PRACTICE AREAS

A car accident can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Even a minor crash can become stressful when insurance companies, medical bills, and vehicle repairs enter the picture.

At Siesky Law, we help people in Evansville and throughout Indiana understand their rights after an accident. If you have been involved in a crash, taking the right steps immediately can help protect your health and your ability to pursue compensation.

Stay at the Scene

First, stay at the accident scene. Leaving before it is appropriate can create serious legal problems.

Move your vehicle to a safe location if you can do so without making the situation more dangerous. Turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and your passengers for injuries.

If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Even when injuries appear minor, getting medical attention is important.

Call the Police

Next, contact the police and report the accident. An officer can document what happened, speak with the drivers and witnesses, and prepare an accident report.

Be honest when talking with the officer. However, avoid guessing about what caused the crash or saying that the accident was your fault.

Sometimes injuries do not become noticeable until hours or even days later. Therefore, do not assume that you are fine simply because you feel okay immediately after the collision.

Exchange Information

You should exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, phone number, driver's license information, insurance company, and policy information.

Also, write down the make, model, and license plate number of the other vehicle.

If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information as well. Their statements could become important later if the circumstances of the accident are disputed.

Take Pictures and Document the Scene

If you are physically able, take pictures of the accident scene. Photograph the vehicles, damage, roadway, traffic signs, skid marks, and surrounding area.

Additionally, take pictures of any visible injuries. Keep copies of the police report, medical records, repair estimates, insurance correspondence, and other documents related to the accident.

Your phone can be especially helpful during this process. A few minutes spent documenting the scene may provide valuable evidence later.

Get Medical Treatment

Do not ignore pain or other symptoms after a collision. Some injuries may not be obvious right away.

Follow your doctor's recommendations and keep your medical appointments. Furthermore, keep track of medical expenses, missed work, medications, and other costs connected to the accident.

Following through with treatment can also help create a clear record of your injuries.

Be Careful With Insurance Companies

You will probably hear from an insurance company after the accident. You should provide the information required to handle your claim, but be careful about giving recorded statements or agreeing to a settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries and losses.

Insurance companies have their own interests to protect. Consequently, you should not feel pressured to accept an offer simply because it is presented quickly.

Talk With an Indiana Car Accident Attorney

Finally, consider speaking with an experienced Indiana car accident attorney if you were injured or your accident involves significant property damage.

At Siesky Law, we can review the circumstances of your crash, explain your legal options, and help you understand what may be involved in pursuing compensation.

If you or a family member has been injured in a car accident in Evansville or elsewhere in Indiana, contact Siesky Law to discuss your situation. The sooner you understand your rights, the better prepared you can be for the steps ahead.

If you were hurt in a car accident in Indiana, you may be wondering how long you have to file a claim. The answer is generally two years. Indiana law gives you two years to bring a lawsuit for injuries or damage caused by an accident.

However, waiting that long is rarely a good idea. The sooner you start working on your case, the easier it can be to gather important evidence and protect your rights.

Indiana's Two-Year Deadline

Under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, an action for an injury to a person or personal property generally must be started within two years after the cause of action accrues.

For a typical car accident, that means the two-year period usually begins when the accident and resulting injury occur. Indiana courts have applied this rule to motor vehicle accident cases.

Importantly, filing an insurance claim is not the same as filing a lawsuit. You may communicate with an insurance company shortly after an accident, but that does not necessarily preserve your right to file a lawsuit indefinitely.

Therefore, it is important to know the deadline that applies to your particular situation.

Why You Should Not Wait

Two years might sound like plenty of time. Nevertheless, a lot can happen during that period.

Medical bills can continue to arrive. Your treatment may take months. In addition, you may not know the full extent of your injuries right away.

Meanwhile, evidence can become harder to find. Witnesses may forget details. Photos can be lost. Accident reports and medical records may need to be collected and reviewed.

For that reason, contacting an Indiana car accident attorney early can help you understand your options.

What If You Were Not Seriously Hurt at First?

Some car accident injuries are not immediately obvious. Pain and other symptoms may develop hours or even days after a crash.

