Car accidents are common, and though most people escape without injury, the consequences can be very serious. For example, in 2021, 42,915 people died as a result of traffic accidents. Indiana saw more than its share of these serious car wrecks. The state had 914 traffic-related deaths and 4,684 serious injuries from car accidents. 

There are six million auto accidents in the U.S. every year, and as Noblesville car accident lawyers we know that problems can occur anywhere. However, some places see more than their share of crashes. Rural roads, interstates, and other highways are dangerous because of the potential for high speeds. Junctions and parking lots are also unsafe because of the potential for confusion and the chance that drivers will be inattentive.

Head-on collisions can be especially perilous because they can generate twice the force of a regular accident. Indiana’s rural roads are two-lane routes without a center divider to protect people from cars moving in the other direction that drift out of their lane. 

Major highways like Interstates 70, 90, and 94 travel through Indiana, as do Interstates 69 and 465 (I-69 and I-465). U.S. Highway 31 sees more than its share of accidents, and Indiana State Roads 32, 37, 38, and 19 are dangerous for speed and the chance of head-on collisions.

Regardless of the circumstances, people involved in serious accidents need to enlist the help of a Noblesville car accident attorney to ensure they get fair compensation for their medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In the event of a fatal accident, an auto accident attorney can pursue compensation for the family members of the victim.

Factors Contributing to Car Crashes in Noblesville, Indiana

Accidents do happen, but a majority of traffic collisions are caused by a driver’s actions rather than conditions or circumstances beyond anyone’s control.

This means most accidents are caused by a negligent driver who is liable for the injuries or damage caused by the incident.

Here is a look at the different errors and other factors that contribute to accidents in Noblesville, Indiana:

  • Speed accounts for 29% of all traffic fatalities. This includes people driving too fast for the road or the conditions. Because of the speed, they are often unable to react quickly enough to other cars or to curves or corners.
  • Fatigue can also contribute to accidents. People may not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but they could be too tired to react or even fall asleep at the wheel, crossing a lane or center line and hitting another car.
  • Drunk driving is the cause of more traffic fatalities than any other cause in the U.S. Drunk drivers may also be criminally liable for the accident. However, even if there is a criminal case, a car accident injury attorney can also file a civil case at the same time to get compensation for you.
  • Distracted driving is another common cause of accidents. This can involve everything from someone eating or tuning their radio to some drivers looking at social media on their phone and failing to stop, causing an accident.
  • Road conditions can cause accidents in Noblesville. Indiana often experiences bad weather. Drivers should slow down and adjust to the conditions, but sometimes an accident due to ice or wet roads may be beyond their control.
  • Vehicle malfunctions are sometimes possible. Though this type of accident is rather rare, it can occur. In these cases, the automaker, parts manufacturer, or mechanic could be partly liable for the accident. 

Regardless of the nature of the accident, it is important to call 911, speak with the Noblesville police department, and seek medical attention if you need it.

Dealing With Injuries After a Car Crash

It’s important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident if you have visible injuries. Doctors can document the nature and severity of your injuries and get you started on the recovery process right away. Serious damage from crush injuries, spinal damage, or head trauma can require extensive care and could result in lasting damage.

Any good Noblesville car wreck lawyer will tell you to seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Adrenaline is a stress hormone that gets released after an extreme event like an accident; it can mask pain. Furthermore, some soft tissue, brain, nerve, and internal bleeding injuries may not be evident for hours or days after an accident.

If you do not see a doctor who documents these problems, it could be difficult to prove that they occurred as a result of the accident. Serious injuries require immediate medical care, but it can also be expensive to engage in physical therapy and go through the complete recovery process.

Noblesville Attorney Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable

A Noblesville car accident attorney can help prove negligence by other drivers so that you can get fair compensation from them and their insurance company.

They also can assist with the legal process, negotiate with the defense, and take the case to civil court if needed. They can gather evidence — such as police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports — to determine the cause of the accident and prove negligence.

A car injury attorney can do more than represent you in court. They can also negotiate with insurers who want to limit the size of the claim. In some instances, they may use Indiana’s comparative negligence law to say that you are not entitled to full compensation because you are partly to blame for the accident.

In these cases, you need skilled legal representation to ensure you argue your case and receive the necessary financial support to recover as much as possible from your accident.

Finally, a car wreck lawyer can help you with the statute of limitations (which is two years in personal injury cases) and other issues that could arise during your accident case. Someone familiar with the roads in Noblesville and the surrounding areas will be especially able to argue on your behalf.

    How Are Settlements Calculated?

    Settlements can be reached at any stage of the legal process and can be reached through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. Typically, a car accident lawyer will contact the defense attorney for the driver and insurance company and try to arrange a fair settlement.

    If that fails, they will go through  mediation and arbitration process before using a civil court case as a last resort.

    A fair settlement will depend on the accident and the nature of your injuries.

