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Getting Maximum Compensation For Indianapolis Car Accident Victims

Car accidents are frightening experiences. If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by the negligence of the other driver, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Proving liability, however, can become complicated, and dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be stressful.

The experienced Indianapolis car accident attorneys at Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler can assist you in filing your claim, will represent your best interests, and give you all of the invaluable legal advice you need.

What Are Some Common Causes Of Car Accidents?

When a negligent driver causes a car accident, that driver can be held liable for the damages they cause. Some common causes of car accidents are:

Failure to obey traffic laws: Running stop signs, failing to yield and speeding are all examples of noncompliance with traffic laws that can lead to an accident.

Distracted driving: Driving while engaged in other activities such as talking on the phone, texting and adjusting the radio can take a driver’s eyes off the road long enough to lead to an accident.

Fatigue: Tired drivers can fall asleep at the wheel or have delayed reaction time and cause an accident.

Impaired driving: An individual who drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol is more at risk of causing an accident than a non-impaired driver.

What Can Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler Do For Me?

Our car accident lawyers at Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler will review police reports and other documentation relevant to your accident, interview any witnesses, research the law, as well as review footage from any traffic and/or security cameras all in an attempt to determine what caused the accident and who may be liable for the accident.

Our firm has the resources to work with expert accident reconstructionists to investigate the accident, perform situational analysis, measure skid marks and review damage to vehicles and any other objects at the scene that may offer insight as to what caused the accident and who can be held liable. When you have questions about your car accident, we can answer them in detail.

Car Accident Verdicts

$225,000

Motor Vehicle Accident – Archer v. Shoemaker and Schmidt, Marion County Superior Court No. 1.

Motor vehicle case involving a collision on Interstate 65 involving three vehicles. Liability disputed due to sudden ice storm and comparative fault alleged against Archer. Ms. Archer sustained a fracture of the acromioclavicular joint requiring arthroscopic decompression and distal clavicle resection of the left shoulder with a 7% whole body impairment. Ms. Archer incurred medical expenses in excess of $20,000. State Farm held insurance policy limits for the respective defendants in the total amount of $150,000. Final offer prior to jury trial in the amount of $30,000. Jury returned a verdict on March 8, 2001, in the amount of $225,000. State Farm was placed on notice of excess liability prior to trial. Full verdict collected over and above defendants’ liability limits.


$147,000

Motorcycle Accident – Patterson v. Ritchie, Henry County Superior Court No. 1.

Indiana motorcycle accident collision case. Mr. Patterson was operating his motorcycle and entered an intersection on the green light when defendant, Ritchie, ran the red light and collided with Patterson’s motorcycle. Mr. Patterson sustained a non-surgical herniated disc in his lumbar spine and was assessed a 10% whole body impairment. Mr. Patterson incurred over $8,000 in medical expenses and over $15,000 in lost wages. Allstate Insurance held policy limits of $100,000 on behalf of the Ritchie vehicle. Final offer prior to jury trial in the amount of $35,000. Jury returned a verdict on November 21, 2000, in the amount of $147,000. Allstate was placed on notice of excess liability prior to trial. Full verdict collected over and above defendants’ liability limits.

Common Car Accident Injuries

The type of injuries sustained in a car accident depend on the nature of the accident and the individuals involved.

Every accident, individual and injury is unique. For instance, high-speed, head-on collisions can lead to severe trauma or can even be fatal. Rear-end accidents can often lead to life-altering whiplash injuries. Other types of injuries that can occur in a car accident include:

  • Head injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Brain injuries
  • Cuts
  • Burns
  • Abrasions
  • Broken bones and more

The victims of car accidents caused by negligence may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident, lost wages due to an inability to work, and any physical or emotional pain and suffering they have incurred.

Responding To Your Car Accident Questions

If you or a loved one went through a serious car accident, you will encounter many challenges when it comes to filing an insurance claim or pursuing a lawsuit. You will also have many questions.

To help you and other accident survivors, we have this page to responding to a few of the questions we often hear.

How is fault determined after a car accident?

Many crashes involve partial liability. This is when both parties’ actions contributed to a car crash, but one party may share more fault than the other. In Indiana, as long as you receive no more than 50% of comparative fault for an accident, you may receive compensation for your damages.

What is my case worth?

Reading an FAQ on the internet cannot help you determine the value of your case. Speaking to a lawyer, however, can. One of our attorneys can sit down with you to learn about your situation and give you a better idea of how much you might recover.

What should I do after a car accident?

Try to follow these steps after a crash:

  • Seek medical attention.
  • Call the police to file a report.
  • Get the contact information of the other driver.
  • Get the contact information of any witnesses.
  • Take photographs of the scene.
  • Contact a personal injury attorney.

Every accident is different. However, if you follow these steps, you may have a much stronger claim.

Can I sue for getting hit by a semi truck?

Every truck crash varies, but if a semi truck hit your vehicle, you may have an actionable case on your hands. Many accidents involving semi trucks have issues of third-party liability. This is when a party other than the truck driver or trucking company may share liability for the crash. You may need to file a lawsuit against more than one party; for example, the cargo loader, the truck manufacturer or the maintenance company.

What are the benefits of working with a personal injury attorney?

A lawyer can help you navigate the complex systems of insurance claims and injury lawsuits. Attorneys understand which paperwork necessary, which steps to follow and how to recover the compensation you deserve as quickly as possible. Not to mention that insurance companies, car manufacturers, and, in cases of trucking accidents, trucking companies all have powerful lawyers on their side. Having your own attorney will level the playing field.

Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident?

Yes. Without a lawyer, you face numerous complex hurdles in the bureaucratic process. Handling your case on your own can end up costing you more money than it would to hire an attorney in the first place.

What should I say to my insurance company?

Do not communicate with your insurance company without an attorney present. Insurance representatives have methods to get you to admit fault, even if you had no part in the accident. They want to make the lowest settlement possible instead of paying the amount you deserve. With a lawyer on your side, you have a much better chance at recovering fair and just compensation.

Reach Out To Us For More Answers

Having handled several thousand car accident cases, we have the answers to all your questions, no matter how complex. Contact our office to speak with one of our team members and learn more about your options after a crash. We offer free, no-risk, no-obligation consultations. To contact us, please call 317-842-5800 or send us an email.