Auto Accident Lawyers Near Me

Even the most cautious drivers find themselves dealing with car accidents due to others’ negligence. When individuals fail to recognize the risks of operating a vehicle and do not drive responsibly, they get hurt. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident near Merrillville or Valparaiso, IN, due to another person’s carelessness, our auto accident lawyers near me law firm is here to provide assistance.

At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., our dedicated Indiana auto accident lawyers near me law firm stands as advocates for accident victims. We champion the rights of injury victims and pursue accountability from negligent drivers whose actions result in harm to others – be it fellow drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists. When you are searching for auto accident lawyers near you, contact us to get started working toward the justice you deserve.

Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., Has Years of Experience Representing Auto Accident Victims

At Theodoros & Rooth P.C., we have successfully represented clients in many auto accidents. With over 110 years of combined experience, our auto accident lawyers have experience with accidents such as:

Car accidents – When another driver causes you to be injured in an accident, you deserve justice and a financial settlement to help with your recovery.
Semi-truck accidents – Commercial truck accidents can involve multiple parties, including the driver, cargo loaders, or even the trucking company. Protect yourself legally by hiring a semi-truck accident lawyer to determine the best recourse against any and all liable parties.
Drunk driving accidents – Accidents involving drunk drivers or those under the influence of drugs and alcohol can cause severe injuries and fatalities. We pursue these cases aggressively to ensure you receive the highest possible settlement, including potential punitive damages.
Motorcycle accidents – Motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable drivers on the road, and deserve justice for any injuries that others cause. We represent motorcyclists in court to make sure they receive the compensation they need to recover from their injuries.
Delivery truck accidents – If a delivery driver causes an accident, both the driver and their company could be held liable. Work with a delivery truck accident attorney to help you gather evidence and create a strategic case to optimize your settlement amount.
Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents – Whether you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle or another driver on the road, pursuing a settlement after a rideshare accident can get complicated. Work with a rideshare accident lawyer to build a solid case against companies like Uber and Lyft, who work hard to protect themselves against litigation.
Pedestrian accidents – Often the worst accidents on the road, pedestrians are extremely vulnerable when involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. We pursue the maximum settlement amount to make sure recovery from your injuries, off-work time, and other out-of-pocket expenses are compensated for, as well as your pain and suffering.

Whether your claim involves an individual, a private corporation, a governmental body, or multiple parties, Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., is equipped to guide your case through every stage, striving to achieve the most favorable outcome possible for your situation. Connecting with us early is vital in protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Pursuing Compensation For Losses After a Car Crash

If you have been injured in a car accident, Indiana law typically allows you to pursue two main categories of damages: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are intended to cover the tangible financial losses you incurred due to the accident. This includes a comprehensive range of expenses such as past and future medical bills, encompassing treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.

You can also recover lost income, both for time already missed from work and projected future earnings and benefits, if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous employment. Additionally, economic damages cover the repair or replacement costs of your damaged property, such as your vehicle, and any other quantifiable financial burdens directly resulting from the collision.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, address the more subjective, non-monetary losses you have experienced. These damages aim to compensate you for the physical pain and suffering you endured, any disfigurement or permanent impairment, the emotional distress caused by the accident, and the diminished enjoyment of life resulting from your injuries.

Potential Punitive Damages

In situations where the at-fault party’s negligence demonstrates particularly egregious or reckless behavior, you may also have grounds to seek punitive damages. These damages are not intended to compensate you for your losses but rather serve as a form of punishment for the at-fault party, aiming to deter similar conduct in the future. If awarded, punitive damages are an additional sum the negligent party is ordered to pay.

Indiana’s Comparative Negligence Laws

Indiana’s comparative negligence laws, outlined in Indiana Code (IC) 34-51-2-6, can influence the amount of compensation you ultimately receive. This law allows accident victims to pursue compensation as long as their share of fault for the accident is 50% or less. However, if you are found to be partially at fault, your total recoverable damages will be reduced by the exact percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are deemed 20% responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

Our dedicated team is committed to vigorously protecting you from unfair attempts to assign you a disproportionate share of the blame, which could significantly diminish your potential recovery. If the circumstances of your case warrant punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant rather than compensate the plaintiff, we will aggressively advocate for these additional penalties against the at-fault party. Our ultimate goal is to secure the highest possible settlement or trial verdict that fully accounts for all your damages.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Indiana

Of the primary contributors to motor vehicle collisions across the state, a significant majority stem from unsafe driver actions. Driver behavior plays a critical role in ensuring road safety. These unsafe actions encompass a range of issues, including:

- Loss of vehicle control: This can occur due to speeding, improper maneuvering, or reacting incorrectly to road conditions.
- Distracted driving: With the proliferation of mobile devices and other in-car technologies, distractions have become a major concern, diverting a driver’s attention.
- Physical or cognitive impairment: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fatigue, illness, or other physical or mental conditions significantly compromises a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
- Violations of traffic laws: This broad category can include aggressive driving, failure to yield, running red lights, and other violations of traffic laws.

Poor road conditions: Potholes or uneven surfaces can damage vehicles, loosen tires, or cause drivers to lose control. Loose gravel can lead to skidding, particularly for motorcycles and smaller vehicles.

Environmental conditions: Icy or slushy roads drastically reduce traction, making it difficult to brake, steer, and maintain control.

Ultimately, the report indicates that a staggering 166,862 crashes in Indiana were attributed to these driver-related causes, underscoring the profound impact of individual driver behavior on overall accident statistics. Beyond driver actions, environmental conditions and vehicle problems also contribute to accidents.

