Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?


If you’ve been in an auto accident in Indianapolis, an experienced lawyer can help you recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Dealing with insurance companies alone can result in a lower settlement—having legal representation ensures you get the compensation you deserve. An Indianapolis personal injury lawyer can guide you through every step of the legal process and advocate for your best interests from day one.

Why You Need a Lawyer:

  • Handles insurance negotiations to maximize your payout
  • Gathers evidence and builds a strong case
  • Files paperwork and meets deadlines
  • Represents you in court if needed

For answers to your questions with a car accident serving Indianapolis, IN, call:
317-488-5500

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Indianapolis

  • Distracted driving (texting or phone calls)
  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Impaired driving (alcohol, drugs, medications)
  • Dangerous intersections (e.g., 38th & Lafayette Road, Allisonville Rd & 86th Street)
  • Improper lane changes or turns
  • Running stoplights and signs
  • Road rage and aggressive driving
  • Poor road conditions or construction zones (common on I-65 and I-70)
  • Fatigued driving

Our Attorneys

Tina M. Bell, Esq.

Tina M. Bell, Esq.

Partner
Meet Lee C. Christie, Esq.

Meet Lee C. Christie, Esq.

Partner
Laura J. Conyers

Laura J. Conyers

Of Counsel
Meet Kevin P. Farrell, Esq.

Meet Kevin P. Farrell, Esq.

Partner
Meet Kathy A. Lee, Esq.

Meet Kathy A. Lee, Esq.

Retired
Meet Kyle L. Christie, Esq.

Meet Kyle L. Christie, Esq.

Partner
Katherine M. Marshall

Katherine M. Marshall

Partner
Christopher D. Simpkins

Christopher D. Simpkins

Associate

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Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Indianapolis

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, our personal injury lawyers in Indianapolis have helped clients recover compensation after nearly every type of crash imaginable. Whether you were hit at an intersection, rear-ended in traffic, or sideswiped by a distracted driver, we know what it takes to investigate, prove fault, and get results. Below are some of the most common types of car accidents we handle across Indianapolis:

Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted drivers—especially those using cell phones—are a leading cause of injury crashes. We’ve helped many victims recover damages in cases involving texting, in-car distractions, and other reckless behavior. Learn more about how we handle distracted driving claims and texting while driving accidents.

Speeding and Reckless Driving Accidents

Speeding drastically reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid a crash—and the consequences can be devastating. We regularly represent clients injured in high-speed collisions and reckless driving situations. Learn more about your options after a speeding-related accident.

Drunk or Drugged Driving Accidents

Drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medications put everyone at risk. If you were hit by an impaired driver, we can help you pursue full compensation. Read more about our experience with drunk driving accident claims.

T-Bone & Side-Impact Collisions

Side-impact or T-bone crashes often occur at intersections and can cause life-altering injuries due to the lack of protection on the sides of vehicles. We handle both T-bone and side-impact collision cases involving broken bones, spinal injuries, and long-term trauma.

Intersection Accidents

Many serious accidents happen at busy intersections due to running red lights, failing to yield, or distracted driving. If you were injured at a dangerous crossing, like 38th & Lafayette or Keystone at 82nd, explore our approach to intersection accidents.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end crashes are incredibly common, especially in heavy traffic. Whether caused by distracted driving or tailgating, these collisions often result in neck and back injuries. Learn how we help victims recover after a rear-end accident.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on crashes often result in catastrophic injuries, especially when they happen at highway speeds. If you or a loved one was injured in a frontal impact, we’re here to help. Discover how we approach head-on collision cases.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover crashes can happen when a vehicle hits a guardrail, flips after a high-speed turn, or rolls due to poor road design. We investigate liability from all angles in rollover accident cases.

Accidents Caused by Road Defects

Crashes aren’t always caused by other drivers. Potholes, poor signage, unsafe curves, or missing guardrails can all contribute to an accident. We represent clients injured due to road defects and construction zone crashes.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Being left at the scene by the at-fault driver adds insult to injury—but you still have legal options. We pursue compensation through your uninsured motorist policy and thorough investigation in hit-and-run cases.

Teen Driving Accidents

Young, inexperienced drivers are more prone to making dangerous mistakes. Indiana’s Graduated Driver Licensing Law aims to reduce crashes, but when injuries happen, we’re here to help victims recover.

