Car Accident Lawyer LaPorte County IN
A serious car accident can happen in an instant, leaving victims and their families to deal with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and the stress of negotiating with insurance companies. Whether the crash occurs on U.S. 20, I-94, State Road 2, or a busy downtown street in Michigan City, the impact on your life can be overwhelming. During this difficult time, you need a car accident lawyer LaPorte County IN lawyer who understands both the law and the local community.
At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., our accident attorneys have been fighting for injured people in Northwest Indiana since 1988. With more than 75 years of combined legal experience, our team has the knowledge, resources, and trial skills to take on powerful insurance companies and secure the compensation our clients deserve. We proudly serve drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and families throughout LaPorte County communities.
The Risks of Driving in LaPorte County
LaPorte County is situated along Indiana’s northern border, featuring a mix of interstate highways, county roads, and city streets that cater to both local and out-of-state traffic. Its location along Lake Michigan and proximity to Chicago mean the region experiences heavy commercial trucking and commuter traffic on a daily basis.
- I-94 and I-80/90 (Indiana Toll Road): These major interstates run through northern LaPorte County, carrying commercial trucks and fast-moving commuter traffic. Congestion and high speeds make them frequent sites of multi-vehicle pileups and rear-end crashes.
- U.S. 20: Stretching across LaPorte County, U.S. 20 is a key east-west corridor that sees heavy use by both passenger vehicles and freight carriers. Its intersections with local roads have been the scene of many serious collisions.
- State Road 2: Connecting LaPorte to South Bend, SR-2 runs through rural areas where head-on collisions and crashes involving farm equipment or large trucks are common.
- Michigan City Intersections: High-traffic intersections like Franklin Street and U.S. 20 or Michigan Boulevard near downtown often see distracted driving and left-turn accidents.
- Weather Hazards: Lake-effect snow, icy pavement, and dense fog rolling off Lake Michigan create dangerous conditions in winter and early spring. Drivers who fail to slow down often cause spinouts or chain-reaction crashes.
Whether your collision occurred on a busy highway or a rural road, our knowledgeable car accident lawyers in LaPorte County can investigate the incident and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Why You Need a LaPorte County Car Accident Attorney
After a collision, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. You may be tempted to let the insurance companies handle everything, but doing so can put your recovery at risk. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to protect profits—not to compensate injured victims fairly.
An experienced LaPorte County car accident attorney from our firm will:
- Investigate the Crash Thoroughly: This includes gathering police reports, interviewing witnesses, reviewing traffic camera or dashcam footage, and working with accident reconstruction experts if needed.
- Protect you from Insurance Company Tactics: Insurers often pressure victims into quick, low settlements or try to shift blame. Our car accident lawyers handle all communications on your behalf, so you don’t have to.
- Accurately Calculate Damages: From immediate medical bills to future rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering, your attorney ensures that every loss is accounted for.
- Fight for You in Court If Necessary: While many cases settle, some require litigation to be pursued. If need be, our trial-ready car accident attorneys will present your case persuasively before a jury.
Without reliable legal representation, you risk settling for far less than you deserve. With the car accident lawyers from Theodoros & Rooth, P.C. by your side, you’ll have dedicated advocates focused on protecting your future.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in LaPorte County
Every car accident has unique circumstances, but many crashes are caused by the same negligent behaviors.
Distracted Driving
From texting to fiddling with the GPS, distracted drivers are a leading cause of crashes in Michigan City, LaPorte, and throughout the county. Even a few seconds of inattention can result in a devastating collision.
Speeding
Drivers who exceed posted speed limits on U.S. 20 or I-94 reduce their ability to react to hazards and increase the severity of crashes. Speeding is one of the top contributing factors in fatal accidents in Indiana.
Drunk or Drugged Driving
Impaired drivers continue to pose a serious threat in LaPorte County. Alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs slow reaction times and impair judgment, often leading to catastrophic collisions.
Aggressive Driving
Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights are common forms of aggressive driving. These behaviors are especially dangerous at intersections in downtown Michigan City or near LaPorte’s busy retail corridors.
Unsafe Winter Weather
Lake-effect snow, black ice, and sudden fog are all familiar hazards in LaPorte County. When drivers fail to adjust their driving to conditions, crashes involving multiple vehicles often occur.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., our car accident attorneys have the experience to successfully represent a wide range of accident claims.
Rear-End Collisions
Common at stoplights along Franklin Street in Michigan City or Lincolnway in LaPorte, rear-end crashes often cause whiplash, neck injuries, and back pain.
T-Bone or Side-Impact Crashes
These collisions typically occur at intersections when one driver fails to yield the right of way. Because the side of a vehicle offers less protection, occupants often suffer severe injuries.
Head-On Collisions
Among the most dangerous accidents, head-on accidents often occur on rural two-lane roads like SR-2. The force of impact can cause life-altering or fatal injuries.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
I-94 and the Indiana Toll Road are notorious for chain-reaction collisions during winter storms. Determining liability in multi-vehicle crashes requires a detailed investigation.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
If the driver who caused your crash flees, you may still be able to recover damages through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Our attorneys know how to navigate these complex cases.
