Car Accidents

Since 1936, our injury lawyers have represented car accident injury victims just like you. Our history and experience with Indiana, Michigan and New Mexico personal injury cases is recognized among our peers and the insurance companies as exceptional.

7 reasons why Indiana, Michigan and New Mexico car accident clients choose our injury law firm:

♦  Named “Super Lawyers” in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 by Law & Politics
♦  We are members in the "Multimillion Dollar Advocates" forum
♦  We have achieved an "AV rating" by Martindale Hubbell
♦ Listed as "Rising Stars" in 2009 by Law & Politics
♦  Extensive Auto Accident experience with documented results
♦  Free case evaluation and legal consultation
♦  No Fee until Keller & Keller wins your case

Forget the warm images insurance companies use in their television advertisements.  The goal of the insurance company is to pay out the smallest amount possible to settle your personal injury claim, and the insurance company will employ persuasive adjusters and many high-priced attorneys to make sure this happens.  The insurance company will use several excuses to deny or limit your claim.  This accident wasn't your fault, and you shouldn't be made to feel this way.

Accident victims that do not retain an experienced personal injury law firm are at the mercy of the insurance company.  Trying to negotiate your own injury claim leaves you without the ability to threaten a lawsuit.  Insurance companies know this, and they will use it to their full advantage.  Even though 95% of our client's cases settle without going to court, we are trial tested and not afraid to use the courtroom as a last resort, if necessary.    

Waiting too long to speak with a lawyer can be disastrous. It is possible that evidence in your case may be lost, witnesses may disappear, the statute of limitations will pass, and memories will fade.  The smallest mistake can cost you your entire claim.  It's simple, without an attorney you will never be compensated for the full value of your claim.  And even if you don't retain an attorney, at least consult with one that is exprienced in personal injury so that they can provide you with guidance.

(We have witnessed accounts of the insurance company leaving an accident victim in limbo, not returning their calls, or stalling until the final days before the statute of limitations expires.  Once it reaches this stage, it leaves the victim with NO choice but to accept the insurance company's offer.  It's a dirty tactic, but it does happen.  Do not let this happen to you.)

Crash statistics reveal a frightening reality.  In 2005, a fatal accident occurred every 12 minutes. This means that every day an average of 119 people died in automobile accidents inside the United States.  In the same year, over two and a half million people were injured during a collision, and over 4-million accidents involving property damage were reported.

What do these numbers mean to you? They mean that its likely you have been, or will be involved in, an auto accident.

Injuries sustained in an accident range from slight, easily treated bruises, to debilitating and life altering spinal injuries.  It will be difficult to get insurance companies to cover the entirety of your care, and depending on the type of injury, medical care may be necessary for years. Never limit your treatment because the insurance company is pressuring you.  Some of the most common car crash injuries our clients suffer from include:

Mental Trauma: Even the smallest accident can cause some degree of mental trauma. After a serious accident, the thought of driving or riding in a vehicle may cause stress and anxiety. If the accident was seriously traumatic, a victim may even become afflicted by post traumatic stress disorder. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often heard in reference to war veterans. However, it is also a frightening reality for car crash victims.

Those suffering from PTSD may have a hard time sleeping. The person may also relive the event over and over again throughout the day. The sufferer may avoid the cause of the mental trauma. If the trauma occurred while riding in or driving a vehicle, daily life can become extremely difficult. Even a ride to the store may cause the victim to relive the terrifying accident.

Treating post traumatic stress disorder is possible, and the treatments are often very successful. However, insurance companies may not cover the treatments. In these instances, you will need an attorney to help you cover the costs of needed therapy.

Closed Head Injuries: Closed head injuries are also known as traumatic brain injury (TBI), brain stem injury, subdural hematoma, and in the most serious cases, brain death. Closed head injuries are injuries to the brain that occur without a laceration or external wound to the head.

Over 570,000 accident victims suffer closed head injuries every year. Of these, over 25% will arrive at the hospital dead on arrival. Closed head injuries are often misdiagnosed, as the symptoms may not occur immediately. In addition, hospital staff or a doctor may not give immediate care if symptoms do not appear immediately. Often this lack of timely care can negatively affect the patients’ long term outcome. The severe consequences and difficult task of recognizing a closed head injury is why it is often referred to as the "silent epidemic."