Uber & Lyft Accidents

Rideshare collisions involve complex insurance rules. Whether you were injured as a rideshare passenger or hit by an Uber/Lyft driver, we can help. Learn more about your rights after an Uber or Lyft accident.

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Indianapolis Accident Statistics You Should Know

According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute’s 2022 Crash Fact Book:

  • Over 206,000 traffic collisions occurred in Indiana in 2022.
  • 964 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes statewide.
  • A significant portion of crashes and fatalities occurred in Marion County, where Indianapolis is located.

High-risk areas for collisions in Indianapolis include intersections along I-465, Keystone Avenue, and 38th Street—corridors consistently noted in state and local crash reports for elevated accident frequency.

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Key Factors Affecting Car Accident Claims in Indianapolis

When filing a car accident claim in Indianapolis, several local factors can influence the outcome of your case. Understanding these elements can help ensure your case is handled efficiently and fairly. Working with a personal injury lawyer who knows the local legal landscape can also make a big difference, especially when it comes to navigating insurance negotiations or court proceedings.

Traffic Congestion and High-Density Areas

Indianapolis experiences significant traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours. High-traffic areas such as the intersections of I-465 and I-69, or the downtown corridor, are common spots for accidents. Insurance adjusters and legal professionals consider traffic patterns when assessing claims, as these areas tend to have more accidents due to congestion, distractions, and frequent stops. According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (IMPO), traffic counts and patterns are regularly analyzed to inform transportation planning and safety measures.

Local Road Conditions and Construction Zones

Road construction and poorly maintained roads are common causes of accidents in Indianapolis. Temporary detours, lane closures, and unclear signage can lead to dangerous driving conditions. Accidents occurring in construction zones or poorly marked roads can significantly impact the compensation available, as liability may extend to the city or state if negligence in maintenance or signage is proven. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) reports that in 2023, work zone crash data showed that 33 people were killed and more than 1,750 were injured in INDOT work zones.

Weather Conditions

Indianapolis experiences a variety of weather conditions that can affect road safety. During the winter months, snow, ice, and fog are common hazards. These weather conditions increase the likelihood of accidents, especially on highways and bridges. Claims arising from accidents during these weather conditions often require additional documentation, such as weather reports and expert testimony, to demonstrate how the weather contributed to the crash. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute provides annual crash statistics, including data on weather-related accidents.

Insurance Laws in Indiana

Indiana operates under a fault-based insurance system, meaning the driver who is found to be at fault is responsible for covering damages through their insurance. This can affect how your claim is processed. If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance, making it crucial to understand your policy’s coverage and limits. The Indiana Department of Insurance offers resources and information on insurance laws and regulations in the state.

Local Courts and Jury Considerations

In Indianapolis, the local court system plays a crucial role in how cases are settled, especially in complex personal injury claims. Jurors in Indianapolis are generally more familiar with local driving conditions and accidents, which can influence how they perceive your case. Choosing a local attorney who understands how to present your case to a local jury can make a significant difference in your claim’s outcome.

Filing a Car Accident Claim in Indianapolis and Dealing with Insurance

Successfully recovering compensation after a car accident in Indiana often comes down to one thing: proving the other driver was at fault. Because Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, your ability to recover damages—and the amount you receive—depends on how much blame is assigned to each party.

Our attorneys take immediate steps to protect your claim. We gather police reports, interview witnesses, review crash scene evidence, and consult with experts when needed to build a strong, evidence-backed case.

Insurance companies don’t make this process easy. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. That’s why having a skilled Indianapolis car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference. We know how to navigate local claims processes and negotiate directly with insurers who handle Indianapolis-area cases every day.

When you work with Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we handle the insurance company—so you can focus on healing.

Understanding Fault and the 51% Rule in Indiana Car Accidents

Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system to determine liability after a crash. This means more than one driver can be held responsible—but your ability to recover compensation depends on your level of fault.

If you are 50% or less at fault, you can still receive compensation. However, your award will be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame. For example, if you’re found 30% at fault, your final compensation will be reduced by 30%.

But if you’re 51% or more at fault, you’re barred from recovering any damages under Indiana law.

