Car Accident Attorney in Indianapolis, IN

Millions of cars travel Indiana’s roads and highways each year. Millions of cars travel Indiana’s roads and highways each year. When drivers speed, disregard road conditions or drive dangerously, they can endanger other motorists, including truck drivers, and cause serious harm to others.

People who are seriously injured by at-fault drivers may be entitled to seek compensation to pay medical bills and other damages.

collision of two green carsIn Indiana, the car accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC handle Indiana accident claims for drivers and pedestrians injured as a result of the carelessness or negligent acts of others.

We never defend people who cause accidents, and we never work for insurance companies. Our focus is on helping you if you or your loved one has been injured.

Whether you have been harmed in a serious car collision in Indianapolis or anywhere in Indiana as a result of the negligence of another driver, you should consult with an experienced auto accident attorney about your legal rights.

Experienced Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer

Craig, Kelley & Faultless, Indianapolis car crash lawyerOur car accident attorneys will investigate the contributing factors to your accident and all the potentially responsible parties.

An Indiana car accident may have more than one cause and more than one driver at fault. Some combination of factors such as aggressive driving, driving too fast for road conditions and distraction may contribute to an accident.

It is important to be represented by a law firm with the resources to investigate an accident fully and build a compelling case for compensation for your injuries.

As experienced Indiana car accident lawyers, we know how important it is that you contact our firm immediately so we can begin investigating your accident by:

  • Inspecting the scene of the accident
  • Photographing the vehicle and the accident scene
  • Preserving evidence, including deployed airbags
  • Identifying and contacting eyewitnesses.
  • Analyzing evidence and documenting facts pertaining to the damage and injuries incurred.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, you should speak with a knowledgeable Indiana accident lawyer before having your car repaired. Once your car is repaired, important evidence may be lost. Allowing us to review your case and set the legal process in motion within the first two weeks following your accident can lay the foundation for a successful claim.

Indianapolis Car Accidents Involving Dangerous Driving

Many types of driving behavior may cause a serious accident. Certain actions are classified as dangerous driving, including speeding, disregarding a traffic signal, aggressive driving, improper passing, driving too fast for weather conditions, and tailgating.

Nearly a third of Indiana car collisions causing fatal injuries involved dangerous driving in 2014. A car accident attorney can provide legal help to families after a fatal wreck.Nearly a third of Indiana car collisions causing fatal injuries involved dangerous driving in 2014.

Young drivers ages 15 to 20, both males and females, accounted for the highest percentage of drivers engaged in dangerous driving.Young drivers ages 15 to 20, both males and females, accounted for the highest percentage of drivers engaged in dangerous driving.

A fourth of fatal collisions involved speeding.A fourth of fatal collisions involved speeding.

Thirteen percent of fatal collisions in Indiana involved a driver impaired by alcohol. Thirteen percent of fatal collisions in Indiana involved a driver impaired by alcohol. Every alcohol-related accident is a preventable accident caused by a driver’s poor decision to get behind the wheel intoxicated.
Drunk drivers and other dangerous drivers should be held accountable for the harm they cause.

Traffic Deaths by Year Involving Dangerous Driving

MOST DANGEROUS DAY OF WEEK AND MONTHS FOR CAR CRASHES IN INDIANA

Fridays and Saturday are the most dangerous days of the week for accidents in Indiana.

Fridays and Saturdays are the most dangerous days of the week for accidents in Indiana. The highest number of collisions consistently occurred on Fridays, based on five years of traffic accident data. The highest number of fatal crashes in the most recent years occurred on Saturdays.

Total Collisions in Indiana in 2014 by Day of Week

Indiana has harsh winters during which ice and snow cause havoc and the highest counts of traffic accidents occur in December and January. More people are on the roads in the warm weather months, and the highest numbers of fatal collisions occur in the months of June through September.

Where Are Accidents Involving Injuries and Fatalities Accidents More Likely to Occur?

A serious or fatal collision may occur anywhere, but there are some geographic trends reflected in Indiana’s crash data.

More people live in cities and urban areas, and more than two-thirds of accidents involving injuries occur in urban areas.

Portion of Injury Accidents brought to you by Indianapolis car accident lawyer Craig, Kelley & Faultless

Meanwhile, crashes in rural areas of Indiana are more likely to lead to fatal injuries due to several factors.  The cars are likely to be traveling at higher speeds, collisions are more likely to involve fixed objects such as trees, and it takes longer for accident victims to receive emergency medical care.

The rate of fatal accidents is much higher in rural parts of the state. The rate was 6.1 fatalities per 1000 collisions in rural areas compared to a rate of 1.3 per 1000 collisions in urban areas.

