Frequently asked questions about car accidents in Kokomo
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Kokomo?
The moments after a car accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your health, strengthen your claim, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Even if the crash seems minor, failing to act quickly could hurt your case later. Here’s what to do:
- Get to safety and check for injuries: Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 to report the accident.
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you feel fine, some injuries take hours or days to appear. A medical report also strengthens your claim.
- Gather evidence at the scene: Take photos of the damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
- Get contact information: Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance details from all drivers involved, as well as witness information.
- Do not admit fault: Anything you say could be used against you later by the insurance company.
- Contact a Kokomo car accident lawyer: An attorney can handle the insurance companies, investigate your case, and fight for full compensation.
Insurance companies will use any mistake against you, so acting fast is key. A lawyer can make sure your claim is handled properly and fight for the settlement you deserve.
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How do I know if I have a car accident claim in Indiana?
Not every accident results in a legal claim, but if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to compensation. In Indiana, car accident claims are typically based on fault, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your damages. You may have a case if:
- You were injured: Even minor injuries can lead to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Another driver acted negligently: Speeding, distracted driving, running a red light, or other reckless behavior can prove fault.
- Your damages are significant: If the accident led to expensive medical treatment, time off work, or long-term disability, you likely have a strong claim.
- The insurance company is giving you trouble: If the at-fault driver’s insurer denies your claim, delays payment, or offers a low settlement, legal action may be necessary.
Our Kokomo car accident lawyers can review your case for free and determine whether you have a valid claim.
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What are the most common causes of car accidents in Kokomo?
Car accidents happen every day in Kokomo, and while some are unavoidable, many are caused by reckless or negligent drivers. Understanding the most common causes of crashes can help you recognize when someone else’s actions may have led to your accident. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Many accidents happen on U.S. 31 and Washington Street due to drivers going too fast for conditions.
- Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or using GPS while driving leads to countless crashes at busy intersections like Markland Avenue and Dixon Road.
- Drunk or impaired driving: Intoxicated drivers are a serious risk, especially at night and near Kokomo’s bar districts.
- Failure to yield: Many T-bone accidents at intersections happen because drivers ignore traffic signals or don’t yield the right-of-way.
- Following too closely: Rear-end accidents are common on heavily traveled roads like Sycamore Street and Lincoln Road.
If another driver’s negligence caused your crash, you shouldn’t have to pay the price. A Kokomo car accident attorney can hold them accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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Who can be held responsible for my car accident?
Liability in a car accident isn’t always as simple as pointing to the driver who hit you. Several parties may share responsibility, and identifying all liable parties is key to maximizing your compensation. Potentially responsible parties include:
- The at-fault driver: If another driver was speeding, distracted, or driving recklessly, they are likely responsible.
- Employers of commercial drivers: If you were hit by a delivery truck, rideshare driver, or commercial vehicle, their employer may also be liable.
- Vehicle manufacturers: If a defective tire, brake failure, or other mechanical issue caused the crash, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
- Government entities: If poor road conditions, missing signs, or a dangerous intersection contributed to the accident, the city or state may be partially at fault.
Determining liability can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved. Our Kokomo car accident lawyers can investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for the full compensation you’re owed.
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How does Indiana’s fault-based insurance system affect my car accident claim?
Indiana follows a fault-based insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is also responsible for covering damages. If you were injured in a crash on U.S. 31 or near Markland Avenue, you would file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. However, insurance companies often dispute fault, even in clear-cut cases, to minimize their payout. A Kokomo car accident lawyer can gather evidence, such as traffic camera footage or witness statements, to prove liability and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
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How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Indiana?
Indiana law gives car accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This means if you were injured in a crash on Dixon Road or a dangerous intersection like Washington and Sycamore, you have a limited window to take legal action. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation. Since gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and building a strong case takes time, speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your claim.
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What are the most common injuries in car accidents?
Car accidents can cause serious injuries, some of which require long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Even low-speed collisions can result in life-changing conditions. Some of the most common injuries seen in Kokomo car accidents include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: These are common in rear-end accidents and can cause chronic pain.
- Broken bones and fractures: Impact forces often lead to broken arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Concussions and severe head trauma can affect memory, coordination, and cognitive function.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Damage to the spine can lead to temporary or permanent mobility loss.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Medical treatment after a crash is essential, even if you feel fine at first. Some injuries take days or weeks to fully develop, and delaying care can hurt both your health and your injury claim. A car accident attorney can ensure all of your medical costs – both current and future – are covered in your settlement.