Determining fault typically involves:

  • Police reports from the accident scene
  • Witness statements
  • Photos or videos of the crash
  • Expert accident reconstruction (in complex cases)

Indiana is a fault-based state, which means the at-fault driver (or their insurance company) is responsible for paying for the damages. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you can file a claim against their insurance—not your own.

Indiana’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims

In Indiana, you generally have two years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury or property damage lawsuit. This legal deadline—known as the statute of limitations—applies whether you’re pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or vehicle repairs.

If you miss this two-year window, you will likely lose your right to file a claim in court, no matter how strong your case is.

Exceptions to Indiana’s Two-Year Rule

While most claims must be filed within two years, Indiana law allows for a few exceptions:

  • Minors: If the injured person is under 18, the two-year clock doesn’t start until their 18th birthday—giving them until age 20 to file a claim.
  • Legal Incapacity: If the injured individual is mentally incapacitated or otherwise legally disabled, the deadline is paused until they regain legal capacity.
  • Claims Against the Government: If your accident involved a city, county, or state government vehicle or employee, you must act much sooner:
    • 180 days to file a Notice of Tort Claim against a city or county
    • 270 days to file against a state agency or employee

How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Crash in Indianapolis?

In Indiana, reporting a car accident follows both legal requirements and insurance policy rules. If an accident results in injury, wrongful death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, you are legally required to report it to the police immediately. This report isn’t just a formality—it serves as critical documentation for insurance claims and any potential legal action.

Additionally, Indiana law requires you or your insurance company to:

  • Report your insurance status to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) within 10 days.
  • File an accident report with the BMV within 10 days after the incident.

From an insurance perspective, most policies require accidents to be reported as soon as possible—typically within a few days. Delays in reporting could:

  • Complicate your insurance claim.
  • Result in reduced or denied coverage.

Prompt reporting is essential not just for compliance with the law but also to ensure your insurance claim is processed efficiently. If you’re unsure about your reporting obligations or need help navigating the process, consulting an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

Am I Eligible for Compensation After a Car Accident in Indianapolis?

If you were involved in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a legal right to compensation. This applies whether the crash involved a distracted driver, a speeding vehicle, or someone who ignored traffic laws.

You could be eligible to file a personal injury claim if:

  • You suffered physical injuries or emotional trauma as a result of the crash
  • Your property was damaged, such as a totaled or seriously damaged vehicle
  • There’s supporting evidence, like a police report, witness testimony, or medical records
Simple vertical chart explaining Indiana’s 51% bar rule for car accident fault, showing eligibility for compensation if you are 50% or less at fault.

Under Indiana’s 51% comparative fault rule, you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your total recovery will be reduced by 20%.

Even if you’re unsure how much responsibility you may share for the accident, it’s still worth speaking to an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we offer free consultations to review your case, explain your rights, and help you take the next step forward.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Indianapolis?

The aftermath of a car accident often brings unexpected medical bills, missed paychecks, and long-term challenges. If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek full compensation for both the financial and emotional toll.

Our attorneys help clients pursue damages for:

  • Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, future treatment)
  • Lost wages and reduced earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Wrongful death expenses, including funeral and burial costs, if a loved one was killed

We work tirelessly to ensure every dollar of your loss is documented and accounted for—both now and in the future.

women on the phone after a car wreck

After you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident in the busy city of Indianapolis, you have so much to handle that a car accident lawyer is probably the last thing on your mind. There’s your insurance company to talk with and perhaps other drivers, too.

The stress related to an injury caused by a vehicle accident is a large burden to bear. We know how to make sure the negligent party is held accountable. You should not have to pay for injuries caused by negligent drivers.

Our Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys Frequently Help Cictims Suffering From:

Car accidents can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. Our Indianapolis car accident attorneys have decades of experience helping clients recover compensation after suffering a wide range of injuries, including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Broken bones and complex fractures
  • Severe back and neck injuries (including whiplash)
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Facial injuries, lacerations, and dental trauma
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Emotional trauma, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Fatal injuries leading to wrongful death

Attorney Lee Christie emphasizes that in any personal injury case, it’s not just about the medical bills—it’s about how the accident has affected your entire life. Indiana law allows juries to consider multiple categories of damages, such as:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Funeral and burial costs (in wrongful death cases)

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we fight to ensure every element of your loss is documented and accounted for—so you can move forward with the financial support and justice you deserve.