Because of that, you should seek medical attention if you experience symptoms after an accident. Keep copies of your medical records and bills. Also, follow your doctor's recommendations.

Additionally, tell your attorney about any changes in your condition. New information about your injuries may affect your claim.

What About Damage to Your Vehicle?

Indiana's two-year statute also covers injury to personal property. That can include claims involving damage to your vehicle.

Even so, property damage and personal injury claims can involve different issues. Your insurance coverage, the other driver's insurance, liability, and the circumstances of the crash can all matter.

Talk to Siesky Law About Your Accident

At Siesky Law, we understand that a car accident can leave you with more questions than answers. You may be dealing with medical treatment, lost wages, vehicle damage, and an insurance company at the same time.

We help people understand their legal options after accidents in Evansville and throughout Indiana.

Most importantly, don't assume you have plenty of time simply because Indiana generally provides two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Exceptions and special circumstances can affect deadlines.

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, contact Siesky Law as soon as possible. We can review the circumstances of your accident and help you understand the deadlines and legal options that may apply to your case.

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. Finding out the other driver does not have insurance can make the situation even more frustrating.

At Siesky Law, we help people in Evansville and throughout Indiana understand their options after a crash. If the at-fault driver has no insurance, you may still have a way to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.

Indiana Requires Auto Insurance

Indiana law requires drivers to carry financial responsibility for accidents they cause. However, some people drive without the required insurance.

Unfortunately, you may not discover that the other driver is uninsured until after the accident. That is why it is important to get the driver's insurance information, license plate number, and other details at the scene when it is safe to do so.

You should also call the police after a serious accident. The police report can provide important information about the crash and the drivers involved.

Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage May Help

If the other driver does not have insurance, your own auto insurance policy may provide coverage through uninsured motorist coverage.

This coverage is designed to help when you are injured in an accident caused by a driver who has no liability insurance. Depending on your policy and circumstances, it may help pay for losses related to your injuries.

Furthermore, Indiana law generally requires auto insurance policies to include uninsured motorist coverage unless it has been properly rejected in writing. The exact coverage available to you depends on your policy.

That means you should not assume you have no options simply because the other driver has no insurance.

What If the Driver Has Some Insurance?

Sometimes, the problem is not that the other driver has no insurance. Instead, they may not have enough coverage to pay for your losses.

This is known as an underinsured motorist claim.

For example, your medical expenses and other losses could be greater than the amount of liability insurance available from the other driver. In that situation, your own underinsured motorist coverage may provide additional protection, depending on your policy.

Because insurance policies can be complicated, reviewing the coverage carefully is important.

Do Not Give Up on Your Claim

Being hit by an uninsured driver does not automatically mean you are responsible for your own losses.

Medical bills can add up quickly after a serious accident. You may also miss work while recovering. In addition, you could face ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and other expenses.

Meanwhile, an insurance company may ask you to provide a recorded statement or sign documents. Before agreeing to anything, it can be helpful to understand your rights and what you may be entitled to recover.

At Siesky Law, we can investigate the accident, review the available insurance coverage, and help determine what options may be available.

Contact Siesky Law After an Accident

An uninsured driver can make an already difficult situation more complicated. Fortunately, you may have options through your own insurance policy.

If you were injured in a car accident in Evansville or elsewhere in Indiana, contact Siesky Law to discuss your situation. We can help you understand your rights and the potential sources of compensation available to you.

The sooner you address an uninsured motorist claim, the sooner you can understand your legal options and take steps to protect your interests.

Not every car accident is completely one-sided. Sometimes, both drivers may have played a role in what happened. If you were partially at fault for an accident in Indiana, you may wonder whether you can still recover money for your injuries.

The answer is often yes.

Indiana follows a comparative fault system. This means your percentage of responsibility can affect the amount of compensation you may receive. However, being partly responsible does not automatically prevent you from bringing a claim.

How Comparative Fault Works

Indiana uses what is called modified comparative fault. Under this system, your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

For example, imagine you suffered $100,000 in damages after a car accident. If you were found to be 20% responsible for the crash, your compensation could be reduced by 20%.

In that situation, the amount would be $80,000.

