Rear-End Collision Lawyers in Indianapolis, IN
Are you struggling with medical bills, lost income, and other stressors after a rear-end car accident in Indianapolis? If so, you’re not alone. Thousands of people get hurt in rear-end accidents every year, and the associated costs can add up quickly. If you’re looking for a way to demand justice and fair compensation for your injuries, you can file a personal injury claim with the help of a trusted attorney.
At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, our Indianapolis injury lawyers have been helping local crash victims since 1999. Because of our excellent results for our clients, we’ve been included in the Top 25 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association, and we’ve been included in The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We’re ready to apply our experience and resources to your case. Let us stand up to the insurance companies and fight for the money you deserve.
When you’re ready to discuss your situation with our responsive team, call us or contact us online for a free initial case review.
What to Do Right After an Indianapolis Rear-End Collision
In the aftermath of a rear-end collision in Indianapolis, the most important thing you can do is take care of your health. If you don’t receive emergency care immediately after the accident, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you got seriously hurt at first.
Many accident-related injuries don’t display symptoms right away. You don’t want to worsen your condition by failing to act. A doctor can diagnose your condition, treat your injuries, and document everything in your medical records, which could be indispensable evidence in a rear-end accident claim.
Once you receive medical attention, you can take the following additional steps to protect your well-being and get a head start on your car accident injury case:
- Follow your doctor’s care plan as closely as possible.
- Start a journal to record details of your recovery and how your injuries affect your life.
- Take photos and gather other evidence from the accident scene.
- Get the other driver’s contact details and insurance information.
- Make and keep copies of your medical records and doctor’s bills.
- Gather documentation like pay stubs as proof of lost income.
- Watch what you say to other parties before you speak to an attorney.
- Avoid sharing photos or updates online while your case is pending.
- Talk to our Indianapolis rear-end accident lawyers as soon as possible.
Why Choose Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC for Your Indianapolis Rear-End Car Accident?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn after a rear-end accident in Indianapolis, the team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC wants to help. Partners David Craig, William J. Kelley, and Scott Faultless founded the firm in 1999 with one goal: to help individuals and families recover after serious injury accidents. Since then, we have recovered millions of dollars in fair compensation for our clients, and we’re ready to put our skills to work for you.
When you choose Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, you get the benefit of an entire team of talented legal professionals on your side. Our attorneys work together to handle every aspect of your case with care and attention to detail. We know every case is different, so we’ll work tirelessly to create a personalized legal strategy that meets your needs. You can count on us to be there for you every step of the way, providing thoughtful advice and fighting for your best interests.
What Are Recoverable Damages or Compensation in a Rear-End Accident Claim?
The value of any damages or compensation you receive from a rear-end car accident claim will vary significantly depending on your unique circumstances. For instance, your case would likely be worth more if you sustained severe injuries in the accident, missed a lot of time at work, or experienced a substantial drop in quality of life. Available insurance coverage, comparative negligence, and many other factors could also affect the value of your case.
When you file a rear-end car accident claim with the help of an attorney, you can demand compensation for the following types of crash-related losses:
- Hospital bills and other medical costs you incur due to the accident
- Medical bills you will likely incur in the future due to the accident
- Lost wages from any time you miss at work due to your injuries
- Losses in future earning capacity due to permanent impairments
- Subjective losses, such as pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
- Repair costs for vehicle damage or replacement costs for a total loss
- Incidental costs, such as travel expenses for medical appointments
What Is the Time Limit You Have for a Rear-End Accident Lawsuit?
Like all states, Indiana has a statute of limitations law that sets deadlines for taking certain types of legal action. You generally have two years to sue the at-fault party in a personal injury lawsuit after a rear-end accident.
This two-year window begins on the date when the accident occurs, which means your time starts running out the moment you get hurt. Your lawsuit doesn’t need to wrap up before the deadline. You simply need to file it within two years.
While two years might sound like plenty of time, it can go by quickly when you consider how long it takes to find the right lawyer, prepare a strong case, and go to court. That is why it’s so important to work with a knowledgeable local lawyer from day one. If you wait until after the two-year deadline passes, you will most likely lose your right to sue. But with a professional advocate in your corner, you can rest assured that your case will be handled promptly and efficiently.
How Is Liability Determined in a Rear-End Auto Collision?
When police officers, insurance adjusters, and attorneys investigate rear-end accidents, they look for different types of evidence as proof of liability. Investigators typically rely on the following types of evidence to determine liability after a rear-end auto collision:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Videos of the collision from dashcams or surveillance cameras
- Police accident reports
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Testimony from expert witnesses
- Car maintenance and repair records
- Driver cell phone or GPS data
How Our Attorneys Can Help You Pursue Your Rear-End Car Accident Claim
Many accidents are traumatic events that leave victims reeling. When you’re still struggling to heal from painful injuries, the idea of taking legal action might seem impossible. The good news is that there’s no need to do it alone.
The Indianapolis personal injury lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC can take the pressure off you after a rear-end accident by:
- Explaining your rights and identifying sources of compensation for your claim
- Conducting an independent investigation into the rear-end car accident
- Communicating with employers, insurers, and other parties on your behalf
- Obtaining medical records, crash reports, and other evidence for your claim
- Interviewing eyewitnesses and medical experts for compelling testimony
- Managing important case documents, details, and deadlines
- Negotiating forcefully with the insurance company to maximize your settlement
- Going to court and representing you at trial, if the other side refuses to pay
Most Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident in the U.S., accounting for nearly 28 percent of all motor vehicle crashes nationwide. The vast majority of rear-end crashes are entirely preventable events that occur due to negligence or recklessness.
Common causes of rear-end collisions in Indianapolis include:
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Driving under the influence
- Driver fatigue
- Exceeding the speed limit
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Intentional tailgating or following too closely
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Improper turning or merging
- Driver inexperience or confusion
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Defective vehicle parts
- Poorly maintained vehicle parts
- Poor road conditions
Most Common Injuries of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents can cause a range of injuries that vary in severity based on the speed and force of the collision. One common rear-end accident injury is whiplash, which occurs when a collision violently throws the head and neck forward before snapping them back. This unnaturally sharp motion strains the soft tissues in the neck, which often results in pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion. In severe cases, whiplash can even lead to nerve damage or spinal cord injuries.
Other common injuries that come from rear-end car accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back and shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Seatbelt and airbag injuries
- Abdominal and internal injuries
- Dislocated or broken bones
- Bruises, lacerations, and puncture wounds
- Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears
- Leg, knee, ankle, and foot injuries
- Road rash and other burn injuries
- Emotional and psychological injuries
Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Experienced Indianapolis Rear-End Collision Lawyers
If you’re looking for answers after a rear-end crash in Indianapolis, look no further than Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. Our car accident attorneys can address your concerns and help you chart a path forward. Contact us online today for your free consultation session.