Indiana Car Accident Lawyer

Have you sustained injuries in an Indiana car accident through no fault of your own? Are you struggling to pay your medical bills and put food on the table while you’re too hurt to return to work? If so, there could be light at the end of the tunnel, as you could pursue substantial compensation through a personal injury claim.

The Indiana car accident attorneys of Klezmer Maudlin, PC, can help you stand up to big insurance companies and protect your rights. With a century of combined legal experience, we have the resources and skills to handle every aspect of your claim and maximize the value of your settlement. Contact our firm today for a free case review to learn more.

Why Choose Klezmer Maudlin, PC?

For over 25 years, Klezmer Maudlin, PC, has stood up for injured Indianans like you, helping them get the money they needed during a difficult time in their lives. Our firm is proud to have strong ties to our communities, and we’ve worked hard to build a local reputation for compassionate and effective legal representation.

During our years of service, we have secured millions of dollars in insurance benefits, injury settlements, and trial verdicts for our clients. We understand the importance of the work we do and the results we obtain, which is why we never take a cookie-cutter approach to the cases we handle.

When you choose us to handle your case, we will take the time to get to know you on a personal level. By listening closely to your story, we can better understand your priorities and collaborate with you to chart an effective course toward your goals.

Our attorneys can also support you by:

• Conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine how it occurred and who is responsible for your injuries
• Gathering valuable case evidence, such as photos and video of the collision, police crash reports, medical records, and statements from eyewitnesses
• Laying the foundation for a strong injury claim that demonstrates the extent of the injuries and other losses you suffered due to the crash
• Negotiating with the relevant insurance providers in pursuit of the full settlement you deserve
• Bringing your case to court to demand compensation at trial, if the insurer won’t offer a fair settlement
• Offering personalized, compassionate service and handling the time-consuming and challenging parts of your case while you recuperate from your injuries

Our firm has several convenient office locations throughout Indiana, including Indianapolis, New Harmony, Jeffersonville, and Lafayette. We are happy to meet with you in person at any of our offices, and you can also contact us online to arrange a free case review by phone or video chat.

Car Accidents in Indiana

Indiana’s motto is the Crossroads of America for the continent-spanning highways that pass through it, beginning with U.S. 40 and U.S. 41 in the 1920s and now including I-65 and I-70. These crossroads mean heavy traffic, which in turn leads to serious accidents.

Here are some concerning statistics from the Indiana Department of Transportation that illustrate the frequency and severity of car accidents in the Hoosier State:

• There were 175,816 traffic accidents in Indiana in one recent year.
• Counties averaged 1,911 total crashes and nine fatal crashes.
• The statewide traffic fatality rate that year was 13 deaths per 100,000 Hoosiers, with 896 traffic fatalities statewide.
• Non-motorists, such as pedestrians and cyclists, accounted for less than one percent of all people involved in Indiana car accidents that year. However, they made up 14 percent of all traffic fatalities.
• Approximately 14 percent of traffic deaths that year resulted from alcohol-related crashes, causing 124 deaths statewide.
• Among all alcohol-impaired drivers in traffic crashes that year, 34 percent were pickup truck drivers, and 25 percent were passenger vehicle drivers. Twenty-six percent of drivers in fatal traffic collisions that year were legally impaired.
• In a recent ten-year period, Indiana’s statewide rate of seat belt use for vehicle occupants was 93 percent, roughly 2 percent below the national average.
• Survey data suggests that pickup truck drivers consistently exhibit lower rates of seat belt usage than passenger vehicle drivers.
• Indiana drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 have the highest crash rates statewide, likely due to young drivers’ relative inexperience and aggression.

Causes and Consequences of Car Accidents in Indiana

Every Indiana car crash is different, caused by a unique set of circumstances. That said, most wrecks are preventable tragedies that occur due to negligence or recklessness on the part of one or more drivers.

Common causes of Indiana car accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Driver impairment or extreme fatigue
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Following too closely
• Failing to check blind spots
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Improper turning or merging
• Driver inexperience
• Defective or poorly maintained components
• Poor road conditions due to inadequate maintenance

Even a relatively minor car accident can leave vehicle occupants with life-changing injuries.

Our attorneys frequently see these injuries in our car accident cases:

• Head and neck injuries
• Facial and dental injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Back and shoulder injuries
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
• Partial or total paralysis
• Seatbelt and airbag injuries
• Abdominal and internal injuries
• Arm, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries
• Dislocated or broken bones
• Amputation and loss of limb
• Bruises, lacerations, and puncture injuries
• Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears
• Leg, knee, ankle, and foot injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

How Much Is My Car Accident Injury Claim Worth?