Rate of Traffic Deaths Per 1000 Collisions by Location

Allow Our Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys to Deal with Insurance Companies

Allow Our Indiana Car Accident Lawyers to Deal with Insurance CompaniesIt is important to have an auto accident attorney negotiate a car accident claim on your behalf with insurance companies. We negotiate settlements when possible, but we do not allow an insurance company to settle for less than the full value of a claim.

We protect the rights of the Indiana car accident victims who are facing an insurance company that is using its resources to force a settlement that is far less than fair. When you hire our team of Indiana automobile accident attorneys, you benefit from our years of legal experience and willingness to fight back aggressively against insurance companies.

Craig, Kelley & Faultless, attorneys handling car accident casesOur law firm has financial resources, skilled investigators, accident reconstructionists, and committed attorneys ready to work on your behalf to obtain justice.

If it should become necessary to go to court to seek full compensation, our car accident lawyers have the trial experience that can make all the difference.

We have attorneys listed as Indiana Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, AVVO Superb Ratings, and Martindale-Hubbell Top Rated Lawyers. You can have confidence that your car accident case is in good hands with our dedicated legal team.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, our firm can help. To speak directly with an auto accident attorney or paralegal, contact us online. Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC has several satellite offices and meeting locations.

We serve clients throughout Indiana, and we will be happy to schedule an appointment at a location convenient to you. If you are unable to meet with us in our offices, we can meet with you in your home or medical facility during your recovery.

We offer a free case consultation, and our Indiana car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. We do not get paid until we win your case for you through a settlement or a jury verdict. Contact us today for sound legal counsel, outstanding representation, and dedicated advocacy in your Indiana car accident case.

A serious traffic accident is often a chaotic, messy scenario that involves multiple vehicles traveling in different directions, before and after the collision. Consequently, determining the cause of the accident can be complicated and, sometimes, inconclusive.

Car Accidents Are Common Occurrences in Indiana

For example, a tragic accident resulted in one death and three seriously injured people in Scott Country, Indiana in October. One car inexplicably crossed the median on Interstate 65, striking an oncoming vehicle. In the immediate aftermath, what caused the errant vehicle to cross the median (whether driver error, mechanical malfunction, weather conditions, poor road design, a deer crossing, a third vehicle, etc.) remained uncertain.

How Is Fault Determined in an Indianapolis Car Accident?

The cause matters to a significant degree in determining which party bears fault and whether victims can recover for their losses. In general, any accident victim can best be served by immediately engaging an accident investigator, typically through a car accident attorney, to accomplish the following:

  • Inspect the scene: Identifying which vehicles moved and stopped where need scale diagramming. Documentation and analysis of physical, environmental, and traffic conditions all contribute to a clearer understanding of what happened.
  • Inspect the vehicle: Crush profiles of vehicles, how well safety systems performed (or did not) and any post-crash measurements should be analyzed.
  • Inspect the people: In addition to the collection and analysis of medical records, an early investigation can identify accident-related occupant movements that help establish the cause of injuries.

Often, weather (e.g., heavy rain) and other parties (e.g., insurance companies representing commercial vehicles) may destroy or collect evidence soon after the accident. To gain the best chance for fair compensation for your injuries, contact an Indiana auto accident attorney as soon as possible following a mishap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, you will find straightforward answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about car accidents here in Indiana. If you have questions about recovering compensation for your injuries, don’t put off contacting us for a free consultation.

Is Indiana an at-fault state for car accidents?

Yes. Like most states, Indiana follows a fault-based system for determining liability in car accidents. A fault-based system allows crash victims to seek compensation from the party or parties whose actions caused the wreck. Indiana’s fault-based system requires the injured party to establish the other party’s fault and legal liability before they can be compensated.

If I’m injured in an auto accident, will the insurance company pay for all my medical bills?

This is a question that auto liability lawyers in Indiana hear on a regular basis – and very often, by the time a client calls, they’ve already found the answer to be “no.” Not all auto insurance policies are created equal, and often there are policy limits and coverage gaps that can leave a driver – who may well have thought he/she was fully covered – without resources for costly medical bills, ongoing therapy, etc. With all the emphasis on cheap, state-minimum insurance these days, it’s easy to envision how more and more drivers who thought they were covered will be left out in the cold.

Indiana’s minimum liability limits are:

  • Bodily Injury: $25,000 maximum per person/$50,000 maximum per accident
  • Property Damage: $10,000 maximum

Indiana requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, allowing you to collect these damages from your own insurance company if the other driver in the accident isn’t sufficiently covered. This coverage can be waived but the waiver must be in writing. However, you should never waive this coverage. The worst drivers often have little or no insurance. There are special rules that apply to underinsured coverage. If you do not follow those rules, you could jeopardize the coverage.

