Don't see your question here? Contact us to learn more. Remember, these questions and answers are general information on car accidents, not specific legal advice. That's why we highly recommend that you come in for a free consultation at our law firm. You can come to our offices in Fort Wayne or South Bend, or we can come to you. Call 1-877-962-4373.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
While you have to cooperate with your insurance company to some extent to avoid violating your contract, you’re not required to cooperate with the insurance company representing the other driver or another at-fault party. Remember, their goal is to protect their bottom line, which means paying you as little as possible (or nothing at all). Anything you say to them can and will be used for that purpose.
The best option is to get an attorney to deal with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf. An experienced lawyer can protect your rights and deal with the insurance company lawyers on your behalf while you focus on getting better.
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What if I was partially at fault for my car accident?
Indiana is a “modified comparative negligence” state that uses the 51% rule. That means if you are partially at fault but less than 51%, you can still recover, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. You cannot recover at all if you are more than 51% at fault.
For example, if you are 30% at fault for the accident and are awarded $100,000, your award would be reduced by 30% for a final recovery of $70,000. However, if you are found 60% at fault for the accident, you can’t get compensation at all.
This is why insurance companies work so hard to blame injured people for accidents. Even if they’re not able to deny your claim entirely, if they can partially blame the accident on you, that’s less money they have to pay. An experienced attorney can help you fight back.
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How much time do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Indiana?
In most cases, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in Indiana. If a loved one died in a fatal accident, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, different deadlines can apply in other circumstances, and it’s always in your interest to start building your case as soon as possible. So don’t wait; talk to a car accident attorney about your options as quickly as possible.
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How soon after the accident should I get a lawyer?
It’s in your interest to call an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident. You can even call from the scene. The sooner you get an attorney involved, the stronger your potential case will be.
There are a few reasons you want an attorney as soon as possible. First, here in Indiana, juries want to see the evidence. It’s a critical part of your case, and an attorney can start investigating and preserving that critical evidence before it disappears – sometimes within days.
Second, your attorney can start dealing with the insurance company on your behalf as soon as you hire them. If you retain our firm, one of the first things we’ll do is send a letter to the insurance company informing them that you are now represented by counsel. From that point forward, they have to talk to us instead of calling you directly. We’ll keep you informed and ensure you are involved in high-level decisions about your case, but we will handle the day-to-day and protect your rights while you focus on getting better.
Third, legal deadlines apply to car accident cases in Indiana. Getting an attorney promptly preserves your legal options and helps you move your case forward.
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How much does it cost to hire an Indiana car accident lawyer?
You don’t have to pay anything out of pocket. We work on a contingency fee, which means you only pay if and when we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us a cent.
The insurance industry’s own data shows that people who hire a lawyer recover more than those who don’t, even considering the attorney’s fee. Indeed, even people who talk to a lawyer recover more on average than those who don’t. So the real question is whether you can afford to go it alone. You get one shot at compensation, and the right lawyer will help you make the most of that shot.
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Why should I hire Boughter Sinak, LLC to represent me after a car accident?
Remember, the insurance company’s goal after an accident is to resolve your claim for as little money as possible. That may mean paying you less than your claim is worth or even denying your claim altogether. They have teams of attorneys working to protect their interests, and you need your own advocate on your side.
At Boughter Sinak, LLC, we have a proven record of results for car accident victims. We know how to thoroughly investigate your accident, deal with the insurance companies and fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve. That's why we strongly recommend meeting with us for a free consultation to discuss your case. There's no cost or obligation, just honest answers about your legal rights and options.
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