Indiana car accident lawyer explains what steps to take
If you have been involved in a car accident caused by another driver in Indiana, knowing what to do next can be confusing. But it’s important to understand that the steps you take after your accident can often a make big difference in the outcome of your car accident injury claim or lawsuit.
Below, you can learn more about the step-by-step process for motor vehicle accidents. Please note that each car crash is unique, and the steps you take might be different depending on the circumstances of your particular accident. And when in doubt, contact an experienced Indiana car accident attorney as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the complex legal process associated with many car accident claims and lawsuits.
Steps to take immediately after your accident
If you’re still at the scene of the crash, it’s critical that you take certain steps right away for your own health and safety and to protect your legal rights, including:
- If your vehicle is still in the road, move your car to the side of the road if possible. That way, your car won’t get hit again by another car. But don't move your car if it's safe to leave it where it is.
- Call 911 and tell the police you’ve been involved in a crash caused by another driver.
- Ask the police the send an ambulance if you or anyone else appears injured.
- If you can safely do so, take photos of your accident. Make sure to take pictures of the damage to both vehicles.
- If someone saw your accident, get their full name and phone number before they leave the scene. Statements from eyewitnesses can be powerful pieces of evidence.
- If it’s safe to do so, get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license number and insurance information. Give the same information to the other driver.
- If it's not safe to exchange information with the other driver, just wait for the police to arrive.
Additional steps soon after your accident
If your car crash happened a few hours or days ago, it’s not too late to take steps to protect your rights and your health. Such steps include:
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with a doctor. Many car accident injuries have delayed symptoms, including whiplash and concussions.
- Get a copy of your official Indiana car accident report. That way, you can carefully review your report and make sure it’s accurate.
- Call your insurance company and tell them you’ve been involved in an accident caused by another driver.
- If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, don’t talk to them. Even if they try to pressure you to say something about your crash, you have the right to refuse to talk to them. If they want more information, tell them to call your lawyer.
- Don’t discuss your accident or post anything about it on social media. Such verbal or written comments could be used as evidence to deny your injury claim.
Can I sue an at-fault driver in Indiana?
Yes. If another driver caused your crash, you have the right to file a car accident lawsuit against the other driver or any other at-fault party. This is because Indiana has what’s known as an at-fault car insurance system. Under this system, injury victims have the right to take legal action against the at-fault party responsible for causing their collision.
Keep in mind that you only have a limited amount of time to file a car accident lawsuit or take other legal action in Indiana. Usually, you have two (2) years from the date of your car accident to file a lawsuit seeking damages, although different deadlines can apply in some circumstances.
Why should I hire an Indiana car accident attorney?
Many legal issues come up after a serious car accident caused by another driver in Indiana. Sometimes, it’s the other driver trying to blame you for causing the collision. Other times, it’s the at-fault driver’s insurance company doing everything it can to reduce or deny your injury claim.
Whatever problems you face after your crash, an Indiana car accident lawyer at Glaser & Ebbs, Attorneys At Law, can help you every step of the way. Our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined legal experience handling car accident claims for injury victims in Indiana.
Learn more about your legal rights. Contact us and schedule your free consultation. We have six offices conveniently located throughout Indiana, including offices in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only have to pay us if we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you.