Even more frustrating than coverage gaps is when a policy does appear to cover a particular claim, but profit-motivated insurance companies delay payment or deny the claim based on a technicality. This is something we see on a regular basis from some of the most well-known insurance companies.

If you have an insurance question following an accident or injury, Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC offers a free consultation to help review your coverage and avoid the insurance runaround.

When do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

Not everyone needs a lawyer after a car accident. But the guidance of a knowledgeable Indiana personal injury lawyer can help you avoid missteps during the insurance claims process. If any of the following applies to your car crash case, you should speak with a car accident lawyer:

  • You were injured as a result of the accident
  • You have missed work due to your injuries
  • It is not clear who is at fault for the crash
  • Multiple parties were involved in the wreck
  • Another party tries to pin the blame on you
  • The other party is uninsured or underinsured
  • The crash occurred in a school or work zone
  • The insurer minimizes or denies your claim

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in indiana?

Under I.C. § 34-11-2-4, all personal injury suits must be filed within two years of the date of the incident. In other words, the two-year window begins on the date of the car accident that injured you.

If you attempt to file a lawsuit after the statutory two-year deadline, the court will most likely dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to seek compensation in Indiana civil court. An experienced car accident lawyer in Indiana can determine how the statute of limitations applies to your claim and keep your case on track from day one.

How much can I demand in compensation after a car accident in Indiana?

If the insurance company refuses to agree to a reasonable settlement of your injury claim, your attorney may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit and pursuing your claim in court. A successful lawsuit could provide you with compensation for:

  • Hospital bills and other medical expenses you incur due to the accident
  • Incidental costs, such as mileage expenses for travel to medical appointments
  • Lost wages or benefits, if you were forced to miss work and use up your vacation and sick leave during your recovery
  • The projected value of your lost earning potential, if you suffer permanent disabilities
  • Pain and suffering due to the crash

What should I say to the insurance company?

The most important thing to remember when you speak with an insurance company representative is that their employer is a for-profit business that makes money by collecting premiums and loses money by paying claims. The claims adjuster is looking for anything they can use to minimize or deny your claim, including your own statements.

Do not apologize for the accident, provide your opinion about what happened, or guess at answers you do not know. If you happen to misspeak or relay information that turns out to be inaccurate, it could damage your case. Never indicate that you are uninjured. This could make it difficult to claim compensation if you have crash-related injuries that worsen over time. It’s best to speak with a car accident attorney before giving a recorded statement to another driver’s insurance carrier.

How long does the insurance company have to investigate a claim?

Indiana law does not impose a specific time limit on insurance companies when investigating car accident claims. However, the law does outline several “unfair claims settlement practices,” which include behaviors like failing to promptly communicate with claimants or failing to promptly investigate or settle claims. Insurers who engage in these practices can face serious penalties, including fines or even license revocations.

Can I still file a claim if the accident was my fault?

In some cases, you can still file an injury claim if you were partly at fault for a car accident in Indiana. Under I.C. § 34-51-2-5, fault on your part does not automatically bar you from seeking compensation. However, under I.C. § 34-51-2-6, the amount of compensation available to you may be reduced based on your assigned percentage of contributory fault.

If you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you can be barred from seeking compensation. As you might expect, insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize or deny accident claims by inflating the percentages of fault assigned to claimants. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help you by pushing back against the insurance company’s tactics and demanding a fair settlement for you.

Do I have a car accident case?

Generally speaking, you have grounds for a car accident case if another party’s negligent, reckless, or harmful actions caused a wreck and you suffered compensable losses as a result. In the context of a car accident case, a compensable loss is any expense for which you can be compensated financially. Examples include medical bills for crash-related injuries and loss of income during the time you miss work while recovering from your injuries. Crash victims may be entitled to compensation for intangible losses, such as pain, suffering, and lost quality of life.

What should I do if I get called by the trucking company’s insurer after an Indiana car accident?

After an Indiana car accident you should politely decline to speak with the adjuster for the trucking company’s insurance company and refer the caller to your attorney. You have no obligation to provide information to them. Anything you say or do, even in a casual conversation, may be used to limit the amount of compensation you receive. The adjuster may sound friendly when asking about your health and recovery. But the adjuster’s job is to minimize the amount of money the insurance company pays in claims. Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators who settle claims every day. You should have a lawyer representing your interests in dealings with the other side’s insurer.

Do you have to file a police report for a car accident in Indiana?

