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Merrillville Car Accident Attorneys

When you face the aftermath of a car accident in Merrillville, having a seasoned local attorney by your side is crucial. At Langer & Langer, our team of dedicated auto accident lawyers brings over 100 years of combined experience to your case. We understand the complexities of car accident claims and are committed to advocating for your rights.

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Understanding Car Accidents In Merrillville

Merrillville sees a significant number of car accidents each year, impacting many lives. Local roads and intersections can be hazardous, and accidents often lead to serious injuries or fatalities. In 2021, Merrillville saw five fatal car accidents, with many more accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries.

Being aware of where accidents commonly occur in Merrillville can help drivers stay alert on these roads or avoid them entirely. These are some of the most dangerous intersections in Merrillville:

  • SR 53 (Broadway) and US 30 (81st Ave.)
  • SR 55 (Taft) and US 30 (Lincoln Highway)
  • Mississippi St. and US 30 (80th Ave.)

Intersections are often especially dangerous due to vehicles coming from multiple directions, the varying speeds of drivers and their failure to yield. Distracted driving at intersections can also cause serious accidents. Steering clear of these Merrillville locations can help you stay out of harm’s way, but if you must pass through these spots, exercise caution.

Why Choose Our Merrillville Car Accident Lawyers

Our firm has a longstanding commitment to the Merrillville community. We have extensive experience handling car accident cases and a deep understanding of local laws and regulations. This experience allows us to provide exceptional legal representation and sound guidance to our clients. Alongside our extensive knowledge of car accident laws in Indiana, we offer a personalized and professional approach that can be hard to find elsewhere. We recognize that your situation is unique to you, and we can adapt our strategies and approach to match the specifics of your case. From the moment we meet, we gather every piece of information about your case and listen closely to your concerns. Once we have what we need, we will fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve. That way, we can handle the tough stuff while you focus on recovering.

Steps To Take After A Car Accident In Merrillville

If you are involved in a car accident, the first steps are critical:

  1. Ensure your safety and that of others.
  2. Take photos and videos of the accident scene.
  3. Collect the information of the other parties involved, such as the other driver.
  4. Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries and even when you do not notice symptoms right away.
  5. Contact a car accident attorney in Merrillville before speaking with insurance companies. This can protect your rights and ensure you do not settle for less than what you deserve.

Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Merrillville

These are some of the most common factors that contribute to accidents, crashes and collisions in our city:

Distracted driving: This can involve more than just texting behind the wheel. Distracted driving can include anything that takes your attention away from the road, like eating, drinking, talking or even billboards.

Speeding: While Indiana has a reputation for having some of America’s most responsible drivers, that doesn’t mean everyone follows the rules. Plenty of people still drive over the speed limit in Indiana, which can increase the risk of getting in a serious accident.

Drunk driving: Driving while intoxicated can have dangerous consequences for drivers who are following the rules. Since alcohol can severely impair people’s decision-making and reasoning, their actions could result in serious, in some cases, fatal, injuries.

Reckless driving: This type of driving can take many forms. Whether it involves weaving lanes without signaling, ignoring traffic laws, street racing or road rage, it can put other motorists and pedestrians in severe danger.

Inclement weather: Indiana is known for severe weather, and Merrillville isn’t immune. Snow, rain showers, thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds can make driving much more difficult. That’s why exercising caution during weather hazards is so important.

Road conditions: Potholes, cracks, construction and other factors can make road conditions more dangerous. If drivers are not paying attention, they could be in a serious accident.

These are only a few examples. If you have any specific questions about your situation and want to know how we can help, call us at 219-464-3246.

How Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help

Navigating the personal injury legal process after a car accident in Merrillville can be daunting. Our attorneys are experienced in dealing with insurance companies and are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary. We strive to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Our knowledgeable car accident lawyers will:

  • Deal with insurance companies who only care about their own interests.
  • Keep you informed every step of the way as your case progresses.
  • Gather all the proper evidence to support your claim and help prove the other party was at fault.
  • Hire necessary experts, such as medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists, to paint a full picture of your accident and prove the other driver’s negligence.
  • Take your case to trial if necessary to help you achieve the maximum compensation possible.

Working with a skilled attorney can only benefit you after an accident. While you focus on healing, let our lawyers build a strong case that will achieve positive results.

Types Of Compensation Available To You

In Indiana, you may be entitled to compensation after a serious car accident and injury. Seeking compensation can help cover the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Physical or emotional therapy
  • Lost quality of life
  • The cost of care and support services for temporary or permanent disabilities

Every accident and injury is different. Our attorneys will carefully consider every aspect of your case to determine how deeply your injury has impacted your life. You deserve to hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions by pursuing compensation that can help you recover and adjust to your new life with your injury, especially if your injury has long-term or permanent consequences. Our Merrillville car accident lawyers will guide you through the legal options available for your specific case.

What Happens In A Car Accident Lawsuit?

Understanding how car accident lawsuits work can help you feel more prepared as your case progresses. While most claims settle before trial, knowing what to expect gives you valuable insight into how your attorney will handle your case.

The process typically begins when your attorney files a formal complaint with the court, outlining your allegations against the at-fault driver, including how their negligence injured you and the damages you seek. Once filed, the defendant must be served with the complaint, officially notifying them of the legal action.

After receiving the complaint, the defendant’s insurance company will assign an attorney who will file an answer addressing each allegation in your complaint, either admitting or denying responsibility. The response may also include counterclaims or affirmative defenses attempting to shift blame to you or reduce their liability.

The discovery phase follows, which is critical for your case. During discovery, both sides exchange information through document requests, written interrogatories and depositions. Your attorney will collect evidence such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements and expert opinions. The defendant’s side will request similar information and may ask you to undergo an independent medical examination.

For car accident cases specifically, attorneys often seek additional evidence, including:

  • Black box data from vehicles involved
  • Traffic camera footage
  • Cellphone records
  • Maintenance records for the vehicles
  • Employment records if claiming lost wages

Depositions are particularly important during discovery. These formal question-and-answer sessions occur under oath and are recorded by a court reporter. Your lawyer will prepare you for your deposition, as your testimony can significantly impact your case’s outcome.

After discovery concludes, settlement negotiations typically intensify. Your attorney will present evidence supporting your claim to the insurance company and demand appropriate compensation. Most cases are resolved at this stage through direct negotiations or mediation, where a neutral third party helps facilitate an agreement.

If settlement efforts fail, your case proceeds to trial. During trial, both sides present opening statements, call witnesses, introduce evidence and make closing arguments. For Indiana car accident cases, you must prove the other driver’s negligence caused your injuries and demonstrate the extent of your damages.

The timeline for a car accident lawsuit varies based on case complexity, court schedules and whether settlement occurs. While simple cases might resolve in months, more complex cases involving serious injuries can take a year or longer to conclude.

Local Resources For Residents Of Merrillville

For additional support, here are some local resources:

Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation

Do not navigate your car accident claim alone. Contact Langer & Langer today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled car wreck lawyer. Call us at 219-464-3246 or fill out our online contact form.

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