Shelbyville Car Accident FAQs

Car accidents happen in the blink of an eye, but the effects can last a lifetime. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a catastrophic collision, dealing with the aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to heal physically and financially.

As a local accident law firm in Shelbyville, IN, we’ve guided countless individuals through the legal aftermath of these unexpected events. If you’re looking for answers after a crash, this page will help you understand your rights and what comes next.

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

The moments following a crash are crucial for your safety and future legal claim. As a Shelbyville car accident lawyer, we always advise the following steps:

• Stay at the Scene and Check for Injuries: Your health and the safety of everyone involved are the priority.
• Call 911: Police will document the crash scene, which will be critical evidence later.
• Exchange Information: Get names, contact details, insurance info, and license plate numbers from everyone involved.
• Document the Scene: Use your phone to take photos and videos of the crash site, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
• Talk to Witnesses: Collect their names and numbers if they want to give a statement.
• Seek Medical Care: Even if you feel okay, hidden injuries like whiplash or concussions can show up days later.
• Contact an Auto Accident Attorney in Shelbyville: Don’t speak to the insurance company until you know your rights.

How is Fault Determined in Indiana Car Accidents?

Indiana uses a “modified comparative fault” rule to determine who is responsible. That means more than one party can share the blame. However, you cannot recover compensation if you are more than 50% at fault. If you’re 50% or less at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but a jury finds you 20% at fault, your final award would be $80,000. This makes evidence and legal representation incredibly important when establishing liability.

What Are the Minimum Insurance Requirements in Indiana?

Indiana drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage of:

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

According to the Indiana Department of Insurance, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage must also be offered, though drivers can reject this in writing. Still, we recommend carrying it—it can protect you if the at-fault driver has no coverage or insufficient limits.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Shelbyville?

Indiana’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the accident date. That means you lose the right to pursue compensation if you don’t settle your case or file a lawsuit within that timeframe.

If your crash involved a government vehicle or employee (such as a city bus or municipal truck), you must file a tort claim notice within 180 days of the accident. Don’t wait—talk to a Shelbyville car crash lawyer right away so we can begin protecting your rights.

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What Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Crash?

Compensation—or “damages”—depends on the severity of your injuries, the available insurance coverage, and the long-term effects of the crash. In general, we can help you pursue:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, therapy, prescriptions, surgeries, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages: Income lost from time off work or inability to return to your job.
• Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any damaged personal property.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, and other non-economic losses.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries impact your ability to engage in hobbies or daily activities.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If you lost a loved one in a fatal accident, we can help pursue damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and more.

Should I Talk to the Insurance Company?

We advise you to be extremely cautious when talking to an insurance adjuster. Their goal is to minimize payouts, not to look out for your best interests. While you must notify your insurer about the crash, you are not obligated to give the at-fault party’s insurer a recorded statement.

Instead, let us handle those conversations for you. As your auto accident attorney in Shelbyville, we know the tactics insurers use and how to protect your claim from being devalued or denied.

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

If the driver who hit you is uninsured or underinsured, you still have options. If you purchased uninsured motorist coverage, your policy may step in to cover your medical bills and other losses up to the limits of your policy.

If you don’t know whether you have this coverage, we can help you review your policy. Many clients are surprised to find they’re more protected than they thought.

Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially At Fault?

Under Indiana’s comparative fault rule, you can still receive compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault for the crash. But the more blame you carry, your final payout will be reduced.

That’s why working with a Shelbyville car accident lawyer early in the process is so important. We’ll investigate the facts and build a case showing how the other drivers were primarily responsible for what happened.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Shelbyville?

In our experience, the most common causes include:

• Distracted driving (texting, GPS, eating)
• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Failure to yield
• Drunk or drug-impaired driving
• Tailgating or unsafe lane changes
• Poor weather conditions
• Running red lights or stop signs

These behaviors often result in rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, or high-speed crashes on I-74 or State Road 9. If another driver made a poor decision that led to your injuries, our team will work to hold them accountable.

What If My Injury Didn’t Seem Serious at First?

It’s common for injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding to take hours—or even days—to manifest fully. Even a low-speed crash can lead to chronic pain or long-term damage.

You should always get checked out by a medical professional after any crash, and follow up on all treatment recommendations. Delaying care can make your injuries worse and give the insurance company ammunition to downplay your claim.

How Can a Shelbyville Car Crash Lawyer Help?

We do much more than file paperwork or negotiate settlements. As a full-service accident law firm in Shelbyville, IN, we help clients by:

• Investigating the crash scene
• Collecting police reports, surveillance footage, and medical records
• Interviewing witnesses and accident reconstruction experts
• Negotiating with insurance adjusters for full compensation
• Filing lawsuits if a fair settlement isn’t possible
• Representing you at trial if necessary

We also take the time to explain each step of the process so you always feel confident and informed.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win compensation for you. This allows injured clients to get high-quality legal help without worrying about legal bills during recovery.

What Should I Bring to My Free Consultation?

To get the most out of your first meeting with us, bring the following:

• Accident or police report
• Insurance information for all parties
• Medical bills and treatment records
• Pay stubs or documentation of lost income
• Photos or videos from the scene
• Any communications from insurance companies

Don’t worry if you’re missing some of these items—we can help gather what’s needed to build your case.

Why Choose Vaughn Wamsley as Your Car Accident Lawyer?

We’re a local law firm with deep ties to the Shelbyville community. We know the roads, the courts, and the challenges our neighbors face after a serious crash. When you hire us, you’re not just getting legal help—you’re getting an advocate who will fight tirelessly for your rights.

We take pride in offering personal, one-on-one service and aggressive representation from start to finish. Whether your case settles quickly or goes all the way to court, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Get Help from a Trusted Accident Law Firm in Shelbyville, IN

If you were injured in a crash, don’t go it alone. Let us put our experience to work for you. Contact our office today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. At Vaughn Wamsley Law, we’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.