No one is ever prepared for a car accident in Schererville, Indiana. You could be on Wicker Avenue in the process of running errands, or on U.S. 41 commuting to work, or even just heading out to get groceries, and get involved in a crash. Crashes aren’t always straightforward either, the at fault driver could be blaming you for the accident, or your insurance company could be severely undervaluing your claim or flat out denying it. In cases like this, seeking guidance from an experienced Schererville car accident lawyer is essential.
Imagine you are on your way home from work, you are involved in a multi-car accident outside Up Your Alley bowling lanes, caused initially by a distracted driver who ran a red light. Or perhaps you’re picking up your kid from Grimmer Middle School when you swerve to avoid an elderly driver going the wrong way on 77th Avenue and hitting another driver head-on.
At SLG Accident Attorneys, we understand the unique circumstances and complexities of car accidents in Schererville. Our dedicated team is here to provide compassionate support and expert legal representation tailored to your specific needs.
Are There Many Car Collisions in Schererville, Indiana?
Car collisions are unfortunately not uncommon in Schererville, Indiana, like many other cities across the United States. According to data from the Indiana University Public Policy Institute, Lake County, where Schererville is located, experiences many car crashes annually.
In 2020, Lake County reported 1,065 car crashes, with Schererville contributing to a noteworthy portion of these incidents. Schererville ranked among the top five cities in Lake County with the highest car collisions during that year.
If you have been involved in a collision and need immediate legal assistance contact a car accident attorney in Schererville at our law firm today.
Why Are So Many Crashes Occurring in Schererville?
The high occurrence of crashes in Schererville can be attributed to various factors, including environmental and human elements. Common causes of accidents in the area include:
- Distracted Driving: With the prevalence of smartphones and other electronic devices, distracted driving has become a significant issue contributing to accidents in Schererville. Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or engaging with other distractions while behind the wheel pose a severe risk to themselves and others on the road.
- Speeding: Excessive speeding is another prevalent cause of accidents in Schererville. Some drivers disregard posted speed limits, leading to collisions that could have been avoided if driving at safer speeds.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a concern in Schererville, contributing to a significant number of accidents. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the likelihood of crashes.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can make driving more hazardous in Schererville. Reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces increase the risk of accidents, especially if drivers fail to adjust their driving behavior accordingly.
- Road Design and Infrastructure: Poor road design, inadequate signage, and lack of proper maintenance can also contribute to accidents in Schererville. Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and poorly marked intersections can catch drivers off guard and lead to collisions.
As car accident lawyers in Schererville, we know that in addition to local traffic, the high volume of commuters traveling to and from Chicago on Schererville roads contributes to the congestion and increased risk of accidents. The influx of commuters adds to the complexity of traffic flow, creating additional challenges for drivers navigating the roads.
Indiana Laws and How Fault is Determined in Auto Accidents
According to Indiana car accident laws, fault in a car accident is typically determined based on the driver’s negligence. If a driver’s careless actions, such as speeding, texting, driving under the influence, or failing to pay attention, lead to an accident, they are generally considered at fault.
However, there are no strict rules governing fault allocation in specific types of accidents like intersection collisions, T-bone crashes, or left or proper turn accidents; instead, it hinges on the circumstances of each case.
Certain situations create presumptions of fault. For example, the driver of the rear vehicle in a rear-end accident is often presumed to be at fault, as is the driver who hits a parked car. However, these presumptions can be challenged and overcome by a skilled Schererville car accident attorney. For example, factors such as malfunctioning lights on the rear-ended vehicle or illegal parking could dramatically shift liability.
Importantly, proving fault in Indiana doesn’t necessarily require establishing the exact cause of the accident. In cases like drunk driving accidents, it’s sufficient to demonstrate that the at-fault driver’s negligence led to the crash, even if they are acquitted of DUI in criminal court. This distinction allows civil cases against drunk drivers to proceed independently of criminal outcomes.
Determining fault can be complex, especially in scenarios like intersection accidents where witnesses may provide conflicting testimonies about traffic signals or right-of-way. Similarly, accidents in crowded parking lots, especially while backing out of spaces, pose challenges due to obstructed views and differing witness perspectives. Resolving these complexities demands a thorough investigation into the incident, so it is paramount to hire a car accident lawyer in Schererville.
Determining Fault in a “Chain Reaction” Accident Involving Multiple Vehicles
In chain reaction accidents involving multiple vehicles, determining fault can be particularly challenging due to the complex nature of causation. Establishing a transparent chain of events and identifying the initial driver whose actions triggered the collision is crucial but often difficult from a factual perspective.
For instance, if Driver A was texting while driving and rear-ended Driver B, setting off a series of subsequent collisions, Driver A would likely be liable for the accident due to their negligent behavior.
However, in most cases, fault is more complex. Factors such as adverse weather conditions, multiple instances of negligence by different drivers, or sudden road hazards can all contribute to a chain-reaction accident.
Courts typically apply contributory or comparative negligence rules to address these complexities. In this legal framework, juries assess all available evidence to assign partial responsibility to each party involved based on their level of negligence. The degree of responsibility attributed to each individual is directly proportional to their negligence in causing the accident.
For victims residing in states with comparative negligence laws, their entitlement to damages may be reduced proportionally based on the percentage of fault assigned to them. This means that even if multiple parties share responsibility for the accident, each may still be eligible for compensation based on their respective levels of negligence.
To learn more about negligence laws in Indiana speak with a Schererville car accident attorney at an experienced law firm.
What Are Examples of Car Crashes in Schererville?
In Schererville, various types of car accidents occur, each with its unique circumstances and consequences. Here are some common examples:
- Distracted Driver Accidents: These accidents often result from drivers texting, using smartphones, eating, or engaging in other distractions while driving.
