No matter how safely you drive in Avon, Indiana, you are at risk of getting struck by another driver every time you drive. When you are the victim of another driver’s neglect, the physical and financial impact can last for a long time. You need an Avon car accident lawyer to help you get the recovery you need to move forward.
Avon, Indiana, sees more than its fair share of auto accidents. The town has a close proximity to downtown Indiana and major highways including Ronald Reagan Parkway and U.S. 36. Avon is also situated in one of North America’s top logistics hubs. The high population of drivers and workers plays a large role in the high number of accidents that happen every day.
You don’t have to travel somewhere new to end up in a serious accident. Wrecks can happen on the way to and from the same locations you’ve been to hundreds of times before. Imagine getting in a rollover accident on US Route 36 on the way to have pizza at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. Or, getting t-boned by a distracted driver at the intersection of E. Zander Rd and N. Avon Ave on your way to pick up your kid at Avon Intermediate School East. You might even get rear-ended at a stop light after visiting Washington Township Park.
As experienced car accident attorneys in Avon, we know that any auto accident can result in expensive repair bills and costly medical treatments. Insurance companies are well-known for taking a long time to process claims. Meanwhile, you’re trying to figure out how to pay for transportation, lost earnings, and a growing pile of medical bills.
If you were the victim of an auto accident, get the help you need right away. Get SLG Accident Attorneys on your side to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
How Common Are Crashes in Hendricks County, Indiana?
In 2020, there were 38,913 nonfatal injuries and 896 fatalities in Indiana — Fatalities in Hendricks County accounted for 78 for every 100,000 of the population. Of the total 4,181 total collisions in the county, 11 were fatal, 574 were non-fatal, and 3,596 resulted in property damage only.
There were 7,046 individuals involved in the crashes in Hendricks County. This number included 12 fatalities and 386 individuals involved in incapacitating non-fatal crashes. Of those injured, 415 received non-incapacitating injuries.
That was an increase of 8.1% from 752 fatal crashes in 2019. In Hendricks, the number of fatalities dropped from 18 in 2019 to 11 in 2020. During 2019, there was a total of 4,503 collisions in the county, meaning that both the number of collisions and the number of fatalities dropped during the one-year span while increasing for the state overall. This increase came despite a decrease in traffic while more people worked from home and sheltered in place.
While Hendricks County isn’t leading the way in auto accident fatalities, the numbers remain high. This is due in part to the town’s proximity to Indianapolis and the airport. The Indianapolis Airport offers flights throughout America and to Europe. The airport also provides an extensive global air cargo service. More people and more types of traffic lead to a higher incidence of auto accidents.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
A car accident can happen in a matter of seconds, leaving you with lifelong injuries that prevent you from earning a living. The evidence from the car accident will show what caused the wreck in the first place. An Avon car accident lawyer will look at the evidence in your case and determine the cause.
Some causes of auto accidents are familiar, such as inexperienced teen drivers or those who are driving under the influence. Sometimes the cause of the accident isn’t as obvious. There are many situations that lead to car accidents, including:
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Running traffic lights and stop signs
- Inexperienced drivers
- Unsafe lane changes
- Driving at night
- Improper turns
If you aren’t sure who is to blame for your injuries, talk with a car accident attorney in Avon about your situation. The answer might not be as clear as you think.
How SLG Accident Attorneys Can Help After a Crash in Avon
An auto accident can have a devastating, long-lasting impact on your life. You’re dealing with the pain from your injuries, and you don’t have money to pay your bills. You might think that hiring a car accident lawyer in Avon will be another expense you can’t afford. But an experienced legal team like ours can help you in many ways, including:
Gathering Evidence for Your Case
Some of the most pertinent evidence for your case is only available right after the accident. Your attorney knows what they need to file a successful car accident claim. They will obtain the accident report, gather eyewitness testimony, and obtain your medical records pertaining to injuries you received from the car wreck.
Negotiating with the Insurance Companies
From the start, insurance companies go to work trying to disprove your case. An insurance adjuster might contact you early on and may give you an offer that is far too low. If you accept, you won’t be able to pursue adequate compensation for your claim.
Turning your case over to an Avon car accident attorney can save you a lot of money and frustration. Your lawyer knows the tactics insurance companies use to cheat accident victims out of a fair settlement. They will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get the best settlement for your needs.
Explaining Your Rights
The insurance companies have one goal in mind — to pay out as little as possible. They are on the side of the company they work for, not yours. That makes it difficult for you to know whether you are entitled to compensation, how much, and what types.
An Avon car accident lawyer will look at the circumstances of your accident. They will determine who was at fault and the types of damages you can receive. They will fight to get you the best settlement available from the insurance company.