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What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance or is underinsured?
If the at-fault driver in your accident lacks insurance or carries only the state minimum, recovering full compensation can be challenging. Indiana requires all drivers to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which may help pay for medical expenses and lost wages if the other driver can’t cover your damages. However, insurance companies often try to deny or reduce these claims, arguing that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of filing a UM/UIM claim and ensure your own insurer doesn’t shortchange you.
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Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Yes, Indiana follows a comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 51% at fault for the crash. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were speeding when another driver ran a red light at Boulevard and Home Avenue, a court may determine you were 20% at fault, reducing your total compensation by 20%. Since insurance companies often try to unfairly shift blame, having an attorney defend your rights can prevent you from losing compensation you’re entitled to.
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What types of compensation can I recover in a Kokomo car accident case?
Car accident victims in Kokomo may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the severity of their injuries and losses. Indiana law allows victims to recover economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. If the at-fault driver was grossly negligent, such as driving drunk on U.S. 931, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish reckless behavior. A lawyer can assess the full impact of your injuries and fight to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
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What are common tactics insurance companies use to deny or reduce claims?
Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying fair settlements, and they often use deceptive tactics to minimize payouts. One common strategy is blaming the victim, arguing that you were partially or fully responsible for the crash, even if the other driver clearly caused it. They may also delay processing your claim, hoping financial stress will force you into accepting a low settlement. Additionally, insurers frequently downplay injuries, claiming that whiplash, back pain, or concussions aren’t serious or were pre-existing conditions. A Kokomo car accident lawyer knows these tactics and can push back to secure the compensation you deserve.
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How can a Kokomo car accident lawyer help with my case?
After a car accident, you’re up against insurance companies, legal deadlines, and complex liability issues – all while trying to recover from your injuries. A skilled lawyer can take the burden off your shoulders by:
- Investigating the accident: Gathering police reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to prove fault.
- Handling the insurance company: Negotiating for full compensation and preventing insurers from taking advantage of you.
- Calculating damages: Determining the total cost for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary: If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, a lawyer can take your case to court.
You don’t have to deal with this process alone. Our Kokomo car accident lawyers can handle the legal battle while you focus on healing.
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What if I lost a loved one in a fatal car accident?
Losing a loved one in a car accident is devastating, and while no amount of money can bring them back, Indiana law allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim for financial and emotional losses. If a reckless driver caused the crash – such as a drunk driver speeding through a red light at Markland and Washington – you may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the loss of companionship and support. However, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years and require extensive evidence to prove fault. A compassionate car accident attorney can handle the legal battle so your family can focus on grieving and healing.
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How much does it cost to hire a Kokomo car accident lawyer?
Most car accident attorneys, including Boughter Sinak, LLC, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Your lawyer only gets paid if they win your case, taking a percentage of the settlement or verdict. This ensures that injured victims, regardless of financial status, can access experienced legal representation without worrying about legal fees. If you’re unsure about your case, scheduling a free consultation with a lawyer in Kokomo can give you clarity and help you decide on the next steps.
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Why should I hire Boughter Sinak, LLC for my car accident case in Kokomo?
Not all law firms fight as hard for car accident victims as they should. But we do. Our attorneys take on insurance companies, big corporations, and negligent drivers to get our clients maximum compensation. Here’s why accident victims in Kokomo trust us:
- Aggressive representation: We don’t accept lowball offers – we fight for the full amount you deserve.
- Proven results: We’ve recovered millions for injured clients across Indiana.
- No upfront fees: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
- Local experience: We understand Kokomo’s roads, courts, and insurance tactics, giving you an advantage.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for you.
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We fight for the compensation you deserve
A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Medical bills, lost wages, and dealing with insurance companies can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. One of our Kokomo car accident attorneys will take on the legal fight for you, holding negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable while you focus on healing. We know the tricks insurers use to minimize claims, and we refuse to let them take advantage of accident victims.
There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. That means no risk and no surprises – just dedicated legal representation with one goal: securing maximum compensation for you. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be. Contact Boughter Sinak, LLC today for a free consultation and let us fight for you.
