La Porte County Car Accident Lawyer
Hundreds of car accidents happen every year in La Porte County, many of them resulting in significant injuries that can place families in troublesome financial situations.
If this happens, it is best to contact a La Porte County car accident lawyer who is well-versed in this area of law for free legal consultation. An experienced personal injury attorney could evaluate your claim, and also, determine what legal options can yield the best result for you.
First Steps to Take After a Car Accident
- Immediately after the car accident, individuals should check to see if anyone in the vehicles involved is hurt and if there is danger such as leaking fuel or a fire. Move to a safe place and call 911 to summon authorities and request medical help for those who are injured
- Do not leave the accident scene for any reason. To do so may violate Indiana law
- Call the police, even if the accident is minor. Arriving police will talk to those involved and conduct an investigation for a report. Do not resist this effort, and also, obtain a copy of the report or the report number, the name of the police officer and police district of the officer who makes the report
- Stay calm. In this difficult time, emotions range from upset to angry. If anyone tries to place blame, do not admit to anything, do not become involved in an argument, and also keep a civil tongue
- Lastly, be sure to use the cell phone’s camera and take many photographs of all the vehicles, road signs and surrounding area from various angles before anything is The photographs will become important evidence for the evaluation of the claim and assessment of fault for the accident. If a minor crash, the vehicles may move to the side of the road
Indiana Negligence Laws
When the commotion is over, a person should contact a La Porte car accident lawyer and call their insurance carrier or agent to report the accident. It is important for individuals to not talk to anyone else’s insurance company. Often, an insurance carrier will make a fast, low offer to settle. Although often tempting, accepting the first offer precludes any additional recovery.
Indiana uses the modified comparative negligence standard; which reduces the amount of damages recoverable by the claimant’s percentage of fault. However, if the plaintiff’s fault exceeds 50%, may not recover any damages.
How a La Porte County Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A La Porte car accident lawyer can aggressively pursue all the allowable damages resulting from the accident. This may include medical care and hospitalization, therapeutic treatments, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
To build the case, the attorney will:
- Investigate the Accident,
- Question everyone involved under oath,
- Lastly, document the damages claimed.
This may also require the testimony of an accident reconstruction specialist in severe accidents.
Many personal injury cases settle between the parties. A dedicated attorney can negotiate to achieve a proper settlement from the insurance carrier. Injured in a car accident? Consult a La Porte car accident attorney that can advocate for you.