Understanding Your Rights in a Merrillville Car Accident Case

After a car accident in Merrillville, you need to protect your recovery. A car accident lawyer in Merrillville, IN can help you understand your rights and how they apply to your specific situation. Your lawyer will also help you bring a strong claim for the full compensation you’re owed for your losses. 

Your Basic Right: Compensation

Indiana is a modified comparative negligence state, meaning you can recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault. Your final award is reduced by the same percentage as your fault, however, and if you’re 51% or more at fault, you can’t recover anything, even if the other driver also contributed to the accident. 

You can get compensation for your medical bills, any lost wages or salary (or compensation for sick days or vacation you had to use), your lost future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. 

Your Right to a Merrillville, IN Car Accident Lawyer

While the other party in the accident may urge you to just settle things in cash on the spot or offer to pay for your medical bills and car repair personally, it’s never wise to take them up on this. You don’t know what the full amount of damages will be, and it’s never a good idea to not report an accident to the authorities and insurance. It’s also important to talk to a lawyer. 

An experienced lawyer has been down this road with many people and will be able to quickly and accurately value your claim, gather evidence, and bring a strong case on your behalf. Most people who have a lawyer on their side for personal injury cases come away with a bigger final award than those who don’t, even after attorney’s fees are accounted for. 

Your Right to Gather and Use Evidence

You have the right to get evidence at the scene, and the other driver shouldn’t try to stop you. This includes getting personal and vehicle information from the other driver, getting pictures and taking video, calling the police so you have a police report, and getting contact information from witnesses. You also have the right to notify the at-fault driver’s insurance company (though your insurer will usually do this once you notify them) to make sure you’ve had your say. 

Just remember that insurance adjusters often ask questions that are designed to shift blame or minimize your injuries, as that’s in their best interests. When you make the initial call to the insurance company, give only the basics, with no unnecessary information and no attempt to assign blame. Then let your lawyer handle all further communication to protect your rights.

Call us today at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. in Dyer, IN today for a free consultation. We’re known throughout the region for our client communication and tailored strategies for northwest Indiana accident victims. We’re committed to understanding what makes your case unique and delivering solutions that fit your situation. 

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