Your Trusted Crown Point Car Accident Lawyers – Over 30 Years of Experience in Indiana

Since our founding, our team at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell has been dedicated to serving the injured across Indiana, securing multi-million dollar settlements for negligence victims. We can do the same for you, providing personalized attention and expert advice tailored to your unique situation.

To do so, our car accident lawyers offer the following services:

  1. Comprehensive case investigation: We thoroughly investigate the details of your accident to build a strong case.
  2. Evidence collection and analysis: Our team gathers and analyzes crucial evidence to support your claim.
  3. Negotiations with insurance companies: We handle all communications and negotiations with insurers to secure the best possible settlement on your behalf.
  4. Courtroom representation if necessary: If your case goes to court, our experienced litigators will represent you with relentless commitment.

Our Crown Point personal injury lawyers are here to assist you with every aspect of your case, guiding you to make informed decisions and aiming to make the process as hassle-free as possible.

Why Work With Our Crown Point Car Accident Lawyers

Choosing the right legal team can make a significant difference in the outcome of your car accident case. Our Crown Point car accident lawyers bring decades of combined experience, a deep understanding of Indiana personal injury laws, and a strong track record of successful outcomes. We prioritize client-focused representation, ensuring you receive personalized attention from the moment you contact us.

Our team will:

  • Investigate the accident to determine liability
  • Gather critical evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements
  • Handle communications with insurance companies to protect your rights
  • Fight for the compensation you deserve, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering

With our compassionate approach and aggressive advocacy, you can focus on recovery while we take care of the legal complexities.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Crown Point?

In Crown Point, Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have a limited window to pursue legal action against the at-fault party. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in losing your right to seek compensation.

However, there are exceptions to this rule:

  • If a government entity is involved, you may have a shorter time to file a claim.
  • Minors or individuals with certain incapacities may have extended deadlines.

It’s essential to act quickly. Evidence can fade, and delays can harm your case. Our lawyers will ensure your claim is filed promptly to preserve your rights and maximize your potential compensation.

Who Will Pay For Your Accident-Related Expenses?

Determining who pays for your accident-related expenses often depends on fault and insurance coverage. Indiana operates as an at-fault state, meaning the party responsible for the accident (and their insurance company) is generally liable for covering your damages.

Accident-related expenses may include:

  • Medical bills (immediate and long-term care)
  • Property damage (repairs or replacement of your vehicle)
  • Lost wages due to missed work
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, your own insurance policy—through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage—may cover some or all of your costs. Our legal team will thoroughly review all available insurance policies, negotiate with insurers, and ensure you are not left bearing the financial burden.

The timeline for resolving a car accident case varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the willingness of insurance companies to settle. Some cases may settle in a matter of months, while others, particularly those involving severe injuries or disputed liability, could take over a year.

Key factors that affect case duration include:

  • The time needed to gather evidence and establish liability
  • Your recovery timeline and medical treatment
  • Negotiations with insurance companies
  • Whether the case goes to trial

We strive to resolve your case as efficiently as possible without compromising the outcome. We will keep you informed throughout the process and work diligently to secure fair compensation in a timely manner. Whether through settlement or litigation, our goal is to achieve the best possible result for you.

Understanding Car Accident Causes in Crown Point

In the last yearly report, there were 13,695 fatalities attributed to impaired drivers, with 67% of DUI-related collisions occurring at night (source). Other common causes of car accidents in Crown Point include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Poor weather conditions
  • Vehicle defects
  • Drunk driving

For us, identifying who is at fault directly impacts the success of a claim by demonstrating how the other party’s actions led to the accident. Our lawyers conduct thorough investigations to construct strong cases, which is crucial for us to determine liability, prove negligence, and maximize compensation.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Crown Point

To safeguard your legal rights and potential compensation, make sure to take the following actions immediately after a car accident:

  1. Check for injuries and call 911: Ensure everyone’s safety and seek emergency medical assistance by calling 911 and reporting to the Crown Point Police Department when needed.
  2. Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to get a medical evaluation to document your condition.
  3. Document the scene: Take photos and notes of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damages, and any relevant road conditions.
  4. Exchange information with other drivers: Collect contact and insurance information from all involved parties.
  5. Speak with witnesses: Gather contact details and statements from any witnesses to the accident.
  6. Contact a car accident lawyer: Reach out to the qualified lawyers at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell to discuss your case and protect your legal rights.

Overall, taking these steps helps to build a solid case. Proper documentation and medical records create a strong foundation for your claim, while witness statements and official accident records provide additional support. Our lawyers can help you gather and analyze all this evidence.

Common Injuries Related to Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may have long-term effects on your health and quality of life. These include:

  • Whiplash
  • Broken bones
  • Head injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Lacerations and cuts
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

Who Is at Fault in Your Car Accident Case? We’ll Help You Prove Liability

According to Indiana Code § 9-26-1-1.1, if a driver is involved in an accident causing injury or death, they must immediately stop their vehicle, stay at the scene, and provide necessary information to the other involved parties.

After the accident, it’s necessary to determine fault if you’re looking to secure compensation through the legal system. In Crown Point, you can file a claim if another party’s negligence caused your injuries. To do so, you must prove the following:

  • Duty of care: Establishing the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff.
  • Breach of duty: Demonstrating the defendant breached this duty through their actions or negligence.
  • Causation: Proving the breach of duty directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.
  • Damages: Showing the plaintiff suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

For example, proving these elements in a car accident case involves showing the driver had a duty to drive safely, breached this duty by running a red light, caused the accident, and the plaintiff suffered damages such as medical expenses and lost wages as a result.

Understanding Comparative Fault in Indiana

Indiana follows a comparative fault rule, which impacts the compensation you can receive based on your degree of fault in the incident.

According to Indiana Code § 34-51-2, your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. Nevertheless, if you’re more than 50% at fault, you’ll lose your right to compensation.

To avoid comparative fault considerations, the lawyers at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell work to present a compelling case highlighting the other party’s negligence. Our goal is to maximize your compensation with a strong case backed by evidence and solid arguments.

Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims – Don’t Settle For Less Than You Deserve

Car accident victims in Crown Point may be entitled to various types of compensation, such as:

  • Medical expenses: Coverage for all medical costs related to the accident.
  • Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to injury and recovery.
  • Pain and suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
  • Property damage: Compensation for damage to your vehicle and other property.
  • Loss of consortium: Damages for loss of companionship or support.
  • Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence, additional damages to punish the wrongdoer.

How Much Is Your Car Accident Worth?

There are several factors (including the severity of the injuries, the impact on your life, and the degree of fault) that impact the value of your car accident claim. 

However, it’s possible to make estimates based on experience from our previous cases. For example, we recently handled a case of a motorcyclist in Avon, Indiana, who was seriously injured when a Tesla employee’s truck hit him on Rockville Road. We won the case securing a $60,000,000 settlement for him against Tesla.

To provide clear expectations regarding your case’s potential value, we invite you to discuss real case results like this during a free initial consultation. Our attorneys at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell will assess the details of your case and provide clear guidance on the next steps.

Contact a Crown Point Car Accident Lawyer at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell Today – Start Your Free Consultation

After a car accident, having experienced legal support will make all the difference. When you choose Christie Farrell Lee & Bell’s attorneys to handle your case, you can rest assured we’ll stand by your side every step of the process. We won’t stop until achieving a fair, favorable result with your best interests in mind.

So, to get started in your pursuit of justice, don’t hesitate to contact us today and schedule a free consultation.