However, Indiana has an important rule. If you are more than 50% at fault, you generally cannot recover damages under Indiana's comparative fault law.

Therefore, determining how much responsibility belongs to each driver can be extremely important.

What If Both Drivers Made Mistakes?

Accidents can happen for many reasons. Perhaps another driver was speeding, while you were following too closely. Maybe you changed lanes when you should not have, but the other driver was also distracted.

Those details matter.

Insurance companies may try to place a large percentage of the blame on you. Their determination, however, is not necessarily the final word on your legal claim.

At Siesky Law, we look at the circumstances surrounding the accident. That can include the police report, photographs, witness statements, traffic laws, medical records, vehicle damage, and other evidence.

Additionally, we consider what the other driver was doing before the collision.

Don't Assume You Cannot Recover Compensation

After an accident, you may think, "I was partly responsible, so I don't have a case." That is not necessarily true.

Even if you made a mistake, the other driver may have contributed to the crash as well. Your percentage of fault can make a significant difference.

For that reason, it is important to understand the facts before accepting an insurance company's assessment of responsibility.

Medical expenses are often only part of the picture. Depending on your circumstances, damages may also involve lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the accident.

Evidence Can Make a Difference

The details of an accident can become harder to establish as time passes. Witnesses may forget what they saw. Photos can be lost. Important records may become more difficult to obtain.

Because of this, gathering evidence early can be helpful.

If you were involved in a crash, take photographs when it is safe. Keep copies of medical bills and other records. Also, save information about missed work and other expenses caused by the accident.

Most importantly, be careful about admitting fault before all the facts are known. Saying that you are sorry at the scene may feel natural, but the circumstances may be more complicated than they initially appear.

Talk to Siesky Law

Being partially at fault does not necessarily mean you have to handle everything on your own.

At Siesky Law, we help injured people in Evansville and throughout Indiana understand their legal options after an accident. We can review what happened and explain how Indiana's comparative fault rules may apply to your situation.

If you were injured in a car accident and believe you may have contributed to the crash, contact Siesky Law. Understanding your rights early can help you make informed decisions about your claim.

After a car accident, you can expect to hear from an insurance company. Sometimes, the call comes from your own insurer. Other times, it may be from the other driver's insurance company.

You may wonder, "Should I talk to them?"

The answer depends on the circumstances of your accident. In general, you should cooperate with your own insurance company as required by your policy. However, you should be careful about giving statements to the other driver's insurance company, especially if you were injured.

At Siesky Law, we help people in Evansville and throughout Indiana understand what to do after a crash.

Be Careful What You Say

Insurance adjusters have a job to do. They investigate accidents and evaluate claims. However, the conversation may not always work in your favor.

For example, an adjuster may ask how the accident happened. You might casually say that you were "fine" after the crash because you did not realize you were injured yet.

Unfortunately, some injuries do not show up immediately.

Similarly, you may describe the accident before you have had a chance to review the police report or speak with witnesses. A simple statement can sometimes be taken out of context.

Therefore, it is important to stick to the facts. Avoid guessing about what happened. Never exaggerate your injuries, but do not minimize them either.

What About the Other Driver's Insurance Company?

If the other driver caused the accident, their insurance company may contact you. The adjuster may ask for a recorded statement or request access to medical records.

You are not necessarily required to provide everything they request simply because they ask.

In fact, giving a recorded statement without understanding how it may be used can create unnecessary problems. The insurance company may be looking for information that could affect its evaluation of your claim.

Instead, consider speaking with an attorney before providing a recorded statement about your injuries or the circumstances of the crash.

You Still Need to Report the Accident

Being cautious with an insurance company does not mean ignoring your responsibilities.

You should notify your own insurance company about an accident according to the requirements of your policy. Provide accurate information about when and where the crash happened.

Also, keep your communication factual and straightforward.

Meanwhile, gather important documents. Keep the accident report, photographs, medical bills, repair estimates, and information about any missed work.

These records can help establish what happened and how the accident affected you.

Don't Accept a Settlement Too Quickly

An insurance company may offer you a settlement soon after an accident. While receiving an offer may seem helpful, it does not necessarily mean the amount covers all of your losses.

