Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Is Not My Fault in Indiana?

You should seek a lawyer for a car accident in Indiana even if it is not your fault. That’s because you need someone to look out for your best interests and ensure you get compensation for your property damage, physical injuries, and inconvenience. 

Some people believe that insurance claims where the police report lists the other party as the one who caused the accident will be simple and straightforward. Regretfully, they are not.

Here’s why you need an attorney for a car accident regardless of who law enforcement lists as the at-fault party in the police report.

1. They’ll Investigate the Accident

While law enforcement might have seen one thing at the accident scene, your attorney might find something different once they dig into the details. For example, a downed road sign, an overgrown bush, or faulty vehicle parts could be the actual accident cause and not a negligent driver.

Or, perhaps law enforcement did not arrive at the accident scene due to resource constraints during rush hour and there is no documented proof of who was at fault. 

When this happens, you need a resource who will do in-depth research and crash analysis to protect your best interests and ensure the insurance company pays your bills.

2. They’ll Negotiate a Fair Settlement

The insurance company is not going to factor in the expense of your missed work or pain and suffering for you automatically. And they might try to close out your claim before you know the full extent of your injuries and their related bills. 

An attorney will ensure that these things do not happen. Your attorney knows a good timeline for accepting a settlement and will negotiate to maximize your award. There is no specific formula for calculating a fair settlement amount for pain and suffering, but your attorney knows some ways to prove that number and get the insurance company to agree to a fair amount.

3. They’ll Take on the Task of Talking to the Insurance Company

Dealing with communication with the insurance company after a car accident can feel like a full-time job. And yet you’re supposed to be focused on getting better and returning your life to normal. That’s all very challenging when you have to meet with adjusters, answer phone calls, and provide documentation of your claim, and related issues.

An attorney will handle all of this for you. You’ll still need to make sure you’re keeping all invoices and receipts for your medical care but you’ll be providing them to your attorney instead of the insurance company. 

You can focus on resting and healing with less stress knowing that your attorney has everything under control with insurance company communication.

4. They’ll Pull Together Clear Evidence

As time goes on, pulling together evidence will become harder because you’ll struggle to find proof, and witness accounts might get a little fuzzy.

An attorney goes to work quickly to pull together evidence before the case goes cold. Clear evidence will make for a more open and shut case. The more compelling the evidence, the more likely the insurance company will be to settle your case.

5. The Insurance Company Will Conduct Their Own Investigation to Determine Fault

Although you believe you were not at fault for the accident, the insurance company might try to present evidence otherwise. Without a legal representative on your side, you’ll struggle to refute that. You really need someone on your side to ensure you say and do the right things to protect your case.

The sooner after a car accident that you talk to an attorney, the better. Stewart & Stewart offers a free consultation to guide you in understanding what to expect after a car accident and things to look out for when dealing with the insurance company. Schedule your free consultation now.