Being in any auto accident is stressful. Car accidents on private property have unique complexities that can make the aftermath even more stressful. By working with Carmel’s trusted personal injury lawyer and understanding the steps you need to take, you can be more prepared to navigate your claim.
Differences Between Car Accidents on Private Property and Public Roadways
The differences between car accidents on public and private roadways stem from police response requirements in Carmel, IN. If the accident happens on a public roadway, the police will respond, which makes the process much easier.
Police will investigate and document the accident. If they report that the other driver was at fault, you can use this evidence in your claim.
Meanwhile, police are not required to respond to car accidents on private property unless there is injury, death, or property damage over $1,000, as such accidents don’t usually put other drivers at risk or cause traffic disruptions. While police will try to respond if they can, you usually won’t receive an official report.
What To Do After a Car Accident on Private Property in Carmel, IN
First, make sure you and everyone in your vehicle are safe. While motor vehicle traffic fatalities in Indiana have decreased recently, there were still 195 fatalities in 2023. If you need to call for help, this should be your first step.
In Indiana, those involved in car accidents on private property that result in injury, death, or damage to an unattended vehicle must contact the authorities.
Since the accident occurred on private property in Carmel, IN, and the authorities may or may not respond, documentation of the accident is up to you. Even if they do eventually respond, having your own documentation can help avoid any errors and provide you with documentation for your personal injury claim.
You’ll want to write down:
- Name, contact information, and insurance information of other drivers
- Name and contact information of witnesses
- Your written account of what happened
Photo and video documentation are also important. Be sure to capture:
- The accident scene
- Damage to all involved vehicles
- Visible injuries
Thoroughly documenting everything will help your personal injury attorney build a strong case. This makes responding to your insurance company’s requests easier, increasing your likelihood of success.
How To Collect Compensation With the Help of a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were injured in an accident, you may be eligible to collect compensation for accident-related expenses through a personal injury claim. Indiana has a contributory fault law, allowing compensation collection even if the accident was partially your fault.
The trick here is that you cannot be more at fault than the defendant. This means gathering the right proof to demonstrate that this is true.
Because of this, your case must prove that the accident caused your injuries and that the defendant was at fault. Defendant liability may be placed on the other driver or the property owner. This second situation could be the case if dangerous conditions on the property contributed to the accident.
Proving your case comes down to the quality and reliability of your evidence. This is why documentation is so important immediately following car accidents on private property in Carmel, IN.
The path to compensation then starts with filing a personal injury claim. A personal injury lawyer can help evaluate your documentation and build a strong case.
Find Help From an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Carmel, IN
The aftermath of car accidents on private property can be confusing, as it involves dealing with an overwhelming amount of things all at once.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney in Carmel, IN, can make the whole process smoother. Our team at Stewart & Stewart Attorneys is here for you.
We’ll help you through the process, build a strong case, and work to collect any possible compensation. We’ll even determine which insurance to pursue a claim against after an accident. We’ll be right here with you at every step.
Do you have questions about car accidents on private property in Carmel, IN? Let Stewart & Stewart Attorneys help. Call us today at (317) 820-2419 for a free consultation.