Car Accident Lawyer In Northwest Indiana
Protecting Your Rights After a Car Accident
If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you know that the experience is frightening and disorienting — or worse. One minute, you’re heading home; the next, it feels like the world around you is crumbling.
Knowing how to react and respond is sometimes challenging in the immediate aftermath. Shock may even set in, which can lead to scary disorientation. Of course, your priority is to ensure you and others are OK. In the coming days and weeks, you may want to consider discussing your case with a personal injury attorney at Alvarez Law, located in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Indianapolis.
You may be entitled to compensation if your accident involves recklessness or negligence. Our team of experienced lawyers can help you look objectively at the facts and determine the best possible strategy to get you what you deserve. Here’s our short guide on how personal injury attorneys can help.
Call Alvarez Law Offices today at (219) 300-5204 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our car accident attorney in Northwest Indiana!
What To Do After a Car Accident
Experiencing a car accident can be overwhelming, and knowing how to respond can significantly impact your health, safety, and potential compensation. The moments after an accident are vital for safeguarding your well-being and preparing for any legal claims you may want to file. Below are important actions to take right after an accident to help protect yourself and ensure accurate documentation of the incident:
- Always call the police. Even minimal damage may cost more than you would want to pay out of pocket, and some injuries may not be apparent immediately.
- If you think you are injured, tell the police to call for an EMS or go to the nearest ER.
- Give the accident details only to the police and your insurance company. DO NOT admit fault. You do not know all the factors of the accident.
- Once you rule out any injury, exchange insurance information with the other driver(s). If they are unwilling to do so, write down the license plate number(s) of all vehicles involved immediately. Your insurance company and the police can identify the vehicle owner from the license plate number. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- NEVER accept a verbal or written commitment from another party to pay you directly for damage. Often, the damage is much more than they thought, and this is why we have insurance.
- If possible, take detailed photos of all vehicles, especially the part of the vehicle where the impact occurred. You should also get photos of traffic signals and signs, streets, surrounding buildings, landscaping, and other relevant features. This could help to determine liability. After you have done this, move your vehicle to a safe place.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remember all the details accurately.
- You do not have to speak to anyone from the other insurance company.
- You can choose where to get your vehicle fixed; you do not have to go where your insurance company recommends.
- Keep detailed records of everything related to the accident, including medical care and expenses. If you are injured, keep a daily diary of your pain level, limitations, and any other inconveniences caused.
Most importantly, you should always get a medical exam, regardless of your feelings. Some injuries don’t become obvious for a few days. A common injury in a car accident is whiplash, which usually gets worse after a few days. Even a severe injury like a herniated disc may not be immediately apparent. Don’t leave anything out in your discussions with doctors; adding symptoms later may prove problematic.
What to Expect During Your Initial Consultation
At your initial consultation, a personal injury lawyer will collect the facts, seek to understand the available evidence and explain the applicable law. Based on that assessment, the attorney may take the case and begin work immediately.
Our personal injury lawyers at Alvarez Law collect and analyze the accident reports and interview any witnesses. They may hire traffic safety or other experts to reconstruct the accident scene to establish that you weren’t at fault.
Part of the task of personal injury attorneys is to help you gather the necessary records to support your request for compensation. They can advise you on what records to collect to document your injuries properly and any lost wages or related costs that might be covered under personal injury law.
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$15 Million Semi-Truck Accident
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$8.5 Million Semi-Truck Accident
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$4 Million Steel Mill Explosion
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$3.55 Million Injured Tradesmen/Steelworker
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$3 Million Prescription Medical Defect
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$2.5 Million Amputation in Illinois
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents happen for many reasons. Sometimes, they are pure accidents, while other times, they exhibit a reckless disregard for safety. Recklessness and negligence are key elements of a personal injury lawsuit.
Over the years, some of the main causes that we have noticed in our personal injury practice are as follows:
- Texting or other driving distractions.
- Intoxicated driving.
- Tired driving.
- Speeding.
- Unsafe road conditions.
- Defective car parts.
