A hapless car accident can leave you in a state of trauma. If you have sustained serious injuries, you may need intensive medical care, and eventually, all of that can result in massive financial losses. Since Indiana is a fault state, the driver at fault must pay compensation for your damages. You need to file an insurance claim with their insurer first, and nothing works, you can consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. For every step, it is wise to consult a Fort Wayne auto accident lawyer, and the right attorney can help your case in many ways.
Understanding Indiana car accident laws
Like other states, Indiana also has a statute of limitations, which allows two years, from the date of accident, to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you don’t take action within the limited time, your case will be dismissed. The statute of limitations, however, doesn’t apply to car insurance claims. Consider hiring an attorney, because they can help in making the most of available time.
Determining fault
Indiana follows the modified comparative negligence rule. If you had a share in fault, your eventual settlement will be lower. You can still ask for compensation, provided your fault is no more than 50%. Consider talking to an attorney, so that they can help in establishing fault. The insurance company may try to shift the blame, especially if they find you at fault. Accident attorneys do their own investigation, will gather evidence, and ensure that the case is strong enough to protect their client.
Negotiating with the insurance company
Keep in mind that insurance companies are never on your side. Eventually, they want to reduce what they pay for car accident settlements. Claims adjusters often adhere to bad faith insurance tactics, and you may end up with a much lower settlement than you expect. Hire an attorney, so that they can work on your behalf. A good car accident lawyer knows when it’s ideal to accept an offer.
How much do auto accident lawyers charge?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee for auto accident lawsuits. They will only for their fee, which is a fixed part of the final settlement, if they win. You don’t have to pay the lawyer right away. This makes it even easier to afford an auto accident lawyer for your case.
Contact an attorney soon after your accident, so that they can prep for all possible circumstances and outcomes.