Google Reviews From Our Clients

We thoroughly enjoy working with and helping our clients achieve great outcomes from their accident cases and are honored to help them through the legal process.

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Why Indianapolis Accident Victims Choose Christie Farrell Lee & Bell

  • Decades of Proven Results: With over 40 years representing Indianapolis accident victims, we’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for clients.
  • Local Knowledge: Deep understanding of local Indianapolis courts, traffic patterns, and jury tendencies allows us to strategize effectively.
  • Trial Ready and Tested: Insurance companies know our reputation—we prepare every case for trial, ensuring you’re never pressured to accept less.
  • No Fees Until We Win: We handle all legal fees and expenses upfront. You only pay after we successfully secure compensation for you.
  • Award-Winning Representation: Recognized by leading legal organizations for excellence in personal injury law in Indianapolis.

You don’t pay unless your case is won

That’s right, there are no fees for our car accident legal services until we win your case. You only pay us a small portion of the verdict or settlement that we win for you. That’s how we get paid and why we’re on your side when it comes to getting justice and the maximum compensation. You can see some of our featured auto accident case results from previous clients totaling millions of dollars in victory.

We are here to protect your rights and get justice

Our goal at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell is to protect your rights as a citizen and educate you on the aspects of personal injury, car accident claims, and what trial litigation means. Ultimately, getting you a fair settlement from the insurance carrier for your injuries is part of why our clients are satisfied with our outcomes.

What Strategy Will You Use for My Car Accident Lawsuit?

When it comes to auto accident injury lawsuits, the devil is in the details. To begin establishing negligence, crash attorneys will need to review every aspect of the case, beginning with the crash itself and following through to every injury, diagnosis, repair, and final bill.

Though they probably can’t lay out their entire approach in a preliminary meeting, a seasoned attorney should easily explain the steps they take to determine the best defense.

This strategy preview is a great question for evaluation because it gives a glimpse into what level of critical thinking and ingenuity of the lawyer. Injury attorneys work best when they have access to a large number of resources, as any of these can prove vital to the success of a case.

Yes, basic information like accident reports, victim testimonials, police records, and insurance claims are obviously a great place to start. But beyond that, an auto injury attorney may get a bit more creative and ask for some additional items.

These could include:

  • Medical reports to detail the extent of injuries
  • Psychological evaluations for post-traumatic stress
  • Photographs or videos of the accident scene
  • Auto repair bill
  • Additional testimonials from family or friends related to the accident

You may have many more questions, and that’s okay! These are only meant to be a good place to start when evaluating any auto accident attorney. By choosing an Indiana lawyer with experience and know-how, recovering from a car accident can be a lot less stressful.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Indianapolis

The statute of limitations in Indiana (Code §34-11-2-4) states that you have two years to file a civil lawsuit from the date of the accident. It is possible to have the time extended, but your actions in the moments, hours, and days after a car accident can have a profound impact on your health and your legal rights.

If you have been involved in a car accident in the Indianapolis area, it is important you follow these key steps.

Step 1: Get to Safety and Document the Scene

Move yourself and others safely off busy Indianapolis roads if possible, especially along high-speed corridors like I-465 or I-65. Immediately document the scene, including your vehicle’s location, damage, nearby road signs, traffic signals, and any notable landmarks.”

Step 2: Call for Help

If you or anyone has been seriously hurt in the crash, call 9-1-1 and get emergency medical help. After that, call the police. The police will help to control the scene and create an official report of the accident. This report will be a key piece of evidence later when determining the fault for the collision. Be sure to request a copy of this report for your records.

Step 3: Stay at the Scene

Never leave the scene of an accident until you are cleared by police to do so. Fleeing the scene of an accident is considered a “hit and run” and can expose you to serious civil and criminal penalties.

Step 4: Exchange Information

Get the contact and insurance information of all involved drivers, including their names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plates, auto insurance companies, and insurance policy numbers. If there were any witnesses to the crash, ask for their contact information as well. Do not discuss the crash during this time.

steps you can take after a car accident in Indiana

Step 5: Collect Evidence

If you have access to a camera or smartphone, use it to capture photographic or video evidence of the accident scene. This includes damage to all vehicles and property, traffic patterns, road conditions, and any other details that help show what happened. This will play a key role if you end up filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit later.

