Whether it’s on a public road, on the highway, in a parking lot, or someone else’s private property, auto accidents can affect anyone anytime they are behind the wheel. One of the most complicated types of auto accident cases is for car accidents that take place on private property in Indiana.
If you are involved in an auto accident on private property in Indianapolis, Indiana, you need to report the incident to the authorities right away. These include the police, any security officer patrolling the private property, your insurance agent, and a trusted car wreck lawyer.
Comparative Negligence in Auto Accident Cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana is one of the states that operate the comparative negligence rule in car wrecks and collisions. This means that the amount of compensation your car wreck lawyer can help you receive is dependent on your degree of negligence.
To be eligible for compensation in Indianapolis, Indiana, you need to establish that you are no more than 51% negligent in the accident. The lower your negligence percentage, the higher your probability of getting full and fair compensation.
What Should I Do If I Get in an Auto Accident on Private Property in Indiana?
One of the first things you should do if you find yourself in this predicament in Indianapolis, Indiana is to alert the police. Although the police will not have jurisdiction over anything that happens on someone’s private property, they can still document the incident. They may also file a police report that could help determine who was at fault for the accident.
Another important thing that you should do is to document the accident yourself. Given the state’s ruling on comparative negligence, it is important that you have evidence of the accident.
Was the accident directly caused by a blind spot from within or surrounding the property? Was there an obstruction, for which the property owner is responsible, that may have contributed to this accident in Indianapolis, Indiana? If this sounds like the case, then taking photos of the accident could bolster your claims that you have little or no fault for the accident. You should also get the name of the property owners and eyewitness, if any. Your lawyer may want to interview them at a later date.
In cases where you or a passenger in the vehicle has been injured, you need to seek out immediate medical attention. This is important, not only to save a life, but also to make sure that your compensation will not be affected by this kind of auto accident negligence.
Finally, you should consult with a car wreck lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ideally, your lawyer should be knowledgeable about state laws, as well as the intricate laws governing accidents on private property.
Even before getting in touch with your agent or the negligent party’s insurance company, you need to have your trusted car wreck lawyer with you first. They can prevent you from doing or saying anything that could incriminate you or cause the insurance company to suspect that you have a greater percentage of fault.
Seeking the Help of a Car Wreck Lawyer for an Auto Accident in Indianapolis, Indiana
Communicating with your insurance company is a must when it comes to car accidents. However, not all insurance companies will have your best interests at heart when it comes to claims. This is especially the case if you are also partly at fault. The insurance company may propose a quick settlement, one that you may even be eager to accept. Without your car wreck lawyer, however, this move is not advisable.
Your car accident attorney will take time to examine your case to establish whether the owner of the private property may also be faulted for negligence. Some property owners may become defensive and refuse to cooperate. This could affect your ability to seek out compensation for injuries or other losses that have resulted from the accident.
Evidence, such as security camera footage, police reports, eyewitness accounts, and your own documentation, can be helpful in establishing negligence. With a car wreck lawyer, you will have someone with you every step of the way.
Even if the property owner refuses to cooperate and the insurance company fails to give you what you deserve, you can rely on a committed car accident attorney to help you from day one.
Reach Out to an Indianapolis, Indiana Car Wreck Lawyer to Discuss Your Case Today
It is one thing to be involved in an auto accident on a public road; it is entirely another matter for the accident to occur on someone else’s property. The case becomes more complex if the property owner refuses to support you in your defense.
If you are unsure how to proceed with your complaint or claim for a settlement, talk to us at Rowe & Hamilton. Your car wreck lawyer can give you valuable advice and help you gather the documents you need in order to receive favorable compensation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Contact us today so we can get started on your free auto accident consultation.
