Steps to Take After Suffering a Car Accident in Richmond

In the distressing moments after a car accident, it’s normal to feel a surge of adrenaline and confusion. You may be worried about your well-being, the condition of your vehicle, or the legal implications of the incident.

Understanding the necessary steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident can provide some clarity in the middle of the chaos. These steps are not only essential for your safety and health but also play a significant role in setting a strong personal injury claim, should you decide to pursue one.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this challenging situation:

  1. Ensure Safety: Prioritize the safety of all involved. Move to a safe spot if possible and contact emergency services.
  2. Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of how minor your injuries might seem, it’s crucial to get medical attention. A doctor’s report will serve as crucial evidence when claiming compensation.
  3. Report the Accident: According to Indiana Code § 9-26-1-1.1, you’re legally obliged to report any accident with injuries, death, or property damage exceeding $1000 to the police.
  4. Gather Information: Collect relevant information, including the other driver’s contact and insurance details, witness contact details, and photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damages.
  5. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Richmond: Reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. They can guide you on the next steps, handle communication with insurance companies, and help protect your rights.

If you follow these steps, it’s easier to ensure you will have a strong case in hand once a personal injury lawyer can gather all the necessary evidence.

Type of Injuries Related to Car Accidents

With Indiana’s roads witnessing thousands of traffic collisions in a year, the prevalence of car accident injuries is alarmingly high. In fact, according to Indiana Traffic Safety, there were over 200,000 traffic collisions in Indiana in a year and many of these involved dangerous driving and negligence. 

These injuries vary significantly in their nature and severity, ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to debilitating conditions that can leave an individual permanently impaired. But the trauma extends beyond the physical sphere, often triggering emotional and psychological effects that can be equally, if not more, challenging to navigate.

After decades of experience with car accident victims, we can say these are the most common injuries we claim for:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries: The forceful impact of a car crash can cause serious head injuries, leading to long-term cognitive issues.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal injuries can lead to paralysis and loss of sensation, significantly affecting a person’s quality of life.
  • Broken Bones and Fractures: High-impact collisions can lead to broken bones, requiring extensive medical intervention and rehabilitation.
  • Whiplash: Rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, common in rear-end collisions, can cause whiplash, leading to neck pain and stiffness.
  • Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Car accidents can also lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

We believe it’s critical to recognize the comprehensive scope of these injuries when pursuing a personal injury claim and our attorneys are committed to advocating for a settlement that fully acknowledges and compensates for your suffering.

Recoverable Damages You Can Claim in a Car Accident Lawsuit

After an accident, you may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens. But according to Indiana Laws, accident victims can pursue a range of economic and non-economic damages to help mitigate these costs.

Economic Damages

These are quantifiable costs that arise directly from the accident. They reflect the financial damages caused by the accident and include:

  • Medical Expenses: All costs related to medical care fall into this category. It includes the cost of emergency room visits, hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical costs that stem from your injuries. 

This category also covers the costs of medical aids and necessary home adaptations if severe injuries demand them.

  • Lost Wages: If your injuries hinder your ability to work, leading to lost income, you can seek compensation for these lost wages. This compensation accounts for the money you would have earned had the accident not occurred.
  • Loss of Future Earnings: If your injuries are so severe that they impair your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to recover the potential earnings you’ve lost. This is particularly applicable in cases where victims suffer permanent disabilities that diminish their future earning capacity.

Non-Economic Damages

Unlike economic damages, these are intangible costs that don’t have a direct monetary value. However, they significantly impact a victim’s life and therefore, warrant compensation. These damages include:

  • Pain and Suffering: This accounts for the physical pain and emotional anguish endured as a result of the accident and injuries. It can also cover any future physical discomfort or mental distress that arises from the injuries.
  • Loss of Consortium: When injuries adversely affect your relationship with your spouse or family, you could seek compensation for loss of consortium.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injuries hinder your ability to engage in activities and hobbies that you enjoyed before the accident, you might be entitled to compensation for this loss.

In certain egregious situations where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly harmful or reckless, Indiana law allows for the pursuit of punitive damages, which is a type of compensation meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from committing similar acts in the future.

Proving Negligence and Holding Responsible Parties Accountable

It’s important to mention that under Indiana’s modified comparative fault law (Indiana Code § 34-51-2-5), you can recover damages in a car accident lawsuit if you are less than 51% at fault. 

Proving negligence typically requires demonstrating that the other party had a duty of care, breached this duty, and this breach caused your injuries.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Richmond to Claim Compensation

Proving negligence to claim a fair amount of compensation can be challenging. A personal injury lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by:

  • Evaluating your claim and estimating its worth
  • Collecting and preserving vital evidence
  • Negotiating with insurance companies
  • Representing you in court, if necessary

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we are committed to delivering the best possible outcome for your case. We are here to hear your story, analyze the evidence you can provide, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Our lawyers that handle these types of cases

Lee C. Christie

Lee C. Christie

Katherine M. Marshall

Katherine M. Marshall