After a car accident in Indianapolis, Indiana, ask yourself: “Would doing X help my case?” If yes, then you should do so. If not, then refrain. It’s that simple.
Perhaps most importantly, you should consider partnering with a car accident lawyer from our firm. They can investigate your collision, calculate your losses, and pursue what you need through a settlement or lawsuit.
Visit a Healthcare Provider to Ensure You are Well (and Secure Evidence)
Car accidents can cause broken bones, sprains, and strains. Many times, these injuries are evident at the accident scene. However, some conditions, like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord trauma, do not immediately show symptoms. It could take weeks before you notice anything awry.
By seeking medical care:
- You draw a clear line between your accident and your injuries
- You get medical care that could better your condition
- You get documentation to “prove” your case such as lab test results and imaging scans
Follow Through with Care Recommendations from Your Medical Care Team
Seeking medical attention is just one piece of the puzzle. In addition to visiting a doctor, you should follow through with your prescribed treatment plan. This shows the insurer that you did everything to better your condition. Moreover, it shows that your actions didn’t make your injuries worse.
Unless a medical professional recommends otherwise, you should:
- Take all medications as prescribed.
- Attend all physical therapy sessions.
- Refrain from strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting.
- Use assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and crutches.
- Consider taking time off work.
Your doctor can provide other recommendations than those listed here.
For a free legal consultation, call 317-636-7777
Gather Your Case’s Documentation
Every successful car accident case has one thing in common: supporting evidence. The more supporting evidence you have, the stronger your case becomes. We encourage you to keep:
- A copy of the accident report (you can request one from Indy.gov)
- Your medical treatment records, including your medications’ names
- Invoices and billing statements related to your damages
- Photos of your vehicle’s damage and your injuries
- Written correspondence between yourself and the liable insurance company
Refrain from Giving the Claims Adjuster a Recorded Statement
The claims adjuster may ask you to give a recorded statement in the days following your collision. This is not your opportunity to share your side of the story. Instead, it gives the claims adjuster information they can use to discredit your case.
You only have to provide the insurance company with basic information, such as your name, driver’s license number, and other relevant details. Beyond that, you don’t have to share anything.
When you partner with our team, we’ll handle all communications with the liable insurance company for you. Refer the claims adjuster to your legal team if you’re asked to give a recorded statement.
Click to contact our What to Do After a Car Accident in Indianapolis, Indiana today
Limit What You Share on Social Media to Protect Your Claim
After a car accident in Indianapolis, Indiana, you should not post about the event on social media. You should avoid:
- Uploading photos of yourself–even if they’re several years old
- Privately messaging the involved parties
- Posting statuses and updates about the accident
You don’t have to deactivate your accounts. You can still see what other people are posting. However, we recommend not actively using your account and rechecking your privacy settings.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Request a Copy of the Police Report and Check Its Information
Earlier, we mentioned that securing a copy of the police report can help your case. However, you should take matters further and check this document for completion and accuracy. Police officers aren’t infallible, and even a small mistake can delay your case’s progression for weeks.
After securing the police report, check:
- The location of the crash
- The time and date the incident occurred
- The names of the involved parties (including your own)
- Your license plate number and insurance information
Keep a “Pain Journal,” So You Don’t Forget How the Accident Affected You
Your personal testimony carries a lot of weight, and you want to provide an accurate account of what happened in the days following your accident. This involves keeping something called a “pain journal.” Either in a physical diary or digital document, you should record:
- The dates of your doctors’ appointments
- Your day-to-day pain levels
- The names of your medications and how often you took them
- Any updates on your claim
- The cost of your damages
- Your emotional state
You should also document your missed time from work. This will help your lawyer calculate your lost income.
Consider Legal Representation, So You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone
You don’t have to navigate the post-accident landscape alone. You can partner with an attorney from our team who handles car accident cases. Working with a lawyer affords these benefits:
You’ll Have Someone to Manage the Claims Process for You
When claims adjusters work with injured individuals, they think they can get away with anything. They might refuse to answer your phone calls or insist that you filed your claim incorrectly.
Matters change when you have a lawyer on your side. A lawyer can file your case’s paperwork accurately and on time, negotiate a fair offer, and send your demand letter. While you focus on feeling better, they can handle everything the insurance claims process requires.
Many Lawyers Work on a Contingency-Fee Basis
Many car accident attorneys handle cases on a contingency-fee basis. Here, injured claimants pay nothing up front or out of pocket for legal aid. A portion of their settlements pay for their attorneys’ help.
Since 1985, we’ve served clients on a contingency-fee basis. This lets people in dire financial straits afford legal aid. Furthermore, if your case doesn’t succeed, you pay nothing.
Pro se Representation Doesn’t Always Benefit Injured People
Many injured claimants represent themselves pro se – or without legal representation to save costs. Unless you have an intricate understanding of Indiana civil law, pro se representation may not benefit you. Per the American Bar Association (ABA), some risks that come with pro se representation include:
- You might not understand courtroom procedure or protocol.
- You might miss important deadlines (such as your case’s statute of limitations).
- You risk saying or doing something that could jeopardize your case’s outcome.
Because so many lawyers work on contingency, there is no need to forgo legal aid. As mentioned, our firm can handle your case at no upfront or out-of-pocket cost.
Call Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. to Learn More About How We Can Help
If you’re curious about what you should do after a car accident in Indianapolis, call Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. We provide comprehensive legal services to those who need it most. Dial (317) 720-3229 to get started.
Call or text 317-636-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
