Were you in a car accident and have legal questions? Make things simple by contacting the Goodin Abernathy LLP law firm. We have a Spanish speaking team, too, who focuses on representing Hispanic clients suffering physical injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Put us on your side for recovering the maximum damages the law allows for personal injuries. We offer free, in-person legal consultations. When we take your case, our attorneys only charge for services when we win and actually collect money.
Auto accidents may include criminal acts. But when you need to recover your own damages, the process is considered a civil law claim for negligence. Sometimes our clients are concerned about making legal claims because they are undocumented immigrants. Do not let this stand in your way because Indiana allows all accident victims the right to legal access – no matter what their immigration status is. You really should not be concerned about encountering immigration problems for making a negligence claim. Our legal team will guide you through the process and protect your rights without concern for being deported or harassed due to your immigration status.
Now let’s start by reviewing basic topics our clients must deal with after an auto accident. At the scene, police often give our clients a slip of paper with the “accident number.” Although helpful, this is not the report we need. Using your information, we access an internet portal that law enforcement uses for publishing the auto accident reports. Police post their Indiana crash reports on BuyCrash.com and charge Twelve Dollars ($12.00) to download and print it. https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/ui/home The police report will supply us with the basic information needed to identify the at-fault driver. The crash report also describes the investigation results and identifies potential witnesses.
If your car was disabled and not drivable after the accident, it was probably towed to a salvage lot. We recommend addressing this immediately because each day your vehicle sits in the tow yard, they charge you around Thirty-Five Dollars ($35.00) per day. Before you can get your car out of the lot, you must pay them for the towing service and the daily rate. If you do not have auto insurance to pay for these costs, the price can quickly jump above an amount you can pay. Then, if you do not pay the removal fee, the tow yard will sell your car for salvage. You will not have a chance to fix the car, sell it or maybe even recover your personal possessions. Our legal team counsels our clients with tips for negotiating with the salvage yards to pay less and collect your vehicle. Contact us with questions before paying full price at the salvage yard.
Many people are physically injured in car accidents. Maybe you visited the emergency room for medical treatment and have questions about the bills. Or, after the accident your injuries worsened and now you want to visit your family doctor or a specialist. Attorneys are not medical doctors but we can describe how clients typically search for physical relief from pain. Often we find our clients are confused about where to go for medical treatment. The obvious response is 1) if the pain is excruciating, visit the emergency room and 2) if the pain is tolerable, consider contacting your regular primary care doctor. Of course, there are more medical treatment options that we can discuss for choosing the best path for your recovery.
We know the medical treatment is not free and you want to know who pays the costs. GA’s legal team will explain how the law applies to this important question and show you how we step in to work with the medical billing departments. For instance, you want to know if the at fault driver’s insurance company will pay each bill. When will they pay the medical bills? Under Indiana’s negligence law, the process typically does not require a responsible driver or their insurance to pay for medical costs as you treat. Instead, they pay when you are finished with medical treatment. Even if it is an option, rarely is it a good idea to settle parts of a claim as it goes along. It is typical to settle the whole case once you finish medical treatment and know what all your damages are. Unfortunately, we know the bill collectors do not want to wait and they put pressure on you and your family. Call Goodin Abernathy, and we will step in to handle the bills and relieve you from the immediate financial pressure.
Another option for handling medical bills can include using your own auto or health insurance. If you have the right auto insurance coverage, you may be able to use your own policy to help pay bills. This coverage is typically called Medical Payments or “Medpay”. GA’s Indy legal team will review your own insurance to identify if you have this option. You may also use your own health insurance to cover medical bills for treating your injuries. We will explain how the health insurance company then has a legal and financial interest in collecting their payments from the responsible driver. If you do not have health insurance, Legalmente Hablando Indy is familiar with various hospitals and medical doctors that use payment systems you can take advantage of for continued medical treatment. For instance, Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis offers applications for the popular “Advantage Plan.” Patients work with financial counselors to qualify for assistance under the plan. https://www.eskenazihealth.edu/programs/financial-counseling
When you miss time at work due to an injury, you likely lose income and we understand this is very stressful. Goodin Abernathy’s legal team will explain how Indiana law applies to this part of your damages. The law for accident victims allows them to claim lost income for damages in their case against the responsible driver. We describe how this is calculated and inform you about what to expect for a lost wages claim.
