Lebanon Car Accident FAQs

Every day, car accidents disrupt the lives of Lebanon residents—whether it’s a fender bender on State Road 39 or a more serious collision on I-65. In many cases, the physical injuries are only part of the damage. Medical bills pile up, insurance companies make lowball offers, and families wonder what to do next.

As a Lebanon car accident lawyer, we’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming this process can be. That’s why we put together this FAQ—to give you clear, accurate answers to your most pressing questions.

If you’ve been in a crash, it’s crucial to understand your rights and know when to call a qualified accident law firm in Lebanon, IN.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

The steps you take after a crash can make or break your case. First and foremost, always check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt—even if injuries seem minor. Some issues, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away.

Next, contact and insurance information should be exchanged with all involved drivers. If possible, gather contact details from witnesses. Use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries.

You are required by Indiana law to report the accident to police if it causes death, injury, or property damage over $1,000. Once you’ve notified law enforcement and received medical care, your next step should be to notify your insurance company, but only provide basic facts. Avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

When you call our firm, we’ll advise you on what to say, how to protect yourself, and what steps to take next.

How Is Fault Determined in Indiana Car Accidents?

Indiana uses a system called modified comparative fault. This rule allows multiple parties to share blame for an accident. Under Indiana Code § 34-51-2, if you are less than 51% at fault, you can still collect damages; however, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. You cannot recover anything if you are 51% or more responsible.

You were rear-ended at a stoplight, but one of your brake lights was out. An insurance adjuster or court may find you 10% at fault and the other driver 90% at fault. If your total damages were $20,000, your award would be reduced by 10%, meaning you’d receive $18,000.

Proving fault requires evidence like police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert opinions. As your Lebanon car crash lawyer, we can effectively gather and present this evidence.

What Are Indiana’s Minimum Insurance Requirements?

In Indiana, every registered driver must carry minimum liability insurance to operate a vehicle legally. As of 2025, these limits include:

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

This is often referred to as 25/50/25 coverage. In addition, drivers are automatically provided coverage for uninsured and underinsured motorists unless they decline it in writing. This coverage is critical if the other driver lacks insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your losses.

Sadly, a 2023 Insurance Research Council study shows that nearly 15% of Indiana drivers are uninsured. Having a qualified auto accident attorney in Lebanon review your coverage can help you understand what’s available and how to file a claim properly.

Vaughn Knows What You Are Going Through

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

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

317-846-1080

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Indiana?

The clock starts ticking the moment your accident occurs. Indiana’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the incident. This time limit applies to claims involving bodily injury, wrongful death, and property damage. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to recover any compensation.

If the accident involved a city or state-owned vehicle, such as a garbage truck or police car, you have even less time. In those cases, Indiana law requires a Tort Claims Notice to be filed within 180 days of the crash. Because of these strict deadlines, we encourage accident victims to contact our firm as soon as possible so we can begin preserving evidence and protecting your claim.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?

Indiana law allows you to pursue economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover your direct financial losses, such as:

• Emergency room visits
• Surgery and physical therapy
• Prescription medications
• Lost wages from time off work
• Property repair or replacement

Non-economic damages are harder to quantify, but they’re just as important. These include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or permanent impairment
• Emotional trauma

We often work with medical and economic experts to calculate the full extent of our clients’ losses. Don’t settle for an insurance estimate that only covers today’s costs. We fight to ensure your future medical care, therapy, and quality of life are all factored into your compensation.

What If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

It’s more common than you might think. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or flees the scene, you can file a claim through your uninsured motorist (UM) policy. This coverage can pay for medical bills, lost income, and sometimes pain and suffering.

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover all your damages. For example, if your hospital bills total $75,000 but the at-fault driver only has $25,000 in coverage, your UIM can help bridge the gap.

Navigating these claims can be complicated, and insurance companies may push back. That’s where our experience as an accident law firm in Lebanon, IN, becomes vital.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Offer?

Rarely. Insurance adjusters are trained to close claims quickly and cheaply. Their first offer is usually far less than what you’re entitled to. Some may even pressure you into signing a release that waives your right to further compensation, before you even know the full extent of your injuries.

Before agreeing to anything, contact our office. As a seasoned Lebanon car accident lawyer, we’ll review the offer and tell you if it’s fair. If not, we’ll negotiate or take your case to court. Once you accept a settlement, you typically can’t go back and ask for more money, so make sure you’re getting what you truly deserve.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer for My Car Accident?

You’re not legally required to hire a lawyer, but if you’ve been seriously injured, it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make. We can handle paperwork, investigate the fault, communicate with insurers, and build a strong case for full compensation. Insurance companies have lawyers working against you—you should have a strong advocate, too.

According to a study by the Insurance Research Council, injury victims who hired a lawyer received settlements that were, on average, 3.5 times higher than those who handled their claims alone. We don’t charge anything upfront or get paid unless we recover money for you.

Why Choose Vaughn Wamsley Law Firm?

We are proud to serve our neighbors in Lebanon and across Boone County. With years of experience representing car accident victims, we understand the physical, financial, and emotional toll a crash can take. To us, you’re not just a case file—you’re a person who deserves justice.

We treat every client respectfully, communicate openly, and fight hard for results. From investigating your accident to helping you get medical care and fair compensation, we’ll be by your side at every stage. We’ve built a reputation as a trusted auto accident attorney in Lebanon and are ready to put our knowledge to work for you.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, don’t wait. Contact Vaughn Wamsley, a trusted Lebanon car crash lawyer, for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and build your case immediately. The sooner you reach out, the stronger your case will be. Call today to take the first step toward justice.