Auto Accident Injuries
There are a number of injuries that could occur as a result of a car accident. They range from superficial scrapes and bruises to catastrophic injuries and paralysis. The most common injuries include:
- Brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries including whiplash
- Broken Bones
- Burns
- Leg or knee injuries
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Everyone that I have spoken with at Alvarez has been polite, positive, & professional. These interactions have inspired my confidence in this firm. It’s reassuring when you’re not well to have a team like this on your side. My attorney, Steven Alvarez a great communicator, very helpful, and kind. He has already been a huge help. I’m grateful I have Alvarez Law working on my behalf.- Lilly P.
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My experience with the Alvarez Law office was outstanding. They took my case and completed it in a timely manner. Ms. Theresa was outstanding with my case and made sure that I had everything I needed. If anyone needs a law firm that would fight for you like no other this is the Law firm for you. Thank you Anna Gallo- Anna G.
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This is a firm you want on your side. They did an amazing job on my car accident case. They really are 24-7. Brandon answered all my questions promptly even on the weekends. Steven got me an amazing settlement. He is the man! He even got my medicals lowered. This is a powerhouse lawyer you want on your side.- Moses V.
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The Alvarez Law Office helped me with a personal injury case and did a superb job. Everyone from the office staff to Walter Alvarez are very personable and friendly. My experience was great. Shout out to Steven Alvarez for a great job! Thank you so much!- Marci W.
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- Hailey S.
Brandon was great at getting back to me and answering all of my questions. It was nice having someone that would answer 24-7 and Attorney Alvarez got me a great resolution on my case.
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Very pleased with this law firm Brandon has kept me updated throughout my case. Brandon and Nicole are Rock Star's. I would definitely encourage anyone to use this law firm. If you want a Rock Star lawyer then Brandon Morford at Alvarez Law that's the guy you need.- James C.
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The whole entire staff IS GREAT from the front desk to the top. Very nice very friendly honest and reliable!- Joseph L.
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I was in an awful wreck in January and I contacted Mr. Alvarez. He has been such a great attorney but an even better friend! From checking up on me and making time for calls with both of our busy schedules. I can honestly say in an awful circumstance Steve Alvarez did his absolute best at all times. I Highly recommend this attorney to anyone!!! Thank you- Collin S.
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The Alvarez Law Office helped me settle a workers compensation case. I am very pleased with the results thus far! Brandon along with the paralegal staff have been very professional and friendly. If you are in need of legal representation, consider Alvarez Law Office. Thank you so much!- Laura J.
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I recommend the Alvarez Law Office; Friendly, helpful, and needful advice and also very knowledgeable regarding workman's comp claims. I appreciated their professional representation and skill.- Faith F.
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Got me more money back than I expected for my injuries! Thanks Alvarez law firm. You guys are awesome!!!- Jerry G.
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The office staff was always polite answering the phones. The paralegals are always there to answer my questions through email or by phone calls it may have taken time to get back to me but just had to be patient. The legal secretary called to go over and make sure I understood what and how it was going to be finalized. Attorney Steve Alvarez not settling and making sure he went the extra mile for me.- Brandy F.
What Compensation Is Available?
If you are seriously injured in an accident, you may be able to recover various forms of compensation to help make you whole financially. The size of your final claim depends on the seriousness of your injuries. You may be able to claim some or all of the following items:
- Emotional suffering.
- Loss of future earnings.
- Cost of medical care.
- Pain from the accident.
- Lost wages, including work missed during lengthy hospital stays and for follow-up treatment.
If a loved one was injured or died in a car accident, you are entitled to compensation for “Loss of Consortium.” What does Loss of Consortium mean? The death or injury of a loved one deprives family members of the affection, companionship, comfort and support they would have experienced were it not for someone else’s negligence. Our legal system compensates the victim’s family members for their loss. Spouses, partners, children and parents are all able to receive compensation due to loss of consortium.
