If you need a car crash lawyer, Indianapolis has many who can help. However, you shouldn’t just choose the first one you find in your search. Choosing a trusted name that gets results for its clients is imperative.
Riley Cate, LLC is the top car accident lawyer in Indiana, with a high client satisfaction rate. We take a personalized approach in our representation of various types of car accident cases to fight for your fair compensation. Our comprehensive legal support from the start in our initial consultation, all the way through settlements and verdicts, is what sets us apart. Learn more about us and why you need the right attorney to help you with your car accident claim.
The Importance of Choosing a Competent Indianapolis Auto Accident Attorney
If you want a fair outcome in your car accident case, it is imperative that you choose a competent car accident attorney. Since Indiana is an at-fault state that uses a modified comparative negligence model, you may be partially blamed by the other driver’s insurance company. Insurers often try these tactics to reduce car accident settlements. Without the right attorney, you won’t have someone to advocate for you to get you the amount you deserve.
Experience and Local Knowledge
Local car accident attorneys in Indianapolis know the nuances of jurisdictional laws as well as the court systems, which can put you at a greater advantage. Along with this knowledge, they are also ready to deal with insurance adjusters who use tricks to delay, deny, or undervalue claims.
When you choose a car accident lawyer with a strong reputation for excellence, they will accurately assess the total value of your claim to maximize your recovery. You’ll be able to focus on healing from your injuries rather than making them worse from all the stress.
What to Look for When Choosing the Right Car Accident Lawyer
You won’t have a hard time finding car accident attorneys in Indianapolis, but choosing the right one requires a little forethought. Look for lawyers who have a proven track record specifically in personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents. A local attorney is best, as they will know the laws and courts well compared to a big national firm.
Use the free initial consultation offered by most attorneys to get a feel for their personality. A lawyer who is a good listener, excellent communicator, and makes you feel at ease is the ideal advocate for your legal rights. Make sure they have handled cases similar to yours and you will find a competent lawyer you can trust to serve justice on your behalf.
Steps Involved in Filing a Car Accident Claim
Filing a car accident claim in Indianapolis requires taking the right steps immediately after the accident to protect your rights. By taking the right actions, you’ll have a better chance of getting a favorable outcome in your case.
Start at the Accident Scene
You might still be in a state of shock in the seconds following the accident, but it is important to ensure your safety first. If possible, move to a safe location away from the road and check for injuries. You’ll want to call 911 to report the accident and alert first responders to any injuries, but don’t make the mistake of assuming you’re fine.
Car accidents don’t always cause broken bones, bloody gashes, or obvious injuries. For many car crash victims, injuries come in the form of traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, which could be fatal if ignored. Get a full medical evaluation conducted to treat any injuries and create a medical record. Along with the police report created by the officers that are summoned to the scene, you’ll have two critical pieces of evidence in your case.
Also, document the scene with photos and videos, get witness contact information, and exchange information with the other driver. If you are seriously injured and wake up in the hospital, there are ways to recover evidence with the help of a lawyer.
Contact the Insurance Company
Although Indiana is an at-fault state, you still have an obligation to contact your auto insurance carrier. They will need to be aware that you’ve been in an accident, even if it was not your fault.
If the other driver caused your injuries, you’ll want to file a third-party claim with their insurance company. Be prepared with your documentation, such as your medical records and the police report, as the insurance companies will need to investigate and determine who they believe to be at fault in this matter.
Get Legal Representation
Since Indiana follows a modified comparative fault model, you may be partly blamed for your injuries. You will still be able to recover compensation if you are blamed, as long as the percentage of fault is 50% or less.
This is where legal representation from the best Indianapolis car accident lawyer is crucial. While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, it is in your best interests to do so because they will take over every aspect of your case. In fact, it’s best to start with a lawyer in the claims process to ensure that you are offered a fair settlement and that you are not unfairly assigned fault.
If you’ve already spoken to insurers and they’re offering you a fast settlement, don’t do anything without asking an attorney. A car accident lawyer can calculate the full extent of your damages and determine whether or not the offered sum is sufficient. Once you sign this settlement, you are releasing the other party and their insurer from liability for this accident. If it’s not enough to cover your medical bills, lost income, and other related expenses, your attorney can negotiate before you sign anything.
Common Challenges in Car Accident Cases
One of the biggest challenges in a car accident case is proving negligence and liability, particularly when multiple parties are involved. Riley Cate, LLC conducts thorough investigations to gather evidence and brings in expert witnesses to clarify complex facts. We also work to contest partial blame to protect your compensation.
Dealing with insurers is a challenge all its own, and our skilled negotiators step in on your behalf, taking on all communications for you while aggressively advocating for what’s fair. The legal process is complex, and has strict deadlines that must be met. We ensure that your case is filed before these deadlines to give you the chance to recover your damages.
It can be incredibly difficult to take on this fight by yourself. Without knowledge of the laws or your rights, you may be leaving money on the table that is rightfully yours. That’s why choosing the right attorney matters for your car accident case.
Get in Touch For Our Car Accident Case Services
Riley Cate, LLC offers car accident law services to help you protect your legal rights and recover compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one has sustained serious injuries in a crash caused by someone else’s negligent behavior on the road, contact us to get the legal help and support you need every step of the way.