Shelbyville Car Accident Lawyer
$5 million settlement
We recently won a $5 million settlement for a wrongful death & injury case to survivor due to car crash.
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye but often leave a lasting impact that can reshape your life and the lives of those you love. Whether it’s a sudden collision on your way home from work or a mishap during a routine trip to the grocery store, the repercussions can be profound and far-reaching.
When you’re involved in a car accident, it’s easy to feel lost and unsure of what to do next. Medical bills start piling up, insurance companies bombard you with questions, and you’re left trying to piece your life back together. You shouldn’t have to go through this alone.
At Stephenson Rife, we understand the disruption and distress that a car accident can bring into your life. That’s why our experienced Shelbyville car accident lawyers are committed to standing by your side, providing the guidance and support you need to get back on your feet.
Contact our car accident lawyers in Shelbyville at (317) 754-7649 for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents, whether in Shelbyville or elsewhere, can happen for different reasons, often due to negligence or recklessness. Some common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions can lead to accidents.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the chances of an accident.
- Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time, leading to dangerous driving behavior.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving, including tailgating and weaving through traffic, can cause accidents.
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Common Injuries Associated with Car Accidents
Whiplash is the most common injury. It happens when your head jerks back and forth suddenly, straining the neck muscles and ligaments. Many people think it’s just a minor injury, but it can cause serious pain and limited movement.
Broken bones are also common. The impact from a crash can easily fracture ribs, arms, legs, and more. These injuries often require surgery and long recovery periods.
Head injuries are particularly concerning. From concussions to brain injuries, these can have lasting effects on your cognitive abilities and overall health. Even a minor bump can lead to headaches, dizziness, and memory problems.
Back and neck injuries are another frequent issue. Herniated discs, spinal cord damage, and other back problems can result from the force of a collision. These injuries often lead to chronic pain and can severely limit your mobility.
Cuts and bruises might seem minor, but they shouldn’t be overlooked. Flying glass and debris can cause deep lacerations, and the bruising from seatbelts can be severe.
Internal injuries are among the most dangerous. Damage to organs like the spleen, liver, or kidneys can be life-threatening and might not be immediately apparent. It’s crucial to seek medical attention right after an accident to catch these injuries early.
Lastly, psychological injuries are often overlooked but just as significant. The trauma of an accident can lead to depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The mental toll can be as debilitating as physical injuries.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident in Shelbyville, or anywhere, it’s crucial to take the following steps to protect your rights:
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer: Contact Stephenson Rife to discuss your case with an experienced car accident lawyer.
Get Medical Attention: Your health and safety are important. Get medical help immediately, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured.
Call the Police: Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report.
Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information from witnesses and other parties involved.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.
Why Choose Stephenson Rife?
When you’re involved in a car accident, life can change in an instant. Medical bills pile up. Your car needs repairs. You might even be unable to work. That’s why choosing the right lawyer is so important. Here’s why our car accident lawyers at Stephenson Rife stand out:
We Fight for Maximum Compensation
Insurance companies often try to settle for less. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and fierce litigators. We don’t settle for less than what you deserve.
We Have Local Knowledge
Our base in Shelbyville gives us an intimate understanding of local roads, traffic patterns, and legal nuances. This local expertise, combined with our firm’s robust national resources, means you get a powerhouse of support tailored to your specific needs.
Our Proven Track Record
With years of service in Shelbyville and countless successful settlements and verdicts on even the toughest cases, our track record speaks for itself. We fight for our clients, ensuring they get the compensation they deserve to move forward from their accidents.
We Offer Personalized Attention
We believe every case is unique, and so is every client. Our lawyers take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and craft a strategy that aligns with your situation. You’re not just another case file to us; you’re a member of the community we’re committed to protecting.
Our Compassionate Representation
We know that this might be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. That’s why our team approaches every interaction with empathy and respect. We’re here to reduce your worries, answer your questions, and provide the moral support you need to feel confident and cared for.
How We Can Help
We handle the paperwork. Car accident cases involve a lot of documentation. We take care of the forms, filings, and legal jargon, so you don’t have to worry about missing a deadline or making a mistake.
Our team gathers evidence. We investigate to gather all the facts. This can include obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts. We leave no stone unturned.
We deal with the insurance companies. Negotiating with insurers can be tricky. They might try to reduce your claim or deny it altogether. We know their tactics and how to counter them. Our goal is to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
We’ll be your advocates in court if necessary. While many cases are settled out of court, sometimes litigation is the best option. We’re experienced trial lawyers ready to fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of car accidents may be entitled to different types of compensation, including:
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical bills related to the accident.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious negligence, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repair or replacement of your vehicle and other property.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income due to your inability to work.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Shelbyville
When life throws you a curveball, like a car accident, knowing the legal time frame to act is crucial. In Indiana, you have a two-year window from the date of the accident to file a case. This deadline isn’t just a formality—it’s your opportunity to seek justice and compensation for what happened.
Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation, no matter how severe your injuries are. Evidence can become less reliable over time, and it’s only fair that the possibility of a lawsuit won’t hang over those involved indefinitely.
Remember, dealing with insurance companies and legal claims can be complex and draining. Consulting with our car accident lawyers early into the process not only helps ensure you meet all critical deadlines but also gives you a knowledgeable ally who can guide you through your case.
FAQ
If you’re like many of our clients, you may not have had to deal with the legal system until now — and you might understandably have some questions. These are some of the questions our clients often ask us.
How do I know if I have a case?
Many different variables go into determining the value of a car accident injury case. The only way to know what your case may be worth is to consult with a car accident attorney in Shelbyville.
Is it expensive to work with you?
No. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay us only if we secure compensation for you. If we agree to take your case on, you agree to pay us a percentage of any compensation you may receive.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
That depends on the complexity of your case and whether it goes to trial. Straightforward cases that settle out of court might be resolved in a few months. However, if your case goes to trial, it might take years to receive compensation.
Can I receive compensation for pain and suffering?
Usually, yes. However, you generally must have a documented physical injury as well. In other words, we can seek compensation for pain and suffering along with compensation for your physical injury, but we generally do not seek compensation for pain and suffering alone.
It’s easy to feel confused and isolated in the aftermath of a serious car accident, but you are not alone. Get in touch with us to set up a free consultation or ask any other questions you may have.
Contact Our Shelbyville Car Accident Attorneys at Stephenson Rife
When the unexpected happens, and you are in a car accident, the road to recovery can be a lot. But you can start by contacting Stephenson Rife. We understand more than just the legal aspects of your case. We understand the human side, too.
That’s why we commit to not only fighting for the compensation you deserve but also supporting you through every step of your recovery.
Contact our Shelbyville car accident lawyers at (317) 754-7649 for a free consultation.
M. Michael Stephenson
Founding Partner
Attorney Mike Stephenson has 40 years of experience and is a trusted advisor to many individuals and companies. His current practice is dominated by civil litigation in state and federal courts. He focuses much of his time on handling catastrophic injuries caused by all types of accidents, including car wrecks, semi, industrial, product liability, and fire, just to name a few. He also works extensively in construction-related matters.
Brady J. Rife
Founding Partner
Brady Rife has developed a diverse civil litigation practice for plaintiffs throughout Indiana. Brady is heavily involved in serious personal injury matters, complex business and commercial disputes, and insurance litigation in state and federal courts. Brady has successfully tried several jury trials and bench trials as lead counsel and has also briefed multiple cases before the Indiana Court of Appeals.