Your medical treatment may still be ongoing. Furthermore, you may not yet know whether you will need additional treatment or miss more time from work.

Once you accept a settlement, you may give up your ability to pursue additional compensation for the same claim.

For that reason, understand what you are signing before accepting an offer.

Talk to Siesky Law

A car accident can leave you dealing with injuries, medical bills, vehicle repairs, and insurance questions all at once. You should not have to figure everything out by yourself.

At Siesky Law, we help injured people in Evansville and throughout Indiana understand their rights after an accident. We can review your situation, explain your options, and help you determine how to communicate with the insurance companies involved.

If an insurance company contacts you after an accident, take a moment before agreeing to a recorded statement or settlement. Getting legal advice early can help you understand your options and protect your interests.

After a car accident, one of the first questions many people ask us is, "How much is my case worth?"

That is a fair question. Unfortunately, there is no simple dollar amount that applies to every accident.

Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on your injuries, financial losses, insurance coverage, and the circumstances of the crash. Therefore, an attorney needs to look at the details before giving you a realistic idea of what your case may be worth.

At Siesky Law, we help people in Evansville and throughout Indiana understand their legal options after a car accident.

What Factors Affect a Car Accident Claim?

Several factors can affect the value of your case.

First, the severity of your injuries is important. A broken bone may require weeks or months of treatment. A more serious injury could require surgery, rehabilitation, or ongoing medical care.

Your medical expenses also matter. These can include emergency room visits, doctor's appointments, physical therapy, prescriptions, and other necessary treatment.

Additionally, your future medical needs may be part of the picture. Some injuries continue to affect people long after the initial accident.

Lost Wages Can Add Up

An accident can affect more than your health. You may also miss work while recovering.

If you cannot work because of your injuries, lost income may be considered as part of your damages. In some cases, an injury can affect your ability to return to the same job or earn the same income in the future.

For that reason, keeping records of missed work and lost income can be helpful.

Pain and Suffering May Matter

Not every loss comes with a receipt.

A serious accident can cause physical pain, emotional distress, inconvenience, and disruption to your normal life. Depending on the circumstances, these effects may be considered when determining damages.

However, there is no standard calculator that tells you exactly what pain and suffering is worth. The nature of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and the effect on your daily life can all matter.

Insurance Coverage Makes a Difference

Another important factor is the amount and type of insurance coverage available.

The other driver may have liability insurance. In some cases, however, the available coverage may not be enough to fully compensate you for your losses.

Your own policy may also include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Consequently, reviewing all available insurance coverage can be an important part of evaluating your claim.

Your Role in the Accident Matters

Indiana also considers comparative fault in personal injury cases.

If you are found partially responsible for an accident, your percentage of fault can affect the amount of compensation you may recover. Therefore, determining what each driver did before the crash can be important.

Evidence such as photographs, police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other documentation may help establish what happened.

Don't Let a Quick Settlement Determine Your Case's Value

Sometimes an insurance company makes an early settlement offer. Although receiving money quickly can be tempting, the first offer may not reflect the full extent of your losses.

Your treatment may still be ongoing. Furthermore, you may not yet know how your injuries will affect you in the future.

Before accepting a settlement, make sure you understand what you are giving up.

Talk to Siesky Law

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, "How much is my car accident case worth?"

At Siesky Law, we look at the specific facts of your accident and the losses you have experienced. Our goal is to help you understand your legal options and make informed decisions about your claim.

If you were injured in a car accident in Evansville or elsewhere in Indiana, contact Siesky Law to discuss your situation. The sooner you understand your options, the better prepared you can be to protect your interests.

A car accident can affect much more than your vehicle. You may have medical bills, missed work, and injuries that make everyday activities difficult. On top of that, you may be dealing with pain and uncertainty about what happens next.

If another driver caused your accident, you may be able to recover compensation for several types of damages. At Siesky Law, we help people in Evansville and throughout Indiana understand their options after a serious car accident.

Medical Expenses

Medical treatment is one of the most common expenses following a crash. Depending on your injuries, you may need emergency care, doctor's visits, physical therapy, prescription medication, or even surgery.

