While none of us anticipate getting into a crash on the way to work in the morning, or when out running simple errands, the fact remains that car accidents in Greenfield, Indiana, are an unfortunate and prevalent occurrence. When crashes do occur, they can get complicated, especially when the factors contributing to the accident aren’t immediately clear. This is where a Greenfield car accident lawyer can help.
Consider this scenario: you’ve just attended an event at the Hancock Fairgrounds, and on your way home, on I-40 you are rear-ended by an aggressive driver who was tailgating you so close they weren’t able to stop when you had to slow down because of cars ahead of you.
Now, imagine another common scenario: you’ve just dropped off your child at the Greenfield Public Library, and as you exit the parking lot, a distracted driver in the process of texting while driving t-bones you.
These hypothetical situations are not mere conjectures but rather reflections of the real challenges faced by Greenfield residents. As we delve into the intricacies of car accidents in Greenfield, it becomes evident that an experienced car accident attorney in Greenfield is crucial when it comes to ensuring your rights are protected and negligent drivers are held accountable.
Hundreds of Car Accidents Every Month in Greenfield, Indiana
In Greenfield, Indiana, car crashes are a recurring concern, evident in the statistics spanning 2016–2020. The County Collisions Overview indicates that Greenfield witnessed close to 600 collisions in 2020, with 31 speed-related and 2 alcohol-impaired incidents. In Hancock County, it revealed a fluctuating trend, with 2018 recording the highest total collisions at 1,974, while 2020 documented 1,610 collisions. Fatalities varied, peaking at 16 in 2017 and 12 in 2019, emphasizing the severe impact on the community in and around Greenfield.
Younger Drivers Especially Vulnerable
Examining drivers’ demographics reveals insights into vulnerability. In 2020, our car accident lawyers in Greenfield saw that drivers aged 15–20 faced a high rate of nearly 600 accidents per 10,000 licensed drivers, emphasizing their susceptibility.
A Deeper Look Into the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Greenfield, Indiana
Understanding the prevalent factors contributing to car wrecks in Greenfield becomes imperative for fostering safer roadways in and around the city. Drawing insights from a comprehensive study conducted by the Department of Transportation, we unravel the common causes that often lead to accidents in this community.
1. Distracted Driving:
- Distracted driver accidents constitute approximately 18% of all Greenfield car crashes studied.
- Interior non-driving activities such as eating, cell phone use, or applying makeup are major contributors, posing significant risks and leading to serious and fatal accidents.
2. Driver Fatigue:
- Accounts for about 7% of studied crashes.
- As Greenfield car accident attorneys, we commonly see that fatigued drivers are more than twice as likely to make performance errors.
3. Poor Roadway Conditions:
- Found in more than 16.3% of accidents.
- Exacerbates accidents caused by speeding.
- Highlights the importance of addressing and improving infrastructure in Greenfield, Indiana, and Hancock County.
4. Common Accident Scenarios:
- Turning or crossing intersections: 36% of accidents.
- Running off the edge of the road: 22% of accidents.
- Failing to stay in the proper lane: 11% of accidents.
- Underscores the need for careful attention at intersections and maintaining proper lane discipline.
5. Driver Negligence:
- Forms of negligent or risky driving behavior includes: driving under the influence, driving while fatigued, aggressive driving, speeding, and tailgating.
Alarming Amount of Teenage Driver Car Accidents
Studies conducted by the NHTSA reveal that Indiana experiences a higher incidence of teenage driver accidents compared to many states nationwide. Research from 2011 to 2020, positioned Indiana as the 15th worst state for teen driver car accident deaths.
Summer: The “100 Deadliest Days”:
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety notes a significant spike in teenage driver car accidents during summer, referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days.” From 2011 to 2020, accidents involving drivers aged 16 to 19 claimed 7,316 lives during these summer months. Unfortunately, the problem escalated in 2021, with a 6% increase compared to 2020 and a staggering 25% rise compared to 2019.