The Importance of Legal Representation in Insurance Negotiations
One of your obligations after an accident is to report the incident to the insurance companies — both your own and the insurer of the other drivers involved. Nothing legally prevents you from having these discussions, but it’s better to let the personal injury attorneys at Alvarez Law handle the discussions for many reasons.
Based on their experience as negotiators, personal injury attorneys can take charge of settlement negotiations and often obtain a larger and fairer offer than you can get on your own.
If settlement negotiations prove fruitless, your next step may be to file a lawsuit. The law restricts the time you have to file; having an attorney will prevent you from missing statutory deadlines.
Even if the car or truck accident was partly your fault, you could still receive some compensation. Based on the available evidence, we could show that another party shares the blame for the accident, and you could receive at least partial compensation.
This usually happens soon after the accident, so the sooner you obtain legal counsel, the better.
Research has shown that self-negotiated settlements are usually much lower than settlements or jury verdicts obtained with an experienced personal injury attorney. Insurance companies understandably want to settle for the lowest amount possible. Often, they will try to close a case early on, either before you can retain counsel or while you are still in recovery.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Indiana
Understanding the statute of limitations is essential when pursuing a car accident claim in Indiana. Generally, Indiana law sets a two-year time limit from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to initiate your claim within this period, you may forfeit your right to seek compensation for any injuries and damages incurred. The statute of limitations serves several important functions:
- Encourages Prompt Action: It motivates injured parties to take timely action, ensuring that evidence is fresh and witnesses can be easily located.
- Protects Defendants: It helps protect defendants from indefinite liability and ensures that claims are resolved within a reasonable timeframe.
Due to the complexities involved in legal processes and the possibility of unique exceptions, it’s wise to seek advice from a qualified personal injury attorney. They can assist you in meeting critical deadlines and managing the intricate details of your case effectively.
At Alvarez Law, our team is committed to helping you comprehend your rights and submitting your claim punctually. Don’t jeopardize your compensation opportunity—contact us for assistance as soon as possible after an accident.
Contact Alvarez Law Offices today to meet with our car accident lawyer in Northwest Indiana!
Get Qualified Personal Injury Counsel
Here are several reasons to hire an attorney:
- Knowledge of All Potential Damages: Knowing how to handle a car accident is not enough. You must know your rights, the full extent of damages, and what constitutes a fair compensation when filing a lawsuit or insurance claim. You may be entitled to compensations for medical expenses, disability, disfigurement, and pain and suffering.
- Deep Knowledge of the Law: It’s quite unlikely that you know all the laws pertaining to your situation. With all the experience car accident lawyers have, they can establish which laws and factors are relevant to your case, as well as provide thorough understanding of those laws and how the local court system interprets them. You’ll need a good lawyer to guide you through a complicated lawsuit.
- Insurance Negotiation: There are many ways the insurer can deny your claim, especially if they think you may be at fault. Attorneys understand what information increases your chances of approval in both first- and third-party claims. If your claim does get denied, a lawyer is also ready to appeal and able to fight for your recovery rights.
- Representation in Court: Filing your case can be hard, but proving your case will be much harder. Rules and formalities can greatly limit what questions you can ask and what kinds of evidence you can present. Convincing the court and jury to side with you may require extensive legal research, and proving liability is extremely difficult on your own.
- Avoid Financial Loss: What happens if you don’t file suit on time? What if you don’t address the right defendant for the right damages? And what about losing your case due to improperly presented information? If this happens, you’ve lost your one shot at recovery and you can’t sue again. You’ll end up without compensation for your damages, and you’ll have to pay all the costs and fees for an accident someone else caused.
Contact Our Northwest Indiana Car Accident Attorney Today
Don’t wait to consult a personal injury lawyer after an accident. Our team at Alvarez Law, which serves Chicago; the surrounding areas of South Bend, Crown Point, Hammond; and Indianapolis, provides experienced personal injury counsel. Our dedicated team and professional staff work hard to ensure that you receive the financial compensation that you deserve for the painful injuries that you suffer in an accident. We take cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover for your injuries.
To learn more or to sign up for a free consultation with our team of car injury lawyers, call us toll-free at (219) 300-5204