Trauma Pain: Trauma pain is any injury or wound caused by an external force. The extent of the injury can vary greatly. A bruise or minor cut is considered minor trauma pain, while a bone break or head trauma is categorized as severe. Some other examples of severe trauma pain are broken bones, open wounds or lacerations, spinal cord injuries, head trauma and whiplash. Depending on the severity, treatments to attain full recovery may be possible only after months of expensive medical treatment.

Orthopedic Injuries: Orthopedic injuries often refers to the aforementioned broken or fractured bones. However, this type of injury also includes strained or sprained muscles and torn ligaments or tendons. There are many ways orthopedic injuries occur during a car crash and their severity can vary. A common type of orthopedic injury sustained in a car accident is whiplash.

Whiplash: Whiplash is caused by a sudden movement of the head. It is often assumed that whiplash is only caused by a rear end accident. However, this injury can be caused by any accident where the vertebrae are forced out of place, resulting in sprained or strained ligaments and muscles surrounding the misaligned vertebrae.

The signs of whiplash may take days or even weeks to surface. Some of the more common signs of whiplash are; headaches, jaw or neck pain, vertigo, radiating pain in the arms, back and legs, ear ringing and dizziness. Whiplash often requires multiple courses of treatment, and though most patients will find relief after 2-4 weeks, more severe cases may require lengthy, expensive medical care.

Spinal injuries: If a spinal injury is minor, it may only cause mild symptoms and may be easily treated. However, if the impact of the accident causes extensive damage to the spine, it may cost an accident victim their life. A spinal cord injury is extremely serious and can cause partial or full paralysis. Paralysis is a loss of function or sensation below the injured portion of the spinal cord.

Though modern medicine can work wonders, if the spinal cord has been too badly damaged, there may be no way to restore the victims’ ability to function normally. This life altering event is extremely difficult for the injured person and their family. The cost of physical therapy and other medical treatments for spinal cord injuries can quickly become overwhelming. It is of the utmost importance that the injured party and their family receive adequate compensation.

Keller & Keller understands that your accident has altered your life.  Many times, our clients contact us for a consultation only after they are ignored, insulted, and ultimately dismissed by the insurance company.  It's for this reason that you need dedicated and honest professionals in your corner.  If you wish to have an honest appraisal of your situation, please contact us. 

"What will Keller & Keller do after I choose them to handle my personal injury case?"

• When you first contact us, one of our attorneys will speak with you one-on-one to answer all of your questions
• We will obtain your police report
• We will help you with your property damage claim
• We will visit the scene of the accident to take necessary pictures
• We will obtain overhead satellite photos of the roadway
• We will contact all known witnesses to help seal liability and strengthen the value of your case
• We will order and obtain all of your medical documentation once you have finished treating
• A trained medical reviewer will prepare all of your medical documents for submission to the insurance company
• We will hold the insurance company accountable for your loss

Each of our local offices have war rooms where we plan and test trial strategy and prepare witnesses to make your personal injury case as strong as possible. No matter the size, or circumstances, your car accident injury case will be taken very serious by our law firm.
   

Remember, while accidents can happen anywhere, at any time, some roads and highways are more dangerous than others. The following roadways can be particularly hazardous: I69, I65, I74, US 31, I465, and I70.

Library for Car Accidents:

• Car Accidents And Traumatic Brain Injuries   
  Description: One of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries is car accidents and truck crashes. These car accident brain injuries can lead to a wide spectrum of symptoms and disabilities - some of which can be permanently life changing.
• How Much Is My Car Accident Injury Claim Worth?   
  Description: This helpful document covers how much your injury case is worth, and what important factors play a role in determing that value.
• Causes of Teenage Car Crashes   
  Description: Learn more about the risk factors facing teenage drivers, and how you can reduce the likelihood of your teenage son or daughter becoming involved in a deadly car accident.
• Highway Construction Zones Present Risks to Drivers and Workers   
  Description: Do you know the 4 most common factors involved with construction zone car accidents and wrongful deaths?
• What Should You Do Immediately After A Car Accident? A Car Accident Checklist.   
  Description: Being involved in a car accident - whether a fender-bender or a serious car crash - can be shocking, stressful, and overwhelming. Do you know what to do in the seconds, hours, and days after a traffic accident? Keller & Keller' car accident checklist covers important steps to follow following your accident.
• Know the Most Dangerous Teen Driving Distractions   
  Description: Teens have very little experience driving - sometimes they give their attention to distractions. The result is 6,000 teen deaths a year on the road. Do you know how to talk to your teen about safely driving without distractions?
• Settling For Your Car, The Property Damage Claim   
  Description: How Much Do I Get For My Vehicle? Settling For Your Car. The Property Damage Claim. Auto, motorcycle, and semi-truck accidents can cause any number of injuries. The types of injuries sustained in an accident range from slight, easily treated bruises, to debilitating and life altering spinal injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured, it can be difficult to get insurance companies to cover the entirety of your care. Depending on the type of injury medical care may be necessary for years.
• New Mexico Newspapers   
  Description: A free list of New Mexico Newspapers to help you locate your accident and follow local community news.
• Michigan Newspapers   
  Description: A free list of Michigan Newspapers to help you locate your accident and follow local community news.
• Indiana Newspapers   
  Description: A free list of Indiana Newspapers to help you locate your accident and follow local community news.

