If you answered no, now would be a good time to review the state statute that explains what your legal obligations are under the law as Indiana State Troopers will be conducting a state-wide patrol targeting those who violate it. Read more
Here’s some good news for parents in Indiana: Car accident-related child fatalities are on the decline. According to the Indiana University Public Policy Institute, which tracks police-reported road accidents around the state, four children were killed per 1,000 people involved in crashes in 2016. That reflects a 14-percent annual decline since 2012.
The scene of a car accident can be a confusing and nerve-racking place for everyone involved, but there are steps you have to take immediately after a collision to strengthen your subsequent claim and avoid criminal charges. Losing your head in the heat of the moment may be tempting – especially if another driver’s negligence caused your crash – but making any misguided statements could reduce your chance of recovering fair compensation for your losses.
If you were involved in a crash with a negligent driver who then left without providing their details or waiting for the authorities to arrive, contact a Gary personal injury attorney at Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC to discuss your case. Our car accident lawyers have won several multi-million dollar cases for our clients. Call 219-769-2900 to schedule a free consultation.
Am I Allowed to Leave the Scene of a Car Accident in Indiana?
After a car accident, you should find a safe spot to pull over and then determine if anyone was injured. If you were directly involved in the crash, Indiana law requires you to exchange your contact and car registration information with the other driver, and if there were any injuries or property damage worth $1,000 or more, you must contact the police.
You can be charged with a felony for committing a hit and run in a crash that resulted in serious or fatal injuries. If there were no injuries involved, failing to stop and exchange your contact information can result in misdemeanor charges.
Here is a brief breakdown of the information you should exchange with the other driver at the scene:
If you were involved in a crash and you have questions about your rights and responsibilities, a personal injury attorney at Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC can provide the guidance you need. Over the past 30 years, we have built a strong reputation litigating complex, high-value personal injury and wrongful death cases. Call 219-769-2900 to schedule your free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers today. To learn more about car accident claims in Indiana, visit USAttorneys.com.
Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC
1499 Martin Luther King Drive, #64215
Gary, IN 46401
219-769-2900
When it comes to collision claims, Indiana is a tort state, which means the liable parties are ultimately responsible for any damages that result. Before accident victims can recover compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, though, they must prove the defendant was directly responsible for the damages they incurred.
There are various ways to prove liability in a crash. Evidence that might contribute to a case includes dash cam recordings, eyewitness testimony, and official police reports.
If you were hurt in an accident, a seasoned injury attorney can help you obtain such footage and documents; however, there is one element you need to handle before even leaving the scene. If you are well enough to walk around after the incident, it is essential to photograph the collision from all angles before responders clear the wreckage.
Fortunately, this is one of the few aspects that you need to tackle alone when building an injury claim. As soon as you hire an attorney, you can focus on your health while your legal team takes over the case.
If you need a personal injury lawyer in Gary, turn to Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC. We combine the personalized attention of a small practice with the resources of a powerhouse law firm. Call 219-769-2900 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Read on to learn what kinds of elements you should capture when photographing an accident scene:
When documenting a crash scene, it’s easy to overlook smaller details like skid marks and broken glass. After taking a few wide-angle shots, walk around the vehicles and look for small debris that could reveal important details regarding what might have happened.
Unfortunately, you cannot trust that the other motorists were being entirely honest when they gave you their names, phone numbers, or insurance information. For an extra layer of protection, capture the license plate of every vehicle involved in the crash so you have an alternate way to identify the liable parties.
You should photograph driver’s licenses for the same reason you are documenting plates; however, if the other motorists object, do not press the issue. Instead, you can try obtaining this information from the officers who respond to the scene. The other parties may not be obligated to work with you, but they must cooperate with the police.
The way items are splayed inside each vehicle can reveal a lot about what happened just before and during the crash. There may also be signs of injury worth capturing, like broken glass, blood, and other debris.
If you were hurt in a motor vehicle collision and need help gathering additional proof of liability, turn to Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact us online or call 219-769-2900 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Gary. You can learn more about car accident claims in Indiana by visiting the USAttorneys website.
Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC
1499 Martin Luther King Drive, #64215
Gary, IN 46401
219-769-2900
According to FOX Business, the average person files a collision claim with their auto insurance provider once every 18 years. That means even though car accidents are common, they are not so common that virtually everyone is well versed in the claims process.
In fact, many people who get hurt in motor vehicle collisions have no experience with legal proceedings whatsoever and do not know what to look for in a lawyer. Since their family’s financial security is at stake, though, it is essential that they find someone who will protect their best interests every step of the way.
If you sustained injuries in a car crash that was not your fault and want to sue the liable party, you can rely on Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC for personalized, attentive, and unparalleled legal guidance. Our legal team is here to help people put their lives back together. Visit our website at www.marshallslaw.com to learn more, or call 219-769-2900 to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney in Gary.
Read on to learn what kinds of qualities you should value in an accident lawyer:
General practice firms can be helpful if you need general legal advice or notarized documents, but when you have a specific issue, it is wise to turn to a firm that has a more central focus. Attorneys that limit their practice to just a few areas have more applicable experience and ultimately develop a more comprehensive understanding of all the statutes, regulations, precedents, and proceedings that might affect their clients.
Personal injury law is a fairly broad practice area that encompasses everything from medical malpractice to wrongful death. As a result, it may not be enough to find a firm that only practices personal injury law. At the end of the day, you want to find a lawyer who has extensive experience resolving cases just like yours.
Does the firm have the resources to take on even the largest insurance companies and motor carriers? Do the attorneys have the confidence to negotiate for sizable settlements on behalf of their clients? If past success is any indicator of future success, you should consider a firm’s history of verdicts when searching for an attorney.
You might want a lawyer who will be aggressive with the opposing party, but when it comes to your own interactions, look for someone who knows how to put you at ease. Recovering from serious injuries can make anyone feel vulnerable, and you deserve a warm and compassionate attorney during such a stressful time.
If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer in Gary who has all of the above qualities, turn to Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC. We have a reputation for tough litigation and a strategy for winning substantial settlement and verdicts.
Contact us online or call 219-769-2900 to schedule a free consultation. You can learn more about personal injury claims in Indiana by visiting USAttorneys.com.
Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC
1499 Martin Luther King Drive #64215
Gary, IN 46401
219-769-2900
If you sustain injuries in a motor vehicle collision, the costs associated with treating them may surprise you. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each emergency department (ED) visit for crash-related injuries totals an average of $3,300.
The precise statistics vary from source to source, but researchers agree that the single most common cause of car accidents in the U.S. is driver error. According to the Center for Internet and Society, driver error is at least partially responsible for roughly 90 percent of all motor vehicle collisions in this country.
If you sustain injuries in a motor vehicle collision, the costs associated with treating them may surprise you. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each emergency department (ED) visit for crash-related injuries totals an average of $3,300.
After a serious collision, the unanticipated costs of treating your injuries can add up quickly. In addition to ambulance fees and hospital bills, accident victims often have to worry about the financial impact of missing work for an extended period of time.
According to ABC7 Eyewitness News, a sideswipe crash that flipped an SUV ultimately resulted in two fatalities after subsequent collisions occurred at the scene. The wrecks happened on Interstate 80/94 in Gary shortly after 4 a.m. on a Saturday in February.