Vehicle Malfunctions Can Cause Serious Auto Accidents

When critical systems within a vehicle fail, drivers can suddenly find themselves in precarious circumstances with limited or no ability to control their vehicle’s trajectory or speed. These malfunctions can include:

Faulty braking: A sudden brake failure, whether due to worn brake pads, leaks in the hydraulic system, or a malfunctioning anti-lock braking system (ABS), can leave a driver unable to avoid a collision.
Steering systems: A sudden loss of power steering, a binding steering wheel, or a complete steering linkage failure can make it incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to navigate curves, avoid obstacles, or even keep the vehicle in its lane. Such failures can be particularly dangerous at higher speeds, where even a slight unintended deviation can lead to losing control, resulting in rollovers, collisions with other vehicles, or veering off the road.
Worn tires: When tires are excessively worn, their ability to grip the road diminishes dramatically, especially in adverse weather conditions. Reduced traction significantly increases the risk of skidding, particularly on wet, icy, or gravelly surfaces.
Other defects or malfunctions can compromise a vehicle’s safe operation, including faulty suspension systems, defective lighting, malfunctioning airbags, accelerator pedal issues, and transmission problems.

While driver error often takes center stage in discussions about car accidents, vehicle malfunctions cannot be overlooked as a significant contributing factor. These often unforeseen issues can transform a seemingly safe journey into a hazardous situation in mere moments, posing a threat to the vehicle’s occupants and everyone sharing the road.

Accident Locations Near Valparaiso and Merrillville, IN

Northwest Indiana’s roadways, particularly major arteries like U.S. Route 30, present significant accident risks due to high traffic volumes and varying environments across Lake and Porter Counties. As a vital east-west corridor connecting numerous communities, U.S. 30 experiences a high density of vehicles, including commuters, increasing the potential for collisions.

The mix of urban and rural sections, commercial vehicle traffic, and varying intersection designs contributes to diverse hazards along its length. In more populated areas like Ross Township in Lake County, congestion and pedestrian interactions pose risks, while higher speeds and rural intersections become more prominent in Porter County.

Several factors exacerbate these risks on U.S. Route 30, including fluctuating speed limits, frequent construction zones, and the inherent dangers associated with busy intersections. Unfortunately, the heavy traffic flow, essential for regional connectivity, also elevates the likelihood of accidents. Understanding these location-specific risks is crucial for drivers navigating Northwest Indiana’s roadways.

For those involved in accidents on U.S. Route 30 or other roads in the region, the car accident lawyers at Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., offer experienced legal support. Serving communities throughout Northwest Indiana, including Lake and Porter Counties, their familiarity with local traffic patterns and accident causes enables them to effectively represent injury victims and pursue the justice they deserve, regardless of the specific circumstances or location of the collision.

Indiana Auto Accident Statistics You Should Know

Recent data from the Indiana Crash Facts report paints a stark image of the prevalence and severity of motor vehicle collisions across the state. In a single recent year, Indiana witnessed a staggering 206,936 car accidents, underscoring the ever-present risk on our roadways. Breaking down these numbers reveals the human cost and various contributing factors:

Fatal Collisions: Tragically, 900 of these accidents resulted in fatalities, claiming the lives of 964 individuals. This represents a concerning 8% increase in fatal crashes compared to the previous year, highlighting a dangerous trend on Indiana’s roads.
Injury-Causing Accidents: Beyond the fatal incidents, 29,218 collisions led to injuries. Nearly 12,000 people suffered incapacitating injuries, and more than 35,000 suffered serious, but not life-threatening, damage.
Property Damage Only Accidents: Most collisions, 176,818, resulted solely in property damage, but even property damage-only accidents can lead to financial strain through vehicle repairs or replacements, increased insurance premiums, and the general inconvenience of dealing with the aftermath of a collision. The sheer volume of these accidents underscores the frequency with which even minor errors or lapses in judgment on the road can lead to tangible consequences.

These statewide statistics paint a clear picture: Indiana’s car crashes are a significant public safety concern. The high number of collisions, the tragic loss of life, the considerable number of injuries, and the widespread property damage all underscore the critical need for continued efforts in driver education, traffic law enforcement, and infrastructure improvements to make Indiana’s roads safer for everyone, from pedestrians and motorcyclists to commercial truck drivers.

The Importance of Timely Legal Counsel After a Car Accident

Connecting with an auto accident lawyer as soon as possible following an incident significantly extends your chances of receiving fair compensation. Engaging our services promptly allows us the necessary time to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your crash, determine fault, and initiate a claim against the negligent party before Indiana’s two-year statute of limitations expires. Missing this critical deadline could mean forfeiting any right to pursue compensation.

Even if you are concerned that you may have missed the deadline, consult with an auto accident lawyer before assuming your opportunity for legal recourse is lost. Certain circumstances may provide grounds for an extension of the statute of limitations.

Contact Our Indiana Auto Accident Lawyers Near Me Law Firm

Regardless of the specific location or the underlying cause of a car accident, the experienced legal team at Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., is prepared to provide comprehensive support. With over 110 years of combined experience, our local car accident lawyers possess the knowledge and dedication necessary to navigate the unique complexities of each case and advocate effectively for our clients.

We are committed to helping injury victims pursue justice and fair compensation, no matter the circumstances of their accident. Contact an auto accident attorney from our office today to set up a free case consultation. We will help you evaluate your claim and discuss any concerns you may have.