Accident-related expenses for your car accident claim can add up fast. From bills for emergency medical care to physical therapy, lost income to future lost income. If you cannot return to work for weeks or months, your expenses can easily exceed thousands or even millions of dollars.
We get it at Boughter Sinak, LLC. That’s why we want to help. We understand the urgency of your car accident claim. We realize there’s no time to waste when it comes to finding the facts you need to build a strong legal case. That’s why we want to meet with you in our Fort Wayne office right away.
What should you do after a car accident in Fort Wayne?
First, call 911 and wait for the Fort Wayne Police or Indiana Highway Patrol to arrive. The police will secure the scene and get medical attention to anyone who needs it. The police will also fill out your official accident report – a key piece of evidence in your claim. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver and get contact information for any witnesses. Take pictures and gather evidence at the scene. Get medical attention as soon as possible, and call an experienced attorney who can help you understand what you should do to deal with the insurance company and build your case.
What types of car accidents do we handle in Fort Wayne, Indiana?
Car accidents can cover a wide range. We handle all types of car accident claims in our Fort Wayne office, including:
- Rear-end car accidents – They may be common, but they’re not minor. Rear-end car accidents often cause serious head and neck injuries, including whiplash.
- Texting while driving accidents – Texting while driving is against the law in Indiana, but many people continue to text and drive in Fort Wayne – and cause serious car accidents.
- Distracted driving accidents – Drivers need to pay attention to the road at all times. When they fail to do so, whether by talking on a cellphone, eating while driving or operating a GPS, accidents often occur.
- Speeding accidents – Speed limits exist for a reason. When drivers in Fort Wayne drive too fast, they put everyone at risk. Many speeding drivers can’t slow down in time to avoid a crash. Accidents involving speeding drivers are also often more serious than other crashes on the same road due to the greater force involved.
- Asleep at the wheel accidents – Tired drivers should take a break. When they don’t, they put others at risk. Fatigued and sleeping drivers can cause serious harm, especially if they drift into the oncoming lane.
- Hit-and-run accidents – Drivers have a responsibility to stay at the scene of a crash. Unfortunately, some Fort Wayne drivers ignore the law and take off from an accident, creating chaos for the other driver they crash into.
No matter what type of car crash you’re dealing with in Fort Wayne, we can fight for your rights. So, whether your accident happened on I-69, I-469 or on a busy downtown street like West Washington Boulevard or North Clinton Street, we’re here to help you get your life back on track.
How much compensation can you get for a car accident?
There is no single average settlement for a car accident in Fort Wayne. It all depends on the extent of your injuries and the effects those injuries have had on your life. Your compensation for a car accident should include your:
- Medical expenses, both past and future, for medical treatment related to the accident. This includes emergency medical care, surgery, physical therapy, medication, medical devices, hospital bills, and any other medical costs.
- Lost income if you are unable to work for a time due to the accident, and lost future earnings if your injuries will permanently affect your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish due to your injuries.
- Modifications to your home or vehicle if you have a permanent disability.
- Property damage, including damage to your vehicle and any other personal property.
Only an attorney who knows Indiana law and the courts in Allen County can explain what your case is worth. That’s why you should always talk to a lawyer before you talk to the insurance company, and certainly before you decide whether to accept a settlement.
How long does it take to resolve a car accident case?
There are a few factors that affect the amount of time it takes to settle a car accident case. One factor is the extent of your injuries and the length of your recovery – it’s in your interest not to settle until the full extent and cost of your injuries is clear. Another key factor is how difficult the insurance company decides to be in negotiations and whether it’s necessary to file a lawsuit.
Some cases settle fairly quickly, while others can take many months or even years to resolve. However, the right attorney can guide you through the process and explain what you’re looking at as you try to rebuild your life.
Why should you hire a Fort Wayne car accident lawyer?
While you’re not required by law to hire an attorney to negotiate a settlement or even file a lawsuit, it's absolutely in your interest to do so. Remember, the insurance company has lawyers protecting its interests, and you need someone who knows the system to level the playing field. You should hire a lawyer to ensure that your accident is thoroughly investigated and you’re in the best position to win your case. You only get one shot at compensation. A proven fighter will make that shot count.
What does it cost to hire a car accident attorney?
You don’t pay anything out of pocket. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t charge an hourly fee or retainer to represent you. Our firm advances the costs of moving your case forward, and we only get paid if and when we win your case (either through a negotiated settlement or jury verdict). At that point, our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so you still don’t pay us out of pocket. Studies have shown that people who hire a lawyer recover more than those who don’t, even taking fees into account, so the real question is whether you can afford not to hire an attorney.
Count on our Fort Wayne car accident attorneys to fight for you
Remember, you didn’t do anything wrong. You shouldn’t have to pay for another driver’s reckless or negligent actions. That’s why we want to meet with you and learn more about your car accident. That way, we can get straight to work on your Fort Wayne car accident claim.
The clock is ticking. In most cases, you only have two years from the date of your Indiana car accident to take legal action. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. Two years might seem like a long time but the longer you wait to take legal action, the harder it often becomes to find the facts you need to build a strong, legal case.
Put a fighter on your side. Contact our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation with a Fort Wayne car accident lawyer you can trust.
