According to the Indiana University Public Policy Institute (IUPUI), in 2018, the state of Indiana saw 4,812 head-on collisions, 114 of which resulted in fatalities.
Head-on collisions can happen for any number of reasons. They can occur on long, winding stretches of rural highway that lull drivers to distraction or when drivers try to pass vehicles on two-lane roads when it is unsafe to do so.
Yet, no matter its cause, the aftermath of a head-on collision can be devastating. If you or a loved one suffered an injury following a head-on collision, consider calling Ben Crump Law, PLLC. An Indianapolis head-on collisions lawyer can help you recover compensation by filing an insurance claim or taking your case to court. We also work on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning that you do not pay us anything unless we resolve your case through an insurance settlement or court award.
To begin a free consultation, call our team today at (800) 598-7557.
Considerations Following an Indianapolis Head-On Collision
Before we go into further detail regarding what our legal team can do for you, we want to share some considerations following a car accident. The statements you give and the actions you take at the beginning of your case could ultimately affect its outcome.
While you are dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of your injuries, you should consider:
Seeking Medical Attention
By seeking prompt medical care, you can work to connect your condition to the accident. Additionally, while you receive treatment, you should keep track of your medical bills and other related costs. You should also keep the results of your imaging scans, lab test results, and the names of your medications, as this can help you prove the severity of your condition.
Filing a Police Report
The information documented in the accident’s police report could also bolster your case. The names of the involved parties, the location of the collision, and the cause of the collision could strengthen your case. Indiana law mandates that car accident claimants must file a police report if a collision results in any injuries, deaths, or property damage more than $1,000.
Refraining from Social Media
Regardless of your social media account’s privacy settings, insurance adjusters may still access your pages. You should refrain from posting anything about the collision that implies fault, makes disparaging statements about the other party, or casts doubt on the severity of your injuries. You do not want to post anything that could affect your case’s outcome.
These are only a handful of recommendations following a head-on collision. You can call Ben Crump Law, PLLC to find out more.
For a free legal consultation with a head-on collisions lawyer serving Indianapolis, call 800-959-1444
How Indiana Views Car Accident Liability
Indiana is an “at-fault” state, per Indiana Code (IC) §34-51-2-3. In the event of a collision, you would file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company to recover compensation. Because Indiana operates under no-fault laws, the state requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of insurance liability coverage, as explained by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
These minimums include:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability (BIL) per person
- $50,000 in BIL per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability (PDL)
In some head-on collisions, responsibility will be clear-cut. If fault in your case is clearly defined, then the liable insurance company may offer you a settlement. If we reach an agreement that adequately compensates you for your current and future losses, we will not need to go to trial. If not, however, you might need to file a lawsuit to recover compensation. You usually have two years from the date of the accident to do so, per IC §34-11-2-4.
Because of the bearing that the state’s statute of limitations has on your case, we encourage you to take swift measures regarding your legal goals. You can get started by calling Ben Crump Law, PLLC today.
Comparative Fault Laws and Your Case
We mentioned above that Indiana is an at-fault state. However, in the event of a collision, both parties could hold a portion of fault for the accident. For instance, suppose that your head-on collision happened because the other driver was swerving to avoid someone who had pulled out in front of them. If this caused you to hit them, then they could argue that you bear some portion of fault, too.
In this case, the other driver could hold 80% fault, and you could hold 20% fault. Perhaps the total cost of your damages equaled $20,000. In this situation, because you still held some portion of fault for the accident, you could only recover $16,000 in compensation.
When you partner with an Indianapolis head-on collisions lawyer, they can evaluate your case to determine who bears responsibility for your accident. Even if you hold some portion of fault for the accident, you still may have financial recovery options. You can get in touch with Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at no cost to you.
Indianapolis Head-On Collisions Lawyer Near Me 800-959-1444
Recoverable Losses in an Indianapolis Head-On Collision
Indiana does not cap the amount of economic and non-economic damages you can recover from a motor vehicle accident case–– unless a government entity injured you. Most car accident claimants can recover the reasonable cost of their medical expenses, including the cost of hospitalization, medications, and emergency stabilization procedures.
Some other compensable losses in your case may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Property damage costs
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Rehabilitation expenses (e.g., physical therapy)
Your claim may account for other losses not included here.
Click to contact our Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers today
How Ben Crump Law, PLLC Can Help You
If you would like to learn more about how an Indianapolis head-on collisions lawyer can seek compensation on your behalf, call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (800) 598-7557. We do not shy away from even the toughest of cases; we can address any obstacles that arise throughout the development of your claim.
The sooner you call, the sooner we will get to work for you.
Call or text 800-959-1444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form