Have you recently been rear-ended in a car crash? You’re not alone. Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car crashes in Indiana. They might seem straightforward, but that doesn’t mean insurance companies will make things easy for you.
If you’ve been hit from behind, you deserve to understand how fault works under Indiana law, what evidence you need to support your claim, and how an Indiana injury lawyer can help you recover fair compensation.
Who’s at Fault in a Rear-End Collision in Indiana?
Under Indiana law, the driver who hits another vehicle from behind is presumed to be at fault. The law assumes that a reasonable driver leaves enough space to stop safely. When someone fails to do this, it’s usually because they weren’t paying attention, were driving too fast for traffic conditions, or didn’t notice brake lights in time.
That presumption of fault, however, is rebuttable. That means the other driver’s insurance company can try to argue that something else caused the crash. And they often do.
Common Excuses Insurance Companies Use
Insurance companies know that a rear-end crash looks bad for their driver, so they start looking for excuses. You might hear claims like:
- “Your brake lights weren’t working.”
- “You stopped too suddenly.”
- “Our driver has a perfect record, so this must be your fault.”
These are stall tactics. They’re designed to confuse you and wear you down. Some insurance adjusters try these arguments on lawyers who don’t handle injury cases often. Others use them to convince victims that their case isn’t worth much.
At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we’ve seen these games before, and we don’t fall for them. The law is clear: if someone rear-ends you, they are usually responsible. But even when liability seems obvious, the real fight is often over your injuries and damages.
Why Proving Injuries Is So Important
In any personal injury case, you must show that your injuries were caused by the crash. That means you can’t simply say, “I got hurt.” You need medical documentation that connects your injuries directly to the crash.
Rear-end collisions can cause serious harm, even at low speeds. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck pain
- Back and shoulder injuries
- Concussions or head trauma
- Broken bones
- Chronic pain and reduced mobility
Some of these injuries take time to appear. You might feel fine immediately after the crash, but symptoms often surface hours or days later.
Why You Should Always Get Medical Treatment
If you’ve been rear-ended, see a doctor as soon as possible. That is true even if you think your injuries are minor. This protects both your health and your legal claim.
Delaying treatment gives the insurance company a reason to argue that your pain isn’t related to the crash. They’ll say, “If it were serious, you would have gone to the doctor right away.”
Even a simple email or message to your doctor saying, “I was in a crash today, I don’t feel too beat up, but wanted to let you know,” can make a big difference. If your pain worsens in the following days, your doctor will already have a record linking your condition to the collision.
If you’ve suffered more serious injuries, get medical help immediately. Don’t try to tough it out. The adrenaline and shock from a crash can mask pain, and waiting only makes recovery, and your case, more difficult.
How Insurance Companies Use “Gaps in Treatment” Against You
One of the most common tricks insurance companies use is pointing to a gap in medical treatment. For example, if you wait a week before seeing a doctor, they’ll claim that you must have been injured somewhere else.
In reality, many crash victims delay treatment because they’re busy with work, family, or other responsibilities. But insurance companies don’t care about that. They’ll twist the facts to make it sound like you’re exaggerating.
That’s why timely and consistent medical documentation is crucial. It helps your attorney prove that your pain, medical bills, and lost wages are all tied to the crash. And not something that happened later.
What to Do After a Rear-End Collision
Here are a few key steps to protect your rights and strengthen your claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the crash to the police and your insurance company.
- Document everything. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
- Contact an Indiana personal injury attorney who has experience handling rear-end collision cases.
Even a “minor” crash can lead to long-term pain or expensive medical care. Protect yourself by getting legal advice early.
How the Marc Lopez Law Firm Can Help
The Marc Lopez Law Firm has helped countless Hoosiers recover compensation after being rear-ended. We understand how insurance companies operate and how to push back when they try to downplay your injuries.
Our team will:
- Investigate the crash and gather key evidence.
- Handle communication with insurance companies.
- Work with your doctors to document your injuries and treatment.
- Fight for compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
You didn’t choose to be rear-ended, and you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden that comes with it.
Don’t Wait to Get Help
If you’ve been rear-ended anywhere in Indiana, you have legal rights—and time matters. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Call the Marc Lopez Law Firm today at 463-282-3514 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation. Let us review your case, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
You focus on recovery. We’ll handle the rest.
Get Marc. Get Paid.
