Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer
For Injured Drivers And Passengers
A collision on I-465 during rush hour or at a busy intersection along Meridian Street can leave you dealing with more than vehicle damage. You may have suffered injuries that require emergency care, follow-up appointments or time away from work. Meanwhile, medical expenses add up and insurance companies may already be asking questions about the crash.
At Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP, we help injured drivers and passengers find clear answers. If you need an Indianapolis car accident lawyer, we can explain your options, handle the legal work and keep you informed so you can focus on recovery.
How Our Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
Our firm was established in 1918, and we have represented generations of Indiana residents. That history shapes how we work. We take the time to learn about your car accident situation, answer your questions and return your calls. We also prepare every case as if it may go to trial because strong preparation can support your position at every stage.
Here is what that looks like in a car accident claim:
- Investigating the collision and identifying who may be responsible
- Preserving evidence before it is lost or repaired
- Reviewing every insurance policy that may apply
- Handling communications with insurers on your behalf
- Preparing to file a lawsuit when a fair settlement is not offered
After an Indianapolis car accident, we work to build a strong claim by examining how the collision happened, identifying the responsible parties and pursuing compensation for your injuries, lost income and vehicle damage. Our attorneys handle the insurance negotiations and legal steps while keeping you informed throughout your case.
Car Accident Claims We Handle
Every crash is different, but many Indianapolis car accident claims follow familiar patterns. We handle cases involving:
- Rear-end collisions at stoplights and in stop-and-go traffic
- Intersection and left-turn crashes
- Head-on collisions
- Multivehicle collisions
- Crashes caused by distracted, impaired or uninsured drivers
Injuries from these crashes range from sprains and whiplash to fractures and head trauma, and some take days to show up. If your crash happened in Marion County, we can review where your claim stands.
Proving Fault And Pursuing Compensation
Under Indiana law, you may still qualify for compensation after a crash if your share of the blame does not exceed 50%. To pursue a claim, you must prove that the other driver was negligent by showing they had a duty to drive safely, failed to meet that duty through actions such as speeding or running a red light, and caused the crash and your resulting injuries or property damage.
Insurance companies do not simply take your word for what happened. Your claim needs support. Crash reports, witness statements, scene photographs, nearby video and medical records all help show how the collision happened and how it affected you.
Where Indiana law allows, you may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. The value of a claim depends on your injuries, your records and the insurance coverage available. No lawyer can predict an outcome, but we can tell you what the evidence shows and what to expect.
What To Do After A Car Accident In Indianapolis
Your first steps can protect your health and your claim. Start by getting medical care, even if you feel fine. Some injuries appear later and treatment records connect the crash to your injuries.
Next, call 911 so officers can file a report. Photograph the vehicles, the scene and your injuries, and collect names and numbers from any witnesses. Notify your own insurer promptly, but avoid guessing about fault or giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. Finally, talk with a lawyer before you accept a settlement offer since a signed release usually ends your claim.
What Should You Know After An Indianapolis Car Accident?
A car accident can leave you with questions about deadlines, fault and insurance coverage. Here are answers to common concerns Indiana drivers have after a crash.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Indiana?
Indiana law generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Exceptions can change that timeline. For example, the clock may start later for injured minors or people with a legal disabilities and claims against a government entity follow much shorter notice rules.
Reporting the crash to your insurer is a separate step, and your policy may require prompt notice. Talk with a lawyer soon so no deadline passes.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
In many cases, yes. Indiana uses a modified comparative fault rule, so the court can reduce your compensation based on your share of fault. If your share is more than 50%, Indiana law bars recovery. Different rules can apply in some situations, such as claims against government entities, so your circumstances need an attorney’s review.
What if the driver who hit me does not have enough insurance?
Your policy’s uninsured or underinsured motorist protection may help cover your losses, depending on your policy and the circumstances. Indiana insurers generally must offer this coverage, though a policyholder can reject it in writing. We can review your policy with you.
Still have questions about your accident? Our team at Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP, can help you understand your rights and the steps you can take to pursue compensation.
Speak With An Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer About Your Next Steps
Injured in an Indianapolis car accident? Call us at 317-468-2355 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will listen to what happened, explain your options and answer your questions. Indianapolis office visits are by appointment.