Car Accident Injury
Car Accident Injury Lawyer in Merrillville, Indiana
Hurt in a car crash in Lake or Porter County? Here is how an Indiana car accident claim works, what it costs, and what to do now.
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What to do after a car accident
1. Get medical care, even if you feel fine. Some injuries show up days later, and medical records matter for your claim.
2. Report the crash to police and get the report number.
3. Take photos of the vehicles, the scene and your injuries, and get the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
4. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before talking to a lawyer.
5. Keep every bill, receipt and record of missed work.
6. Call (219) 587-5641.
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How a car accident claim works
1. Consultation. We review what happened, your injuries and the insurance involved.
2. Investigation. We gather the police report, medical records, photos and witness statements.
3. Treatment and records. We track your medical treatment so the claim reflects the full cost of your injuries.
4. Demand. We send the insurance company a demand for compensation.
5. Negotiation. Many cases settle at this stage.
6. Lawsuit, if needed. If the insurer will not pay a fair amount, we can file a lawsuit and continue negotiating or go to trial.
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What you may be able to recover
Depending on your case, compensation can include medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, reduced ability to work, pain and suffering, and damage to your vehicle.
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What it costs
We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you. Our fee is 33.3% of the gross recovery if the case settles before a lawsuit is filed, and 40% of the gross recovery if it settles after filing or goes to a verdict. Case expenses are handled as described in your written fee agreement.
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Common questions
How long do I have to file a claim in Indiana?
Indiana generally gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims against a government agency have much shorter notice deadlines, so call us early.
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What if I was partly at fault?
Indiana uses a comparative fault rule. You can still recover if you were less than half at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your share of fault.
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Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
You can give basic facts, but avoid recorded statements and do not accept a settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
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How long will my case take?
It depends mostly on your medical treatment. Many cases settle after treatment ends, once the full cost of the injury is known. Cases that go to court take longer.
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Do I pay anything up front?
No attorney fee is due up front. Our fee comes out of the recovery, as described above.
Call (219) 587-5641 about your car accident case.
Hurt in a crash with a semi-truck? Truck accidents →
Hurt while riding a motorcycle? Motorcycle accidents →
Hit by a car while walking? Pedestrian accidents →