1. Truitt Law Offices
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, construction accidents, dog bites, wrongful death, workers’ compensation
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, rear-end accidents, intersection accidents, semi-truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, jobsite injuries, catastrophic injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence gathering, medical expense documentation, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Richard Truitt has more than four decades of experience as a personal injury lawyer in Indiana. Native of Huntington with deep roots in northeastern Indiana community. Phillip Truitt has worked in almost every position at the firm from intake to attorney to administrator. Daniel Brophy is a former insurance defense attorney with insider perspective on how personal injury cases are handled.
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana (serving northeastern Indiana)
Contact: Contact via website | https://www.truittlawoffices.com
Consultation: Free, no-obligation consultation available with knowledgeable Indiana injury attorney.
2. Glaser & Ebbs
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, Social Security Disability, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, rear-end accidents, intersection accidents, semi-truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, highway crashes, multi-vehicle accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence gathering, inspection records review, expert consultation, medical expense documentation, lost wage recovery
Background: Team of trial lawyers has more than 100 years of combined legal experience fighting for injury victims in Indiana. Firm has offices in Fort Wayne and seven other locations. Most lawyers were born and raised in Indiana. Known for obtaining sizable settlements and verdicts for injury victims and their families.
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana (with 7 additional locations throughout Indiana)
Contact: Contact via website | https://glaserebbs.com
Consultation: Free consultation available.
3. Theisen Hubley Law
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, workplace injuries, workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, rear-end accidents, intersection accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, construction accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, independent medical exams, workers’ compensation claims, disability claims
Background: Firm states it is the only law firm in Northeast Indiana that handles personal injury, workplace injuries, and disability under one roof. Attorneys have more than 75 years of combined experience. Former insurance company representatives who understand how insurance companies work. Performs more independent medical exams than any other law firm in the Fort Wayne area and fronts the cost of second opinion medical exams.
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana (serving Northeast Indiana)
Contact: Contact via website | https://www.theisenhubleylaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available. Employment consults require $300 pre-payment.
4. Blackburn Romey
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, rear-end accidents, intersection accidents, semi-truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, highway crashes, drunk driving accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, accident reconstruction specialist coordination, expert witness consultation, medical expense documentation, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims
Background: Firm has been standing up for injury victims in Indiana for decades. Founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Firm has 27 locations across Indiana. Works with accident reconstruction specialists and expert witnesses to explain severity of medical conditions.
Location: 4203 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Contact: (800) 444-1112 | https://www.blackburnromey.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available. No fee unless successful recovery.
5. Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, dog bites, wrongful death, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, soft tissue injuries
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, semi-truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, distracted driving accidents, intersection accidents, highway crashes
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence gathering, medical expense documentation, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, property damage claims (at no additional cost to clients)
Background: Firm has been providing service as a team since 1999, with experience reaching back more than 26 years. Dedicated to representing those injured and families of those killed as result of someone else’s carelessness. Has numerous paralegals with significant personal injury experience. Designated staff member assists with damage claims on vehicles at no cost to clients. Practice areas include car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, and various injury types.
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana (main offices in Indianapolis and Batesville, satellite offices throughout state)
Contact: Contact via website | https://www.ckflaw.com
Consultation: Free legal consultation available.
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Indiana
Indiana operates under a fault-based (tort) car insurance system, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering damages caused in an accident.
Statute of Limitations: Personal injury claims arising from car accidents must be filed within two years from the date of the accident under Indiana law. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years. Missing this deadline typically results in losing the right to pursue compensation.
Comparative Negligence: Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar to recovery. Injured parties can recover damages if they are 50% or less at fault for the accident. If found 51% or more at fault, the injured party is barred from recovery. Compensation is reduced proportionally by the percentage of fault assigned.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Indiana requires liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25).
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: UM/UIM coverage is optional in Indiana but provides important protection when at-fault drivers lack adequate insurance.
Medical Payments Coverage: MedPay is optional coverage that pays for medical expenses regardless of fault.
Damage Caps: Indiana has statutory caps on damages in certain cases. Non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in medical malpractice cases are capped. Punitive damages are generally capped at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000.
Reporting Requirements: Indiana law requires reporting accidents to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles if there is injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the deadline to file a car accident lawsuit in Indiana?
A: Indiana provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims from the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years from the date of death. Claims against government entities may have shorter notice requirements. Missing these deadlines typically bars recovery. It is advisable to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure all deadlines are met.
Q: How does Indiana’s comparative negligence law affect my car accident claim?
A: Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $70,000. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation.
Q: What damages can I recover in an Indiana car accident case?
A: Recoverable damages include economic damages such as medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. In rare cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available, though they are capped under Indiana law.
Q: What should I do immediately after a car accident in Fort Wayne?
A: Ensure safety and call 911 if there are injuries. Exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers. Document the scene with photographs. Collect witness information. Report the accident to police. Seek medical attention promptly, even if injuries seem minor, as some conditions may not be immediately apparent. Report the accident to your insurance company. Avoid admitting fault. Consider consulting with an attorney before providing recorded statements.
Q: Do I need an attorney for my car accident case?
A: While not legally required, an attorney can provide valuable assistance, particularly in cases involving significant injuries, disputed liability, or complex insurance issues. Insurance companies have experienced adjusters and attorneys working to minimize payouts. An attorney can handle communications with insurance companies, gather evidence, calculate full damages including future medical needs and lost earning capacity, negotiate settlements, and file a lawsuit if necessary. Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning no fee is owed unless they recover compensation for you.