If you need immediate legal assistance from a Greenfield car accident lawyer, contact SLG Accident Attorneys today for a free case evaluation.
Indiana’s Comparative Fault Laws and Their Impact on Your Greenfield Car Crash Claim
Is Indiana a “Fault” or a “No-Fault” State?
Understanding the intricacies of auto insurance laws is crucial when navigating the aftermath of a car crash. Indiana firmly falls into the category of a “fault” state. In this framework, the driver responsible for the accident bears the responsibility for all resulting damages.
These damages encompass medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation. Contrary to “no-fault” states, where each driver receives compensation from their own insurance regardless of fault, the state operates on the principle of assigning responsibility to the at-fault party, according to Indiana negligence laws.
More Than One Person Can Be At-Fault
In certain scenarios, determining fault becomes nuanced. Indiana state law stipulates that even in cases of shared liability, a claimant can recover damages from any other at-fault party. However, these damages will be proportionally reduced by the claimant’s share of liability. It’s crucial to note that recovery is barred if the claimant’s fault exceeds 50%.
For instance, if Driver A is found 30% liable for a crash caused by Driver B, who was speeding and cut off Driver A, the compensation would be adjusted accordingly. Driver A, entitled to $10,000 for injuries, would receive $7,000 from Driver B’s insurance, while Driver B, 70% at fault, wouldn’t be eligible for compensation from Driver A.
This underscores the importance of seeking guidance from an experienced auto accident attorney post-collision. A skilled car accident attorney in Greenfield, Indiana, can advocate for reducing the degree of fault, ensuring the claimant receives the full compensation deserved.
Comparative Fault Laws in Indiana:
A legal claim for compensation post-car accident hinges on determining fault. Indiana employs the legal doctrine of modified comparative fault, allowing claimants to seek compensation even if partly at fault. Under this system:
- Eligibility for Compensation: Claimants can seek compensation if found 50% or less at fault for causing their injuries.
- Percentage of Fault: Assigning exact percentages of fault is subjective, and handled by insurance adjusters or an Indiana jury.
- Modified Comparative Fault System: Damages are divided between negligent parties based on their proportionate shares. Parties 51% or more at fault cannot recover damages, known as the “51% bar rule.”
What Evidence Will Help Me With My Car Crash Lawsuit In Greenfield, Indiana?
Ensuring a favorable outcome in a car accident lawsuit in Greenfield, Indiana, demands a robust collection of evidence. Key categories include evidence related to the actual accident and documentation of damages suffered by the plaintiff.
1) Evidence Of the Actual Auto Accident
As experienced car accident lawyers in Greenfield, we are well aware that understanding how the accident occurred is fundamental to establishing liability. Essential evidence includes:
Photos:
● External damage to all involved vehicles
● Accident location and surroundings
● Traffic signals or road signs
● Internal damage to your vehicle
● Position of vehicles immediately post-crash
● Weather, lighting, and road conditions
● Post-accident evidence like skid marks or debris
● Visible injuries, including cuts and bruises
Witness Testimony:
● Collect names and contact information of witnesses
● Point out witnesses to the Greenfield police for statements
● Objective witnesses bolster your version of events
Report from the Greenfield Police Department:
● Contains crucial information for insurance claims
● Provides details useful in negotiation, though generally not admissible in court
● Includes witness statements and statements from involved parties
● Interrogatories and Depositions:
● Written questions and sworn testimony used for evidence gathering post-claim filing
Black Box Data:
● Event Data Recorders in vehicles record crash details
● Records information like vehicle speed, airbag deployment, and throttle position
● Resolves conflicting stories about the accident’s occurrence
2) Evidence Documenting Damages
Establishing fault is not enough; you or your Greenfield car accident attorney must prove harm resulting from negligence. Evidence of damages includes:
Medical Records: Essential for proving serious injuries. Records can cover emergency treatment, subsequent visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, tests, and therapy
Expert Witness Testimony: Testimony from professionals regarding injuries and their impact. These types of testimony assist greatly in determining the worth of the case
Evidence of Intangible Losses (Pain and Suffering): Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering demonstrate the severe impact of the accident on the life of Greenfield residents involved in auto accidents. Documentation of how their lives have been altered, chronic pain, emotional distress, and the impact of the accident on other family members.
