- Vaughn A Wamsley
- Car Accidents
Car accidents happen without warning. One moment you are commuting or heading to the grocery store, and the next, your vehicle is crumpled, your heart is racing, and sirens are approaching. If you have just been in a car accident in Indianapolis, you likely have one urgent question: What should I do right now?
Vaughn A. Wamsley, an experienced accident lawyer in Indianapolis, emphasizes that what you do in the first few hours after a crash can have lasting consequences. “The aftermath of an accident is overwhelming, but taking the right steps early helps protect your well-being and your legal rights,” says Wamsley.
This guide is here for you. Whether the collision has just happened or you are researching for a loved one, we will guide you through each step so you are informed and empowered.
Prioritize Your Safety And Seek Emergency Help
The first and most critical priority is safety. If your vehicle is in a dangerous location, such as a busy intersection or the middle of an interstate, move it to a safe place if possible. Turn on your hazard lights.
Call 911 immediately. Even if you believe the crash is minor, emergency medical personnel can identify injuries that may not be obvious at the scene. Police officers will also file an official crash report, which serves as a vital piece of evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim.
Stay Calm And Avoid Arguments
Car accidents trigger adrenaline and emotion. However, we urge you to remain calm and avoid arguing or placing blame. Do not admit fault, even if you believe you may have caused the collision. Determining legal responsibility involves a complex review of the facts, and premature statements can harm your case.
Instead, focus on gathering information in a respectful manner. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver. Take note of the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number. If witnesses are present, ask for their names and phone numbers. Their testimony could later help establish fault or clarify the circumstances of the crash.
Document Everything You Can
Take photos or videos of the accident scene before anything is moved. Capture multiple angles of the damage to all vehicles, the surrounding roadway, traffic signs, skid marks, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. This evidence can become crucial in a dispute over liability or damages.
According to Vaughn A. Wamsley, “Photos from the scene often tell a clearer story than memory ever could. We have won cases where accident reconstruction relied heavily on images taken by our client.”
Get Medical Care As Soon As Possible
Some injuries may not present symptoms right away. Whiplash, concussions, internal injuries, and back trauma can take hours or even days to surface. That is why we recommend getting evaluated at the emergency room or an urgent care center the same day.
Prompt medical treatment protects your health and also connects your injuries to the accident, which is vital for any future legal or insurance claim. Failing to seek care can weaken your position when seeking compensation for medical expenses or pain and suffering.
Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
Even if the accident was not your fault, notify your insurer as soon as possible. Most policies require timely notice of a crash, and failure to report may result in denial of coverage.
Be honest in your description, but do not speculate. Stick to the facts and avoid making any recorded statements without first consulting an attorney.
Speak With A Personal Injury Attorney Early
If you have been injured, or if the crash involved multiple vehicles, commercial drivers, or disputed liability, contact a qualified Indianapolis, IN auto accident attorney immediately. The earlier an attorney becomes involved, the more they can do to protect you.
At our firm, we begin by preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, guiding clients on medical care, and negotiating with insurance companies. Vaughn A. Wamsley offers free consultations to help you understand your rights, your options, and whether you have a viable claim.
Beware Of Quick Settlement Offers
After an accident, the other driver’s insurance company may contact you quickly with a settlement offer. While this may seem helpful at first, it is often a tactic to minimize their payout. If you accept too soon, you may forfeit your right to recover full compensation for future treatment or lost income.
“Do not sign anything without understanding the long-term impact,” warns Wamsley. “We see many victims pressured into accepting lowball offers before they even know the extent of their injuries.”
Understand Your Rights Under Indiana Law
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. However, your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20 percent responsible and awarded $100,000, you would receive $80,000. This is why establishing fault accurately is so important, and why skilled legal representation is essential.
Indiana also imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. If you miss this deadline, you may be barred from seeking compensation entirely. Acting quickly is not just smart, it is necessary.
When The Crash Involves A Wrong Way Driver
Wrong-way accidents are among the most devastating and deadly crashes in Indiana. They often involve head-on collisions at high speeds, leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
If your accident involved a driver going the wrong direction on an Indianapolis road, your case may require an in-depth investigation into factors such as intoxication, signage visibility, or roadway design.
A wrong-way car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, like Vaughn A. Wamsley, has the experience to build strong cases in these tragic and complex scenarios. We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators to pursue justice for victims and their families.
What If You Were A Passenger?
Passengers injured in a car accident also have rights. Whether you were in the at-fault driver’s vehicle or not, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. We can help you identify all available sources of coverage, including liability insurance, uninsured motorist benefits, and personal injury protection.
Protect Your Future. Do Not Wait To Get Legal Guidance
If you are searching for answers after an accident, you are not alone. The road ahead may feel uncertain, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Vaughn A. Wamsley is here to help you understand your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
From the moment we answer your call, we treat your case with the utmost urgency and care. You will never be just a file number. You are a person who deserves answers, dignity, and justice.
Contact Us Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, speak with an experienced accident lawyer in Indianapolis as soon as possible. Contact our office for a complimentary, no-obligation case review. We are here to listen, support, and fight for you.
Let us help you take back control after the chaos of a car accident.