Another initial concern includes how to deal with the insurance companies. Understandably, our clients visit us because they are concerned about how the negligent driver’s insurance company is treating them. Clients want to know the law and make sure they are being treated fairly. This is where an attorney at Goodin Abernathy helps. Remember, insurance representatives are trained and experienced with handling claims to save their companies money. Insurance companies are in business to make money – not pay it out. This is why you need professional legal help. Our experienced team will represent you and fight for your legal rights. Choose to have an attorney on your side (and if necessary, that speaks Spanish), cares about your recovery and is experienced with challenging insurance companies to win the best recovery for your case.
Our attorneys handle personal injuries on a contingency fee basis. You only pay for legal fees when we win and collect money. There are no up-front fees that you pay to open a case with our law firm. Legalmente Hablando Indy enjoys supporting Indiana’s Hispanic community with quality legal services. Our contingency fee rates are typically less than big advertising law firms. Instead of trying to pay the cost of marketing, we save our clients money and provide excellent legal services. Our initial consultations are free. We will sit with you, review your photos, accident reports and medical treatment. If you are in the hospital or unable to travel, we can visit your location or set up a video conference. Contact Goodin Abernathy’s legal team to schedule an appointment today!
One person dies every 52 minutes in a drunk driving crash in the United States. That is over 10,000 lives yearly. Here in Indiana, 124 people lost their lives in alcohol-impaired accidents in 2020. These are tragic numbers for something entirely preventable. Goodin Abernathy represents victims who experience injuries due to a not-at-fault drunk driving accident. There are ten things that victims can do to protect their interests and rights after the accident.
1. Stay Calm
Accidents are jarring and potentially frightening. Adrenaline and emotions tend to run high after an accident. For those under the influence of alcohol, their emotions and actions become even more unpredictable. It is important for you to stay calm to accurately assess the situation and avoid further conflict with the intoxicated driver. In addition, if the other driver is drunk, they may not make the smartest or safest decisions that could further endanger you.
2. Get Out of Traffic
Assess yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle. If you are able to maneuver your vehicle out of traffic safely, do so. This aids in preventing further accidents. If the vehicle is undrivable, but you can move, remove yourself from the vehicle and get out of traffic to safety. This reduces your risk of further or greater injury. Do not attempt to move anyone seriously injured, as you risk injuring them further.
3. Seek Medical Care
If there are seriously injured people, call emergency services so that they can receive immediate treatment. If you do not need immediate medical care, plan to visit a doctor after you leave the accident scene. Do not wait to seek medical care. You may not realize immediately what your injuries are. Waiting to seek treatment could bar you from recovery later. Seeking medical treatment immediately establishes your injuries and condition, making it easier to prove their relevance to the accident.
4. File a Police Report
After the accident, do not leave the scene. File a police report by speaking with an officer. Cooperate with officers and answer their questions. Provide a factual account of what happened. Do not embellish or pontificate on theories of what you think happened. However, report any behavior or comments you observe the intoxicated person making. Inform the officer of your concerns that the other driver is intoxicated.
5. Stay Silent at the Scene
While at the scene of the accident, try to stay silent. Focus on taking care of yourself, your passengers, and anyone injured. Document the scene and gather witness contact information. Do not admit fault. Do not talk about what happened with anyone other than the responding officer. Be careful what you say, as you do not want to unknowingly admit fault by having your words misconstrued.
6. Take Pictures or Video of the Scene
If you are able to, take pictures and videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and your injuries. Documenting as much as possible will help when you file your claim for damages later. Try to take clear, non-blurry images. Documenting the scene helps to verify the facts and circumstances of the accident later. This bolsters your claims as the victim and can counter the defendant’s claims of innocence.
