seek eyewitness information after an accident occurs.
• General presumptions: In some cases, it may be presumed who caused an accident based on the type of accident that occurred. For example, rear-end accidents are generally presumed to be caused by the driver of the rear vehicle. Of course, this may not always be the case, and other evidence can overrule these presumptions.
• Modified comparative negligence: Indiana has modified comparative negligence laws. Under these laws, if both drivers are partially responsible for the accident, the injured party can still seek compensation, but it will be reduced by the percentage of fault they contributed to the accident.

What are the potential legal consequences of admitting fault in a car accident?

Admitting fault in a Valparaiso car accident can severely compromise your legal claims. You may:

• Forego any compensation for your losses
• Raise your insurance costs
• Open yourself to civil liability
• Limit the investigation options

Always prioritize working with a Valparaiso car accident lawyer to help defend your rights.

When is it appropriate to involve a lawyer in a car accident case?

Many people believe they don’t need a lawyer after an accident, and while it’s not a requirement, there are many ways a lawyer can help in this situation. Consider involving an attorney in a car accident case if there are significant injuries, disputed liability, unclear fault, multiple parties involved or challenges dealing with insurance companies. A compassionate Valparaiso car accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and offer assistance throughout the process, including:

• Negotiating with insurance companies to ensure they don’t get away with offering lowball settlements to accident victims who deserve more than they realize.
• Consolidating and gathering evidence to prove the other driver is at fault.
• Interviewing eyewitnesses to collect formal statements to help prove what occurred during the accident.
• Building a strong case around the accident, complete with solid facts and supporting evidence.
• Aggressively advocating for you in court if your case isn’t resolved through negotiations.

A skilled car accident attorney can take some of the stress off your shoulders, so you’re able to focus on healing instead of all the legal details. They’ll keep you informed of the process and take the lead on seeking the compensation that you deserve.

Accidents Can Happen Anywhere

A car accident can happen to the most cautious driver on any road. In Indiana, it is important to stay vigilant on roads like Highway 41, I-80 and I-70, which are some of the deadliest roads in the state, but it is also important to keep that caution when driving on other roads as well. By keeping an eye out for signs of reckless drivers, like speeding, swerving, using their phone or other distractions, you can minimize the chances you get into an accident with them.

Meet With Our Team Today

Contacting an attorney early can ensure that you have the guidance you need every step of the way. At Harper and Harper, LLC, our Valparaiso car accident attorneys look forward to meeting with you during a free initial consultation to discuss your accident and your potential case. Call our Valparaiso office today at 219-733-8837 to discuss your case or email us here. Our phones are answered around the clock.