Additionally, some injuries require ongoing treatment. Future medical expenses may be considered when determining the damages in a personal injury claim.

Keep your medical bills, receipts, and other treatment records. These documents can help show how the accident affected you financially.

Lost Wages and Income

An injury can also keep you away from work. Missing several days may create financial problems. A longer recovery can have an even greater impact.

Lost wages may be part of your claim when your injuries prevent you from working. In some cases, an injury may also affect your ability to earn income in the future.

Therefore, keep records of missed work and any income you lost because of the accident.

Pain and Suffering

Not every loss comes with a bill attached.

A serious accident can cause physical pain and emotional distress. You may have difficulty sleeping, participating in activities you enjoy, or handling normal responsibilities.

Pain and suffering may be considered as part of a personal injury claim. However, there is no simple formula that determines what these damages are worth.

The circumstances of your injury and the effect it has had on your life can be important factors.

Property Damage

Your vehicle may also be damaged in the crash. Depending on the circumstances and available insurance coverage, compensation may be available for damage to your vehicle and other personal property.

Indiana's Department of Insurance explains that auto policies can include property-damage liability, collision coverage, and other types of protection.

Furthermore, Indiana requires minimum liability coverage for drivers, although the amount of insurance available in a particular accident can vary.

Other Losses May Apply

Every accident is different. Consequently, the damages available in your case will depend on your specific circumstances.

For example, you may have expenses related to transportation while your vehicle is being repaired. You could also have other financial losses connected to your injuries.

Your insurance coverage matters, too. Indiana requires auto policies to include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage unless the coverage is rejected in writing.

What If I Was Partially at Fault?

Being partly responsible for an accident does not necessarily mean you cannot recover compensation.

Indiana uses a modified comparative fault system. Generally, your recovery can be reduced based on your percentage of fault. If your fault is greater than the combined fault of the other parties, however, you may be barred from recovering damages.

That is why the facts surrounding the accident matter.

Talk to Siesky Law

There is no single answer to the question, "What damages can I recover after a car accident?"

Your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, property damage, insurance coverage, and other circumstances can all play a role.

At Siesky Law, we help injured people in Evansville and throughout Indiana understand their legal options. We can review the details of your accident and explain what types of compensation may be available.

If you were injured in a car accident, do not assume you have to handle the insurance company on your own. Contact Siesky Law to discuss your situation and learn more about your options.

A rear-end collision can seem like a minor accident at first. Sometimes, however, even a low-speed crash can cause serious injuries. Whiplash, back injuries, concussions, and other problems may not become obvious until hours or days later.

If another driver hit you from behind and you were injured, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.

At Siesky Law, we help people in Evansville and throughout Indiana understand their rights after car accidents. Every case is different, so the circumstances of your particular crash matter.

Who Is At Fault in a Rear-End Collision?

In many rear-end crashes, the driver who strikes the vehicle in front is considered responsible. Following too closely, distracted driving, speeding, or failing to stop can all contribute to a collision.

Nevertheless, fault is not automatically decided simply because one vehicle hit another from behind.

The circumstances of the accident still need to be examined. For example, the lead driver could have stopped suddenly, changed lanes improperly, or done something else that contributed to the crash.

Evidence can help determine what actually happened.

What If I Was Partially at Fault?

Indiana uses a modified comparative fault system for many personal injury cases. If you are partly responsible for your injuries, your percentage of fault can reduce the amount you recover.

For example, suppose your damages total $100,000 and you are found to be 20% at fault. Your recovery could be reduced by that percentage.

However, Indiana law generally bars recovery when a claimant's fault is greater than the combined fault of the other people responsible for the damages.

Therefore, determining how much responsibility belongs to each person can be an important part of your case.

What Damages Could I Recover?

An injured person may have several types of losses after a rear-end collision.

Medical expenses are often a major part of a claim. These could include emergency treatment, doctor's appointments, physical therapy, medication, and other necessary care.

Lost wages can also become an issue if your injuries prevent you from working. Furthermore, some injuries can affect your ability to earn income in the future.

