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Car Accident Lawyer in Gary, Indiana
Gary, Indiana, has a population of approximately 69,093 people, with almost every household owning at least one car. With its urban landscape and heavy traffic, Gary is prone to vehicle accidents due to a variety of factors, including high speeds, congested roads, and poor road conditions. The city also faces challenges such as a lack of sufficient infrastructure and maintenance in certain areas, which can increase the likelihood of motorcycle accidents.
As a result, auto accidents are a significant concern, contributing to both public safety issues and the overall quality of life in the city.
Gary Car Accident Statistics, Indiana
Gary has consistently experienced a higher-than-average rate of car accidents compared to both state and national figures:
Total Crashes: In recent years, Gary has experienced an average of 1,000 to 1,200 accidents annually. This includes a mix of minor, serious, and fatal accidents.
Injuries: Around 200 to 300 individuals in Gary are reported to be injured in car accidents each year, with many requiring medical attention for serious injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents: Gary also faces a concerning number of pedestrian accidents, which make up a portion of the total crash statistics. In 2020, around 10% of all accidents involved pedestrians.
The city’s location along major highways, including Interstate 80/94, makes it a high-traffic area, contributing to frequent collisions. Additionally, Gary’s urban infrastructure, often marked by aging roads, intersections with limited visibility, and insufficient signage in certain areas, exacerbates the risk of accidents.
Causes of Car Accidents in Gary, Indiana
In view of statistics, one may wonder what can be done. The most common causes of car accidents in Gary include distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and hazardous weather conditions. Pedestrian accidents are also common, with the city seeing a rise in incidents involving pedestrians in areas with high foot traffic.
Contributing Factors: Distracted driving, impaired driving (due to alcohol or drugs), speeding, and poor road conditions. Nearly 20% of accidents in the city are linked to distracted driving, and 25% are attributed to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Speeding: Excessive speeds, especially in residential or high-traffic areas, are a common cause of accidents in Gary.
Poor Road Conditions: Some parts of Gary have poorly maintained roads, which can lead to accidents.
Gary, Indiana Car Accident Law
Indiana is a comparative fault state, which means that multiple parties can be held responsible. If you are less than 51% responsible for the accident, you can file a claim.
Reporting requirements
Drivers must report an accident to the police if it causes any injuries or death, or if someone is trapped inside a vehicle. If the accident causes at least $1,000 in property damage, it must be reported. This includes damage to other vehicles, buildings, or structures.
Furthermore, if the accident involves unattended property and the owner can’t be located, the driver is required to report it to the authorities.
Fault determination
Indiana follows a "fault" system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is legally liable for damages. The state follows comparative fault principles, which dictate that drivers who are more than 50% at fault for the accident cannot recover compensation from the other party.
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However, if both drivers share equal fault, they may still recover compensation, though it will be reduced by 50% based on their percentage of fault. For example, a driver found to be 50% at fault would only be entitled to half of the damages.
In cases of rear-end collisions, the driver in the rear is typically considered at fault, as they are expected to maintain a safe following distance to avoid a collision. These guidelines help ensure clarity in determining liability and provide a fair system for compensating accident victims in Gary, Indiana.
If You Are Injured in an Accident
Being injured in a truck accident can be a life-altering experience. Along with the physical and emotional toll, you may face lost wages and significant medical expenses, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. In the case of an accident like this, a skilled attorney can help you. They will protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you've been injured in a car accident, Care for the Injured is here to help. We can connect you with a wide network of experienced car accident lawyers who will work diligently to secure the compensation you're entitled to.
A car accident attorney will ensure you understand your rights and what you're entitled to, especially if you were not at fault. They will fight on your behalf to maximize your compensation and protect your best interests.
The Need for an Injury Lawyer
A lawyer will be best equipped to navigate the legal procedures posed by insurance companies, who often aim to reduce their payouts to as low a figure as possible. With expertise in personal injury law, a lawyer can negotiate the best possible settlement on your behalf.
While you focus on recovering, your lawyer will handle the complex aspects of motor vehicle accident (MVA) lawsuits, which involve time-consuming tasks such as determining fault, understanding state-specific insurance laws, and calculating appropriate settlements. They will ensure that all costs, including lost wages, property damage, and both short-term and long-term medical expenses, are accounted for.
