Car Accident Attorney

Legal Help After A Serious Car Crash

Why Injured Drivers Turn To Us

After a crash, you need more than information—you need someone to act for you. We take that responsibility seriously.

Shaw Law has represented injured people across Indiana for over 30 years, handling car, truck, and premises-related accident cases, including those on business property like parking lots and store entrances.

What sets us apart:

• Led by attorney Jeff “JJ” Shaw, with a strong trial record
• Decades of experience in injury cases and litigation
• Prepared to negotiate or take cases to court when needed

We also keep clients informed through our EZ Case app, which provides case updates and estimated ranges so you know where things stand.

Fees:

• No upfront fee in most injury cases
• You only pay if we recover compensation

We regularly handle cases in Elkhart County courts and guide clients through every step of the process.

What To Do After A Car Crash

In the minutes and days after a collision, it can be hard to know what to do. You may be dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and pressure from insurance companies. Taking the right steps early can help protect both your health and your potential claim.

Key steps after a crash:

• Call 911 if anyone is injured or if traffic is blocked
• Get medical care right away, even if injuries seem minor
• Follow all medical advice and treatment plans
• Give only basic facts to the police; avoid guessing or admitting fault
• Take photos of vehicles, injuries, and the scene (including road or property hazards)
• Collect names, contact info, and insurance details from drivers and witnesses
• Get the incident or report number from law enforcement
• Do not give recorded statements or accept settlement offers from insurers too early
• Speak with a car accident lawyer before signing anything or agreeing to a release

Insurance companies may contact you quickly after a crash, but early offers often do not account for the full extent of injuries or future treatment. Getting legal guidance early can help you understand what to say, what to avoid, and what deadlines may apply.

Handling Serious & Fatal Car Injuries

Some crashes result in life-changing injuries such as brain trauma, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, or long-term chronic pain. These conditions can affect work, daily activities, and family responsibilities. When a crash is fatal, families are left dealing with both grief and legal decisions.

These cases involve more than medical bills. Extended treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work often create financial strain, and family members may take on caregiving roles. In fatal accidents, Indiana law may allow certain surviving family members or an estate to pursue a wrongful death claim, depending on the circumstances.

When crashes involve commercial property, such as unsafe parking lots or store entrances, liability may include both a negligent driver and a property owner. We investigate all contributing factors, including police reports, witness accounts, photos or video, and site conditions, and prepare to address claims that the injured person was partially at fault or that the crash was unavoidable.

How We Build Your Car Accident Claim

Many people are unsure what a car accident lawyer actually does behind the scenes. Our process is structured to identify what happened, who is responsible, and what your claim is worth.

What we do:

• Review crash reports, medical records, photos, and any available video
• Investigate how the crash occurred, including property conditions if it happened near a business in or around Elkhart
• Identify all potentially responsible parties, including drivers and property owners
• Evaluate fault factors like speeding, distraction, failure to yield, or unsafe premises
• Gather evidence to respond to insurance claims of shared or disputed fault
• Calculate damages, including medical bills, lost income, and future medical needs
• Document long-term impacts, such as reduced earning ability and ongoing pain
• Use the EZ Case app to provide case updates and estimated progress ranges
• Handle all communication and negotiation with insurance companies
• File a lawsuit if a fair settlement cannot be reached

Throughout the process, we keep you informed and manage the legal steps so you can focus on recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire you?

We typically handle car and auto accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means our fee is a percentage of the recovery and is usually paid at the end of the case. Your initial consultation is free, and we explain our fee arrangement in writing before you decide.

When should I call a car accident lawyer?

It is often helpful to speak with a lawyer as soon as you can after a crash. Early guidance can help you handle insurance calls, protect important evidence, and avoid signing documents that limit your rights. We can review your situation and explain whether legal representation makes sense.

Can you help after a fatal car crash?

Yes, we work with families after fatal collisions to evaluate possible wrongful death claims under Indiana law. We explain who may be allowed to bring a claim, what damages might be available, and what steps are involved. Our goal is to handle legal issues so families can focus on grieving and healing.

How will I get updates on my case?

We keep you informed through regular communication and through our EZ Case smartphone app. The app lets you see status updates, upcoming steps, and estimate ranges in real time. You can also contact our team directly with questions so you are not left wondering what is happening.

What if the insurance company blames me?

If an insurer claims you are at fault, we review the evidence and Indiana law to evaluate that position. We look at reports, photos, and witness accounts to understand what really happened. Our attorneys are prepared to challenge unfair fault arguments through negotiation or, when needed, in court.

Talk With Our Team Today

If you have been hurt in a crash or lost a loved one in a fatal collision, you do not have to deal with insurance companies and legal rules on your own. Our team at Shaw Law can explain your options, answer your questions, and help you decide what makes sense for your family.

With more than 30 years of Indiana injury experience, leadership by Jeff "JJ" Shaw, and our EZ Case app for real time updates and estimates, we work to combine strong advocacy with clear communication. Your initial conversation with a car accident attorney is free, and most cases are handled on a contingency fee basis.

Schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney at Shaw Law to review your situation and understand your next steps. Call (574) 777-7777 today so we can begin protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you may be entitled to.