According to the latest reports from the US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 38,824 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2020 alone. Compared to the 2019 figures, the number of fatalities on US roads recorded in 2020 was 6.8% higher. Unfortunately, car accidents can happen at any time. Most are caused by drivers' negligence and failure to comply with safety guidelines. Therefore, victims can seek help from a professional attorney and hold at-fault parties accountable for their actions. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys has served Indianapolis car accident victims for years and is ready to help those who are injured by drivers' recklessness and carelessness. An Indianapolis car accident lawyer from our law firm works tirelessly to get the best possible results for our clients.
Over $1 Billion Recovered
“When you get hurt, you need someone on your side who understands how things work here.”
What Our Clients Have To Say
I have worked with Schuerger Shunnarah twice and they have been very helpful on my personal injury cases. They went above and beyond my expectations and did a great job both times.
- Ashley C.
Schuerger Shunnarah helped me receive a settlement on my case in just months. I was treated with respect and dignity. Thanks to their help, I have been able to get my life back to normal.
- Michael S.
They provided me with excellent service throughout my personal injury case. They were available to answer my questions and helped me understand the process. I am very grateful for them!
- Deshawn B.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Indianapolis
Car accidents can be caused by different factors and circumstances, but most are preventable, as they result from driving errors.
Determining the cause of a car crash is essential to know who was at fault. However, this process can be complex, especially when a party denies responsibility for the incident. Some accidents also resulted from more than one cause.
These are the most common:
Drunk Driving
Unfortunately, many car accidents result from drunk driving, which can cause catastrophic, disabling injuries or even death to victims.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is, historically, one of the most common causes of car accidents in the US. A person who has consumed a considerable amount of alcohol may lose alertness and suffer from reduced reaction time. When this happens, the risk of accidents on the road is higher.
Distracted Driving
In recent years, distracted driving has been another leading cause of car crashes. Using the phone or texting behind the wheel are two of the most common distractions, but there are more.
Some drivers can get distracted and cause accidents by using the radio or GPS, arguing with passengers, eating or drinking, or rubbernecking at roadside sights.
Road Hazards
Other motor vehicle accidents are not caused by driving errors but by external conditions. Poorly maintained and built roads can cause crashes. Other road hazards may include uneven roads, potholes, debris, animals, bumpy edges, and slippery surfaces
Inclement Weather
Unfortunately, poor weather conditions can also cause car accidents. Snow, fog, heavy rain, and ice may fall into this category.
These adverse weather conditions seem unavoidable. However, drivers are required to follow safety rules in these circumstances. Therefore, a driver who causes a crash by failing to reduce speed when it is raining and the road is slippery could be sued.
Car Defects
Defective components or manufacturing defects can result in malfunction and cause a motor vehicle accident.
Car manufacturers are required to comply with different regulations and standards to ensure that their vehicles and other products are safe.
If these companies fail to meet these requirements and cause an accident or injury, victims can take legal action and hold them accountable for negligence.
Should Victims Consider the Cause to File a Car Accident Claim?
Determining the cause is key in a car accident case. In order to prove who was at fault, hold liable parties accountable for their actions, and recover compensation, it is important to show what caused the injury.
Victims must prove that the other party was negligent or reckless and the injury resulted from those actions. Therefore, those who have been injured in an accident caused by other people should work with an experienced attorney to build a strong case with enough evidence to support their claims.
At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we have a professional, seasoned team ready to help those involved in on-the-road incidents and sustained injuries.
Our Indianapolis car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling these claims and are willing to investigate each case thoroughly to establish negligence, prove liability, and help victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Examples of Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents
Depending on the circumstances, a car crash can cause mild to serious injuries. In some cases, the accident is severe and causes catastrophic injuries, resulting in disabilities, disfigurement, and amputation.
However, these are the most common:
-
Burns
-
Lacerations and bruises
-
Concussion
-
Scarring
-
Bleeding
-
Fractures and broken bones
-
Eye damage
-
Broken or bruised ribs
-
Whiplash
-
Heart attack
-
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
-
Spinal cord injuries
-
Soft tissue injuries
-
Loss of limbs
-
Dislocated joint
-
Penetrating injuries
-
Organ damage
-
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
-
And more
Some of the injuries can have life-long consequences and require permanent treatment. As a result, victims may suffer prolonged pain, lose their ability to work and deal with expensive medical or medication bills.
However, those who suffer severe injuries due to other people's negligence or recklessness can file a claim and hold the at-fault party accountable for the accident.
With the help of our Indianapolis car accident attorneys, victims can calculate the extent of their injuries and pursue compensation. We know that those who have been severely injured may face financial trouble, as they must pay expensive medical bills. In some cases, there are also rehabilitation costs.
Therefore, Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is ready to offer the legal counsel victims need to determine the best course of action and recover the compensation they deserve.
Other Practice Areas
Indianapolis injury attorney
Indianapolis truck accident lawyer
Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyers
Indianapolis bicycle accident attorney
Indianapolis pedestrian accident attorneys
Indianapolis construction accident law firm
Indianapolis workers compensation law office
wrongful death lawyer in Indianapolis
slip and fall lawyers in Indianapolis
premises liability attorney in Indianapolis
product liability attorneys in Indianapolis
dog bite law firm in Indianapolis
nursing home abuse law office in Indianapolis
Indianapolis asbestos lawyer
What to Do After a Car Accident
A motor vehicle accident can be one of the most stressful and frustrating experiences for people. After being injured in a crash, victims often feel overwhelmed and have to deal with painful injuries.
However, it is essential to follow a few steps and tips to avoid making mistakes or uninformed decisions that may affect the case, especially if injured parties expect to file claims against other drivers.
