If you or someone you know has suffered a life-altering injury or even lost a loved one due to an accident in Greenwood, Indiana, it’s crucial to understand your legal responsibilities and rights. However, filing a suit and navigating the court system can be overwhelming without the help of a knowledgeable Greenwood personal injury lawyer.
At SLG Accident Attorneys, we’re committed to fighting for our client’s rights. We will fight for your rights to pursue damages for emotional trauma, lost earnings, medical bills, or pain and suffering you endured. We prioritize your needs and ensure they are at the forefront of every step we take when you file a lawsuit in Greenwood, Indiana.
Getting Justice After a Personal Injury in Greenwood, IN
When someone acts carelessly or recklessly and causes injury or damage in Greenwood, IN, they should be held accountable. While it may not always be a criminal offense, filing a personal injury claim is often the best option for victims to recover expenses and losses.
In Johnson County, victims can recover damages by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance policy or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Damages can vary based on the type and value of losses suffered, such as medical treatment, lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress.
At our firm, we have experienced Greenwood personal injury attorneys who understand the complexities of these cases and know how to value them. In addition, we work with experts to assess future expenses and use our knowledge of personal injury law to determine your intangible losses.
We seek fair settlements for our clients or present compelling evidence in court to ensure the jury understands the extent of their losses and the importance of receiving adequate compensation. So don’t underestimate the value of your case — let us fight for your rights and help you recover what you deserve.
Understanding Indiana’s Comparative Fault Laws
In personal injury and property damage cases, assigning fault is essential to determining who is responsible for the damages you suffered. In Indiana, the Comparative Fault Act allows juries to assess partial damages based on percentages of fault. This means that the compensation you receive is proportionate to the degree of fault assigned to each party involved in the accident.
For example, in a Greenwood car accident case, if the court finds the defendant to be 70% at fault for the accident and you to be 30% at fault, the defendant will be responsible for 70% of the damages awarded to you. Conversely, if the court deems you to be 51% or more at fault, they will not be entitled to any damages.
This Act applies to most personal injury and property damage cases, including accidents involving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. However, there are two exceptions to this rule. First, claims made under the Indiana Tort Claims Act or the Indiana Medical Malpractice Act do not fall under the Comparative Fault Act. Instead, the common law rule of contributory negligence applies, which means that plaintiffs cannot receive damages if they are even one percent at fault.
The Comparative Fault Act is good news because it allows you to seek compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the accident. Before the Comparative Fault Act, the contributory negligence law was used, often leading to harsh outcomes for plaintiffs who couldn’t receive compensation even if the other party was mostly at fault. With the Comparative Fault Act, plaintiffs have a better chance of receiving payment for their damages as long as the court doesn’t find them to be mostly at fault for the accident.
If you sustained injuries in an accident in Indiana, it’s crucial to understand the state’s comparative fault laws and how they may impact your case. An experienced Indiana personal injury attorney can help you navigate these laws and fight for your deserved compensation.
What Are the Common Causes of Personal Injury Claims in Greenwood, Indiana?
Personal injury claims in Greenwood, Indiana, can stem from a variety of causes. Some of the most common causes include:
Automobile Accidents
Automobile accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury claims in Indiana. These accidents can occur due to various factors, including distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and poor road conditions. In Johnson County, Indiana, Greenwood had the highest number of collisions of any municipality in 2019 at 1,360.
Some of the major roads and highways in the area, including I-65, I-69, Highway 31, and State Road 135, can also be a source of accidents. According to the Indiana Traffic Safety Facts (page 24), there were 66,277 people involved in collisions in 2019, with 106 fatalities, 2,138 incapacitating injuries, and 6,226 non-incapacitating injuries.
Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle crashes in Greenwood are another common cause of personal injury claims in the state. Motorcycles are more vulnerable to accidents than other vehicles, and crashes can result in severe injuries or fatalities. In Indiana, there were 2,579 motorcycle accidents resulting in a 4.3% fatality rate in 2019, according to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Additionally, Greenwood had 1,360 motorcycle accidents, and 97 of the accidents were speed- or alcohol-related.
Statewide, between 2019 and 2020, there was a 19% increase in fatal motorcycle collisions, rising from 113 to 134. Additionally, non-fatal injuries sustained by motorcyclists rose by 8% compared to 2019. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include failure to yield, speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence.
Bicycle Accidents and Pedestrian Accidents
Bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents are also prevalent in Indiana. Bicyclists and pedestrians are at higher risk of getting hit by cars, with these accidents leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Distracted driving, failure to yield, and driving under the influence are common causes of these accidents.
According to the Indiana Traffic Safety Facts, in 2020, there were 938 bicyclist fatalities, which is a 2.4% increase over the previous year. Additionally, there were an estimated 38,886 injuries. For pedestrians, there were an estimated 1,660 pedestrians involved in accidents in the state in 2019, with 76 fatalities and 1,298 non-fatal injuries.
