A car accident that is not your fault can still leave you overwhelmed, injured, and unsure of what to do next. In seconds, your normal day can turn into hospital visits, insurance calls, and missed work. Many people assume that because they did nothing wrong, everything will work out on its own. That assumption often leads to costly mistakes.
At Eskew Law, we see this every day. As car accident lawyers in Indianapolis, we help people who followed the rules but still ended up injured. Taking the right steps early can protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights.
Make Sure You Are Safe And Call For Help
Your priority after any crash is safety. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it is still important to involve law enforcement.
In Indianapolis, a police report creates an official record of the crash. This report often becomes key evidence later. Stay at the scene unless medical care requires you to leave.
Seek Medical Care As Soon As Possible
Many injuries do not show symptoms right away. Adrenaline can mask pain for hours or even days. Head injuries, back injuries, and internal injuries are common after car accidents.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you think you feel fine. This protects your health and creates documentation linking your injuries to the crash. Insurance companies often question treatment delays.
An Indianapolis, IN auto accident attorney will tell you that medical records are one of the strongest pieces of evidence in an injury claim.
Document The Accident Scene
If you are able, gather evidence at the scene before vehicles are moved. Use your phone to take photos or videos.
Important details include:
- Vehicle damage from multiple angles
- License plates
- Skid marks or debris
- Traffic signs and signals
- Road and weather conditions
If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Independent witness statements can support your version of events.
Exchange Information But Be Careful What You Say
Exchange basic information with the other driver. This includes name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number.
Do not apologize or speculate about fault. Even simple statements can be misinterpreted later. Stick to the facts.
Insurance companies may try to use casual remarks against you. An Indianapolis, Indiana accident lawyer can help you avoid these traps.
Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the accident promptly. Provide basic facts about the crash.
You are not required to give a detailed recorded statement without legal advice. Insurance adjusters often sound friendly, but their goal is to limit payouts.
Before giving a recorded statement to any insurer, consider speaking with a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis.
Do Not Assume The Other Driver’s Insurance Will Be Fair
Many people believe that because the accident was not their fault, the other driver’s insurance company will handle everything properly. This is rarely true.
The other driver’s insurance company represents their insured, not you. They may:
- Question the severity of your injuries
- Argue that treatment was unnecessary
- Claim you were partially at fault
- Push for a quick, low settlement
Once you accept a settlement, you usually cannot ask for more later. That includes future medical costs.
Understand Indiana Fault And Compensation Rules
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system. You can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault.
Your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially responsible. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce what they pay.
An experienced Indianapolis, IN auto accident attorney works to protect you from unfair fault claims.
Track All Accident-Related Losses
Keep detailed records after the accident. This helps show the full impact of the crash.
Important records include:
- Medical bills and receipts
- Prescription costs
- Physical therapy visits
- Missed work and lost wages
- Repair estimates
- Transportation expenses
Pain and daily limitations also matter and can support your claim. Communicate this information to your attorney, along with information about how the injury affects your routine.
Be Careful With Social Media
Insurance companies monitor social media. Photos or posts can be taken out of context and used to challenge your injury claim.
Avoid posting about the accident or your recovery. Be mindful that even positive updates can be misused or potentially interpreted differently than intended.
An Indianapolis, Indiana accident lawyer will often advise clients to stay offline during an active claim.
When To Contact A Car Accident Lawyer In Indianapolis
The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better protected you are. Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence, manage insurance communication, and avoid mistakes.
You should contact a lawyer if:
- You were injured
- Medical bills are piling up
- The insurance company disputes fault
- You are pressured to settle quickly
- You missed work or lost income
We help clients at every stage, whether the accident happened yesterday or weeks ago.
How A Lawyer Helps After A Crash That Is Not Your Fault
A car accident claim is more than paperwork. It is about proving fault, damages, and the true cost of your injuries.
As a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, we:
- Investigate the crash and gather evidence
- Work with medical providers to document injuries
- Handle insurance negotiations
- Calculate full compensation
- Prepare cases for trial if needed
Our goal is not just a settlement. It is a fair outcome that reflects what you have been through.
What Compensation May Be Available
Every case is different, but compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of normal activities
Insurance companies often focus only on immediate bills. We focus on the long-term impact.
Why Local Experience Matters In Indianapolis
Indianapolis traffic patterns, road conditions, and local courts all affect car accident claims. A lawyer familiar with the area understands these factors.
We handle cases throughout Indianapolis and surrounding communities. Local knowledge helps us connect evidence to real-world conditions.
An Indianapolis, IN auto accident attorney with local experience can anticipate challenges and respond effectively.
A Different Way To Look At Not-At-Fault Accidents
Not being at fault does not mean the process will be easy. It means you have rights that must be protected.
Too many people trust the system to work automatically. Insurance companies rely on that trust. Taking action early changes the balance.
Do Not Wait Too Long To Take Action
Indiana law limits the time you have to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long can cost you the right to compensation.
Evidence fades. Witnesses move. Memories change. Acting early gives you more control.
Talk To An Indianapolis, Indiana Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you do not have to handle this alone.
At Eskew Law, we help people move forward after serious accidents. We provide straightforward answers and focused representation.
You focus on healing. We handle the legal process.
Contact us today to speak with a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis and learn how we can help protect your future.
