- Vaughn A. Wamsley
- Car Accidents
When we represent you as your Carmel car accident lawyer, our first step is to assemble the evidence that proves negligence, liability, and damages. In Indiana, successful claims hinge on meeting the burden of proof: fault plus losses. Here’s a breakdown of the essential evidence our team collects to win your Uber or Lyft crash case.
1. Police Reports and App Records
After a crash, the first critical document is the Indiana State Police report or local police report. It often includes officer observations, statements by drivers or passengers, and any notation whether the rideshare driver was on the clock ⎯ which directly impacts which insurance layer applies. These official documents carry weight in establishing liability.
We also secure data from Uber or Lyft, including timestamped logs showing whether the driver was offline, logged in but waiting, en route, or carrying a passenger. That status triggers insurance coverage tiers: no coverage if app off; $50,000 per person / $100,000 per crash if waiting; or $1 million liability (plus uninsured/underinsured coverage) if a ride was accepted or underway. We combine these sources to confirm which insurance applies in your case.
2. Scene Documentation: Photos & Videos
Visual evidence from the crash scene is invaluable. We encourage clients (and often send investigators) to take:
- Wide-angle and close-up photos of all vehicles involved
- Damage to each car, roadway features, and skid marks
- Environmental factors: traffic lights, signage, weather, visibility
These images serve two purposes: they help us reconstruct what happened and they support causation and fault arguments. When available, dashcam or bystander video footage further strengthens the claim.
3. Witness Statements
Statements from witnesses—whether other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians—can corroborate your account and reduce disputes over fault. We secure witness contact information and recorded or written statements to document what they observed at the time of the crash.
4. Medical Records & Treatment Documentation
Successful claims require clear proof of injury. We work with medical providers to obtain:
- Emergency visit reports and follow‑up records
- Diagnostic tests (X‑rays, MRI, CT)
- Treatment plans and therapy documentation
- Billing statements showing treatment costs
These records establish both injury severity and medical necessity. You should seek treatment within 24 hours of the crash, even if symptoms are mild—delaying care can weaken your claim later.
5. Proof of Lost Income & Impairment
If you missed work or have reduced earning capacity due to injuries, we document:
- Pay stubs and employer statements
- Medical opinions explaining work restrictions
- Future earning impact assessments
This evidence supports compensation for lost wages, diminished capacity, or lost opportunities.
6. Expert Analysis & Accident Reconstruction
To prove negligence and fault, we often retain experts who can:
- Reconstruct the crash using physics, scene measurements, and damage analysis
- Analyze app data and driver status timelines
- Provide expert testimony on driver behavior (e.g. distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield)
- Evaluate vehicle defects or maintenance failures if they contributed to the crash
Expert reports give powerful support to our factual narrative and liability theory.
7. Insurance & Coverage Confirmation
Indiana’s insurance system is fault‑based. Your claim may involve multiple liability sources:
- Your insurance, including uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
- The at‑fault driver’s personal policy (minimum $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in Indiana)
- Uber or Lyft’s commercial coverage (up to $50k/100k if waiting, or $1 million if transporting)
We obtain coverage declarations, policy terms, and limits from all relevant insurers to calculate potential recovery.
8. Timeline Documentation from the Rideshare App
App timestamps are critical—evidence of when the driver accepted the ride, location tracking, and whether a passenger was aboard. Uber or Lyft records may show your pickup request, dispatch logs, and trip duration, all confirming fault timing and liability coverage applicability.
9. Proof of Pain, Suffering & Emotional Harm
Though harder to document, non-economic damages are also recoverable under Indiana law. We gather:
- Patient diaries or journal entries capturing pain levels or limitations
- Mental health support documentation (counseling, therapy)
- Statements from family or coworkers about life changes or emotional distress
These help us build a complete narrative of how the crash has impacted your quality of life.
10. Statute of Limitations Records
Indiana Code § 34‑11‑2‑4 gives only two years to file suit in personal injury cases—including rideshare crashes. We note the crash date and ensure all filings occur on time; failing to comply means forfeiting your right to sue.
Why This Evidence Matters to Winning Your Claim
Every piece of this evidence helps us meet legal requirements:
- Negligence: proven with police reports, reconstruction, witness statements, and expert testimony.
- Liability: confirmed through app status, insurance policies, and accident timeline data.
- Damages: documented via medical records, lost wages, pain and suffering, and expert evaluations.
To win your case as your auto accident attorney in Carmel, IN, we build a complete, compelling dossier. Insurers and courts respond best to evidence-based arguments. When insurers delay, deny, or lowball, we are prepared to litigate aggressively—with all evidence on our side.
Our Process for Building Your Evidence Folder
Here are the steps we follow once you engage us:
- Initial meeting: We collect crash details and begin gathering records.
- Scene and app evidence: We collect police reports, ride-share logs, and photos/videos.
- Medical documentation: We request all treatment and billing records.
- Witness & expert interviews: We locate witnesses and retain reconstruction or medical experts.
- Insurance coordination: We identify relevant policies and coverage tiers.
- Timeline and liability mapping: We prepare precise graphs of events, app data, and fault connections.
- Claim presentation or litigation: We draft demand letters supported by compiled evidence; if needed, we file suit before Indiana’s two‑year limit.
Why You Need Us as Your Lawyer
As your Carmel Lyft accident lawyer, we bring the experience to gather, organize, and present this evidence effectively. Complex rideshare rules, app status nuances, and multiple insurers require careful handling. We know what claims adjusters look for and how opposing counsel operates. We hold rideshare companies and at-fault drivers accountable, advocating relentlessly for full recovery.
We Protect Your Rights
When you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft crash in Carmel, securing the proper evidence is the keystone of success. From police reports and app data to medical records, expert analysis, and witness testimony—we gather it all. That’s how we prove negligence, liability, and your damages.
If you want outstanding advocacy as your Carmel rideshare car accident lawyer, let our team put this evidence to work for you. We invite you to contact us for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis—no fee unless we win. Let us show you how powerful evidence can mean real results in your case.