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Muncie Auto Accident Lawyer

Typically, these incidents are not “accidents.” People accidentally leave the water running. They do not accidentally do things like drink excessively, run red lights, and cause car crashes. True, the incident was probably unintentional. We all make mistakes, and we must all accept responsibility for the mistakes we make. In these situations, that responsibility usually means paying compensation for damages. That’s the essence of a negligence claim.

The experienced Muncie auto accident lawyers at the office of Keffer Hirschauer LLP routinely handle matters in Delaware County and nearby jurisdictions. So, we know all the relevant procedural rules, even the unwritten ones. We know what it takes to obtain maximum compensation for your serious injuries. Because of our knowledge and skill, we are normally able to settle these claims out of court, and on victim-friendly terms.

What Causes Auto Accidents?

Some form of driver impairment causes most of the vehicle collisions in Indiana. Impairments like the ones listed below typically slow reaction times and cloud judgement abilities. This combination is often deadly when these tortfeasors (negligent drivers) get behind the wheel.

  • Substance Abuse: Alcohol or drug impairment causes about half of the fatal car crashes in Muncie. The impairing effects of these substances usually kick in after the first sip, pill, or puff. Frequently, these motorists could be liable for damages as a matter of law.
  • Fatigue: Many people would never drink or do drugs and drive. Yet they routinely drive while they are sleepy. Drowsiness and alcohol affect the body and brain in roughly the same way. Driving after eighteen hours without sleep is like driving with a .05 BAC level. That’s above the legal limit for some drivers in Indiana.
  • Distraction: Hand-held cell phones are responsible for many of the distracted driving crashes in the Hoosier State. Other issues include using a hands-free phone while driving, eating while driving, and drinking while driving. All these activities are visually, cognitively, and/or manually distracting.

Frequently, these tortfeasors know, or should know, that they are too impaired to drive. Yet they get behind the wheel anyway, thereby intentionally putting other people at risk. As a result, compensation is often higher in driver impairment cases than in operational negligence claims.

Common types of operational negligence include failure to yield the right of way, speeding, and failure to maintain a proper lookout.

What to Expect in Your Claim for Damages

Once medical treatment is at least substantially complete, our Muncie auto accident lawyers usually send demand letters to insurance companies. If liability is clear, many claims settle at this point.

However, there is almost always some question in this area. Common insurance company defenses in car crash cases include contributory negligence, a lack of evidence, and sudden emergency. So, in order to put pressure on the insurance company to settle, our attorneys normally file legal paperwork.

At this point, many Delaware County judges refer these matters to mediation. A third party mediator, who is usually an unaffiliated Muncie auto accident lawyer, meets with both sides and tries to arrange a settlement. If both sides negotiate in good faith, which means they are willing to make some compromises to get a deal done, mediation is usually successful.

Reach Out to a Savvy Lawyer

Personal injury victims have important rights. For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Muncie, contact the office of Keffer Hirschauer LLP. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.