Dedicated Representation for Indiana Drivers Since 1913
If your day was suddenly shattered by a car crash on I-65, a distracted driver in downtown Indianapolis, or a collision near the Purdue campus in Lafayette, you are likely feeling overwhelmed. Between car repairs, insurance calls, and the physical pain of your injuries, the path forward is rarely clear.
At Vaughan & Vaughan, we have been guiding Hoosiers through injury-related challenges for over a century. Since our doors first opened in 1913, we have built a reputation for being aggressive, fearless advocates for those injured by someone else’s negligence.
When you partner with us, you aren’t just getting a legal representative—you’re getting a family team with three generations of trial experience. As your Indiana personal injury lawyer, we’re dedicated to helping you recover every dollar you deserve.
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
Why Trust Vaughan & Vaughan With Your Car Accident Claim?
Not all personal injury firms are created equal. The decisions you make immediately after a crash can affect your financial security for decades. Here is why Indiana families have trusted us for over 100 years:
- Elite Courtroom Credibility: Attorney Charles V. Vaughan is Board-Certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Practice Advocacy. This credential is held by fewer than 20 lawyers in Indiana. It signifies that he has passed a rigorous testing process and demonstrated a level of trial expertise that few other attorneys can claim.
- Commercial Truck Operational Insight: Attorney Charles J. Vaughan’s Class A CDL doesn’t just help with truck accidents. It gives him a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics, blind spots, and stopping distances—technical knowledge that can be critical in proving fault in complex multi-vehicle car crashes.
- A Fearless Heritage: We don’t back down. From our early days as local advocates to our firm’s historical involvement in landmark cases, we have a proven history of fighting for what is right, regardless of the opponent’s size or resources.
- No Out-of-Pocket Costs: We handle all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. We get paid only when we recover compensation for you.
- 24/7 Support: We know that accidents don’t happen on a schedule. We are available to answer your call any time, day or night.
There is no fee
unless you win
What Money Damages Can I Recover in Indiana?
When we file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf, we are seeking “damages”—financial compensation intended to help you recover after an accident. Because we take an aggressive approach, we look beyond your immediate bills to identify every way this accident has impacted your life. We may demand:
Economic Damages (Measurable Financial Losses)
- Current and Future Medical Expenses: This includes your initial ER visit, surgeries, diagnostic tests (like MRIs), medications, and medical equipment. We also calculate the cost of future care, including ongoing physical therapy and home modifications.
- Lost Wages and Benefits: We fight to recover the income you lost while hospitalized or recovering at home.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous career or working at all, we seek compensation for the lifetime of income you have lost.
Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life Impacts)
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the actual physical pain caused by your injuries.
- Mental Anguish: Accidents often lead to PTSD, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and depression.
- Loss of Consortium: In cases of severe injury, the spouse of the victim may be entitled to damages for the loss of companionship and support.
- Disfigurement and Permanent Impairment: If an accident leaves you with permanent scars or the loss of use of a limb, we seek significant damages after a car accident to account for that lifelong change.
Important Indiana Laws: The Statute of Limitations and Comparative Fault
Indiana car accident laws are strict. If you do not follow these rules, you could be permanently barred from recovering any money, regardless of how badly you were hurt or how obviously someone else was to blame.
The Two-Year Statute of Limitations
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for most car accident claims is two years from the date of the crash. While two years might seem like a long time, building a winning case takes months of investigation, gathering medical records, and negotiating with insurers. If you wait until the last minute, crucial evidence such as traffic camera footage or witness statements may be lost.
Modified Comparative Fault (The 51% Rule)
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, provided you are not more than 50% at fault.
If a jury determines you were 20% responsible for a crash (perhaps for traveling slightly over the speed limit), your total award will be reduced by 20%. However, if you are found 51% or more at fault, the law prohibits you from recovering a single penny. Our job is to prove the other driver’s negligence in a car accident to minimize your fault and maximize your compensation.
Common Car Accident Injuries We Handle
Car accidents exert incredible force on the human body. Our team is experienced in handling cases involving complex medical evidence and long-term recovery needs. We represent clients suffering from:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From “mild” concussions to life-altering cognitive impairment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Including paralysis, herniated discs, and chronic nerve damage.
- Bone Fractures: Breaks in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis that often require surgical hardware.
- Internal Organ Damage: Life-threatening internal bleeding or damage to the lungs, spleen, or kidneys caused by blunt force trauma.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Severe whiplash, ligament tears, and tendon damage that can result in long-term mobility issues.
- Catastrophic Burns: Often resulting from vehicle fires or airbag deployments.
How Much Is Your Car Accident Case Worth?
In the wake of a crash, medical bills arrive quickly, but the true cost of an accident often reveals itself over months or even years. We work with medical professionals and financial experts to determine the full value of your claim, which may include:
- Immediate and Future Medical Costs: Including ER visits, imaging (MRIs/CT scans), surgery, and long-term physical therapy.
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal items damaged in the crash.
- Lost Income: Wages lost during recovery and the loss of future earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous line of work.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical agony and emotional trauma that follows a serious wreck.
