A car accident in Merrillville can happen in an instant, whether you’re navigating the busy intersections of U.S. 30, merging onto I-65, or driving through local neighborhoods. The aftermath brings medical bills, insurance calls, and uncertainty about your rights. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers helps Merrillville residents recover the compensation they deserve after a car accident. With a free consultation, we’ll review your case and explain your options with no upfront costs. Our Merrillville car accident lawyers have recovered millions for injured clients throughout Lake County.
Why Choose Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers for Your Merrillville Car Accident Claim
When you’re injured in a car accident, you need a law firm that understands both the local roads and Indiana’s accident laws. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers brings years of experience handling car accident cases throughout Merrillville and Lake County. Our experienced attorneys work directly with clients to investigate claims, negotiate with insurance companies, and prepare cases for trial when necessary. We operate on a no-fee-unless-you-win basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Your recovery is our priority, and we fight to ensure you receive full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Brian Custy, our founding attorney, has been recognized as a Top 100 Plaintiffs Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers. Andrew Brown and Sarah Cafiero bring additional expertise in personal injury litigation. Our team’s dedication to client success is reflected in our case results and client testimonials.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Merrillville
The moments after a crash are critical. Your actions now protect your health and your legal claim.
Safety First
Move to a safe location if possible. Turn on hazard lights and stay in your vehicle if traffic is heavy. Call 911 if anyone is injured or if there’s significant property damage. Police will document the accident and create an official report; this report becomes important evidence later. Under Indiana Code § 9-26-1-1.1, drivers involved in accidents must remain at the scene and provide information.
Document the Scene
Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and the overall accident scene. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, insurance information, and license plate number. Ask witnesses for their contact information. Write down the date, time, location, and weather conditions. Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident; stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver and police.
Key witness questions at the scene of a car accident can help you gather critical information. Proper documentation strengthens your claim when negotiating with insurance adjusters.
Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Some injuries appear hours or days after an accident. A medical record creates a documented link between the accident and your injuries, which strengthens your claim. Soft tissue injuries and broken bones are common in car accidents and require immediate medical evaluation.
Understanding Your Rights After a Merrillville Car Crash
Indiana law holds drivers responsible for accidents caused by negligence. Negligence means failing to drive with reasonable care. If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you have the right to recover damages. Under Indiana Code § 34-51-2-1, Indiana follows a comparative fault rule: if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you can only recover 80%.
The statute of limitations in Indiana gives you two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4. This deadline is firm; missing it means losing your right to sue. Acting quickly protects your claim. Learn more about how long after an accident you can sue in Indiana. Don’t delay, contact our Merrillville office to discuss your case within the statute of limitations window.
Types of Compensation Available in Car Accident Cases
Car accident damages fall into several categories. Medical expenses cover emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages compensate you for income lost while recovering. Pain and suffering damages account for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Property damage covers vehicle repair or replacement. In cases involving serious injury or death, damages may be higher.
Insurance companies often undervalue claims. They count on injured people accepting quick settlements without understanding the full extent of their damages. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers evaluates your case thoroughly to ensure you understand what your claim is worth. Understanding how pain and suffering are calculated in Indiana helps you recognize fair compensation. We also help clients understand how personal injury settlements are paid out in Indiana.
Covering medical bills after a car accident is a critical concern for injured victims. Our attorneys ensure all medical expenses are properly documented and included in your claim.
How Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers Handles Your Car Accident Claim
We start with a detailed investigation. Our team gathers police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence. We identify all liable parties and document the full scope of your injuries and expenses. We then contact the insurance company with a demand for compensation backed by evidence.
Most cases settle during negotiations. Insurance adjusters know when a case is strong, and they often authorize fair settlements to avoid trial. If the insurance company refuses a reasonable offer, we prepare your case for trial. Our attorneys are ready to present your case to a jury and fight for the compensation you deserve. Learn more about how car accident settlements work.
For multi-vehicle collisions, liability becomes more complex. Our experienced team knows how to navigate these intricate cases and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
Admitting fault at the scene can be used against you later. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of liability. Let the police determine fault based on evidence. Delaying medical treatment creates gaps in your medical record and weakens your claim. Insurance companies argue that delayed treatment means your injuries weren’t serious.
Posting about your accident on social media gives insurance companies ammunition. Photos, comments, or check-ins can be used to argue you’re not as injured as you claim. Why posting on social media after an accident can hurt your case is a critical lesson many accident victims learn too late.
Accepting an early settlement offer without legal review often means accepting far less than your case is worth. Insurance companies make quick offers, hoping you’ll accept before understanding your full damages. What to do after a non-fault accident includes consulting with an attorney before accepting any settlement.
Handling negotiations alone puts you at a disadvantage. Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers levels the playing field by handling all communications with insurance companies, protecting your rights, and maximizing your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Merrillville Car Accidents
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Indiana?
Indiana law gives you two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4. However, don’t wait. Evidence fades, witnesses move away, and memories become unclear. Contact Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers immediately after your accident to protect your claim. Reporting your car accident to insurance within the proper timeline is also critical.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Indiana’s comparative fault rule under Indiana Code § 34-51-2-1 allows you to recover even if you were partially responsible. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 30% at fault and your damages are $10,000, you recover $7,000. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers works to minimize your assigned fault and maximize your recovery.
How much is my car accident case worth?
Your case’s value depends on medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the severity of your injuries. Cases with permanent injury or significant medical treatment are worth more. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers evaluates all factors to give you a realistic estimate of your claim’s value. How long a car accident stays on your record can also affect insurance rates and future claims.
Do I need a lawyer for my car accident claim?
You have the right to handle your claim alone, but insurance companies take advantage of unrepresented claimants. Lawyers know how to value claims, negotiate effectively, and file lawsuits if necessary. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers handles the legal work so you can focus on recovery. Discover the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer.
How long does a car accident case take?
Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries may settle in weeks or months. Complex cases with serious injuries or disputed liability take longer. Most cases settle within six months to a year. If your case goes to trial, it may take longer. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers keeps you informed throughout the process. Understanding what to expect during a deposition in a personal injury case helps you prepare if your case advances.
What should I do if the insurance company denies my claim?
A denial doesn’t end your case. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers reviews the denial, identifies the reason, and takes action. We may file an appeal, gather additional evidence, or file a lawsuit. Insurance companies sometimes deny claims, hoping claimants will give up. We don’t.
Can I recover compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes. Indiana law allows recovery for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Pain and suffering damages are separate from medical expenses and lost wages. The more serious your injury, the higher your pain and suffering award. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers ensures your pain and suffering are fully valued in your claim. Learn more about how pain and suffering are calculated in Indiana.
Contact Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers for Your Free Merrillville Car Accident Consultation
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers offers a free consultation to review your case, answer your questions, and explain your options. Contact us today to speak with a Merrillville car accident attorney. Our firm works on a no-fee-unless-you-win basis, so there’s no financial risk in getting legal help. The statute of limitations is ticking. Contact us now to protect your right to recover the compensation you deserve.