Accidents Involving Uninsured Drivers
Despite Indiana’s insurance requirements, some drivers remain uninsured or underinsured. Our attorneys help clients pursue claims through their UM/UIM coverage to ensure they’re not left paying the
Common Injuries After a Car Accident
Car accidents often result in serious injuries that affect every aspect of your life. Some of the most common include:
- Neck and Back Trauma (Whiplash and Soft Tissue Damage): Even a relatively low-speed collision can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck or back, leaving victims with stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility that can persist for weeks or months.
- Bone Breaks and Fractures: High-impact crashes frequently cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or facial bones. These injuries often require casts, surgery, or lengthy rehabilitation, and in severe cases can leave lasting physical limitations.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries are common after sudden jolts to the head. Victims may experience dizziness, headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or more serious long-term neurological effects.
- Spinal Cord Damage: When the spinal cord is injured, the consequences can be catastrophic. Victims may suffer from partial or total paralysis, chronic pain, or permanent changes in mobility that drastically alter their quality of life.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt-force trauma can harm organs or cause internal bleeding. Because these injuries are not always immediately visible, they can quickly become life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
- Emotional and Psychological Harm: The aftermath of a crash is not only physical. Many survivors develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression. This is especially common when accidents involve fatalities or serious injuries to loved ones.
Our car accident attorneys work with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries and pursue compensation that reflects your true needs.
Indiana Laws Relevant to Car Accident Cases
Comparative Fault
Under Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule, you can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% responsible for the crash. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Two-Year Statute of Limitations
Most personal injury lawsuits in Indiana must be filed within two years of the accident. If the claim involves a government entity (such as a crash caused by a city vehicle or poorly maintained road), you may have as little as 180 days to file a tort claim notice.
Missing these deadlines could mean losing your right to compensation entirely.
Compensation Available in Car Accident Claims
Individuals injured in car accidents in LaPorte County may be entitled to financial recovery for the many ways a crash disrupts their lives. At Theodoros & Rooth, our legal team takes a comprehensive approach to damages, ensuring no aspect of your losses is overlooked. We fight tirelessly so that both victims and families obtain the full measure of compensation needed to move forward.
Economic Damages from a Car Accident
Many are surprised to learn that compensation often extends well beyond the initial hospital bill. It can cover the cost of emergency room visits, inpatient treatment, follow-up surgeries, rehabilitation programs, and the long-term medical care many victims require.
If injuries prevent someone from working, damages may include both the paychecks missed during recovery and compensation for reduced earning potential if they cannot return to their previous job or career path.
Property damage claims allow victims to repair or replace vehicles and other personal items destroyed in the collision.
Non-Economic Damages from a Car Accident
Beyond these economic losses, Indiana law also recognizes the profound personal toll accidents take. Victims may recover for physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment in everyday life.
Damages After a Fatal Car Accident
In the tragic event of a fatal crash, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action to seek recovery for burial costs, the loss of financial contributions, and the irreplaceable companionship of their loved one.
Punitive Damages in Car Accident Cases
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available. These are not meant to compensate the victim directly but to punish defendants whose behavior was especially reckless, such as driving under the influence or engaging in extreme road rage.
While rare, punitive damages can increase the overall recovery and send a strong message that such misconduct will not be tolerated.
Why Choose our Car Accident Lawyer LaPorte County In Law Firm at Theodoros & Rooth, P.C.?
Founded in 1988, Theodoros & Rooth has built a reputation as “Your Guardians of Justice.” Our firm is recognized by Best Lawyers, Indiana Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell for our skill and dedication.
With more than 75 years of combined experience, our attorneys use a team-based approach to every case. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions, and we never charge fees unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About LaPorte Car Accident Claims
What should I do if the insurance company offers me a settlement quickly?
Be cautious. Insurance companies often make early settlement offers before the full extent of your injuries is known. Accepting too soon can leave you without the resources you need for ongoing medical care or lost income. Our car accident lawyers can review the offer, calculate your true damages, and negotiate for a fair outcome.
Will my car accident case have to go to trial?
Many car accident cases settle without ever going to court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our team is fully prepared to take your case to trial. With decades of courtroom experience in LaPorte County and Northwest Indiana, we know how to present persuasive cases to juries and aren’t afraid to fight for justice.
How long does it take to resolve a car accident case?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the crash, the severity of injuries, and whether liability is disputed. Some cases resolve in a few months through negotiation, while others—especially those involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death—may take a year or more. Our attorneys work diligently to move your case forward while ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible.
What makes local representation important in LaPorte County?
Every county has its own courts, judges, and procedures. Local attorneys, such as Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., understand the traffic patterns, crash hotspots, and legal landscape of LaPorte County. We use this knowledge to build stronger cases and provide personalized guidance for clients in Valparaiso, Michigan City, LaPorte, and surrounding areas.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer LaPorte County IN Law Firm
A car accident can leave you facing painful injuries, financial stress, and an uncertain future. You don’t have to face it alone. Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., is here to investigate your case, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. For a free consultation with our car accident lawyer LaPorte County IN law firm, contact our law firm online.