Best Car Accident Lawyers in South Bend

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in South Bend, Indiana?

  South Bend Police Department's non-emergency number is (574) 235-9201.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in South Bend, Indiana?

  Visit the SBPD Records Bureau to request an accident report or incident/offense police record in person. The SBPD Records Bureau is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To request an accident report, you need to provide your report number, the report date, and the driver's or car owner's last name.

• Do vehicle accidents in South Bend have a statute of limitations?

  Indiana allows two years to file a civil lawsuit for South Bend’s accident-related harms and monetary damages. The deadline for filing claims may occasionally be extended. The two-year time limit does not apply if a minor was hurt in an Indiana car accident; instead, it begins on the victim's eighteenth birthday. Also, if you have a physical or mental condition, you have until the day your legal disability status is revoked to file your paperwork. Additionally, if the injured person dies within those first two years, the statute of limitations will extend another eighteen months from the date of death.

• What proof can you provide to show that your pre-existing injury worsened following a South Bend crash?

  To prove the aggravation of your pre-existing injury after the South Bend accident, you can show your prior medical documents to demonstrate the healing progress of the injury before the accident worsened it. Your attorney may also be able to utilize your employment records to show that you had to take time off or limit your workload to accommodate an injury that did not previously give you problems. Furthermore, witness testimony might strengthen an accident claim. Witnesses to your distress may also be helpful. These witnesses may compare your injuries before and after the collision.

• What should you do if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in South Bend?

  Individuals who have been involved in hit-and-run accidents are understandably confused and scared about their situations. Some persons may be able to get away with committing hit-and-run charges without ever being apprehended. You should perform the following after a hit-and-run accident in South Bend:

  • Always come to a complete stop at the scene of the accident or as close to it as feasible.
  • Report the accident to the local police or law enforcement agency.
  • Even if there are no visible injuries, seek medical assistance.
  • Share information such as names, addresses, and car registration numbers with third parties.
  • Speak with a car accident attorney.

• Where are most of car accidents in South Bend reported?

  According to recent data, several traffic accidents and fatal collisions were reported in the following areas of South Bend. These include Francis Street and Arthur Street, Jefferson Boulevard and 26th Street, Diamond Avenue and California Street, State Road 23, Pierce Road, Twyckenham Drive, IN-2 and Quince Road, and Inwood Road.

• What should you do if a driver without insurance hits your car in South Bend?

  If the at-fault driver is uninsured and you have UMI coverage, you must submit an uninsured motorist claim with your insurer and present proof of the other driver's negligence. After a car collision in South Bend, it's crucial to call the police so they can submit a report along with getting the medical attention you require. Your claim might be approved based on the police report. Additionally, you might need to consult a lawyer if your insurance provider denies your claim.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.