Gary Car Accident Lawyer

Types of Car Accidents We Can Help You With

Our attorneys are adept at managing a wide range of car accidents in Gary. The most common types include:

1. Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions are common on Indiana roads and can result in whiplash injuries, head injuries, and other types of injuries.
2. Intersection accidents: Accidents at intersections can occur due to failure to yield, running red lights, or other violations of traffic laws. Our lawyers can gather evidence, including traffic reports and witness statements, to prove fault.
3. T-bone accidents: Also known as side-impact or broadside collisions, can cause severe injuries due to the lack of protection on the sides of a vehicle.
4. Head-on collisions: These collisions are often life-threatening and can result in catastrophic injuries.
5. Hit-and-run accidents: Hit-and-run accidents can be complex to prove fault because the river flees the scene.

Most Common Injuries Related to Car Accidents in Gary

Understanding the injuries caused by the negligence of others can help you recognize the seriousness of your situation and determine how much money you should ask to cover your losses. Some of the common injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Sprains and strains
• Soft tissue injuries
• Contusions and bruising
• Dental and facial injuries

According to the severity of your injuries and damages, we will build a case on your behalf to help you claim for the damages caused by the accident, including economic and non-economic damages. 

Recoverable Damages You Can Claim After a Car Accident in Indiana

In Indiana, car accident victims may be entitled to various types of damages, which are compensatory and aim to restore the victim to their pre-accident condition as much as possible. These damages can be claimed through a car accident lawsuit or insurance claim and may include:

Medical expenses

Victims may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgical costs, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments. It’s important to keep records of all medical expenses related to the accident to support your claim.

Lost wages

If your injuries have caused you to miss work or resulted in a loss of income, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes not only the wages you have already lost but also any future lost earning capacity due to long-term or permanent injuries.

Property damage

If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement costs. This can include damage to your vehicle, personal belongings inside the vehicle, and other property that was damaged in the accident.

Pain and suffering

Car accident victims may also be entitled to compensation for their physical pain and emotional suffering resulting from the accident, including compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Disability or disfigurement

If the accident resulted in a permanent disability or disfigurement, such as an amputation, scarring, or permanent loss of bodily function, you may be entitled to additional compensation for these long-term effects.

Understanding Liability in a Car Accident

In the state, car accident liability is determined based on fault. The at-fault party, or the party responsible for causing the accident, is typically liable for the damages resulting from the accident. 

This is because Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault, but you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault.

It’s important to note that determining liability in a car accident can be complex and may require thorough investigation, collection of evidence, and analysis of various factors such as traffic laws, police reports, witness statements, and expert opinions. 

This is where our team of lawyers at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell can provide invaluable assistance to identify your fault in the scene. We can conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident, gather relevant evidence, and build a strong case to establish liability and seek maximum compensation on your behalf.

How to File a Car Accident Claim in Indiana

If you suffered a car accident, then you may want to file a car accident claim in Indiana, which involves a series of legal steps and requirements. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Seek medical attention: If you are injured in a car accident, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention. Your health and well-being should be your top priority, and timely medical treatment can also help establish the connection between your injuries and the accident.
2. Exchange information: Indiana law requires drivers involved in a car accident to exchange their names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and vehicle registration numbers with the other parties involved in the accident. It’s important to collect this information from all parties involved in the accident, including witnesses, if possible.
3. Document the scene: If you can do so safely, take photos of the accident scene, including the position of the vehicles, damage to the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and any other relevant details. This can serve as important evidence in your car accident claim.
4. Notify your insurance company: Indiana law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage, and you are required to notify your insurance company of the accident. However, it’s important to be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters, as they may try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. It’s advisable to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer before providing any statements to insurance companies.
5. Consult with a car accident lawyer: It’s highly recommended to seek legal representation from a skilled car accident lawyer in Indiana, especially if you have suffered injuries or significant damages. A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process, protect your rights, and advocate for maximum compensation on your behalf.
6. File a car accident lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations with insurance companies, you may need to file a car accident lawsuit to seek compensation for your damages. Indiana has a statute of limitations, which is a time limit for filing a lawsuit, so it’s important to act promptly and within the legal timeframe.

How a Gary Car Accident Attorney Can Help You with Your Lawsuit

Dealing with a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if you are coping with injuries, medical treatments, property damage, and insurance claims. This is why having a legal team on your site is key not only to filling a lawsuit but to negotiating with insurance companies if it’s possible. 

Here’s how a personal attorney can help you:

• Provide you legal expertise and advice to know your options
• Investigation and evidence gathering to build a strong case
• Negotiations with insurance companies
• Court representation if negotiations fail

If you have been involved in a car accident in Gary, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation for your damages. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell law firm, our team of car accident lawyers is dedicated to advocating for the rights of victims and helping them recover the compensation they deserve to recover from this difficult time. 

From investigating the cause of the accident to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court, we provide comprehensive legal representation tailored to your individual needs. 

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the complex legal process and seek the maximum compensation for your car accident claim.

Our lawyers that handle these types of cases

Lee C. Christie

Katherine M. Marshall