Lawrence Car Accident FAQs

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident is overwhelming. In Lawrence, IN, drivers frequently encounter a barrage of questions, stress, and confusing legal terminology. At our law firm, we understand what you’re going through.

We’ve created this FAQ to address the most frequently asked questions we receive daily. Whether you’re wondering about insurance claims, who pays your medical bills, or when you should call a lawyer, we are here to guide you. When you need a car accident attorney in Lawrence you can trust, we stand ready to protect your rights.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Lawrence?

The first moments after a crash matter. Indiana law (Indiana Code § 9-26-1-1.1) requires drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to stop immediately at the scene or as close as safely possible. You must give your name, address, vehicle registration, and driver’s license information to the other parties involved.

If anyone is injured, you are legally required to offer assistance, including calling for medical help if needed. It’s also necessary to notify law enforcement, especially if injuries, deaths, or significant property damage occurred. A police report provides critical documentation for your claim later.

We recommend you:

• Check yourself and others for injuries
• Move to a safe location if possible
• Call 911
• Exchange information without admitting fault
• Document the scene with photos and videos
• Seek medical care even if you feel fine

Failing to follow these steps can not only hurt your health but also your ability to recover damages later.

How Is Fault Determined in Indiana Car Accidents?

Indiana operates under a “modified comparative fault” system. This means that if you are partly at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, so long as you are not more than 50% responsible.

For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault and your total damages amount to $100,000, your recovery will be reduced by 30%, meaning you would receive $70,000. However, if you are determined to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot collect any damages at all (Indiana Code § 34-51-2-6).

Insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto victims to minimize payouts. That’s why working with an experienced car crash attorney in Lawrence can protect your ability to recover full compensation.

What Are the Minimum Insurance Requirements in Indiana?

Indiana requires every driver to maintain minimum auto insurance coverage. According to Indiana law, drivers must carry:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability

Additionally, insurance companies must offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in the minimum amounts specified. Drivers can reject this coverage, but only by doing so in writing.

Without proper insurance, you risk severe penalties, including license suspension, fines, and personal liability for accident damages. As a Lawrence, IN, auto accident lawyer, we strongly recommend carrying more than the minimum coverage if possible to protect yourself.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Indiana?

In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is two years from the date of the collision (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4). If you miss this deadline, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will lose the right to seek compensation forever.

There are shorter deadlines if a government entity is involved. For example, if you are hit by a city vehicle, you must file a tort claim notice within 180 days under the Indiana Tort Claims Act.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Contact an accident lawyer in Lawrence as soon as possible to protect your claim.

Should I Move My Vehicle After a Crash?

Indiana law (Indiana Code § 9-26-1-1.2) states that after a minor accident without injuries, you must move your vehicle off the road to avoid obstructing traffic. However, if the crash involves death, injuries, or hazardous materials, you should leave the car in place until law enforcement arrives.

Moving your vehicle improperly could be viewed as tampering with evidence. When in doubt, call the police and wait for instructions.

As your trusted Lawrence car accident attorneys, we advise you to prioritize safety above all else. If you can safely move your car without causing harm, do so. Otherwise, stay put and wait for help.

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Time Is Not On Your Side After An Accident. Call Vaughn Wamsley NOW.

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What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?

In a Lawrence car accident case, you may be eligible to recover several types of damages:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium (for spouses)

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, the long-term impact on your life, and your share of fault. An experienced car accident attorney in Lawrence can help you calculate the true value of your claim and fight for every dollar you are entitled to.

How Do I Get the Police Report from My Accident?

The police report is crucial for supporting your insurance claim and potential lawsuit. In Lawrence, IN, you can request the accident report from the responding law enforcement agency or through the Indiana State Police crash report portal.

You’ll need basic information such as the date of the crash, location, and the names of the parties involved. Some departments charge a small fee.

We help our clients obtain police reports quickly and accurately so that no critical evidence is missed.

What If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?

Unfortunately, not every driver in Indiana complies with insurance laws. If you’re involved in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your uninsured motorist coverage should step in to pay for your damages.

If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage or your damages exceed the limits, you may still be able to pursue the at-fault driver personally. However, collecting money can be difficult if they have few assets.

This is another reason why consulting a Lawrence, IN, auto accident lawyer early is essential. We explore all available avenues for recovery and make sure you aren’t left paying for someone else’s negligence.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer After a Minor Accident?

You might think a minor accident doesn’t require legal help. However, even seemingly minor crashes can result in hidden injuries like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage.

Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements after minor accidents, hoping you’ll accept quickly. Without a knowledgeable car crash attorney in Lawrence on your side, you could end up settling for far less than your claim is worth.

At Vaughn Wamsley Law, we offer free consultations, so you risk nothing by speaking with us after your accident.

How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?

Every case is different, but most car accident claims settle within a few months to a year. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties often require more time.

Factors that impact the timeline include:

• The length of your medical treatment
• The willingness of the insurance company to negotiate
• Whether a lawsuit is necessary

While we aim to resolve cases quickly, we never rush our clients into accepting unfair settlements. As your accident lawyer in Lawrence, we stand by you every step of the way.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Lawrence?

At Vaughn Wamsley Law, we handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we recover money on your behalf.

This arrangement enables injured victims to access quality legal representation without worrying about incurring expensive hourly rates. Your focus should be on healing, not legal bills.

What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Crash?

Under Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule, you can still recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your degree of fault.

Insurance adjusters often try to exaggerate your role in the accident to lower their payout. Our job as your Lawrence, IN, auto accident lawyers is to protect you from these tactics and present clear, strong evidence to maximize your compensation.

Can I Still File a Claim if I Didn’t Go to the Doctor Right Away?

Yes, but delaying medical treatment can hurt your case. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.

Even if you feel fine after a crash, adrenaline can mask symptoms. It’s always better to get checked out as soon as possible. Prompt medical records create a clear link between the accident and your injuries.

If you delayed treatment, don’t panic. We can help you build your case, but act quickly by contacting a car accident attorney in Lawrence.

How Vaughn Wamsley Law Can Help After a Lawrence Car Accident

At Vaughn Wamsley Law, we bring a deep understanding of Indiana’s car accident laws and a commitment to providing personalized attention. We know every case is unique, and we never apply a one-size-fits-all approach.

When you choose us:

• We handle the insurance companies
• We gather critical evidence like surveillance footage and accident reports
• We consult with medical and accident reconstruction experts when necessary
• We fight for full and fair compensation, inside or outside of court

If you were injured in a car crash, don’t leave your future in the hands of an insurance company. Trust our Lawrence accident lawyer team to stand up for your rights.

Call us today for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your case and your next steps.