Car Accident Attorneys In Bloomington, Indiana
Car accidents are a tragic yet commonplace reality. They lead to major physical, emotional and financial distress to those involved. If you or someone you care about was injured in a car accident, having experienced legal representation can make all the difference in securing compensation.
At Langer & Langer, we are committed to helping you with the twists and turns of a car accident claim. Our Monroe County personal injury attorneys have served the community with integrity since 1980. With more than 100 collective years of experience, they are the team on which you can rely to help you following a major car crash.
The Dangerous Crashes That Can Affect Indiana Drivers
Just about every driver will experience a minor car accident. Major accidents, however, are another story. A major car accident can permanently impact your life and those of your loved ones. Just a few common motor vehicle accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions: These occur when one car hits the back of another car.
- Head-on collisions: When two cars hit each other front to front. These are some of the most dangerous types of accidents and often cause fatal injuries.
- Side-impact crashes: Also known as T-bone collisions. The front or rear of one vehicle hits the other on the side.
- Sideswipe collisions: When the sides of two vehicles scrape along each other.
These are merely a few examples. When our personal injury lawyers understand the type of accident you endured, they can put together a strong approach for your claim.
What Are The Most Common Injuries In Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Car crashes can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. In our practice, we have seen dozens of different types of injuries. Examples of the most common ones are:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Amputation of limbs
- Disfigurement
- Partial paralysis (paraplegia)
- Total paralysis (quadriplegia)
- Road rash
- Organ damage
These injuries can have long-term effects on your health and quality of life. No matter what type of catastrophic injury you suffered, you should seek medical attention immediately. Then, you should consult a knowledgeable attorney about protecting your rights.
Allies For The Car Accident Victims Of Bloomington
Our law office is based in Valparaiso; we feel honored to also serve clients in Bloomington, Elkhart and nearby communities. Major highways such as State Road 37 and State Road 46 are crucial routes but also hotspots for traffic accidents. The presence of nearby hospitals like IU Health Bloomington Hospital ensures that accident victims can receive immediate medical care. Our attorneys understand the local landscape and are well-versed in the most dangerous roadways in Bloomington, such as the intersections along Walnut Street and Kirkwood Avenue. Having counsel who understands these nuances can prove pivotal in your case.
What Elements Must Be Present For A Successful Car Accident Claim?
Not every car crash will lead to an actionable lawsuit. To pursue a car accident claim successfully, you must have several elements present:
- Negligence: Demonstrating that the other party’s negligence caused the accident.
- Causation: Establishing that the accident directly caused your injuries.
- Damages: Providing evidence of the financial, physical and emotional damages you have suffered.
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. This means that you need to act quickly. When you have a lawyer, they can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies and build a compelling case in a timely manner.
What Damages Can You Sue For In A Car Accident Claim?
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to various types of damages through a personal injury claim. They include:
- Economic damages: These are tangible losses with specific monetary values, including medical expenses, lost wages and property damage. The provided compensation helps cover the expenses for the damages incurred in the accident.
- Noneconomic damages: These compensate for subjective, non-monetary losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of consortium. Calculating these damages can be complex since they are not tied to receipts or bills. Attorneys often use methods such as the “multiplier method,” where economic damages are multiplied by a factor (based on the severity of the case) to determine fair compensation.
- Punitive damages: In cases of egregious negligence or intentional misconduct, Indiana courts may award punitive damages to penalize the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. However, these are relatively rare and subject to specific limitations. Indiana law caps punitive damages at three times the amount of compensatory damages or $50,000, whichever is greater. Additionally, only 25% of the punitive damages awarded go to the victim, with the remaining 75% allocated to the state’s Violent Crime Victims Compensation Fund.
Indiana operates under a “modified comparative fault” system. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If you are partially responsible, your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your total damages amount to $10,000, you would be eligible to receive $8,000.
In Indiana, you have a two-year window from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to initiate legal action within this period may forfeit your right to seek compensation, potentially leaving you with severe financial strain and emotional distress.
The aftermath of your car accident can flow more smoothly if you understand the damages you can claim. Our Bloomington personal injury attorneys can provide guidance tailored to your situation and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Reach Out To A Bloomington Car Accident Lawyer For Help And Care
At Langer & Langer, we put our clients first. Our team is ready to help you navigate the aftermath of a car accident and fight for compensation. Contact us at 219-246-4759 or email us to schedule a free case evaluation.