7. Speak With a Lawyer
Speaking with a personal injury DUI victim attorney will help you understand your rights. They will explain the applicable law, what you are entitled to, and the process for pursuing a claim. Insurance companies will want you to agree to a settlement right away. Hiring a lawyer will put a barrier between you and the insurance company, removing this pressure. That way, you do not agree to something that isn’t as favorable as it should be. The lawyers at Goodin Abernathy have experience representing victims of DUI accidents and fighting for their rights.
8. Track Your Expenses
In order to prove your claims in court, you need to have adequate evidence. This means carefully tracking all of your expenses. Keep records of every bill your receive and payment you make. Your attorney will use these expenses to determine an appropriate amount to ask for when filing your lawsuit. These are some examples of the types of expenses you should keep records of.
Emergency room costs
Ambulance costs
Medical equipment
Tests
Co-pays
Vehicle repair costs
Missed Work
9. Create a Future Medical Care Plan
If you have suffered minor injuries, you may not need ongoing treatment. If this is the case, you can track your expenses and seek compensation as you recover. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries due to increased speed or reckless driving behavior. The required treatment could be long-term or permanent for victims with extensive and severe injuries. You will not be able to come back and seek compensation for a second time at a later date. This means you will need to address your potential long-term medical treatment and care in your present lawsuit. Work with your doctors and medical professionals to determine your long-term treatment needs. Your attorney will then use this plan to seek the necessary compensation. These are some common medical expenses that injured victims may seek.
Ongoing treatment
Physical therapy
Disability
10. Stay Away From Social Media
In today’s world of technology, it can be tempting to document your experience on social media. However, this is one life event your followers do not need to know about. Do not post on social media about your accident in any way, even if your profiles are set to private. Anything you post on social media can be used as evidence in your claim. If you claim to have injured your back, you don’t want to post a picture of you moving heavy furniture. This will undermine your claims and hinder your ability to recover from your injuries.
Seek Legal Representation with Goodin Abernathy For Your Injuries
Experiencing a drunk driving accident can be a potentially life-altering event. Doing these ten things post-accident will ensure you protect your rights. The lawyers at Goodin Abernathy help clients who wish to pursue compensation for their injuries and damages due to a DUI accident. If you are the injured victim of a drunk driver, do not wait to speak with a lawyer about your situation. Schedule a consultation to speak with one of our personal injury lawyers about your drunk driving accident injuries.
Whether you’ve been in a car accident or slipped and fallen, one thing is certain: proper documentation can make or break your personal injury case in Indiana. That’s because documentation establishes the facts, determines liability, and helps secure the compensation you deserve. With so much on the line, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the importance of documenting personal injuries in Indiana. This blog is your ultimate guide to navigating the complexities of injury documentation. We’ll cover everything from relevant laws to tips for proper documentation and the critical role an experienced personal injury attorney can play in your case.
Understanding Personal Injury Law in Indiana
Definition of personal injury
Personal injury can take many forms, from physical harm to emotional or psychological distress, and it often arises from the careless or intentional actions of others. Fortunately, Indiana law allows victims to pursue compensation for their injuries and losses through the legal system. This area of law provides a framework for seeking damages and holding negligent parties accountable. In this post, we’ll delve deeper into personal injury law in Indiana, exploring how it can help you recover from the harm you’ve suffered.
Common types of personal injury cases
Some of the most common personal injury cases in Indiana include:
Indiana’s personal injury law operates under a “comparative fault” system, which allows you to recover damages even if you share some of the blame for an accident, as long as your fault is less than 51%. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For instance, if you are 30% at fault for an accident and your damages total $100,000, you can receive $70,000 in compensation.
Statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Indiana
Another crucial aspect of Indiana’s personal injury law is the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit, which is typically two years from the date of the incident. It’s crucial to act quickly in pursuing your claim, as missing this deadline can bar you from seeking compensation. However, there are exceptions and nuances to this rule, and consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you navigate these complexities and protect your rights.
