Interstate accidents often result in catastrophic damages. Because these types of crashes frequently occur at high speeds, the chances of injury are severe. If you suffered an injury in an interstate accident due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the damages you incurred. At the law offices of Vaughan & Vaughan, our Indianapolis car accident attorneys have been helping injury victims recover the money they need for over a century. Learn more about how we can help you during a free consultation with one of our experienced Indianapolis interstate accident attorneys. Call or complete our contact form to get started today.
Steps an Indianapolis Interstate Accident Attorney Will Take on Your Case
There are many actions your lawyer will take to help you recover the compensation you deserve after an interstate accident. One of the first things you can expect your attorney to do is begin investigating your case to determine who is liable for your damages while gathering evidence that supports your compensation claim. Your lawyer will then determine what damages you qualify to claim and the full value of your case. They will then either file an insurance claim against the at-fault party’s provider or submit the paperwork necessary to sue the responsible party directly. When attempting to recover money through a lawsuit, your lawyer will complete all the steps in the legal process, including arguing your case in court should it make it that far. However, due to the fact that your Indianapolis accident lawyer will also be working to negotiate a fair settlement deal, it is unlikely that your case will ever make it to trial.Settling Vs. Going to Court
The vast majority of interstate accident lawsuits end up settling rather than going to trial. While you can recover more money if you win in court, the benefits of settling often outweigh the possibility of a bigger payday. Reaching a settlement deal allows you to recover compensation quickly without worrying about the unpredictability of a trial. Settling a case is typically in the defense's best interest as well, as a settlement means less money in legal fees and the ability to avoid unwanted media coverage. Unfortunately, sometimes a trial is necessary. If you and the liable party are unable to come to terms on a deal, your case will be decided in the courtroom.Make Sure to Submit Your Interstate Accident Lawsuit Before the Deadline
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Indiana requires that accident victims file their lawsuits within two years of the accident. Failing to file before this deadline passes could result in the loss of your right to pursue damages from the liable party. While the statute of limitations is set in most cases, it can be altered in certain situations. The specific details surrounding your accident could permit you to file even if the standard deadline has long passed. However, while the deadline can be extended, it can also be shortened. Under certain circumstances, you may find that you only have a matter of months to file rather than the typical two years. Hiring an experienced interstate accident lawyer in Indianapolis soon after your collision is the best way to avoid a surprise deadline.Damages You Can Claim in an Interstate Accident Case
If you were the victim of an interstate accident, there are many damages you can attempt to recover from the liable party. Unfortunately, identifying all the damages that apply can be difficult. However, an experienced attorney can easily determine which damages apply to your case and help you recover the full compensation you are entitled to. All recoverable damages are divided into three main sections.Economic Damages
All financial losses related to your accident fit into this section. Economic damages are typically easy to quantify since they measure monetary losses with dollar figures attached. Among the most frequently claimed economic damages are:- Medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lowered earning ability
- Property damage
- Money spent on daily tasks that your injuries prevent you from completing yourself
Non-Economic Damages
Every other type of loss resulting from your accident belongs to this section. Because non-economic damages do not deal with financial losses, determining their value is far more complicated. Among the most frequently claimed non-economic damages are:- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional distress