If you were involved in a car accident in Indiana and someone else was at fault, you may seek compensation for your damages and injuries. Car accidents in Indiana are common, and most of them are caused by driver negligence.
Fatalities have increased considerably during recent years, despite the reduced traffic caused by the COVID-19 restrictions.
Car accidents can occur for multiple reasons, whether it has to do with human error, unforeseen happenings, or road conditions.
The amount you are truly entitled to will be heavily dependent on the nature of the collision, and in such cases, only a car accident attorney in Indianapolis will know how to guide you towards a fair case.
Here are some of the strategies an attorney may apply to help your case:
#1 Collecting Key Evidence
Your lawyer will gather valuable information that will serve as evidence in court. Nevertheless, it will also depend on you to document as much as you can, starting from the scene of the accident:
- Take as many pictures as you can.
- Collect key witness names and contact information.
- Grab a copy of the police accident report.
- Make a note of any helpful information, like weather and road conditions.
In the case that you have suffered too great of injuries to collect this information, your attorney will search and collect this information themselves. In order to use such evidence to build your case, your attorney must have a complete picture of the accident.
This means that you should inform your attorney of any detail you have of the accident, regardless of whether it puts you in a bad spot. It is almost vital for your attorney to be prepared for any possible accusations you may receive from the parties involved.
#2 Following the Doctor’s Orders
If you are fighting for receiving compensation for your injuries, following the doctor’s orders is a must. Failing to do so can be used by the opposing party’s insurance company as a reason to reduce your claim.
Your attorney will insist that you follow your treatment with extra care.
Only then you can truly advocate for your injuries and their severity. Apart from following your prescription, you can also document and save any medical records or bills that could later enforce your case.
#3 Avoiding Insurance Adjusters
Talking to insurance companies without your attorney present is never a good idea and can heavily affect your case. The reality is that the opposite party’s insurance company is not on your side, and will probably aim to convince you to settle for less than you are entitled to.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you should never make unsupported demands. Your claim must be entirely backed up by facts and evidence. Failing to present a supported claim can lead you to a lower verdict.
#4 Being Patient About the Wait
Over six decades, the car accident attorney Indianapolis fights against major corporations who place profits over people.
Your car accident attorney law firm will likely warn you about the potential wait. Many insurance companies will try to make you jump through hoops before actually obtaining your rightful compensation.
Many get tired of waiting and simply take an unfair amount of money. This is a common tactic that insurance companies use against people to make them settle for less.
Although not getting your compensation quickly is unpleasant, what many don’t know is that this could actually help their case. Injuries and the medical conditions and symptoms that may result from them are best observed in time.
The wait between submitting your claim and receiving compensation can uncover medical complications you did not experience immediately after the accident.
#5 Refraining From Posting on Social Media
Everything you post on your social media accounts can be used as evidence in your case. Insurance companies will most likely keep a close eye on your activity online, and look for anything they could use to disprove your claim.
Going even further than that, it is never a good idea to disclose information about your active case.
Insurance companies will mainly search for evidence of your emotional and physical state. Any information that suggests that you are in a better condition than claimed through your attorney can cause complications while fighting for your case.
Conclusion
When car accidents result in severe injuries, victims will normally seek compensation.
Doing so without an experienced attorney is difficult and can result in not receiving the fair amount you deserve. Obtaining a fair settlement will heavily rely on how the evidence is handled and presented during the case, and various strategies can come into play.
If you were involved in a car accident in Indiana, make sure to consult an attorney before taking any further steps in your claim.