Tips for Properly Documenting Your Personal Injury
Establishing evidence to support your claim
Documenting your personal injury is crucial for establishing the evidence necessary to support your claim. This evidence provides a clear and objective record of the incident, including the extent of your injuries and the damages you’ve suffered. With proper documentation, you can paint a vivid picture of what happened and demonstrate the other party’s liability, which is key to securing the compensation you deserve.
Be thorough and accurate in your documentation
When compiling documentation for a personal injury claim, it is crucial to be meticulous and precise in documenting all pertinent details. This approach will bolster your case and simplify the task of your legal representative in comprehending and advocating for your claim.
Keep all documents organized and easily accessible
To improve the efficiency and accessibility of important information, it is recommended that you implement a systematic organization of your documents. Whether it be through digital or physical means, maintaining a well-ordered documentation system can benefit you, your attorney, and your insurance company in swiftly and effectively reviewing necessary materials.
Update your personal injury journal regularly
Maintaining an up-to-date personal injury journal is crucial to building a strong case. Regularly documenting physical pain, emotional distress, and any changes in your condition can provide a comprehensive account of how your injury has impacted your life. This information can be critical evidence to support your claim, so it is essential to keep your journal organized and regularly updated.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Assessing the strength of your case
A lawyer specializing in personal injury cases has the expertise to analyze your situation, review the available evidence, and offer an objective evaluation of its viability. Furthermore, they can guide you on the probable outcomes and help you determine whether settling out of court or pursuing litigation would be the most advantageous course of action.
Ensuring proper documentation
A seasoned lawyer can assist you in navigating the complexities of compiling and arranging all the essential paperwork required for your personal injury lawsuit. They can pinpoint any gaps or insufficiencies in the evidence and guarantee that your case is established on a firm footing.
Negotiating with insurance companies
Insurance providers frequently try to reduce their financial liabilities by contesting or underestimating the value of claims. An attorney specializing in personal injury cases can act as your representative in negotiations with the insurance company, leveraging their legal know-how and familiarity with your case to achieve the most favorable settlement outcome on your behalf.
Representing you in court, if necessary
If your case goes to trial, your attorney will represent your interests in court, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making persuasive arguments to the judge or jury on your behalf.
Maximizing your compensation
An attorney specializing in personal injury cases can play a crucial role in safeguarding your rights and ensuring that you receive adequate compensation for your medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and other losses resulting from your injury. Their proficiency and unwavering commitment can have a substantial impact on the resolution of your case, potentially resulting in a more favorable outcome for you.
Consult with Goodin Abernathy for Expert Personal Injury Representation
If you have sustained a personal injury in Indiana, it’s essential to act swiftly. You can rely on the professionals at Goodin Abernathy to assist you in navigating the process of documenting your injury and pursuing compensation. Our team of devoted attorneys is dedicated to providing tailored legal guidance, safeguarding your rights, and advocating for your best interests. Reach out to us now to schedule a complimentary, obligation-free consultation to discuss your case and examine your legal alternatives. Let us work in partnership with you to secure the most favorable resolution for your personal injury lawsuit.
A No-Zone refers to a region around a sizable commercial vehicle, like a semi-truck, where the driver’s visibility may be restricted or blocked. These areas can pose risks for other motorists because the truck driver might not see them, potentially leading to accidents.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) introduced the term No-Zone to characterize the zones around a semi-truck where accidents are more likely to happen. These regions are called No-Zones because they are spaces that other drivers should avoid to ensure safety.
It’s important to recognize that the dimensions and position of a No-Zone can differ based on the size and kind of commercial vehicle. For instance, buses and delivery trucks may have distinct No-Zones compared to semi-trucks. Motorists should always stay vigilant about the No-Zones surrounding the vehicles they share the road with and take measures to avoid them.
By comprehending what a No-Zone is and their locations, drivers can take action to remain safe on the road and prevent accidents involving large commercial vehicles. By keeping clear of the No-Zones and allowing trucks ample room, drivers can lower the chances of accidents and encourage safer driving habits.
Where Is a Semi-truck’s No-Zone?
