Fatal Car Accident Attorney in Indianapolis
Fatal motor vehicle collisions are the most tragic accidents on our nation’s roadways. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, over 42,000 Americans died in car accidents in a single recent year. What makes these crashes especially unfortunate is that almost all of them are preventable.
Families impacted by losses resulting from deadly car accidents in Indianapolis deserve justice and accountability from the responsible parties. If your family suffered a loss in a fatal car crash someone else caused, you have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Contact the Indianapolis auto accident attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC today to share your family’s story in a free case consultation and learn more about your legal options for pursuing wrongful death compensation.
Reasons to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer After a Fatal Car Accident
If you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, your family may feel devastated and unsure of how to move forward with the legal process. Beyond the emotional toll, these tragedies bring financial and legal challenges that can be overwhelming and difficult to manage while grieving.
Working with a wrongful death lawyer who has experience handling fatal car accident claims can make a difference in securing justice and maximum compensation for your family’s considerable loss.
The experienced personal injury attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC stand ready to help you by:
- Gathering evidence from the crash site and other sources to determine what caused the accident
- Identifying all responsible parties, including other drivers, their employers, and vehicle manufacturers, to hold them accountable
- Managing communications and negotiations with insurance adjusters to fight for the full compensation your family deserves
- Providing compassionate guidance to help your family focus on healing
- Filing claims in court within applicable deadlines to protect your right to pursue justice
- Fighting in court for your family’s best interests and justice for your deceased loved one, if necessary
Determining Liability for a Fatal Collision in Indianapolis
Liability plays a central role in wrongful death claims following fatal car accidents. Establishing who is legally responsible helps hold the correct parties to account and guides your family in seeking the compensation you deserve.
Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC will begin by looking into the circumstances of the crash to determine its cause. We’ll review police reports, interview any eyewitnesses, and analyze evidence such as traffic camera videos and accident reconstructions from experts. We’ll also look for signs of negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, or violations of traffic laws.
In some cases, liability may extend beyond the at-fault driver. Our lawyers and investigators will examine whether other parties contributed to the crash, such as a vehicle manufacturer who created or sold defective parts or the driver’s employer if they were operating a company vehicle.
Determining liability requires a detailed analysis of facts, which our attorneys can use to build a compelling case against the responsible parties and fight for the justice your family needs.
The Role of Evidence in a Wrongful Death Car Accident Lawsuit
Strong evidence forms the foundation of a successful wrongful death claim after a fatal Indianapolis auto accident. Our attorneys rely on detailed evidence to prove fault, establish the scope of your family’s losses, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Some examples of evidence we frequently collect in fatal car accident cases include:
- Police reports
- Witness testimony
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Medical records
- Photos and videos from the scene
- Traffic camera and dashcam footage of the accident scene
- Black box data from vehicles
- Toxicology reports for involved drivers
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Cell phone records
- Weather reports at the time of the crash
- Skid marks or roadway debris patterns
Common Legal Challenges in Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death claims arising from fatal car accidents often face significant legal challenges. These issues can delay justice and make it harder for grieving families to secure the compensation they deserve. Some examples of common challenges include:
- Disputes over liability – Defendants or insurers may deny fault or attempt to shift blame to other parties.
- Insufficient evidence – Lack of documentation or missing proof can weaken a case.
- Insurance company tactics – Insurers may undervalue claims or use delay tactics to avoid paying fair compensation.
- Multiple defendants – Cases involving several responsible parties can create legal complications and take longer to resolve.
- Compliance with deadlines – Missing statutory deadlines under Indiana’s wrongful death laws can jeopardize claims.
Indiana Car Accident Wrongful Death Laws
Indiana law provides a legal pathway for families to seek compensation after losing a loved one in a fatal car accident. The compensation from a successful wrongful death suit may include medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, and lost financial and emotional support.
Families must file wrongful death lawsuits within the statute of limitations, which typically gives them two years from the date of their loved one’s death. Under Indiana law, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the surviving family or beneficiaries of the estate.
How Long Do Fatal Crash Cases Typically Take?
Fatal car accident cases in Indianapolis vary in duration based on their relative complexity. Some cases settle within months if liability is clear and evidence is strong. Others can take years if disputes arise over fault, compensation, or insurance coverage.
Some factors that may influence the timeline for a wrongful death settlement include the need for accident reconstruction reports, witness availability, and negotiations with insurance companies. Wrongful death lawsuits that proceed to trial generally take longer, as court schedules and legal procedures add time.
Our attorneys will work diligently to move the case forward while thoroughly preparing your family’s claim to maximize your likelihood of a favorable outcome.
When to Contact a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
While it may seem overwhelming to think about initiating legal action in the aftermath of your loved one’s fatal car accident, your family should contact our law firm as soon as possible. Securing legal representation early on allows your attorney to gather evidence while it is still fresh, interview witnesses before their memories fade, and handle communication with insurance companies. Retaining a lawyer promptly also ensures that your claim complies with Indiana’s two-year statutory deadline.
When your family has experienced a tragic loss in an Indianapolis auto accident, you deserve the space to focus on grieving and honoring your loved one’s memory. Many families find a sense of comfort and closure in seeking justice for their deceased loved one. Let the Indianapolis car accident attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC focus on fighting for the financial compensation, justice, and closure you deserve by pursuing your fatal car accident claim.
Contact us today to get started with a free initial case evaluation from an experienced wrongful death attorney at our firm.