View All

Frequent Questions for Car Accidents:

• What is comparative negligence?
• What are the most common factors in collisions between commercial trucks and automobiles?
• How quickly should I contact an attorney?
• What is the danger associated with driving in a truck's "No-Zone" area?
• What information should I obtain after an auto accident?
• Who do I contact after an auto accident?
• Should I get medical treatment immediately after a car accident?
• How do I make a claim against an insurance company?
• What sources of compensation can be pursued after an auto accident?
• What happens if I am involved in an auto accident with an unlicensed driver?
• How do I know if I have appropriate insurance?
• Do I need uninsured motorists coverage?
• What is medical payments coverage?
• What is the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage?
• Should I have my homeowners insurance to cover my vehicles and if so how?
• Who pays for my medical bills and car repairs?
• What if the other driver does not have insurance? 
• Does my uninsured motorists coverage apply even if I am injured in another person's vehicle?
• Will my insurance company drop me if I make a claim?
• Do most automobile accident cases settle before I must file a lawsuit?
• Is there a difference between uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage?
  
  

Web Resources for Car Accidents:

• Crash Tests & Rollover Ratings

  Description: This site contains additional information on vehicle safety, specifically crash test results, and rollover ratings for your vehicle.

• Vehicle Safety

  Description: This site contains statistics and information regarding vehicle safety, teen driver tips, statistics on vehicular accidents, as well as a list of other valuable resources.

• Police Reports

  Description: Need a copy of your crash report? After purchasing your report online, you will have immediate access to the details regarding your accident.

• Traffic Safety

  Description: The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminsitration contains valuable information regarding traffic safety, laws and regulations, and fuel economy tips.

• Indiana BMV

  Description: The official state website for informations regarding licenses, suspensions, registrations, title services, etc.

View All

Blog for Car Accidents

• How to Avoid Car Trunk Entrapment Dangers
• Car and Truck "Roll-Aways" Cause Serious Injury and Death
• Power Window Safety Tips for Children
• Heat Exposure Inside Cars can Lead to Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion
• "Backover Accidents" and Children
• Anaheim Angels’ Pitcher Nick Adenhart dies in car accident hours after promising outing
• Crawfordsville Man Killed In Two-Car Crash – Cell Phone To Blame
• Head-On Crash Closes I-70 In Henry County; Injures One
• What type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to "Talk and Die" syndrome?
• Natasha Richardson's tragic story is evidence that a minor head injury can turn deadly
• What is a crossover accident?
• "Do I need a personal injury lawyer?" If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you should contact an injury attorney
• "What happens if I miss a doctor's appointment?" Missing your appointment, or creating a gap in treatment will hurt your personal injury case!
• Talking on a cell phone while driving is as dangerous as drunk driving
• 10 winter driving tips to help keep you safe on ice and snow
• Pregnant women in car crashes require immediate medical attention
• How much is my personal injury claim worth? Can Keller & Keller tell me?
• Deer-related crashes peak during the months of October through December
• Illegal street racing and its casualties reach alarming levels
• Mobileye introduces technology to decrease risks of rear-end collisions, forward collisions, lane departures, etc.
• Reduce Fuel Use and Emissions
• Distracted driving is on the rise. These drivers are a threat to your life!
• Auto accidents CAN cause rotator cuff injuries
• Eye injury video explains common first-aid techniques
• Man killed after hit-and-runs
• Will pre-existing injuries affect the value of my car accident claim?
• Local teen killed in early morning crash
• Labor Day travel
• I was told my car accident was a MIST case? What is a MIST case?

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