    Settlements almost always include initial medical expenses. However, you are also entitled to other compensation:

    • Lost wages from the workdays missed while recovering from the accident
    • Pain and suffering from the emotional stress resulting from the accident
    • Property damage to fix or replace the vehicle and anything else damaged in the accident
    • Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence

    If the accident is fatal, the family of the victim can file claims for lost wages and support, funeral and medical expenses, and loss of consortium or companionship, which is typically for a spouse or partner.

    You should not settle with the insurance company without talking to a Noblesville car accident lawyer. Insurance companies may try to offer a lower settlement that does not include fair compensation. Always speak with an attorney and let them handle the insurance company negotiations.

    What Are Common Types of Auto Accidents in Noblesville, Indiana?

    Here are the most common types of auto accidents you might experience in Hamilton County:

    • Distracted driver accidents occur when a driver is not fully focused on the task of driving. Instead, they may be looking at a cell phone, navigation systems, other electronic devices, radio, or anything else that takes their attention away from the road. Distracted drivers are almost always the negligent party.
    • Rear-end accidents occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the rear of another. These types of accidents are typically caused by driver error, such as tailgating, distracted driving, or failure to brake in time.
    • Wrong-way accidents happen when a driver is traveling in the opposite direction on a roadway, the wrong way down a one-way street, or on the wrong side of a divided highway. These accidents often result in dangerous head-on collisions.
    • Head-on crashes happen when two vehicles collide while traveling in opposite directions. They are some of the most severe types of accidents and can result in serious injuries or death, especially when they occur on the highway.
    • Fatal auto accidents are accidents that result in the death of one or more individuals. They can happen due to a variety of factors, including driver error, reckless or aggressive driving, distracted driving, alcohol or drug impairment, fatigue, poor road conditions, or inclement weather. The family of the victim is entitled to compensation if another person’s negligence caused the accident.
    • Rollover accidents happen when an auto flips over onto its roof or side. Rollover accidents can be particularly dangerous, as the occupants can be ejected, trapped, or crushed as the vehicle turns over or when it finally comes to rest. Rollovers often occur during a T-bone collision, high-speed crash, or even when a driver has to make extreme evasive maneuvers to avoid another car.
    • Uber, Lyft, and taxi accidents are unique because you may suffer injuries as a passenger and have to deal with the driver’s insurance and, potentially, their insurance lawyers from the company employing or contracting them. In some instances, you may suffer whiplash or another injury from the driver’s actions even if there is no crash.
    • Highway accidents refer to crashes that occur on major roads, freeways, and interstates. These types of accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. However, speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving, and driver fatigue often play a role. Highway accidents can be particularly dangerous due to the high speeds at which vehicles travel. This is why highway accidents carry a higher risk of serious injury or death. If you drive in the Noblesville area, you are likely to know that some highways are particularly dangerous. These include I-69, I-465, U.S. 421, and U.S. 31. 

    A good car accident lawyer will be able to use the location and type of accident to help collect evidence — including accident statistics, traffic camera footage, and witness statements — to support your case and help you pursue fair compensation.

    Serving Noblesville, Indiana

    Noblesville, Indiana is considered a rapidly growing city, with many projects underway to support its expansion. These developments include new housing developments, commercial and retail centers, and infrastructure improvements, including new roads.

    Some of the most common new features you will see in Noblesville are roundabouts. These are meant to help with the increased traffic flow in the town. They can help reduce speed and keep traffic moving during busy times. Unfortunately, any new road feature can cause confusion for inexperienced or inattentive drivers.

    In general, car accident lawyers are seeing more clients in Hamilton County because all the development and growth have brought more people (and more drivers) to the area’s roads.

    Experienced Noblesville Car Accident Lawyer

    If you have a car accident in Hamilton County, you need the services of an experienced car wreck lawyer. The legal minds at our accident law firm can help you pursue fair compensation that covers your injuries, pays for your recovery, and compensates you for lost wages.

    We are familiar with the roads and conditions in Noblesville, so we can ensure you have the evidence and insights you need to pursue a positive result from your accident case.

    We are undefeated in cases that go to trial, and we have experience dealing with car accidents and other forms of personal injury in Indiana. Also, our expertise includes negotiating with insurance companies and going through the negotiation and mediation process with defense lawyers.

    If you need a car wreck attorney in Noblesville or wider Hamilton County, contact SLG Accident Attorneys. Our initial consultation is free and carries no obligation, so you do not have to commit to us until you are confident in our abilities to help you get fair compensation for your accident.

    In addition to Noblesville our attorneys serve Fishers, Carmel, Greenwood, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Anderson, Avon, Hammond, Gary, Highland, Munster, East Chicago, Portage, Lawrence, and the greater Hamilton County area.

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR CAR CRASH VICTIMS

    What Does A Car Accident Lawyer Do?

    How Much Is a Car Accident Settlement Worth?

    Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?

    Liability in a Single-Vehicle Accident

    Out-of-State Car Accident Jurisdiction

    Car Accident FAQs