The state of Indiana is slowly but surely becoming a big urban environment with many tourists frequenting the state each year. As a state rich in landscapes and nature, it attracts a large number of tourists each year. With the state becoming urbanized, the roads and highways also become busier and more crowded on a regular basis.
That is usually the downside of modernization. Additionally, with so many commuters in the capital city, Indianapolis, it only increases the chances for traffic jams and car accidents as well.
Car accidents are a major concern for residents of Indianapolis, leading to serious injuries, fatalities, and substantial financial costs as well. With the increasing number of vehicles on the road and various factors contributing to accidents, understanding the extent of the problem and knowing your legal options is crucial for those affected.
Most people when they fall victims of car accidents have no idea what to do next. They’re also not aware of what kind of settlement they’re entitled to.
In the next paragraphs we’ll try to make the situation a bit easier for anyone who needs guidance on how to deal with car accidents in Indianapolis. Each country has a different set of rules and you need to be aware of everything.
This article delves into the severity of car accidents in Indiana, with a special focus on Indianapolis, provides relevant statistics, and outlines the legal steps you can take if you find yourself involved in a car accident.
The scope of the problem
Car accidents pose a significant issue not only in Indianapolis but across the USA. They impact countless lives each year. The consequences range from minor injuries to life-altering conditions and even death in worst-case scenarios. Many drivers still fail to understand the severity of the problem and continue to drive recklessly.
One of the primary reasons car accidents are such a pressing issue is the high volume of traffic combined with common driving hazards such as distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence. According to an expert analysis done in 2021, there were 217,396 traffic collisions in Indiana the same year, resulting in 817 fatalities and 43,661 injuries,
The figure is quite worrying, especially when we take in mind the fact that this is only over the course of a single year and refers to a single state only. The number would be drastically higher if we were to widen the scope.
Most common causes of accidents in Indianapolis
As mentioned, the most common causes of car accidents have one thing in common: human error. Whether we talk about distracted driving, which is definitely the number one cause of so many accidents, or reckless driving and speeding, it always boils down to human error.
That’s why people need to be educated on the severity of the issue. Fortunately, the state of Indiana has taken the initiative and started organizing workshops and lectures across the state. The city of Indianapolis is significant as it’s the most populated city with a high number of commuters.
Legal options after a car accident
Dealing with the aftereffects of a car accident can be an extremely challenging task, especially if you’re the victim. You’re not only emotionally (and possibly physically) exhausted but you also keep calm and face the legal aftermath.
Most people usually rely on insurance companies and believe they’ll get the fair settlement they deserve. However, the sad truth is that insurance companies don’t often work to their client’s interest.
There’s no need to despair, as there are many steps you can take on your own.
Get legal assistance right away
The best advice anyone can give you is to seek legal assistance right away. A specialized Indianapolis car accident attorney can give you the advice you need and help you gather the evidence.
With professional help, you also have higher chances of winning the settlement and having all of your costs covered. Also, an expert attorney will make sure you get a fair settlement and nothing less of what you deserve.
Therefore, the first step is to choose an attorney you can trust. You can always do a Google search to see which lawyers specialized in the matter pop up in your surroundings. Additionally, you can also ask around and ask your friends or colleagues from work for recommendations.
File an insurance claim
After an accident, you should file a claim with your insurance company in Indianapolis as soon as possible. You’ll probably need to prepare certain papers and evidence to submit. In case of a serious injury, you’ll probably need to submit your medical records as well. If the police were present at the scene, you’ll also need to collect all the police reports and probably some witness statements as well.
There’s always a lot of red tape involved but it should be too much of a burden as long as you have your lawyer to help out. They can instruct you on the administration matter and ensure you submit your claim promptly.
Check if mediation is possible
Anyone familiar with the legal system is well aware that not all legal cases go to court. Often, there are alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration that can help resolve claims more efficiently than a court trial. In fact, approximately 97% of personal injury cases(including car accidents) are settled out of court across the USA.
The benefit of these is that you’re almost always guaranteed to get some sum out of it. It’s also a much quicker fix and you’ll be able to put everything behind in a matter of weeks.
Going to trial doesn’t always guarantee success, but if you do win, you can definitely expect a better financial outcome.
The final word
We all agree that pursuing legal justice after a car accident is no easy task for the victim. But you need to fight for the fair settlement that you deserve. However, with a trustworthy lawyer on your side who’s well-versed in the law of the state of Indiana, you can be assured that your case will be in the right hands.
Additionally, think about out-of-court settlements and consult your car accident lawyer before making any decisions.
Hopefully, you won’t fall victim to a car accident and won’t need all the data presented here, but in case you or someone close to you needs guidance, feel free to refer to this article for additional information and assistance.