Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer at Christie Bell & Marshall can help guide you through the next steps of a claim. With over 40 years of helping our community, we serve clients across Indianapolis and surrounding Indiana cities, helping them recover after serious accidents. Our attorneys have secured millions in compensation for injury victims facing medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery. You do not have to navigate this complex legal landscape alone.

We offer free consultations, and you pay no fee unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Call 317-488-5500 or fill out our online form to discuss your options with our car accident law firm today.

Why Choose Our Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys

Watch this short video to learn why injury victims across Indianapolis trust Christie Bell & Marshall after a serious car accident.

When you are up against a large insurance company like State Farm, Geico, or Progressive, you need a car accident law firm with a proven track record of success in the courtroom. Here is why accident victims in Indianapolis turn to Christie Bell & Marshall:

Respected Legal Leadership

Our attorneys are recognized leaders in Indiana’s legal community. Lee Christie serves as President of the Indianapolis Legal Aid Society and is the Immediate Past President of the Indianapolis Bar Association. He was also named the 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers, one of the legal profession’s highest honors.

Award-Winning Attorneys

Christie Bell & Marshall attorneys have been recognized by organizations including Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Indiana Super Lawyers Top 50, Indiana Super Lawyers Top 25 Women, Forbes, and the Indianapolis Bar Association. Katie Marshall was honored with the Distinguished Fellow Award from the Indianapolis Bar Association and has earned recognition as one of Indiana’s top female personal injury attorneys.

Local Indianapolis Experience

Our attorneys have represented injury victims throughout Indianapolis and Marion County since 1993. We understand the local courts, judges, insurance company tactics, and accident hotspots throughout Central Indiana.

Proven Results

We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients throughout Indiana. Our attorneys have successfully handled cases involving serious car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, catastrophic injuries, and complex insurance disputes.

Speak with a personal injury lawyer today. Call: 317-488-5500

You Don’t Pay Unless Your Case is Won

That is correct; there are no fees for our professional legal services until we win your case. You only pay us a small percentage of the verdict or settlement that we successfully win for you. That is how we get paid and why we are strictly on your side when it comes to getting justice and maximum compensation. You can view our featured case results from previous clients totaling millions of dollars in victory to see what a skilled auto accident attorney can achieve.

Google Reviews From Our Clients

We thoroughly enjoy working with and helping our clients achieve great outcomes from their accident cases and are honored to help them through the legal process. We often receive positive feedback from our clients about how “Lee Christie and his team were outstanding handling my auto accident case…” so here are a few real world client reviews below.

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Compensation You Can Recover in an Indianapolis Car Accident Claim

It’s important to understand that insurance companies often undervalue future treatment, lost earning power, and pain and suffering to minimize their financial obligations. Because of that, our personal injury attorneys work with medical experts and economic evidence to pursue the full value of your claim and seek the maximum compensation available under the law.

Our goal is to secure compensation for all your losses, both economic and non-economic. A dedicated car accident lawyer from Christie Bell & Marshall can help you pursue compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Including emergency room visits at IU Health Methodist or Eskenazi Health, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and future medical care costs.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the time you were unable to work while recovering from your injuries.
• Reduced Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same income level.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the traumatic event.
• Permanent Disfigurement and Disability: Compensation for scarring, loss of limb, or other permanent physical impairments.
• Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one, a compassionate accident attorney can help you file a claim to cover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.

 

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Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Indianapolis

Our car accident attorneys have extensive experience investigating and litigating a wide range of motor vehicle collisions. We understand the unique evidence and legal strategy required for each scenario.

Rear-End & Head-On Collisions

Rear-end accidents and head-on collisions often result in severe whiplash injuries, back injuries, or catastrophic harm. These cases require a thorough investigation into driver distraction, speeding, or impairment. An experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer can help establish liability in these complex situations.

T-Bone & Intersection Accidents

T-bone accidents and side-impact crashes at busy Indianapolis intersections, such as 38th Street and Lafayette Road, can cause devastating injuries. We work to prove who had the right-of-way and hold negligent drivers accountable for running red lights, speeding, or failing to yield.

Drunk or Drugged Driving Accidents

We aggressively pursue claims against impaired drivers to secure full compensation for victims, including punitive damages where applicable. Read more about our experience with drunk driving accident claims.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Being left at the scene by the at-fault driver adds stress to an already difficult situation, but you still have legal options. We pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage and conduct a thorough investigation in hit-and-run accident cases.

Accidents in Construction Zones & Due to Road Defects

Construction zone crashes on I-465, I-70, or other Indianapolis roadways are not always solely a driver’s fault. We investigate whether poor signage, road defects, unsafe lane changes, or government negligence contributed to the accident.

Uber & Lyft Rideshare Accidents

These claims involve complex insurance rules and corporate policies. We know how to navigate policies for Uber and Lyft accident claims to help injured passengers, drivers, and motorists pursue the coverage they may be entitled to receive.

Rollover & Truck Accidents

Rollover accidents and truck accidents often require a rapid and sophisticated investigation into driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, company negligence, and crash scene evidence.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted drivers, especially those using cell phones, are a leading cause of injury crashes. We have helped victims recover damages in cases involving texting while driving, in-car distractions, and other reckless behavior.

