Car Accident FAQs

The following questions are commonly asked by people who have been through a car accident. If you live in Fishers and have been an occupant in a vehicle collision, access to the right information will help you to make better decisions. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions our Fishers car accident lawyers receive.

How is Responsibility Determined in a Auto Accident in Indiana?

When a car accident occurs, insurance companies are responsible for determining fault. While this is obvious in some situations, it can also be incredibly complex. To determine fault, insurers review relevant information, speak with witnesses, and interview vehicle occupants.

If fault is deemed to be shared in a multi-accident scenario, more than one insurance company will cover the expenses. In this situation, insurers will typically measure fault on percentage terms. If fault is unclear, insurance adjusters and investigators may be used to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze the crash scenario.

How Do I Deal With Insurance Companies After a Car Crash?

Dealing with the financial and legal impacts of a car accident can be challenging for everyone involved. While insurance companies want to make this process as seamless as possible, settlements are often undervalued or delayed. Remember, insurers are running a business and want to save themselves as much money as possible.

To get the settlement you deserve, it’s important to gather as much evidence on the accident as possible. You should keep accurate records of all accident-related transactions and communications, and offer all relevant facts without admitting fault or making accusations. It’s important to be cautious when signing documents and to work with an experienced legal representative.

What Do I Do Immediately After a Auto Accident?

Contacting the Fishers police department is not the only thing you should do following an accident. There are lots of other steps to take, from getting medical treatment to exchanging personal information and contacting a car crash lawyer.

The following five steps are key in any accident scenario:

1. Deal with the accident scene

Once an accident has occurred, the first thing you should do is manage the accident scene. If anyone requires medical attention, you need to call 911 immediately. Additionally, it’s important to deal with the scene itself to prevent further accidents. You can help to protect the area by turning your emergency lights on and setting up flares.

2. Contact the police

As mentioned above, the police should always be contacted in accident scenarios for the success of your case. If the police can’t come to the scene of the accident for any reason, you should go to the nearest police station to file a report. A report starts to lay the foundation for what happened before people start to change their story.

3. Exchange information

Once you’ve called an ambulance and notified the police, it’s important to exchange contact information and insurance details with other people involved in the accident. If there are witnesses at the scene, you should get their information to assist you in future legal claims.

4. Document the accident

It’s important to note down the full name of all drivers, along with the location of the accident, address details, contact information, insurance companies and policy numbers, driver’s license and plate numbers, and the makes and models of all vehicles involved.

5. Notify your insurance company

Following an accident, you should notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Many policies require immediate reporting and full cooperation to receive MedPay coverage. Indiana is a fault state, which means you file a claim against the negligent driver’s policy. If you caused the accident, the other driver would file a claim with your insurance company.

Do I Need a Lawyer if I’m in a Car Accident in Fishers?

If you’ve suffered physical or mental injury as the result of a car accident, it’s important to consult a recognized legal representative. While there are no laws mandating the need for legal counsel and representation, an attorney can help you get the best possible outcome based on your unique situation.

Among other things, they will investigate the crash, speak to witnesses, gather evidence, and use all of their legal expertise to demonstrate the other driver’s negligence. They will also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and help you manage the complex paperwork that arises during the settlement process.

What is the Cost of Hiring a Lawyer?

If you want to make a legal claim following a car accident, you need to hire an attorney. While there are costs associated with this process, expenses are structured and more affordable than people think. Unlike most other legal professionals, most attorneys work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t have to pay them unless they recover money for your case.

The cost of hiring a legal representative should always be balanced against the opportunity cost of not taking action. The legal fee charged is based on a percentage of the successful settlement amount, so you always come out ahead compared to doing nothing. The exact contingency fee percentage depends on the length and complexity of the case.

What is Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage in Indiana?

Every state in the United States has different laws regarding insured and uninsured drivers. Uninsured motorist coverage is not required in the state of Indiana, but insurers still provide coverage options. While standard at-fault insurance will pay for damages resulting from insured drivers, optional coverage is critical for protection against uninsured drivers.

In Fishers and across Indiana, a minimum of $25,000 per person is available for uninsured bodily injury cases, along with a minimum of $50,000 per accident, and a minimum of $25,000 for uninsured motorist property damage cases.

In addition, drivers have the option to purchase $25,000 in underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person, up to $50,000 per accident. From there, drivers can also buy much more in uninsured or underinsured coverage and we encourage them to buy the most that they can afford.

What are the Most Relevant Indiana Car Accident Laws?

A wide array of laws are used for car accident cases in Indiana. Most laws governing motor vehicles are found in Title 9 of the Indiana Code, including the following key laws:

  • Hit-and-run laws
  • Speeding laws
  • Reckless driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Vehicle defects
  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVWI)
  • Operating a vehicle while suspended as a habitual traffic violator (HTV)
  • Failure to meet insurance requirements

Car Accident Attorney in Fishers, IN

At SLG Accident Attorneys, our Fishers car accident attorneys specialize in a variety of cases including: rear-end accidents, wrong way accidents, head-on collisions, highway accidents, Lyft & Uber Accidents, fatal car accidents and more. Reach out today to speak with a legal representative at our firm. We offer free consultations.

Some of the locations we serve include: Evansville, South Bend, Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Indianapolis, Greenwood, Fort Wayne, Anderson, Avon, Mishawaka, Hobart, Richmond, and more.