- Rear-End Accidents: Typically caused by one vehicle following another too closely or failing to brake in time, resulting in collisions from behind.
- Failure to Stop and Hit-and-Run Accidents: When a driver fails to stop at a stop sign or red light or leaves the scene of an accident without providing necessary information or aid.
- Broadside or T-Bone Accidents: These occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, often at intersections.
- Speeding Accidents: With heavy traffic on major roads like I-94, I-90, and I-65, speeding accidents are common in Schererville, especially during peak commuting times.
- Wrong-Way Accidents: Accidents where a vehicle travels in the opposite direction of traffic flow, often resulting in severe collisions.
- Head-On Collisions: These occur when the front ends of two vehicles collide, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Fatal Car Accidents: Tragically, fatal accidents occur in Schererville, causing devastating losses for victims and their families.
- Uber Accidents and Lyft Accidents: Accidents involving rideshare vehicles can happen due to various factors, including driver negligence or recklessness.
Each of these accidents can lead to significant injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma for those involved. Victims of car crashes need to seek legal guidance and support from a car accident lawyer in Schererville to face the complexities of the aftermath.
What Type of Settlement Can I Expect For My Schererville Car Accident Lawsuit?
Determining the potential settlement for a car accident lawsuit in Schererville involves evaluating various factors, including the extent of damages and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Here’s what you need to know about the potential compensation:
Economic Damages
This includes compensation for hospital bills, ambulance fees, medical expenses, and any other costs related to necessary medical treatment. Future medical expenses may also be covered if the injury results in long-term complications requiring ongoing treatment.
Lost Income
If the accident causes you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if the injuries prevent you from working in the future, you may receive compensation for lost future earnings.
Property Damage
You can seek compensation for vehicle repair or replacement costs and damages to personal property inside the vehicle. Other expenses related to the accident, such as rental car or tow truck fees, may also be covered.
Pain and Suffering
Plaintiffs suffering severe injuries may receive compensation for their physical and emotional suffering. Different methods are used to calculate these damages, including lump sum payments or per diem compensation for each day of pain endured until maximum medical recovery.
Punitive Damages
The jury may award punitive damages in cases of the defendant’s egregious negligence or criminal activity. These damages serve as punishment for the defendant and can result in additional compensation for the plaintiff.
Legal Guidance
The Schererville car accident attorneys at our law firm can help you assess the full scope of your damages and pursue a fair recovery. With their expertise, you can confidently navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
What If I’m From Out of State and Crash in Schererville, Indiana?
Schererville, Indiana, nestled near the Illinois border, experiences a significant influx of commuters traveling between Indiana and Illinois for work. As an out-of-state resident, navigating the aftermath can be complex if you find yourself in an unfortunate car accident in Schererville.
Here’s how to handle out-of-state car accident claims and why enlisting the help of a legal representative is crucial:
Out-of-State Car Accident Jurisdiction:
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident becomes particularly challenging when it occurs out of state. Typically, jurisdiction, or the legal authority to hear and decide a case, lies in the state where the accident occurred.
This means that if you’re from Illinois or Michigan and are involved in a car accident in Indiana, Indiana laws will likely govern your case. Therefore, understanding Indiana’s specific rules and regulations is vital for effectively pursuing compensation.
Insurance Coverage:
In most cases, your car insurance policy will cover you in another state, including Indiana. However, the coverage may be subject to the minimum requirements of the state where the accident occurred, which could be higher than those of your home state.
Consulting with your insurance company and a local car accident lawyer can help you understand your coverage’s specifics and ensure your rights are protected.
Commuter Crashes:
Situations where commuters traveling from Illinois or Michigan are involved in crashes in Indiana are not uncommon, given Schererville’s proximity to the border. In such cases, seeking legal assistance from a local lawyer in Schererville is essential.
A Schererville car accident attorney will have in-depth knowledge of Indiana’s laws and regulations, enabling them to effectively represent your interests and maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Schererville, Indiana
Schererville, Indiana, is experiencing a period of economic development, notably through initiatives like the Facade Program aimed at revitalizing its downtown area. The Facade Program focuses on upgrading buildings along Joliet Street and the nearby regions to attract new businesses and investment. While these improvements favor the town’s growth, they also bring additional traffic, increasing the risk of car accidents.
Several resources are available for car accident victims in Schererville to provide assistance. Adams Automotive offers professional automotive services to repair vehicles damaged in accidents, ensuring they are safe to drive again. Grimmer’s Service Inc. provides comprehensive auto repair services, including collision repair, to restore cars to their pre-accident condition.
Additionally, Phil’s Collision Center specializes in collision repair and works with insurance companies to streamline the repair process for accident victims.
These resources are crucial in supporting individuals involved in car accidents in Schererville, helping them recover and get back on the road safely.
Contact SLG Accident Attorneys For a Free Case Evaluation Today
As your dedicated Schererville car accident lawyers, SLG Accident Attorneys understands the importance of having proper legal support after an accident. We are committed to providing you with the experienced representation you deserve during this challenging time.
With our deep understanding of Indiana’s auto accident laws, we are here to advocate for your rights and well-being. Our personalized approach includes conducting thorough investigations, skillfully negotiating with insurance companies, and litigating in court when necessary.
If you have been injured in a car crash, don’t face the challenges alone. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Let our experienced team guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Take the first step towards justice and recovery by contacting us now.
With our proven track record of success and commitment to client satisfaction, we are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for your case. Our compassionate approach and legal expertise ensure you receive the support and representation you need during this challenging time. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Areas Near Schererville We Serve
Locations near Schererville our legal team serves include South Bend, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Anderson, Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Greenwood, Merrillville, Avon, Hammond, Gary, Highland, Munster, East Chicago, Portage, Lawrence, and more.