Pain and suffering may also be considered. An accident can affect your daily life in ways that do not appear on a medical bill.

Additionally, property damage may be part of the situation. Your vehicle could require repairs or replacement after a serious rear-end collision.

What Should I Do After the Crash?

First, seek medical attention if you are injured or develop symptoms after the accident. Some injuries can take time to become noticeable.

Next, document the accident when it is safe to do so. Take photographs of the vehicles, roadway, traffic conditions, and visible injuries.

Also, keep copies of your medical records and bills. Information about missed work can be useful as well.

Meanwhile, be careful when discussing fault with an insurance company. You should provide accurate information, but avoid guessing about details you do not know.

Talk to Siesky Law

You do not have to decide whether you have a case based only on the fact that you were rear-ended.

At Siesky Law, we can review the circumstances of your collision and help you understand your legal options. We serve injured people in Evansville and throughout Indiana.

If another driver rear-ended you and you suffered injuries, contact Siesky Law to discuss what happened. Getting advice early can help you understand your rights and the steps you may need to take.

A car accident can happen in just a few seconds. Afterward, you may be focused on your injuries, your vehicle, and figuring out what to do next.

However, the evidence from the accident can become very important later. Photos can disappear. Witnesses can forget details. Even your own memory of the crash can change over time.

At Siesky Law, we help people in Evansville and throughout Indiana understand their rights after a car accident. One of the best things you can do after a crash is preserve as much information as possible.

Take Photos of the Accident

Pictures can tell the story of an accident in a way that words sometimes cannot.

When it is safe, photograph both vehicles. Take pictures of the damage from different angles. Also, photograph the road, traffic signs, traffic lights, skid marks, debris, weather conditions, and anything else that may have contributed to the crash.

Make sure you take pictures of your injuries, too. If swelling or bruising develops later, continue taking photographs as your injuries change.

Additionally, keep the original photographs on your phone or another secure location.

Get the Police Report

If police respond to the accident, make sure you obtain a copy of the accident report when it becomes available.

The report may contain information about the drivers, vehicles, location, witnesses, insurance information, and the officer's observations.

While a police report is important, it is not necessarily the only evidence that matters. Other information may provide additional details about what happened.

Save Medical Records and Bills

Your medical treatment is another important part of your accident claim.

Keep records from the emergency room, doctors, specialists, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers. Save your medical bills and receipts as well.

Furthermore, follow your healthcare provider's recommendations and attend scheduled appointments. Gaps in treatment may raise questions about your injuries and recovery.

If your symptoms change, make sure your healthcare provider knows.

Document Missed Work

An accident can affect your paycheck as well as your health.

If you miss work because of your injuries, keep track of the dates you were unable to work. Pay stubs, employer records, and other documentation can help establish lost income.

Similarly, keep information about other expenses caused by the accident.

Keep Insurance Information

Save all correspondence from insurance companies. That includes letters, emails, text messages, and other communications.

You should also keep copies of your insurance policy and information about the other driver's insurance.

If an insurance adjuster asks you to provide a recorded statement or sign a document, consider getting legal advice before doing so.

Find Witnesses

People who saw the accident may have information that can help explain what happened.

If possible, get the names and contact information of witnesses at the scene. Do not pressure anyone to take a particular side. Simply preserve their information so it can be contacted later if necessary.

Nearby businesses or homes may also have security cameras that captured the accident. Video footage can sometimes be overwritten quickly, so identifying potential cameras early can be important.

Keep a Record of Your Recovery

Your injuries may affect your everyday life in ways that are difficult to explain later.

Consider keeping a simple journal about your pain, treatment, sleep, activities you cannot do, and other changes caused by your injuries.

Those details can help document how the accident has affected your daily life.

Talk to Siesky Law

Evidence can make a significant difference after a car accident. The more information that is preserved, the easier it may be to understand what happened.

At Siesky Law, we help injured people in Evansville and throughout Indiana navigate the aftermath of car accidents. We can review the available evidence and help you understand your legal options.

If you were injured in a crash, do not wait until important evidence is gone. Contact Siesky Law to discuss your accident and the steps you can take to protect your claim.