Overall, this is what victims should do:
Move to a Safe Place
Health comes first. After an accident, victims should move to a safe place to avoid being further injured by oncoming cars.
Also, those involved in the accident should call the police and emergency services or an ambulance, if necessary.
Get a Medical Checkup
Even if there are no visible wounds or blood, people may have been severely injured. Therefore, seeking medical help is essential.
Sometimes, symptoms appear days, months, or even years later. However, getting prompt professional medical help can prevent injuries from getting worse.
Describe the Accident to Police Officers
Injured parties must also describe the accident to the police and request a report. However, they only have to explain how the crash happened.
Victims should never apologize for the accident since police officers could consider such statements as an admission of fault.
Collect Information
After an on-the-road accident, injured parties should also collect as much information as possible. Taking photos of the accident scene, cars, and injuries can help victims build a solid case.
In addition, injured people must collect information about the other driver's insurance company, their driver's licenses, and phone numbers.
Contact an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney
Finally, victims should seek help from Indianapolis car accident attorneys! Expert lawyers can guide those who have been injured in auto crashes through the legal process to file a claim a hold at-fault parties accountable for their actions.
Filing car accident claims in Indiana and any other US state can be stressful and time-consuming. However, attorneys can handle all related tasks while victims focus on their recovery.
This is what an Indianapolis car accident attorney can do for victims:
-
Investigate the case
-
Collect evidence and interview witnesses
-
Collect important documents, such as police reports and medical bills
-
Negotiate with their own insurance company
-
Handle talks with the other driver's insurance company
-
Prove liability
-
Help them understand their legal rights
-
Design and develop an effective strategy to present the case
-
Prove damages to recover compensation
-
Represent them in court
-
And more!
Client Testimonial
They were polite and really cared throughout the entire process and made me feel like my case was important. I would highly recommend them to anyone that didn’t get a fair offer from the insurance company like me!
- Brian D.
Types of Recoverable Damages in Indianapolis Car Accident Cases
Unexpected, serious injuries come with high expenses, even if victims have comprehensive health insurance coverage. In addition, as mentioned, they may also deal with indirect costs, such as loss of income and earning capacity.
Fortunately, car accident victims can pursue compensation to recover those losses and damages by filing a claim against liable parties. In Indiana, those who have been injured due to someone else's negligence or recklessness can recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
All quantifiable damages or losses that account for monetary expenses, generally verifiable through bills, may fall into this category. These are some of the most common examples:
-
Lost wages
-
Medical bills
-
Future medical expenses
-
Rehabilitation costs
-
Loss of earning capacity
-
Loss of employment
-
Loss of business opportunities
-
Medical equipment costs
-
Property damage
Non-economic Damages
In addition to compensation for monetary expenses, victims may recover subjective or "non-economic" damages. This category includes non-verifiable, non-quantifiable losses related to the injury, such as the following:
-
Pain and suffering
-
Emotional distress
-
Mental anguish
-
Permanent disability
-
Humiliation
-
Disfigurement
-
Scarring
Punitive Damages
Victims can also receive punitive awards if they prove that the defendant or at-fault party showed more than pure negligence when they caused the accident. In these cases, plaintiffs must prove with clear solid evidence that the other drivers acted with gross negligence, oppressiveness, fraud, or malice.
According to Indiana law, claimants can receive up to $50,000 or three times the total compensatory damages, whichever is greater. In addition, plaintiffs may receive only 25% of the total award since the other 75% is allocated to a compensation fund for violent crimes (Indiana Code § 34-51-3-6).
What Is the Role of an Indiana Auto Accident Lawyer?
Indiana car accident lawyers can help victims calculate damages and collect sufficient evidence to prove that their injuries were caused by someone else's negligence or recklessness.
The compensation amount depends on the damages and losses that claimants sustained and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Additionally, if victims manage to prove that at-fault parties acted with malice or fraud, punitive damages can make the total award higher.
Naturally, Indiana car accidents are complex. However, a professional attorney with extensive experience can help victims recover as many types of damages as possible.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys' team knows the intricacies of the legal system and is ready to help those who have been wrongfully injured fight for their rights and recover reasonable compensation. Don't hesitate to contact us!
Indiana Car Accident Info Center
Why Contact Our Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers
At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we have a professional and seasoned team of attorneys willing to help victims after a motor vehicle crash. Our experts know the Indiana legal system and all the intricacies of personal injury law. Therefore, they have the required knowledge and skills to get the best results.
For years, we have helped those who have sustained injuries due to other people's negligence and recklessness. An Indianapolis car accident lawyer from our firm will fight for victims' rights and go the extra mile to recover the compensation they deserve.
Our car accident lawyers are compassionate, experienced, trustworthy, and empathetic. We truly care about our clients' well-being and are willing to fight tirelessly to help them win.
Plus, we understand that results matter. These are some of our achievements:
-
$7,750.00 settlement for a commercial accident
-
$5,000,000 settlement for an 18-wheeler accident
-
$4,500,000 settlement for an 18-wheeler accident
Having to deal with costly medical expenses and high car repair costs is not fair if the accident was caused by someone else. However, with our help, victims can take legal action and hold them accountable for their damages and losses.
Call an Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer from Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Today!
Our law firm has extensive experience handling car accident cases. We're ready to help victims take legal action to recover from this overwhelming experience.
At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we understand that auto accidents can be devastating and change people's lives forever. However, we also know that a well-thought-out legal strategy can help injured people get justice, regain financial stability, and hold at-fault parties accountable for their negligent actions.
Anyone who has been injured in an accident caused by another party has the right to seek legal assistance, and we are here to provide it! Call Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys and get a free consultation today!