YOUR GUIDE TO FENDER BENDER ACCIDENTS IN FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
According to a study cited by Forbes Magazine, the average American driver will be involved in approximately four traffic collisions over the course of their life. Even if you only get into a relatively minor fender bender, it is still stressful, frustrating, and sometimes overwhelming.
We want to make sure that you have all of the information and tools that you need to deal with a minor collision. Here, our Fort Wayne car accident lawyer answers some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about fender benders.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A FENDER BENDER ACCIDENT IN INDIANA?
Dealing with a fender bender can be confusing — especially if the collision occurs in a high-traffic area. Even if it appears that there are no injuries and only modest vehicle damage, drivers still need to take the proper steps to protect their well-being and legal rights. Under Indiana law (Indiana Vehicle Code § 9-26-1-1.1), motorists involved in a crash must comply with certain legal duties. Among other things, drivers should:
- Stop and get their vehicles into a safe location;
- Remain at the scene of the crash.
- Check everyone for injuries, and get medical help to anyone who needs it;
- Contact the Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Sheriff’s Department, or another local law enforcement agency; and
- Exchange contact information and insurance details with the other parties involved in the collision.
DO I HAVE TO REPORT A FENDER BENDER IN INDIANA?
Whether or not you have a duty to report the crash depends on the nature of the accident. Indiana law requires drivers to report traffic collisions if any person was injured or killed or if there was more than $1,000 in total property damage.
Obviously, it is not always clear exactly how property damage actually occurred in a fender bender. Though, as anyone who has taken their vehicle to a mechanic knows, not much damage is required to reach the $1,000 threshold. It is better to be on the safe side and to report fender benders — especially if another driver caused your accident.
Note: the above information is a statutory requirement in the state of Indiana. Your individual insurance policy may require you to report all collisions to them — even if there was less than $1,000 in total property damage. Drivers should always be sure to comply with the specific terms of their own insurance coverage. Failure to do so could cause problems.
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INJURED VICTIMS DESERVE FULL AND FAIR COMPENSATION
You cannot always tell how serious a car accident is by looking at the resulting vehicle damage. In some cases, drivers or passengers are thankfully able to escape high impact crashes with little more than a few bumps and bruises. In other cases, a seemingly minor fender bender could cause severe whiplash, muscle strains, a broken bone, or even a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
If you were hurt in a fender bender in Fort Wayne, it is essential that you seek immediate medical attention. All car accident injuries should be evaluated by a qualified physician. You have the right to file a claim to seek financial compensation for fender bender injuries. Do not assume that your accident is “too minor” to bring a personal injury claim.
AREAS WE PRACTICE
At the Delventhal Law office, our Fort Wayne personal injury attorneys are committed to fighting for the rights and interests of accident victims. If you or a family member was injured because of the carelessness or recklessness of another party, we can help. Our Indiana personal injury lawyers handle a wide array of legal cases, including:
Car Accidents
Our top-rated Fort Wayne car accident attorneys are committed to fighting for the legal rights and financial interests of injured victims.
Bicycle Accidents
Besides collisions between vehicles, crashes involving cyclists and vehicles are some of the most common types.
Truck Accidents
Treating truck accident-related injuries can leave injured parties struggling with mounting medical bills and undue hardship.
Workers' Compensation
When you suffer a serious injury on the job, you have to deal with your employer and your employer’s workers’ comp insurance company.
Wrongful Death
Collecting damages can never replace the loss of a loved one, but it can go a long way towards helping a family pay off medical debt and focus on grieving.
Motorcycle Accidents
The trouble with motorcycle riders is that they don’t necessarily have a reputation for defensive driving.
Birth Injuries
We represent mothers and children when they are injured by medical malpractice.
Burn Injury
When a person sustains debilitating burn injuries, it can be difficult and sometimes even impossible to return to life before the accident.
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