No one expects to be involved in a car accident, yet they affect thousands of drivers in Indiana each year. Being prepared before an accident happens can make a significant difference in protecting yourself and ensuring your rights to proper compensation.
Table of Contents
- How Common Are Car Accidents in South Bend, Indiana?
- What Documents Should I Always Keep in My Car in Case of an Accident?
- Why You Need a Car Emergency Kit and What You Should Include in It
- What You Need to Know About Your Auto Insurance Coverage
- Your Legal Rights After a South Bend Car Crash: What You Need to Know
- What Are the Financial Consequences of Not Being Prepared for a Collision?
- Need Help With Your Claim? Contact Our Trusted Legal Team
At Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak, our South Bend car accident attorneys have experience helping injured clients navigate the legal process after a car accident. We are ready to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve when the unexpected happens on Indiana roads.
Call our firm at (574) 444-0741 today for a free case review.
How Common Are Car Accidents in South Bend, Indiana?
Despite your best efforts to avoid a crash, you cannot account for the negligence of other drivers. Car crashes in South Bend range from minor fender-benders to severe collisions, particularly along busy highways, like SR 933 and major intersections downtown. At a minimum, car crashes are extremely inconvenient for all involved. Victims who sustain serious physical harm may have extensive medical costs and a lengthy recovery to deal with.
St. Joseph County, has a consistently high volume of traffic incidents. Distracted driving and other types of negligence are a key factor to the number of crashes, as are the area’s harsh winter weather conditions. Like most areas, car crashes are much more likely to occur during peak commuting hours, highlighting the importance of habitually using defensive driving techniques to help reduce your risk of a crash.
What Documents Should I Always Keep in My Car in Case of an Accident?
Beyond taking steps to avoid a crash, being prepared for a car accident can greatly benefit you if one ever occurs. Most people are emotional, in shock and a little jarred after a car crash, so if you have already put in the efforts to mentally prepare and have what you need on time, it can save you time, reduce your stress, and help you protect your legal rights when you are most vulnerable.
Here are the documents you will need and should keep on hand in the event of a car crash:
- Keep insurance and registration documents easily accessible in your glove compartment
- Store emergency contact and attorney details in your phone – have a hard copy as well in case your phone is not working
- Install a dashcam to capture objective evidence of any collision
- Download a car accident documentation app on your smartphone
- Place a small emergency kit with essential first aid supplies in your trunk
- Have a checklist ready for what information to collect after an accident
- Take photos of your vehicle periodically to document its pre-accident condition
Why You Need a Car Emergency Kit and What You Should Include in it
Your car emergency kit should contain useful items that can provide immediate help after an accident, helping you document the scene and attend to injuries before help arrives. Here is what to include:
- First aid kit with bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and medical tape
- Reflective warning triangles to alert other drivers
- Reflective vest to make you more visible to passing traffic
- Flashlight with extra batteries for nighttime accidents
- Camera or fully charged phone for documenting damage and the scene
- Pen and accident documentation forms for collecting information
- Emergency contact card with your medical information and blood type
- Small notepad for recording witness information and officer badge numbers
- Insurance card holder to exchange information easily
- Disposable gloves for handling potential injuries
- Mylar blanket for shock or weather protection
What You Need to Know About Your Auto Insurance Coverage
It is vital that you understand your auto insurance coverage in full – including and especially any small print. We recommend reviewing your policy every time you renew your policy to keep it current and aligned with your needs. Insurance companies change their coverage rules, and you may find you need more coverage, depending on your circumstances. Many drivers are shocked to discover coverage gaps or high deductibles only after they are in a collision, when it is too late to adjust your coverage.
Indiana law only requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage. This coverage often falls short of covering the costs drivers need after a crash. Make sure you understand the different types of coverage, including uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and comprehensive coverage. It is also a good idea to find out whether your policy includes rental car reimbursement or roadside assistance. Review each of your deductibles carefully. Take time to speak with your insurance agent about potential gaps in your coverage. It could save you thousands in out-of-pocket costs after an accident.
Your Legal Rights After a South Bend Car Crash: What You Need to Know
It is your responsibility to learn about your legal rights after a car crash. However, trying to take this information in after being involved in a crash can be overwhelming. This is why we recommend getting familiar with your legal rights ahead of time. One key legal right to know is that you have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
What If You Are Partially to Blame for a Crash?
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, a negligence rule that allows you to recover damages after a car accident as you are less than 51 percent responsible. This means that you still have legal options for recovering compensation after a car crash, even if you are partially to blame. That said, it is also important to understand than any percentage of fault assessed against you will reduce any compensation you recover.
How Long You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Indiana’s statute of limitations allows you only two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, making prompt action crucial.
You Have a Right to Speak With an Attorney Before Agreeing to or Signing Anything
You have the right to speak with an attorney before providing recorded or written statements to insurance companies. Take advantage of this right, because insurance companies often try to use things you say to help minimize what they pay for your damages. It is also important to recognize that you do not have to accept an early settlement. If you decide to take this offer, be sure you understand that in doing so, you are waiving your right to seek any compensation later, even if your injuries worsen.
What Are the Financial Consequences of Not Being Prepared for a Collision?
The financial consequences of being unprepared for a collision can be devastating and extend far beyond the immediate costs of vehicle repairs. If you do not have the documentation, evidence of negligence, or adequate insurance coverage, these are just a few of the ways it could cost you:
- Having fault unfairly assessed against you
- Settling for an offer that is far less than than the value of your claim
- Paying significant out-of-pocket expenses for damages you did not expect
- Thousands in medical bills you become responsible for after signing a too-low settlement offer
- Not being compensated for lost wages during recovery or future medical expenses
At Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak, we advocate for injured victims every day, something we have been doing for decades. We have extensive knowledge of the law and the familiar tactics insurance companies use to protect their bottom line and minimize the value of your claim.
Need Help With Your Claim? Contact Our Trusted Legal Team
All is not lost, because you can take proactive steps to protect yourself. By being prepared for a car accident ahead of time, you position yourself to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. Remember that documentation, proper insurance coverage, and knowing your legal rights form the foundation of a strong claim.
At Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak, our dedicated accident attorneys are deeply committed to helping our clients in South Bend hold at-fault parties accountable for their negligence. Contact our law offices today to discuss your situation and how we can help. There are no upfront costs or fees when we represent you.
Need Legal Help? Call Our Trusted Law Firm Today (574) 444-0741
