A car accident in Valparaiso can leave you facing medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain. A Valparaiso car accident lawyer from Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers helps you navigate the claims process and recover the compensation you deserve. Our team has recovered millions for clients through successful settlements and verdicts. We hold negligent drivers accountable and work to maximize your recovery.
Why Choose Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers for Your Valparaiso Car Accident Claim
When you’re injured in a car accident, you need an attorney who understands both the law and your situation. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers has earned a 5.0 Google Review rating from 190 clients in the Valparaiso area, reflecting our commitment to results and client service.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our team is available to discuss your case through phone, text, or online contact at (219) 286-7361. We handle the legal work while you focus on healing. From the initial consultation through settlement or trial, we keep you informed every step of the way.
Our attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach means we’re ready to fight for your rights in court if needed, but it also gives us the strength to negotiate aggressively for fair settlements. We value the relationships we build with our clients and take time to understand how your accident has impacted your life. This allows us to advocate for the outcome that’s best for you, not just what’s easiest for us.
How Car Accident Claims Work in Indiana
Understanding Liability and Negligence
In Indiana, a car accident claim is based on negligence. To recover compensation, you must prove that the other driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries as a result.
Indiana follows a comparative fault system. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can only recover 80%. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, Indiana law bars you from recovering any compensation.
Some accidents involve multiple parties. A vehicle defect, poor road conditions, or another driver’s actions might all contribute to the crash. We investigate thoroughly to identify all liable parties and maximize your recovery. Understanding how car accident settlements work can help you prepare for the negotiation process.
The Claims Process Timeline
The car accident claims process typically follows these steps. First, we investigate the accident by gathering police reports, witness statements, medical records, and evidence from the scene. Next, we send a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your injuries, damages, and the other driver’s liability.
The insurance company then responds with an offer. If the offer is fair, we may negotiate a settlement. If not, we prepare your case for trial. Indiana has a two-year statute of limitations for car accident claims, meaning you must file a lawsuit within two years of the accident or lose your right to recover. Understanding the timeline for filing is critical to protecting your legal rights.
Types of Compensation Available After a Valparaiso Car Accident
Car accident victims can recover several types of damages. Medical expenses include hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages cover the income you missed while recovering from your injuries. If your injuries prevent you from working in the future, you can recover lost earning capacity.
Property damage covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle. Pain and suffering compensate you for physical pain, discomfort, and reduced quality of life. Emotional distress damages cover PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other psychological injuries caused by the accident.
In cases where a loved one dies in a car accident, family members can pursue wrongful death damages. These include funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship. An attorney can help you understand which damages apply to your specific situation. Learn more about how settlements are paid out to understand the compensation process.
Common Valparaiso Car Accident Scenarios
Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle strikes another from behind. These accidents often cause whiplash and back injuries. Side-impact accidents occur when vehicles collide at an angle, frequently causing serious injuries to occupants on the impact side.
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous accident types, often resulting in severe injuries or death. Hit-and-run accidents leave victims without immediate access to the at-fault driver’s insurance information, but we can help you recover through your own insurance or other means.
Multi-vehicle accidents involve three or more vehicles and create complex liability questions. Accidents involving commercial vehicles or trucks often result in more serious injuries due to the size and weight difference.
Each accident type presents unique challenges, and our team has experience handling all of them. If you’ve suffered broken bones from a car accident, our attorneys can help you pursue full compensation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Valparaiso
Your immediate actions after a car accident can significantly impact your claim. First, move to safety if possible and call 911 if anyone is injured. Turn on your hazard lights and wait for emergency responders.
At the scene, gather information from the other driver, including name, phone number, address, insurance company, and policy number. Get contact information from any witnesses. Take photos of vehicle damage, accident scene conditions, traffic signs, and road conditions. Note the date, time, weather, and road conditions. Knowing what questions to ask witnesses can strengthen your case significantly.
Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Some injuries appear hours or days after an accident. Keep all medical records and bills. File a police report and obtain a copy for your records. Contact (219) 286-7361 as soon as possible to discuss your case. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can protect your rights and begin building your claim. Learn about reporting your accident to insurance within the proper timeframe to avoid claim denials.
Frequently Asked Questions About Valparaiso Car Accident Claims
How much is my car accident claim worth?
Your claim’s value depends on several factors: the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage limits. We evaluate each case individually and provide an honest assessment of what your claim may be worth. Our case results show clients have recovered compensation ranging from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the circumstances of their cases.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Indiana?
Indiana law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, you should contact an attorney much sooner. Early action allows us to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and build a stronger case. Learn more about reporting your accident to insurance within the proper timeframe.
Do I have to go to trial, or can we settle?
Most car accident claims settle without going to trial. We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer adequate compensation, we are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court. Understanding how car accident settlements work can help you prepare for negotiations.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Indiana’s comparative fault law allows you to recover even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 30% at fault, you recover 70% of your damages. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any compensation under Indiana law.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. This means you have no financial risk in hiring us to represent your case. Learn more about the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer.
What should I do if the insurance company denies my claim?
A claim denial is not the end of the road. We can appeal the denial, gather additional evidence, and file a lawsuit if necessary. Insurance companies sometimes deny claims improperly, and we know how to challenge those denials and hold them accountable.
Can I recover damages for pain and suffering?
Yes. Pain and suffering damages compensate you for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident. These damages are separate from medical expenses and lost wages and can be substantial in serious injury cases. Our attorneys understand how pain and suffering are calculated in Indiana to maximize your recovery.
Get Your Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Valparaiso, don’t wait to seek experienced legal help. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers offers a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explain your options. Call (219) 286-7361 today or contact us online to schedule your appointment. Our team of Valparaiso car accident attorneys is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