Under § 9-26-1-1.1 of the Indiana Code (I.C.), you must call 911 or otherwise alert the authorities immediately after being involved in a car accident in which someone is injured or killed. You are required to contact authorities if you collide with an unattended vehicle or cause non-vehicle property damage and cannot locate the owner after taking reasonable steps to do so.

Individual municipalities can mandate that drivers involved in collisions in their jurisdiction file an accident report. Accident reports can be useful evidence when pursuing insurance claims or lawsuits. Obtaining a copy of the crash report from the local police, county sheriff, or Indiana State Police is a good idea.

What are the steps to follow if you are involved in an auto accident?

Automobile accidents are an inevitable fact of modern life. But that doesn’t mean everyone knows what to do if they are involved in one. The steps you take immediately following an automobile accident can determine whether your personal injury claim is successful.

The following list is intended to help you in case you are ever in an accident:

  • Don’t flee. It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident before the paramedics and police have arrived.
  • Allow yourself to be treated. Let the doctor or paramedic have a look at you even if you think you have not been injured. Sometimes victims don’t always realize the extent of their injuries immediately after an accident.
  • Give your side of the story. If you are capable of talking with the police, give a statement. You need your side of the story to be recorded.
  • Collect information. Jot down the names of the passengers in your car and the names and insurance information of any other drivers involved. If there are any witnesses, get their names and information as well.

Am I entitled to sue for pain and suffering after an Indiana car accident?

Yes. Indiana law allows for victims of Indiana car accidents to seek recovery for damages for pain and suffering as well as property loss, emotional distress, disability and more. To win these types of compensation, the amount of loss must be proven within a reasonable degree of certainty. The Indiana car accident attorneys of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC have successfully handled thousands of Indiana personal injury cases stemming from car accidents and can review your personal injury case immediately.

Should I be in contact with the other driver’s insurance company?

Prior to talking with any insurance company, it is best to contact a personal injury attorney. Following an accident, you should never provide a statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Divulging information to an insurance company could make the difference between getting full compensation for your claim and being denied any compensation at all.

Can I have my vehicle damage claim handled at no charge?

When you are injured in a car accident, your personal injury claim is handled separately from your vehicle damage claim. While an injury claim may take months to settle, property damage claims can be settled quickly. At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we have an experienced staff person available to assist you with your auto damage claims at no cost to you.

When one vehicle rear-ends another, is that definitive evidence of fault?

In rear-end collisions, the law generally favors the lead car, but that does not mean the trailing vehicle is always at fault. Hasty drivers making lane changes often cut off other motorists then abruptly jam on the brakes, forcing the second car to slam into them. One of our knowledgeable accident attorneys can review the facts of your accident to help determine liability.

If a truck driver changed lanes and struck my car while it was in the truck’s blind spot, can I file a claim?

Tractor trailers have large blind spots on all sides. You may have a valid claim if the truck driver moved into your lane and caused an accident, regardless of whether your automobile happened to be in a blind spot. Each Indiana tractor trailer accident has specific contributing factors that make it unique so it is important to have an experienced truck accident lawyer review your accident and determine the best strategy to proceed. It’s important to recognize that 35 percent of fatal truck-related accidents involve a truck’s blind spots, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Association.

Contact Our Indianapolis Car Accident Law Firm Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC

In Indiana, the auto accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC handle Indiana accident claims for drivers and pedestrians injured as a result of the carelessness or negligent acts of others.

We never defend people who cause accidents, and we never work for insurance companies. Our focus is on helping you if you or your loved one has been injured.

Whether you have been harmed in a serious rear-end collision in Indianapolis or anywhere in Indiana as a result of the negligence of another driver, you should consult with an experienced lawyer about your legal rights. If you were involved in a single-car accident because of a car defect or other cause, you can also talk to our attorneys.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, our firm can help.  Contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC has several satellite offices and meeting locations. We serve clients throughout Indiana, and we will be happy to schedule an appointment at a location convenient to you. If you are unable to meet with us in our offices, we can meet with you in your home or medical facility during your recovery.

We offer a free case consultation, and our Indiana car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. We do not get paid until we win your case for you through a settlement or a jury verdict. Call us today for sound legal counsel, outstanding representation, and dedicated advocacy in your Indiana car accident case.


Our Honors & Awards

Our firm is recognized for its excellence in the legal field, having received numerous accolades such as the Litigator Award and being ranked among the Best Law Firms by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. Our esteemed lawyers proudly hold the Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Rating, a top-tier Superb Rating on Avvo, along with memberships in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. If you or a loved one has faced an injury, the dedicated team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC stands prepared to offer unmatched legal services to support and guide you.

Have you been injured? Call us now.
(800) 746-0226