Injured in a Car Accident in Evansville? Here’s What You Need to Know

When you’re involved in a car accident, it’s easy to feel pressured into making quick decisions that could impact the future of your claim for compensation. What many accident victims don’t realize is that the hours and days following a collision are crucial for protecting their legal rights.

Based on decades of experience handling car accident cases, our lawyers recommend considering the following factors:

Your Claim Depends on Evidence, Timing, and Legal Strategy

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Evansville, you probably already feel overwhelmed by insurance adjusters, medical bills, and uncertainty about your next steps. But what many victims don’t realize is how much timing and documentation can impact your potential claim. Indiana is a fault-based state, which means the burden is on you to prove that another party caused your injuries. That means police reports, medical documentation, eyewitness testimony, and your own statements matter immensely—and once the statute of limitations runs out, you lose your right to recover, no matter how strong your case may have been.

One of the most common pitfalls we see is victims unintentionally damaging their case by waiting too long or saying the wrong thing to insurance. That’s why it’s critical to understand how to protect your claim right away. Our car accident lawyers not only help you determine whether you have a valid case but also actively steps in to preserve crucial evidence, coordinate with accident investigators, and ensure your voice is heard.

Compensation Rights

Your claim after a crash extends beyond just car repairs and emergency room bills. Under Indiana law, you can seek compensation for all ways the accident has impacted your life: physical, financial, and emotional.

  • You have the right to claim all medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, therapy, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
  • If your injuries require long-term care or future medical procedures, those projected costs can be included in your claim.
  • Lost wages from missed work are recoverable, and if your injuries prevent you from earning at the same level, reduced earning capacity is also compensable.
  • Pain, emotional distress, and the negative impact on your quality of life are valid claims, even if there’s no specific bill attached.
  • Damage to your vehicle and any personal items affected in the accident should be fully compensated.
  • If the accident caused a death, surviving family members can claim funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.

A car accident lawyer at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell can help you take control of your case from day one. We’ll evaluate the full scope of your damages, calculate a fair settlement amount, and fight for every dollar you deserve.

Don’t settle for less just because the insurance company says so.

How Christie Farrell Lee & Bell Fight for Your Rights After a Car Crash

From the moment you contact us, our team begins building a case that reflects the full scope of your injuries, losses, and long-term needs. That includes organizing medical documentation, calculating damages beyond what’s obvious, and protecting your claim from early mistakes that can reduce your recovery.

Every case is different. Whether it’s a multi-vehicle highway crash, a collision involving a government vehicle, or an accident caused by a distracted or uninsured driver, we identify all liable parties and pursue every possible source of compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Evansville?

Through our experience handling local cases, we’ve seen that Indiana ranks 15th in the nation for motor vehicle fatalities, with most crashes stemming from preventable behaviors and dangerous locations:

  • Alcohol and drug-impaired driving remain significant problems across Indiana. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers in the state is 0.08%, and lower limits apply to commercial drivers and drivers under the age of 21, as per Indiana Code § 9-30-5-1.
  • Reckless driving and speeding are major contributors to serious accidents, resulting in hundreds of fatalities statewide. In Evansville, high-traffic areas like Lloyd Expressway and US-41 often see severe collisions involving excessive speed.
  • Drunk driving continues to be a serious concern on Evansville roads, leading to devastating crashes and life-altering injuries.
  • Distracted driving, including texting, eating, or using navigation systems while driving, poses an increasing risk to road safety in our community.

Don’t let the details of your accident hold you back from seeking justice. Our experienced car accident lawyers at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell are here to listen to your story and help you understand your options. Schedule your free consultation at our Evansville office today – we’ll give you honest, clear guidance on the best path forward for your case.

Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including catastrophic injuries of all kinds. But here are some common types of injuries related to these accidents:

  • Whiplash
  • Broken bones
  • Head and brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Bruises and contusions
  • Burns
  • Fractures
  • Sprains and strains
  • Chest and rib injuries
  • Facial injuries

If you or a family member has been involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to seek appropriate medical attention and follow proper medical protocols for diagnosis and treatment. Always prioritize your health and well-being after a car accident and consult with qualified medical professionals for proper care.

Then, it’s important that you understand your rights to file a claim for personal injury to cover your losses.

 

Contact an Evansville car accident lawyer at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell to help you get fair compensation after an accident. Call 317-488-5500 today to get started.

 

steps to take after a car accident in indiana infographic

Maximizing Compensation: Damages You Can Recover After a Car Accident in Evansville

You may be entitled to recover damages for your injuries and losses caused by the accident. These damages refer to the financial compensation that you may be awarded for the physical, emotional, and financial harm suffered as a result of the car accident. 

Some common types of damages that you may be able to recover after a car accident in Evansville include:

Medical expenses

You may be entitled to recover the costs of your medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgery costs, medication expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other related expenses. It’s important to keep all records of your medical expenses and treatment to support your claim for damages.

Lost wages

If you have missed work due to your car accident injuries, you may be entitled to recover the income you have lost, including wages, bonuses, commissions, and other employment benefits. This may also include compensation for any diminished earning capacity if your injuries have resulted in long-term or permanent disabilities.

Pain and suffering

Car accidents can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish, and you may be eligible to seek compensation for these intangible losses. 

Indiana law allows victims of car accidents to seek damages for pain and suffering, as well as emotional distress, as per Indiana Code § 34-51-2-1.

Property damage

If your vehicle has been damaged or destroyed in a car accident, you may be entitled to recover the costs of repairing or replacing it, as well as any other property that has been damaged in the accident.

Punitive damages

In cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless, you may be eligible to seek punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future, and are awarded in addition to compensatory damages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Evansville Car Accident Cases

As personal injury lawyers in Evansville who deal with car accident cases, we understand that our clients may have several questions about how filling a claim works in Indiana. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

Is Indiana a no-fault state for car accidents?

No, Indiana is not a no-fault state for car accidents. Indiana follows a fault-based system for car accidents, which means that the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages. This means that if you are injured in a car accident in Indiana, you have the right to file a claim against the at-fault party and seek compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

What happens if the person at fault in an accident has no insurance in Indiana?

If the at-fault driver in a car accident in Indiana does not have insurance, it can complicate the process of seeking compensation. 

Options for recovery may include filing a claim with your own uninsured motorist coverage, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, or exploring other avenues of recovery. Consulting with a specialized car accident lawyer is essential in such situations.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim?

In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to take prompt action and consult with a car accident lawyer to ensure you meet all deadlines and preserve your right to compensation.

What if I was partially at fault for the car accident?

Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that if you were partially at fault for the car accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionately to your degree of fault. However, as long as you are not 51% or more at fault, you can still recover damages. It’s crucial to consult with a skilled car accident attorney who can assess the circumstances and protect your rights.

Contact Our Evansville Car Accident Lawyer Today

So, how should one proceed following a car wreck in Evansville, IN? If you have been injured in a car accident in Evansville or the surrounding areas, it’s crucial to seek legal representation from a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys has a proven track record of helping car accident victims recover the compensation they are entitled to, according to Indiana’s laws. 

Contact us today and schedule a free consultation.

Our lawyers that handle these types of cases

Lee C. Christie

Lee C. Christie

Katherine M. Marshall

Katherine M. Marshall