Negotiating a Fair Settlement
Too often, accident victims accept the insurance adjuster’s initial offer. They falsely believe that it is the only option they have. Having a knowledgeable attorney to negotiate for them will help them get a fair settlement. An attorney knows the types of compensation you deserve and what you will need now and in the future.
Representing You at Trial
Most personal injury cases never go to court. It benefits both parties to settle out of court and avoid extensive legal fees. If you can’t reach an agreement, you may need to file a lawsuit to settle your case. When that happens, you need an experienced Avon car accident lawyer who can prepare your case for court and represent you effectively.
Your attorney might call expert witnesses and eyewitnesses of the accident or of the impact it has had on your life. They will show your medical records and how severely your injury has impacted your life. You need an attorney who is prepared to fight for you in court — even if your case never advances to that stage.
I’m Being Blamed for a Car Accident in Avon That Wasn’t My Fault – What Do I Do?
It is common for the other party to try and accuse you of causing the car crash. The most important step to take when that happens is to contact an experienced Avon car accident lawyer. In this case, the best defense is a good offense. Some steps you and your lawyer can take to strengthen your case and fight back against these accusations include:
Take Photos of the Accident Scene
Use your cell phone to take pictures of the vehicles, the road, injuries, traffic lights, and anything else that might help.
Obtain the Police Report
Always call the Avon police department and request the police report after the crash. If it doesn’t match the details of the crash exactly, write up an account and ask them to add it as a supplement.
Dispute Any Tickets You Received
Sometimes law enforcement gives tickets after an accident based on a short assessment of what they believe happened. Accepting a ticket without fighting it also means you accept some level of fault for the accident.
Dispute the Insurance Company’s Ruling of Fault
One of the most common tactics used by insurance companies is to try and place blame on the other party. If the insurance adjuster assigns you fault, call and inform them that you dispute their findings. Confirm your objection with a follow-up letter. Better yet, get a car accident attorney in Avon to deal with the insurance company for you.
Gather Contact Info from Eyewitnesses
People who saw the accident and stopped to help typically make the best eyewitnesses. They are impartial and have no reason to alter the facts. Get their names and contact information at the accident scene. It’s also a good idea to have them write a statement while the details are still fresh in their minds.
Identify Business Video Cameras Near the Location of the Wreck
Many businesses have video cameras installed to record activity in their vicinity. Ask those around the accident scene if they have working security cameras that might have captured the car accident. If there are highway or traffic light cameras, you might get footage from those as well.
Some businesses are reluctant to share their security footage, and they may record over it quickly. Have your attorney request the video immediately after the accident.
Work with a Car Accident Attorney in Avon to Gather Critical Evidence
Like video footage, other forms of critical evidence might only be available to your attorney. In some cases, using specialized computer software to recreate the accident can show more clearly exactly what happened. Your attorney also has the expertise to depose the other driver and any witnesses to get testimony under oath.
The sooner you begin working with an Avon car accident lawyer, the more evidence you will have to prove your version of events.
Comparative Fault in Indiana and Proving Negligence
Indiana is a comparative law state, meaning that damages are evaluated to the degree of responsibility of each party involved. Even if you are considered up to 50% at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages for the remaining portion. For example, if you are judged 20% at fault for the accident because you were speeding, you can still receive 80% of the amount of damages awarded.
Indiana also has a 51% fault system or modified comparative negligence system for injured individuals. This system allows injured individuals to pursue a personal injury claim if they are less than 51% at fault for the accident.
What Is the Car Accident Claims Process?
Indiana follows a fault-based system in which the injured motorist files a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The insurance company then defends their client, the at-fault party.
The insurance company is a business that works to keep as much of their money as possible. They look for ways to reduce the amount they must pay you. For example, they might minimize your injuries or try and blame you. Initially, they try to get you to make statements that they will use against you later on. The best way to avoid the tricks the insurance company pulls is to hire a knowledgeable lawyer who will fight for you.
If more than one party shares responsibility for the accident, then both drivers’ insurance companies might be involved. Due to the state’s modified comparative negligence system, you can only get compensation if you are no more than 50% at fault. If you are partially at fault, it will reduce your reward.
For example, if you are 20% at fault for the accident and the total award is $200,000, you will only receive $140,000. This is the total award minus 20%.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident in Avon, Indiana
A car accident can leave you injured, emotional, and unsure of what to do. It’s easy to say or do something that could hurt your chances of getting a fair settlement later. The following mistakes are some of the most common:
Not Calling the Police
Maybe you think you aren’t injured or that you can take care of making a claim without calling the police. But you need law enforcement to investigate the crash, gather evidence, and issue an official accident report.