To ensure safety when driving near semi-trucks, it’s crucial to be familiar with the No-Zone’s location. The No-Zone denotes the regions around the truck where the driver’s visibility may be restricted or hindered. There are four primary No-Zones surrounding a semi-truck:
Front No-Zone: The space immediately in front of the truck, where the driver’s sight is blocked by the truck’s hood and the driver’s seat angle.
Rear No-Zone: The area at the back of the truck, where the driver’s sight is obstructed by the truck’s dimensions and the cargo’s height.
Side No-Zones: The regions on both sides of the truck, where the driver’s sight is limited by the truck’s length and the driver’s seat height.
Wide Turns: The zone where the truck requires additional room to execute a turn, potentially causing the truck to encroach on other lanes or the sidewalk.
Being aware of the No-Zones’ locations can aid drivers in evading them and maintaining safety on the road. By maintaining a safe distance from the truck and staying alert to the truck’s movements, drivers can minimize the likelihood of involvement in an accident.
What is the danger associated with driving in a truck’s “No-Zone” area?
Navigating near sizable commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks can be risky, particularly if motorists are unaware of the potential hazards these vehicles present. One of the most notable dangers is the existence of a “No-Zone” region surrounding the truck. The No-Zone is a zone where the truck operator’s visibility may be limited or blocked, making it difficult for them to spot other vehicles on the roadway.
If a motorist enters a No-Zone, they increase the likelihood of being in an accident with the truck. For instance, if a motorist is in the truck’s blind spot, the truck operator might not notice them while switching lanes, resulting in a crash. Likewise, if a motorist tails a truck too closely, they might not have sufficient time to respond if the truck comes to an abrupt halt, causing a rear-end collision.
Beware of Trucks and Wide Turns
One of the riskiest situations for motorists near a semi-truck arises when the truck executes a wide turn. Wide turns demand more room than a standard turn and may cause the truck to encroach on other lanes or the sidewalk. Consequently, drivers who are not attentive to the truck’s movement might unintentionally enter the truck’s No-Zone, leading to an accident.
To ensure safety when sharing the roadway with semi-trucks, drivers should remain alert to the truck’s movements and refrain from entering the wide turn No-Zone. Drivers should also exercise patience and allow the truck ample room to finish the turn securely. It is equally important to avoid overtaking a truck engaged in a wide turn, as this can be highly dangerous.
In addition to being mindful of wide turns, drivers should exercise caution when switching lanes close to a semi-truck. Drivers must never assume that the truck operator can see them and should always confirm their visibility to the truck driver before making a lane change. Drivers should also steer clear of the front, rear, and side No-Zones and maintain a safe distance from the truck while driving.
The Rear No-Zone when Driving Behind Trucks
The area behind a semi-truck, known as the rear No-Zone, is among the most hazardous zones surrounding such vehicles, posing particular risks for motorists following the truck. The rear No-Zone spans about 30 feet behind the truck, and its danger stems from the truck driver’s obstructed view caused by the vehicle’s size and the cargo’s height.
To ensure safety when driving behind a semi-truck, motorists should keep an appropriate following distance and refrain from tailgating. It is advised that drivers maintain a gap of at least one car length per 10 miles per hour of their speed. For instance, a motorist going at 60 miles per hour should ideally stay a minimum of six car lengths away from the truck.
Motorists should also pay attention to the truck’s brake lights and turn signals, being ready to decelerate or come to a full stop if the truck is reducing its speed or preparing to turn. Moreover, it’s crucial to avoid overtaking the truck from the right side, as this area has the poorest visibility for the truck driver.
By remaining vigilant and mindful of the truck’s actions, motorists can minimize the likelihood of accidents while driving behind a semi-truck. By keeping a secure distance and steering clear of the rear No-Zone, drivers can promote safety on the road and contribute to accident prevention.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding and respecting the No-Zone areas around large commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks is essential for ensuring road safety. By being aware of the dangers associated with driving near a semi-truck, including the front, rear, side No-Zones, and wide turns, motorists can minimize the risk of accidents. If you have been involved in a car accident, contact Goodin Abernathy’s car accident attorneys for a free consultation!
In Indiana, drivers must report a car accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the police or local sheriff’s department immediately, and file an accident report with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the incident.
