Being in a car accident is traumatic, and if you're a woman juggling family responsibilities, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. As someone who has represented hundreds of women in Indiana after car accidents, I want to share practical steps to protect your rights and your family's future.
Immediate Steps at the Scene
**1. Ensure Safety First** If you can safely do so, move your vehicle out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights and check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Your safety and your children's safety are the top priority.
**2. Call the Police** Always call the police, even for minor accidents. In Indiana, you're required to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. A police report creates an official record that will be crucial for your insurance claim and any legal action.
**3. Document Everything** Use your phone to take photos of: - All vehicle damage from multiple angles - The accident scene, including road conditions and traffic signs - License plates of all vehicles involved - Visible injuries - The other driver's license and insurance card These photos can be invaluable evidence later.
**4. Exchange Information** Get the other driver's: - Full name and contact information - Insurance company and policy number - Driver's license number - License plate number - Make, model, and color of their vehicle Also collect contact information from any witnesses.
What NOT to Say
This is critical: **Do not apologize or admit fault at the scene.** Even saying "I'm sorry" can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when talking to the other driver and police. You can be polite without accepting blame.
Also, be careful what you say to insurance adjusters. They may call you within hours of the accident. You're required to report the accident to your own insurance company, but you don't have to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company right away. It's often better to speak with an attorney first.
Seek Medical Attention
**Go to the doctor even if you feel fine.** Adrenaline can mask pain and injuries. Many car accident injuries, like whiplash or soft tissue damage, don't show symptoms immediately but can cause chronic pain later.
As a woman, you may be tempted to tough it out or prioritize everyone else's needs. Don't. Your health matters, and delaying medical care can hurt both your recovery and your legal claim. Insurance companies will argue that if you didn't seek immediate treatment, you weren't really injured.
Special Considerations for Mothers
If you have children, document how the accident affects your ability to care for them: - Can you lift your toddler? - Can you drive them to school or activities? - Do you need help with household tasks? - Are you missing work to recover? These impacts are real damages that deserve compensation. Many insurance companies undervalue claims from women because they don't account for the full scope of how injuries affect mothers' lives.
When to Call a Lawyer
You should contact a personal injury attorney if: - You or your passengers were injured - The other driver was uninsured or underinsured - The insurance company is offering a low settlement - You're unsure about your rights - The accident involved a commercial vehicle or drunk driver Most personal injury attorneys, including our firm, work on a contingency basis—you don't pay unless we win your case.
Indiana's Statute of Limitations
In Indiana, you generally have **two years** from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Don't wait until the last minute. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and your case becomes harder to prove over time.
Your Rights as a Woman
Unfortunately, studies show that insurance companies often offer women lower settlements than men for similar injuries. They may assume you'll accept less or that you won't fight back. That's where having an attorney who understands these biases makes a difference.
You deserve full compensation for: - Medical bills (past and future) - Lost wages and reduced earning capacity - Pain and suffering - Emotional distress - Loss of enjoyment of life - Childcare costs during recovery - Household services you can't perform ## Take Action
If you've been in a car accident in Indiana, don't navigate this alone. You're dealing with enough—recovering from injuries, managing family responsibilities, and handling the emotional aftermath. Let me handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing.
Contact our office for a free consultation. We'll review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. No win, no fee.