Because no two crashes are alike, and no two accident victims suffer the same losses, it’s impossible to state an average car accident value. During a free consultation with our team, we will listen to your story and determine the value of your unique claim.
We Understand Indiana’s Dangerous Roadways and How to Hold Careless Drivers Accountable
Whether you are navigating the heavy commuter traffic of I-465 in Indianapolis, traveling the Hoosier Heartland Highway, or driving near the Lafayette/West Lafayette hub, the risk of a crash is ever-present. From the congestion around Lucas Oil Stadium to the high-speed traffic on US-52, Indiana roads see thousands of injuries every year.
We handle car accident cases involving a wide range of negligent behaviors, including:
- Distracted Driving: Texting while driving is a leading cause of rear-end collisions on Indiana streets.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving: We take a hard stand against those who put our community at risk by driving under the influence.
- Aggressive Driving and Speeding: High-speed impacts often lead to catastrophic injuries, such as Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and spinal cord damage.
- Uber, Lyft, and Rideshare Crashes: These cases involve complex insurance layers that require an experienced legal eye to navigate.
We Fight Back Against Insurance Tactics
Insurance companies are big corporations focused on their bottom line. They often use “deny, delay, and defend” strategies to avoid paying the full value of a claim. They may try to pressure you into a quick settlement before you even know the long-term impact of your injuries.
At Vaughan & Vaughan, we handle the insurance adjusters so you can focus on healing. Because of Attorney Charles V. Vaughan’s litigation board certifications, insurers know that if they don’t offer a fair car accident settlement, we are ready and capable of taking them to trial.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Indiana
The moments and days following a crash are chaotic, but your actions during this time can determine whether you will be fully compensated or left footing the bill yourself. To protect your rights under Indiana law, follow these steps:
- Notify Law Enforcement Immediately: In Indiana, you are legally required to report any accident involving injury or property damage exceeding $1,000. If police do not come to the scene, you must file a Citizen’s Accident Report with the BMV within 10 days to protect your driving privileges and your legal claim.
- Document the Scene with a “Legal Eye”: Beyond simple photos of the cars, capture evidence that proves fault. Take wide shots of the entire intersection, pictures of skid marks, and any obscured stop signs or malfunctioning signals. If there were witnesses, secure their contact information immediately; their independent testimony is often the “silver bullet” in a disputed liability case.
- Seek “Total-Body” Medical Clearance: Even if you feel “fine” due to the surge of adrenaline, you must be evaluated by a professional. Internal injuries, “whiplash” disc herniations, and concussions often have a delayed onset. Medical records created immediately after the crash are the only way to prevent an insurance adjuster from claiming your injuries were caused by something else later.
- Do Not Apologize or Give Recorded Statements: In the heat of the moment, a simple “I’m sorry” can be legally twisted into an admission of fault. Similarly, the other driver’s insurance company may call you for a “friendly” statement. Refuse to discuss the accident or your injuries until you have spoken with our team.
- Preserve Electronic Evidence: Modern vehicles often contain “black box” or Event Data Recorders (EDR) that capture speed, braking, and steering data in the seconds leading up to a crash. This evidence can be overwritten quickly. By contacting Vaughan & Vaughan immediately, we can take steps to legally preserve this digital data before it is lost forever.
- Maintain Absolute Social Media Silence: Do not post that you are “okay” or share photos of the accident. Insurance investigators actively monitor social media to find any evidence that suggests your life hasn’t been significantly impacted by the crash. Wait until your case is resolved before sharing any details online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Indiana Car Accident Claims
What if I was a passenger in the car that caused the accident?
As a passenger, you almost never bear responsibility for the crash. You have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills and lost wages through the insurance policy of the driver of the car you were in, or the other driver involved, depending on who was at fault in car accident. We can help you navigate these sensitive situations, especially if the driver was a friend or family member.
The insurance company offered me a settlement check right away. Should I take it?
We strongly advise against it. Initial “lowball” offers are rarely enough to cover the long-term costs of medical treatment and lost income. Once you sign a release and accept a check, you cannot ask for more money later if your injuries worsen. Let us review the offer first to ensure it truly covers your needs.
Does my car insurance cover me if the other driver had no insurance?
If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy, you can file a claim with your insurance provider to cover your losses. In Indiana, insurers are required to offer this coverage unless it is rejected in writing. We can review your policy to determine the options available for your recovery.
Can I still file a claim if there was no damage to my car, but I am in pain?
Yes. Modern vehicles are designed to absorb impact, but that energy is often transferred to the occupants. Serious neck and back injuries, such as disc herniations or whiplash, can occur even in low-impact collisions. If you are experiencing pain, you deserve a medical evaluation and legal representation regardless of the state of your vehicle.
Contact the Fearless Indiana Car Accident Lawyers at Vaughan & Vaughan Today
Don’t let an insurance company dictate the quality of your recovery. Trust a firm with over 110 years of history and elite board certification to protect your future.
Contact Vaughan & Vaughan today at (765) 742-0056 or fill out our online contact form for a free, 24/7 consultation.
