Sometimes, even the safest drivers end up in fatal accidents, and as in many cases, the other driver(s) is usually at fault. If you were injured in such a car accident in Indiana and believe that your injuries are a result of someone’s negligence, you may have the scope to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault motorists. One of the key steps in this regard is to contact an experienced car accident lawyer Fort Wayn. A personal injury will be able to guide you on the basic steps, how to file an insurance claim, and if there is scope for a personal injury lawsuit. In this post, we are sharing more on working with lawyers, before that, below is a quick look at the basics of car accident laws in Indiana.
Knowing the basic laws
Indiana follows the modified comparative fault rule. This means if a motorist is responsible for an accident, he/she can be liable for the victim’s economic and noneconomic losses. What is both parties have a share of fault? In such cases, the modified comparative fault rule comes into play. A person may be able to recover some of his losses and ask for compensation, if their share of fault is not more than 50%. There is also a statute of limitations in Indiana, which allows the victim to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party at fault.
When to call an attorney
While hiring a car accident lawyer is entirely your personal call, there are a few situations, where getting advice is handy. You should call an attorney, if
- You were responsible for the accident
- You have part fault
- The fault is not clear
- The insurance company has denied your claim
- You have been offered a small amount by the insurance company
- Your injuries are permanent
- Your accident is likely to impact your ability to earn or go back to job
Talking to an experienced attorney in Indiana will help you know the options and you can decide further on what may work for you. Make sure that you hire a car accident lawyer who you can trust and they should have some experience of representing people in trial. Most claims related to auto accidents can be settled through negotiation, but it makes sense to seek help where possible, and your attorney can handle the negotiations on your behalf.