Accidental and Wrongful Death
Accidental and wrongful death cases can arise from various causes, including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. These cases involve the death of a person due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional action of another party. There are several causes of wrongful death cases, including:
- Vehicle Accidents: This accident can cause devastating loss when a loved one sustains fatal injuries due to another driver’s negligence, error, or faulty products.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Pedestrians and bicyclists are vulnerable to severe injury and wrongful death when struck by a vehicle. This can occur in school zones or anywhere on the roadways.
- Truck Accidents: Fatalities resulting from truck crashes are common due to the size and weight of semi-trucks and 18 wheelers.
- Premises Liability Accidents: Property owners are legally obligated to maintain a safe environment for their visitors. When a failure to do so results in a fatal accident, it can be devastating for the victim’s loved ones.
Catastrophic Injuries
If you or someone you love has suffered a catastrophic injury, you understand how life-changing and devastating it can be. These injuries can have long-term or permanent effects and significantly impact the victim’s life, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. A few examples of this type of injury include:
- Back & Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe spinal cord injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis, resulting in loss of mobility that impacts all aspects of your life. Paraplegia and quadriplegia are expected outcomes.
- Broken Bones: Fractures of various bones, such as the arm, leg, hip, or rib, are common injuries in many accidents. Healing can take a long time, and re-injury is always a risk.
- Burn Injuries: Burn injuries can lead to disfigurement, high medical expenses, and emotional trauma. The recovery process can be extensive and painful, and self-image problems are common due to disfigurement and scarring.
- Dog Bites: These attacks can cause emotional and physical scars that last a lifetime, particularly in children and seniors. Expensive surgical repair is often required, and victims can have permanent disfigurement.
- Head & Neck Injuries: These injuries can have life-altering consequences and are common in car wrecks and slip and fall incidents. Early detection can be difficult, making immediate medical attention crucial.
Suppose you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Consult an experienced personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.
Trusted Attorneys Standing Up Against Insurance Companies
If you have suffered a personal injury in an accident that was not your fault, it’s essential to seek the help of an experienced Indiana personal injury lawyer like SLG Accident Attorneys in Indianapolis. You deserve compensation for your injuries; the responsible individual or company should be held accountable.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to avoid paying out legitimate claims or cases, using tactics such as denying, delaying, and defending the claim. At SLG Accident Attorneys, we understand how insurance companies operate and will fight tirelessly on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Having an experienced personal injury lawyer in Greenwood representing you can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our attorneys will gather evidence, prepare your case thoroughly, represent you in court, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for your right to compensation after your accident.
At SLG Accident Attorneys, we have a reputation for being tireless advocates for our clients. We will not give up until we have secured the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your personal injury situation with our team of experienced attorneys.
Greenwood, Indiana
Greenwood, Indiana, is a unique and vibrant city located south of Indianapolis. With a population of over 57,000 people, Greenwood offers a small-town feel with the amenities of a larger city. One of the things that makes Greenwood unique is its commitment to preserving its history while embracing modern growth and development.
Greenwood has a lot of exciting places to visit and things to do. The Greenwood Park Mall is one of the most popular attractions, home to over 150 stores and restaurants. The mall is a great place to shop, catch a movie at the AMC movie theater, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants.
Another popular destination in Greenwood is the Freedom Springs Aquatic Center, a state-of-the-art water park offering something for everyone. With multiple water slides, a lazy river, a children’s play area, and a lap pool, the Freedom Springs Aquatic Center is a great place to cool off during the hot Indiana summers.
Craig Park is a great place to go for those who enjoy outdoor activities. With 85 acres of parkland, Craig Park offers something for everyone, including playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, and a dog park.
Greenwood also has a thriving downtown area with various shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The Mallow Run Winery is a popular destination for wine lovers, while Revery is an excellent restaurant for those looking for a fine dining experience. Finally, the Olde Towne Pizzeria is a must-visit for delicious pizza.
Greenwood, Indiana, is a unique and exciting city with plenty to offer its residents and visitors. Greenwood has something for everyone, from shopping and dining to outdoor activities and entertainment.
Indiana Personal Injury Law Firm
If you’ve suffered a personal injury in Indiana, SLG Accident Attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve. With years of experience handling personal injury claims, we are well-equipped to handle even the most complex cases.
Hasan A. Shah specializes in auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, and wrongful death claims. His expertise in these areas has helped many clients recover damages for their injuries, lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.
At SLG Accident Attorneys, we pride ourselves on our client-centered approach. We understand that each case is unique, and we take the time to listen to our client’s needs and concerns. Our attorneys work tirelessly to build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take the case to trial to fight for our client’s rights.
If you’ve sustained injuries in Indiana, don’t hesitate to contact our office for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
In addition to Greenwood we also serve Fishers, Noblesville, Carmel, Indianapolis, Anderson, Highland, Munster, East Chicago, Hammond, Gary, and more.