How Much Money Can I Get For My Car Accident Injuries?
Determining the financial recovery in a car accident case involves various factors and can vary widely based on the nature and severity of injuries. The compensation may encompass immediate medical expenses, ongoing treatments, lost wages, and intangible damages. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand:
The amount of financial recovery in a car accident lawsuit or insurance claim can vary widely. If you need an initial emergency room visit and a few physical therapy appointments, your claim might be worth a few thousand dollars. On the other hand, if you suffer catastrophic injuries that leave you with permanent disabilities, your recovery will be much different.
Serious injuries can lead to lost wages if your injury keeps you away from work for any time. Some injuries might prevent you from working again, resulting in substantial future lost earnings. These can be challenging to calculate, and the right law firm will have the resources to determine how much you will lose over your working life.
In addition, another thing our Greenfield car accident lawyers see, is that many injuries can require ongoing medical care and treatment – sometimes for the rest of your life. If your treatment will continue after your claim is resolved, you should seek all the compensation you need to cover your future medical expenses. Your attorney might utilize a medical expert to estimate how much your future medical bills will be worth.
You can also seek compensation for intangible damages that do not have standard calculations or dollar amounts. These can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent injuries and disabilities
- Permanent disfigurement
- Mental trauma
It is critical to remember that the insurance company handling your case will do everything possible to settle your case for as little as possible. In fact, they will deny your claim entirely if they can find any plausible way to do so.
You might think you can save money by trying to handle your claim independently, but this is rarely the case. Having the right legal representative can often mean the difference between obtaining full compensation and covering many losses out of pocket. The best way to protect your rights and ensure that you get the compensation to which you are entitled is to retain a Greenfield car accident attorney who understands how insurance companies work and can take steps to protect your rights.
Greenfield, Indiana
Greenfield is set to undergo significant road projects aimed at enhancing accessibility. The Redevelopment Commission approved an economic development agreement for two projects – the “Reconstruction Project” focusing on Opportunity Parkway’s phase four and the “Construction Project” for a new road off 300 North. The completion target for these projects is December 31, 2024.
While these developments promise improved infrastructure, it’s important to acknowledge potential risks during and after construction. Ongoing roadwork elevates the risk of car accidents. Construction zones demand heightened attention from drivers, and deviations from normal traffic patterns may contribute to accidents.
Moreover, once the road projects are finalized, an influx of traffic is expected, and with that follows the increased risk of crashes in Greenfield.
Resources for Car Accident Victims in Greenfield, Indiana
In the event of car accidents in Greenfield, several resources are available to assist victims:
- Simmons Automotive: auto repair shop in Greenfield, Indiana
- Automotive Maintenance Services: Full-service preventive maintenance and auto repair center specializing in general services, brake repair, air conditioning, and more.
- Jenkins Automotive: Committed to setting a higher standard in auto repair and aiming to provide comfort, peace of mind, and top-notch service.
- Hancock Health: offers advanced and affordable healthcare services and are supported by a network of Indiana’s top doctors and specialists.
Experienced Law Firm in Greenfield, Indiana
When faced with the aftermath of a car accident, having a trusted legal ally is paramount. SLG Accident Attorneys proudly assume the role of dedicated Greenfield car accident lawyers. With an unwavering commitment to client advocacy, our law firm brings extensive experience to the forefront, ensuring that individuals receive the compensation they rightfully deserve.
Locations near Greenfield we serve include South Bend, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Anderson, Merrillville, Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Greenwood, Avon, Hammond, Gary, Highland, Munster, East Chicago, Portage, Lawrence, and more.
