The Law Offices of David W. Holub represents people injured in car accidents in Griffith, Indiana. We serve Griffith and all of Lake County from our office in nearby Merrillville. Consultations are free. Call us at (219) 736-9700.
Car Accidents in Griffith
Griffith is a small town, but its main roads stay busy most of the day. Ridge Road runs east and west through the center of town and carries a steady stream of commuters between Highland, Griffith, and points east. The road is lined with businesses and side streets, so drivers stop often and turn left across traffic. That mix produces rear-end crashes and intersection collisions, especially during the morning and evening rush.
Broad Street is the heart of downtown Griffith. It meets Ridge Road near the shops and restaurants that draw people on foot, on bikes, and in cars hunting for parking. Crashes here tend to happen at lower speeds, but low speed does not mean no injury. A driver backing out of a parking spot or rolling through a crosswalk can still hurt someone badly.
On the north side of town, drivers use the Cline Avenue access routes to reach the expressways. Traffic moves faster near those connections, and drivers merging on or off sometimes misjudge speed and distance. Some carry highway speed into town. South of town, U.S. 30 pulls heavy retail and commuter traffic through the area, and some of it spills onto Griffith streets.
Cut-through traffic is a problem many Griffith residents know well. When the expressways or U.S. 30 back up, drivers hunt for shortcuts through town. Many are unfamiliar with local stop signs, school zones, and the rail crossings that interrupt several streets. A backed-up crossing tempts impatient drivers into risky moves. Local drivers learn to expect this, but visitors passing through often do not.
The Griffith crashes we see most often are rear-end collisions on Ridge Road, T-bone crashes at intersections, and sideswipes near the Cline Avenue connections. Whatever the type, someone has to sort out fault, insurance coverage, and the full extent of the injuries.
Indiana Law That Governs Your Griffith Claim
Indiana gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. The rule is Indiana Code 34-11-2-4. Evidence fades fast, so it helps to start early.
Indiana uses a comparative fault system. You can recover as long as you were not more than half at fault, and your award is reduced by your share of the fault (Indiana Code 34-51-2-6).
Different, stricter fault rules apply when a government vehicle is involved, and the deadlines are shorter. The Comparative Fault Act does not cover government defendants (Indiana Code 34-51-2-2), so the older contributory negligence rule applies, and any fault on your part can bar recovery completely. It helps to talk to a lawyer quickly in these cases.
Notice deadlines for government claims are short. A claim against a town, city, or county requires written notice in as short as 180 days (Indiana Code 34-13-3-8). A claim against the State of Indiana requires notice within 270 days (Indiana Code 34-13-3-6).
Where Your Griffith Case Is Filed
Griffith has no court of its own for injury lawsuits. Cases are filed in the Lake Superior Court, Civil Division, whose courtrooms sit in Hammond, Gary, and East Chicago. The Hammond and Gary courtrooms serve most Griffith filings. Lake Circuit Court in Crown Point also hears civil cases.
None of them are far from Griffith. Your lawyer handles filing, and most claims settle before trial.
What To Do After a Crash in Griffith
Call the police and stay at the scene. A crash on Ridge Road or Broad Street can block traffic, so move to a safe spot if you can. The Griffith police will write a crash report that matters later.
Get medical care right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries take days to show up. Hospitals in nearby Munster and Hobart serve Griffith.
Photograph the vehicles, the road, and your injuries, and get witness names. Be careful with the other driver’s insurer. You do not have to give a recorded statement, and early offers rarely reflect your full costs.
Our Merrillville car accident page explains the claim process step by step.
About the Law Offices of David W. Holub
Attorney David W. Holub has practiced personal injury law in Northwest Indiana for decades. He and attorney Katelyn Holub are licensed in Indiana and handle injury cases, including car and truck accidents. The firm has recovered compensation for injured clients across the region. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome; each case depends on its facts.
Our office is at 8403 Merrillville Road, Merrillville, IN 46410, about 20 minutes from Griffith. We do not have an office in Griffith. Clients from Griffith meet with us in Merrillville.
Griffith Car Accident FAQs
Who is at fault in a crash at a Ridge Road intersection?
It depends on the evidence. Ridge Road crashes often involve left turns or rear-end hits, and photos, crash reports, and witnesses usually sort out fault.
What if my teenager was in a car accident in Griffith?
Probationary licenses carry restrictions, and a violation can complicate a claim. Even so, the vehicle’s insurance usually applies, and a parent can pursue a claim for an injured child.
What can I do after a hit-and-run in Griffith?
Report it to the Griffith police right away and note anything you recall about the vehicle. Businesses on Ridge Road and Broad Street may have camera footage. If the driver is never found, your uninsured motorist coverage may pay for your injuries.
What does a car accident lawyer cost?
Consultations are free. We handle injury cases on a contingency fee, so the fee comes out of any recovery. No recovery means no fee.
Talk With Our Office
If you have questions about your situation, you can contact our office to discuss it. Call (219) 736-9700 or send a message through our contact page.