If you have grounds for a car accident claim in Indiana, its potential value is probably a major concern. But because every case is unique, there is no foolproof method for accurately estimating its value without reviewing it in detail.

That said, you can generally expect the following factors to affect the potential value of your Indiana car accident claim:

• The nature and severity of your crash injuries
• How long you take to recover from your injuries
• Whether you sustain long-term or permanent impairments
• The nature and costs of any medical treatments you need
• Whether your injuries will require medical care in the future
• Whether you are unable to return to work while you recover
• Whether you can return to your usual work after the accident
• How your crash injuries affect your future earning capacity
• Who caused the accident that resulted in your injuries
• Whether your behavior contributed to the accident in any way
• The types and amounts of insurance coverages available in your case
• Whether you take the other driver to court to seek compensation

At Klezmer Maudlin, PC, our Indiana car accident lawyers can help you seek full and fair compensation for your claim, including money for the following losses:

• Any hospital bills or medical expenses you incur due to your crash injuries
• Incidental, out-of-pocket costs like travel expenses for medical appointments
• The cost of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle
• Reduced household income from any time you miss at work during recovery
• Projected losses in your future earning potential if you suffer permanent injuries
• Subjective losses, such as your pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life

Demanding Compensation in a Car Accident Insurance Claim

Many accident victims find it tempting to simply step back and let the insurance companies handle everything. But you should understand that this is a surefire way to end up with far less than you deserve.

At its core, every insurance company is a business, and businesses exist to make profits. The easiest way for insurance providers to protect their profitability is to avoid paying out claims, and these corporations have made an art form of finding creative ways to do just that.

Many claimants don’t know how to fight back when the insurance companies point to obscure policy exclusions or cherry-pick evidence to deny claims and avoid responsibility. And unless you are familiar with state laws and insurance regulations, you could have a difficult time with your claim, too.

The good news is that there’s no need to handle your Indiana car accident claim alone. Our experienced lawyers can stand up for your rights and demand that the insurance companies honor their commitments. We can do this by obtaining compelling case evidence and handling every aspect of your claim while you focus on your recovery.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Indiana

It’s common to feel stunned and overwhelmed after an Indiana car accident, but act quickly.

To control your situation and get a jump start on your legal claim:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible to have your crash injuries diagnosed, treated, and included in your official medical records.
• Follow your doctor’s care plan to speed your recovery and demonstrate to concerned parties that you are taking your health seriously.
• Gather evidence for your claim, including photos and video footage of the accident, crash reports, driver insurance details, and witness statements.
• Hang on to medical bills, bank statements, proof of income, and other documentation of your car accident injuries and related financial losses.
• Start a journal to record observations about the pain and physical limitations you experience in your daily life as a result of the car accident.
• Watch what you share online or say to others about the accident before you get the opportunity to review your case with a qualified attorney.

Indiana Car Accident FAQs

Here are some clear, plain-English answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about car accidents in Indiana.

Do I Have to File a Crash Report After a Car Accident in Indiana?

Possibly. Under Indiana Code § 9-26-1-1.1, you must notify the police or a 911 operator as soon as possible after any accident resulting in death, bodily injury, or $1,000 in property damage. Additionally, IC § 9-26-1-7 allows a city or town to require drivers to submit reports to a designated department. In other words, it’s generally a good idea to alert authorities of any significant collision.

Can I Still File an Injury Claim if I Was Partially Responsible for the Crash?

Yes. Under Indiana Code § 34-51-2-6, you still have the right to seek compensation for crash injuries even if you are partially at fault. Discuss your case with an experienced attorney who can argue down your share of fault and increase the compensation you could receive.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Injury Lawsuit in Indiana?

Indiana law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. If you try to sue after the two-year deadline has passed, the other driver will likely ask the court to dismiss your case, and the court will almost certainly agree. If this happens, you could lose your right to demand compensation, so it’s essential to work with a dedicated attorney who can keep your case on track from day one.

The statute of limitations can affect your case even if you never file a lawsuit. That’s because your ability to do so is your principal leverage when negotiating with the insurance company, which would prefer to avoid the expense and uncertainty of a trial. When you can no longer force the company into court, it will be less motivated to make a reasonable offer.

Contact Our Indiana Car Accident Injury Lawyers Today

If you have questions or wish to speak with an attorney about your Indiana car accident claim, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Klezmer Maudlin, PC at (317) 569-9644. We can answer your pressing questions and review your case for free when you contact us for an initial consultation with our personal injury lawyers.