Fleeing the Scene of the Accident
Not only does this leave it up to someone else to give the details of what happened, but leaving the scene of an accident is a misdemeanor or felony in Indiana. You could end up with jail time and/or fines.
Apologizing or Taking Blame
It’s a natural instinct to want to comfort the other people in the crash. Saying “I’m sorry” at the scene gives the other parties a basis to put the fault on you.
Losing Control
Stay calm and in control of what you say and do. Focus on making sure everyone with injuries gets the help they need.
Failing to Take Photos
There is a very short time frame for getting photo or video evidence. Once the wreck is cleared away, the evidence is gone. If you don’t have your cell phone, ask someone else to take photos with theirs and send them to you.
Not Getting Information from the Other Driver and Witnesses
Don’t assume the responding police officer will do this for you. They will get statements from the other parties, but you need to collect names, contact information, and insurance information.
Failing to Get Medical Attention
Waiting to get treated will make it look like your injury isn’t that serious. Even if you think your injuries aren’t serious, see a doctor and make sure everything is documented.
Accepting an Initial Offer from the Insurance Adjuster
The insurance company will approach you when you are most vulnerable. Remember, they aren’t there to help you — they are there to save their company money. Consult with an Avon car accident lawyer and let them speak with the insurance company.
Failing to Notify Their Own Insurance Company
It’s important to notify your insurance company of the accident even if it wasn’t your fault. Failing to notify them could result in your not getting the coverage you deserve.
Failing to Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Don’t wait to talk with a car accident lawyer in Avon. They can explain your rights and your options based on the circumstances of the accident. It’s also important not to wait to file a claim. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long could result in your losing the right to pursue compensation.
I Was a Passenger in an Accident. Can I Sue the Driver?
A car accident not only involves the drivers of the vehicles — it also involves the passengers. Often, these situations where a passenger is injured are more complex. It might be a family member or a friend who was negligent and caused your injuries. Keep in mind that you are seeking compensation from the insurance company and not your loved one. It also helps to hire an Avon car accident lawyer to handle the negotiations.
Indiana Auto Accident Laws
Your actions after an auto accident in Indiana will have a major impact on the outcome. Without a basic knowledge of Indiana law, you could make the wrong decision.
Drivers are often unsure about whether to move the vehicle. If the accident occurred on the traveled portion of the highway, you must move the vehicle off the road while staying close to the location of the accident. The driver(s) must stay on the scene and provide their insurance, driver’s license, and contact information to everyone involved.
Accidents that result in injury or death require the driver to provide reasonable assistance. They should aid someone trapped in a vehicle, call 911, and contact law enforcement. Afterward, you must provide proof of financial responsibility upon request from the BMV. A Certificate of Compliance (COC) shows that you have an insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum requirements.
Avon, Indiana
Avon, IN, is considered a part of Indianapolis and is in the very center of the region’s fast-growing logistics hub. The town’s extensive highway network provides drivers with a day’s access to more than 145 million consumers. This number equals almost half of the total population of the lower 48 states.
Avon is home to some of the best local businesses for car repairs and paint. Some of those that stand out include:
Auto-Lab – With a growing presence throughout Indiana, Auto-Lab goes the extra mile on their repairs. The company uses computerized diagnostics, ASE-certified mechanics, and a free 33-point inspection on all repairs to ensure they get it right.
Hackleman Auto Collision Repair – A trusted name in auto repair, Hackleman Auto Collision Repair has been providing quality service in Avon since 1962. This company delivers a complete auto body repair experience backed by top-notch customer service.
Diamond Collision – Boasting more than 22 years of experience, Diamond Collision repairs everything from small dents to hard-hit claims. Their services extend to paintless dent repair, auto glass replacement, and more.
Paul’s Auto Repair – With an onsite mechanic, Paul’s Auto Repair is prepared to provide a wide range of products and services to meet any need.
Contact SLG Accident Attorneys Today
SLG Accident Attorneys understand how confusing and challenging it is to deal with a car accident. We are committed to providing you with the best possible representation for an optimal outcome. Our experienced and knowledgeable Avon car accident lawyers will provide you with the highest level of support and guidance during these trying times. If you’ve been in a car accident, contact us for help understanding your rights and your options.
Some of the locations we serve in addition to Avon include Muncie, Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Greenwood, Indianapolis, Merrillville, Munster, Hammond, Gary, East Chicago, Highland, Anderson, Fort Wayne, Portage, Lawrence, and more.
ADDITIONAL CAR ACCIDENT RESOURCES
What Does A Car Accident Lawyer Do?
Liability in a Single Vehicle Accident