Now, let’s go more in-depth.
Car accidents can be unexpected and traumatic experiences that can leave accident victims in a state of shock. In the aftermath of a car accident, there are many things to consider, including seeking medical treatment, dealing with insurance companies, and repairing any property damage.
One critical thing that often goes overlooked, however, is reporting the accident to the proper authorities. In Indiana, failing to report an accident within the appropriate timeframe can have serious legal and financial consequences.
This blog post will provide an overview of Indiana’s car accident reporting requirements and answer the question of how long you have to report an accident in Indiana. We’ll also discuss the legal and financial repercussions of failing to report an accident and provide some recommendations for how to protect your interests in the event of a car accident.
What is Indiana’s Reporting Law?
Indiana’s car accident reporting law requires anyone involved in an accident to report the incident to the police or local sheriff’s department if it results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. The driver must also provide their name, address, and driver’s license information to the other parties involved in the accident. If the driver is unable to provide this information, they must report the accident as soon as possible.
It’s important to note that Indiana’s car accident reporting requirements apply even in minor accidents. Even if there is only minor damage to the vehicles involved, drivers are still required to report the accident to the police and file an accident report with the BMV.
If you are involved in an accident and are unsure about the reporting requirements, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and report the accident to the proper authorities as soon as possible. Doing so can protect you from potential legal and financial consequences down the line.
How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident in Indiana?
If you are involved in a car accident in Indiana, it’s important to report the incident to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. Indiana law requires drivers to report accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the police or local sheriff’s department immediately. Drivers must also file an accident report with the Indiana BMV within 10 days of the incident.
If the accident resulted in injury or death, the driver must report the accident to the Indiana State Police within 24 hours. Failure to report an accident in a timely manner can result in penalties, fines, and even criminal charges.
It’s important to note that Indiana’s car accident reporting requirements may vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. For example, if the accident involves an unattended vehicle or a property owner, the driver must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner and report the accident within a reasonable timeframe.
Additionally, there are exceptions to Indiana’s reporting requirements in cases where the driver is physically unable to report the accident due to injury or medical emergency. In such cases, the driver must report the accident as soon as possible once they are able to do so.
It’s important to understand that there is a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Indiana. Under Indiana law, accident victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Failing to report an accident in a timely manner can complicate the claims process and potentially limit the victim’s ability to recover maximum compensation for their injuries.
What Happens if You Fail to Report an Accident in Indiana?
Failing to report a car accident in Indiana can have serious legal and financial consequences. If you fail to report an accident to the proper authorities within the required timeframe, you may face penalties, fines, or even criminal charges.
In addition to the legal consequences, failing to report an accident can also have implications for insurance claims and potential lawsuits. Insurance companies require prompt reporting of accidents to ensure that claims are processed correctly and in a timely manner. Failure to report an accident can lead to delays or even denials of insurance claims, leaving accident victims responsible for paying for their own medical bills and property damage.
Failing to report an accident can also make it difficult to prove fault in a personal injury lawsuit. Under Indiana’s modified comparative negligence law, accident victims can only recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Failure to report an accident or delay in reporting can make it harder to prove fault, potentially reducing the accident victim’s chances of recovering maximum compensation for their injuries.
It’s important to note that if you are involved in an accident and admit fault, this can also have significant legal and financial consequences. Admitting fault can make it harder to defend against claims of negligence or liability, potentially exposing you to greater financial liability in the event of a lawsuit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, reporting a car accident in Indiana is a legal requirement that should be taken seriously. Indiana’s reporting requirements apply to all accidents involving motor vehicles and failure to comply can have serious legal and financial consequences.
If you are involved in a car accident in Indiana, it’s important to report the accident to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. This includes reporting the accident to the police or local sheriff’s department and filing an accident report with the Indiana BMV within 10 days. If the accident resulted in injury or death, the driver must also report the accident to the Indiana State Police within 24 hours.
Failing to report an accident can result in penalties, fines, and even criminal charges. It can also complicate the insurance claims process and limit your ability to recover maximum compensation for your injuries. It’s important to understand Indiana’s reporting requirements and to comply with them to protect your legal and financial interests.