Indiana Car Insurance Laws

Indiana follows a fault-based insurance system, which means the driver who causes an accident is generally responsible for the damages resulting from the crash. After an accident, injured victims may pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance company, their own insurance coverage, or by filing a personal injury lawsuit when necessary. 

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Indiana

Under Indiana law, drivers must carry minimum liability insurance coverage of:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

While these minimum limits satisfy Indiana’s legal requirements, they are often insufficient to cover the full cost of a serious car accident involving significant injuries.

Indiana’s Comparative Fault Rule

Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system. Under Indiana Code § 34-51-2, an injured person may recover compensation as long as they are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

For example, if a jury awards $100,000 in damages and finds you 20% responsible for the accident, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Some drivers operate vehicles without adequate insurance coverage even though Indiana has insurance requirements. Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can help protect you when:

• The at-fault driver has no insurance
• The at-fault driver’s policy limits are insufficient to cover your damages
• You are injured in a hit-and-run accident

Understanding Fault in Indiana Car Accidents

Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, also known as the 51% Rule. This legal standard is critical to your case:

• You can recover damages as long as you are found 50% or less at fault for the accident.
• Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault (e.g., if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000).
• If you are found 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation.

Insurance adjusters often try to shift blame to victims to reduce or deny their claims. An attorney for a car accident at our firm will build a strong case to prove the other party’s negligence and protect your right to full compensation.

 

What to Do After a Car Accident in Indianapolis

The steps you take immediately after a crash can significantly impact your health and your legal claim. An experienced Indianapolis attorney for a car accident claim would recommend the following steps after an accident:

1. Get to Safety: If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights.
2. Call 911: Report the accident and request police and medical assistance. An official police report is a crucial piece of evidence.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries.
4. Exchange Information: Get the names, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers involved. Do not admit fault.
5. Talk to Witnesses: If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers.
6. Seek Medical Attention: Get a medical evaluation right away, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not have immediate symptoms.
7. Report the Accident to Your Insurer: Inform your insurance company about the accident but stick to the basic facts. Do not give a recorded statement without speaking to counsel.
8. Contact a Lawyer: Before you accept any settlement offer, talk to a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis locals rely on to understand your rights and the true value of your claim.

You may have many more questions, and that is okay. These steps are only meant to be a good place to start before speaking with our legal team. By choosing an Indiana car accident attorney with experience and know-how, recovering from a car accident can be a lot less stressful.

Understanding Car Accidents in Indianapolis

Car accidents in Indianapolis often involve more than just insurance claims. The process requires navigating local systems, courts, and medical providers in order to provide evidence to win a case. At Christie Bell & Marshall, our attorneys have extensive experience handling cases throughout Marion County, and others, including working within the local court system and understanding how cases are evaluated by judges and juries in Indianapolis.

Many serious crashes occur along some of the city’s busiest roadways, including I-465, I-65, I-70, Keystone Avenue, Meridian Street, and 38th Street. These are areas known for heavy traffic, congestion, and high accident rates. Our law firm is familiar with these crash corridors and how factors like traffic patterns, construction zones, and road design can impact liability.

After an accident, victims often rely on treatment from local medical providers such as IU Health Methodist Hospital and Eskenazi Hospital, both of which play a key role in documenting injuries and supporting personal injury claims. We work closely with medical records and providers to ensure your injuries are fully understood and properly valued.

In many cases, evidence also comes from Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) accident reports, which can be critical in determining fault and building a strong case. Our accident attorneys know how to obtain, analyze, and use these reports effectively to support your claim.

Having a law firm that understands the local landscape of Indianapolis can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.

Indiana’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents

In Indiana, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to sue for damages.

• Important Exception: If your claim is against a government entity (e.g., a city bus or state-owned vehicle), you have a much shorter deadline. You must file a Notice of Tort Claim within 180 days for a city or county entity, or 270 days for a state entity.

It is vital to contact an Indianapolis car accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure these critical deadlines are met.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to hire an Indianapolis car accident lawyer?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you.

What’s the time limit to file a car accident claim in Indiana after the accident occurred?

In Indiana, the time limit to file a car accident claim is generally 2 years from the date of the crash. This is known as the statute of limitations under Indiana law. This deadline comes directly from Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4.

How much is my car accident claim worth?

The value depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, lost income, and the impact on your quality of life. An auto accident attorney Indianapolis can evaluate your case to determine its potential value.

Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?

It is best to avoid speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster. They are trained to get you to say things that can hurt your claim. Direct all communication to your auto accident attorneys.

Do I need a lawyer if the accident was minor?

Even seemingly minor accidents can result in long-term injuries. Insurance companies often offer quick, lowball settlements. Consulting a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis ensures your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation for all your injuries.

Contact Christie Bell & Marshall Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer Team Today

Do not let an insurance company decide your future. The legal team at Christie Bell & Marshall is ready to fight for you and handle the legal burdens so you can focus on healing.

If you were involved in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a legal right to compensation. This applies whether the crash involved a distracted driver, a speeding vehicle, or someone who ignored traffic laws. Serious injuries from vehicle accidents are all we do. Our injury team will let you know if you have a case or not, and how we can help you get results and compensation you deserve.

When you need an car accident attorney, look no further. We are committed to justice. Schedule your free confidential case evaluation and speak with an Indianapolis car accident attorney today.