Traffic jams and car accidents are common in Hammond, especially at peak driving hours. Thousands of commuters pass through Hammond every day. Drivers are often distracted and can cause serious accidents.
If you or a loved one were involved in a rear-end automobile collision, a skilled car accident attorney could help your case. With the help a Hammond rear-end car accident lawyer you may be eligible to recover compensation for damages.
There can be many reasons for a rear-end collision, including a distracted motorist. Motorists who use a cell phone to send or receive messages do so in violation of Indiana Code 9-21-8-59.
Other times, the driver in back reacts too slowly to people in the crosswalk or children playing in a school zone. I.C. 9-21-5-6 requires drivers to slow down in these designated places. A driver who fails to do so and rear-ends another car may be responsible for the accident.
Often, law enforcement will deduce that the driver in back is responsible for the accident. However, there are some important exceptions to this rule. For example, the car in front may be responsible for the accident when stopping recklessly or without cause. Additionally, a driver with malfunctioning brake lights may be liable if they are rear-ended.
Some causes can remain hidden without a proper investigation. A seasoned rear-end car accident lawyer in Hammond may be able to review important details of a traffic accident to assess fault.
When an individual suffers property damage or bodily harm, they have limited time to file or settle a claim in the State of Indiana. The statute of limitations for a car accident claim in Indiana is two years. Per I.C. 34-11-2-4, the statute of limitations begins on the day of the accident. In the aftermath of an accident, some individuals discover damages days or weeks later. Claimants will not have two years from the discovery of their damages.
For this reason, motorists may sometimes have less than two years to file their claim in court. A Hammond fender-bender attorney may be able to help claimants in the filing process.
Wrecks of any kind can be severe. When a car is rear-ended, passengers in the front car may suffer whiplash, spinal damage, cognitive harm, and broken bones.
The medical bills associated with these injuries are considered economic damages. In addition, lost wages may constitute economic damages.
Non-economic damages may be more challenging to prove in a lawsuit. Common non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and mental anguish.
Indiana has no limits for economic and non-economic damages in most car accidents. One exception, however, is lawsuits against the state itself. Suits against government personnel are capped at $700,000.
An accomplished attorney could calculate the injured claimant’s losses and help them recover compensation for damages.
Negligence plays a role in nearly all rear-end car crashes. When a driver is not paying attention to the road, they could cause significant damage in an accident. Other times, preventable factors like malfunctioning equipment are to blame.
If you were injured in a motor vehicle collision, it is best to speak to a Hammond rear-end car accident lawyer as soon as possible. They could help you seek the compensation you need to move forward. Call today to get started on your claim.