Contact a Goodin Abernathy Car Accident Lawyer today
Call the car accident and injury attorneys at Goodin Abernathy for more advice. We enjoy connecting with people and we’ll tell you if you need an attorney or if you should work it out yourself. The Goodin Abernathy attorneys do not charge for initial consultations. We will explain what happens with auto repairs and total damage claims. Our attorneys will describe how insurance companies operate and how your medical bills are handled. Make it easier on yourself and contact us. At Goodin Abernathy, you’re not just a file number because we care about our clients.
Anyone involved in a car wreck not just wants a crash report, they need it for handling insurance and making negligence claims. The car accident attorneys at Goodin Abernathy LLP can make it simple and order the report for you. We have an account online that allows us to access BuyCrash.com and using your car accident details, search for the report. So the easiest way is to call us at (317)843-2606 and ask for help pulling the report.
If you prefer to handle collecting the report yourself, here is basic information to help step through the process. Then, if after you handle things and decide you would like legal help, call us for a free consultation. Our attorneys are happy to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
What is a Car Accident Report?
In Indiana, a car accident report is known as the Indiana Officer’s Standard Crash Report. Police officers collect basic information at the crash site and populate a standard report that is later published on the internet under the BuyCrash.com website.
Though this investigation typically is not an expert analysis, it details the reports about events leading up to and afterward the wreck. A car accident report is usually available between two and five days after the car accident.
Every law enforcement agency is different but generally, a car accident crash report will include:
Details for every person involved in the car accident. Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, driver’s license numbers, and car insurance information.
Information about the injuries suffered by people involved in the accident.
Where the accident happened, which way the vehicles were going, where they hit each other, where they ended up after the collision, if there was any debris from the accident, and if there were any stop signs or traffic signals nearby. This information is often shown on a diagram or accompanied by a diagram.
Time of the accident
Weather conditions, potential traffic hazards, and road conditions.
The statements of people involved in the accident, and any witnesses who saw what happened.
The responding officer’s findings and impressions based on the investigation at the scene of the accident.
One of the most important reasons Indiana state police officers keep detailed accounts of car accidents is so they can use them as evidence in any future investigations.
How Do You Obtain a Copy of Your Indiana Car Accident Police Report?
You Can Obtain an Online Copy of Your Car Accident Police Report
In order to find a car accident report, you must purchase one for $12. This can be done at BuyCrash.com In order to find your accident report, you must know the following information:
State and Jurisdiction of where the accident took place
Along with one of the following pieces of information
Accident Report Number
Last Name and Date of Incident
Last Name and Street
You Can Obtain a Physical Copy of Your Accident Police Report
Contact your local Indiana county law enforcement as each department typically has a division or office that manages these records. You can also contact the Indiana State Police through their website: https://www.in.gov/isp/crash-reports/
If the collision occurred in Marion County Indiana, you may visit the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to obtain a copy of your accident report.
50 N. Alabama St., E100 Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone number: 317-327-3811
You will need to provide the date, time, accident location, and if you remember, the investigating officer’s name.
How Can a Car Accident Police Report Help Your Personal Injury Claim?
A car accident police report can very likely be helpful in a case. The details given on an accident police report may help in determining who was at fault in a given accident. Some of these details include:
How the accident occurred.
Description of the damages associated with the crash.
Any tickets that were issued to drivers involved.
Time of the accident
For example, if someone is ticketed for texting and driving, you may be able to prove that the injuries and damages you received were due to the other driver’s negligence.
Accident reports are important if you are dealing with insurance adjusters and trying to negotiate a settlement. Remember, the insurance adjusters are trained and experienced in defending your damage claims.
It is best to have as much crash information at your disposal as possible before agreeing to settle with the insurance adjuster.
Remember, the Goodin Abernathy attorneys are experienced in negotiating personal injury and car accident cases. Contact our office today for a free consultation. We enjoy representing clients and treat them like individuals – not just file numbers like other “big box” injury law firms do.