Step 6: Get Medical Treatment

If you are fortunate enough to “walk away” from the accident scene, seek medical treatment for your injuries as soon as you are cleared to leave the accident scene. See a doctor promptly even if you feel fine. It is possible that you have suffered serious injuries but are unaware of the symptoms due to your body’s “fight or flight” response. Follow your doctor’s treatment instructions closely and keep records of all expenses you incur as a result of your treatment.

Step 7: Call Your Insurance Company

You have a responsibility to inform your insurance company of your involvement in a collision as soon as possible. Stick to the basic facts and provide enough information to open a claim, but do not volunteer any more information than necessary. Do not consent to any written or recorded statements. If they press you for more information, direct them to speak with your attorney.

Step 8: Stay Off Social Media

Anything you post online in the aftermath of a car accident can potentially be used to damage or destroy your personal injury case. This includes posting details of the accident, your activities in the days after the crash injury, or your personal account of the collision. In most cases, it is best to stay off social media entirely until your case is resolved.

Step 9: Hire an Experienced Indianapolis Accident Lawyer

It is in your best interests to hire an attorney after being involved in a serious collision. Insurance companies are not on your side and will do everything within their power to reduce, delay, or even outright deny your claim. An experienced lawyer who understands the process can explain your car accident legal options, protect you against unfair treatment, and help you seek maximum compensation for your losses.

How Insurance Adjusters Work — And How We Protect You

After a crash in Indianapolis, you may deal with adjusters from both your insurer and the other driver’s. While they may sound helpful on the phone, it’s important to remember: insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you.

Their goal? Settle your case quickly and for as little as possible.

Common tactics used by adjusters:

  • Asking for recorded statements to use against you
  • Offering lowball settlements before your injuries are fully diagnosed
  • Delaying the process with excessive paperwork
  • Disputing the severity of your injuries or the need for treatment

Minimum Insurance Requirements in Indiana

Under Indiana law, all drivers must carry at least:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage

If the at-fault driver is underinsured, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) may help—but only if it’s properly triggered and negotiated. This is where having an attorney makes a critical difference.

Why Having a Lawyer Matters

An experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer will:

  • Handle all communication with adjusters
  • Prevent you from accidentally weakening your case
  • Gather the documentation needed to prove full damages
  • Negotiate for a settlement that reflects your total loss—not the insurer’s bottom line

Insurance companies know which law firms are willing to take a case to trial. We’re one of them. That leverage helps our clients recover more, faster.

Contact Our Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers Today

When you’re involved in an accident, it’s difficult to know what to do first and how to handle it. What is the right car accident procedure? How do you navigate your insurance policy? What do I say to the insurance company? How much time do I have to file a claim or lawsuit? Car accidents bring with them no shortage of stress and headaches. Insurance claims and police reports alone can be tough to deal with. Serious injury and death add another layer of grief, pain, and financial burden.

There are many confusing stages in a personal injury claim. That’s why by contacting an experienced car accident lawyer in Indianapolis at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell can be with you every step of the way and help you understand all the Indiana rules of the road. Christie Farrell Lee & Bell has helped our clients fight for what’s fair for 40 years, from insurance claims to lawsuits and all the way to court if necessary.

FAQs About Car Accidents in Indianapolis

How Long Does It Take to Get an Accident Report in Indiana?

In Indiana, an accident report is typically available in 7-10 business days, depending on the details of the crash.

Do You Need a Police Report to File an Insurance Claim in Indianapolis?

The law in Indiana mandates the immediate reporting of accidents causing injury, death, or entrapment to the police or local sheriff’s department. You can file an insurance claim in Indiana without a police report, but if you’re filing a claim against another party’s insurance, the report can be instrumental in providing evidence and documenting any property damage or injuries.

How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident in Indianapolis?

The amount someone can sue for a car accident in Indiana depends on various factors, such as the severity of the injuries, the extent of property damage, and the insurance coverage of the at-fault driver. However, an Indianapolis car accident attorney at Christie Farrell & Lee Bell can help determine the factors that affect a settlement and provide insight into what a specific claim might be worth.

Indianapolis Office

951 N Delaware St Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-593-9202

Call 317-488-5500 to discuss your case. Serious personal injury cases are all we do!