Entrust these intricate legal matters to your car accident attorneys so you can focus on your healing without the added stress of dealing with the legal process or worrying about things like the statute of limitations.
Understanding Statutes of Limitations in the U.S.
The statute of limitations sets the time limit within which a
legal claim must be filed after a car accident. This time frame varies
by state, typically ranging from 2 to 3 years from the date of the
accident. Missing this deadline could result in forfeiting the right to
seek compensation.
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit
after a car accident is two years from the date of the accident. This
applies to all personal injury claims, including car accidents, slip and
fall cases, and medical malpractice claims.
What happens if you don't file within the statute of limitations?
If you don't file a lawsuit within the two-year time limit, the case may be dismissed, in which case you won't be compensated.
You may be barred from filing a lawsuit for the car accident.
What are some exceptions to the statute of limitations?
Minors and legal disabilities: The statute of limitations doesn't begin until the individual turns 18 or is no longer under a legal disability.
Contributory negligence: The injured party may not recover any damages if they have any fault for causing the collision.
Minors: Minors may have an extended time frame to file, up to one year after they turn 18. This only applies if the medical bills aren't in a parent or guardian's name.
Incapacitated people: If an accident incapacitates you, the time limit begins when you regain your faculties or the court assigns you a guardian.
Wrongful death claims: The deceased's representative has one year to file a claim after the individual's death.
At-fault party faces criminal charges: You may have two years to file a civil case.
At-fault party is out of state: You may get an extension.
Why It’s Important to Act Quickly
The longer you wait to contact an attorney after an auto accident, the more difficult it can be to obtain the related compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and the disruption in your life.
Delays in legal action can also harm your chances of securing a fair settlement. Evidence, such as eyewitness testimonies, medical records, and police reports, are most valuable when gathered soon after. As time passes, this evidence may disappear or become harder to obtain.
Insurance companies may delay settlements or attempt to minimize payouts, making early legal action essential to keep your case moving forward. Additionally, filing your claim promptly ensures that it is not dismissed due to time constraints or expiration of legal deadlines. This protects your rights and maximizes your chances for a favorable outcome.
How Care for the Injured Can Help
Injury lawyers in Gary bring specialized practice and experience in their practice areas to your case. They understand the complexities of the legal system and can navigate it much more effectively than someone without any formal training. Not all lawyers have the same experience, either. For example, in motorcycle or truck accident cases, you may need a specialist, such as an experienced truck accident lawyer, who will use their skills to protect your rights, help you understand your legal options, and fight for a fair outcome.
Whether building a strong defense, negotiating settlements in civil disputes, or representing your interests in any legal issue, a personal injury lawyer can bring justice on your behalf. With years of experience, they are not only legal experts but also compassionate advisors who prioritize your well-being throughout the process. In short, a lawyer provides legal advice along with the legal strength needed to give you the best chance of success.
With a Care for the Injured lawyer, you will gain more than just guidance; you will gain dedicated car accident attorneys who will fight to get you the justice you deserve. Our injury attorney network is here to ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled with the utmost care. We will work toward securing the best possible outcome for you.
Contact Care for the Injured
If you've been involved in an auto accident in Gary and sustained spinal cord injuries, brain injury, or other severe injury cases, you may be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering, financial losses, and property damage. Whether dealing with medical bills, nursing home expenses, lost wages, or the emotional toll of the accident, our Gary personal injury lawyers network has years of experience navigating complex personal injury cases and will fight for the compensation you deserve.
We understand how overwhelming this situation can be and are committed to offering you the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in securing a fair and just outcome for your case.
The accident lawyers in Gary we partner with work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay anything upfront — you only pay if your case is successful. So, fill out our online form today to schedule your free consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to act quickly after a car accident in Gary, Indiana?
Crucial information, such as eyewitness testimonies, medical records, and police reports, is best gathered soon after the accident. Insurance companies may delay settlements, making early legal action essential to keep your case moving forward. Additionally, filing your claim promptly ensures that it is not dismissed due to time constraints.
What damages can I recover in a car accident lawsuit in Gary, Indiana?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Gary, Indiana, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
How much compensation can you get after a car accident in Gary, Indiana?
The amount you can receive for your car accident injuries in Gary, Indiana, varies depending on different factors, such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. An experienced accident attorney in Gary from the Care for the Injured network is ready to explain your options and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
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