The Law Offices of David W. Holub represents people hurt in car accidents in LaPorte, Indiana. Attorneys David W. Holub and Katelyn Holub have served Northwest Indiana drivers for decades. Consultations are free. If you were injured in a crash in LaPorte, you can call (219) 736-9700 to talk about what happened.
Car Accidents in LaPorte
LaPorte is the seat of LaPorte County and the place where several state and federal routes come together. US 35 runs north and south through the city and carries traffic down from Interstate 94, which crosses the northern part of the county. US 20 runs east and west just north of town. State Roads 2, 4, and 39 all pass through or meet near the city.
That pattern puts fast highway traffic and slower local traffic on the same roads. Drivers coming off US 20 or US 35 into city streets often carry more speed than the setting allows, and intersection and rear-end crashes are common where those routes meet local roads.
Where Crashes Happen in LaPorte
LaPorte is also known as the City of Lakes. Pine Lake, Stone Lake, and Clear Lake sit close to the center of town, and the roads that run between and around them curve, narrow, and fill with recreational traffic in warm weather. Boat trailers, cyclists, and pedestrians share those roads with regular commuter traffic.
Winter brings its own problem. LaPorte County sits in the lake effect snow belt off Lake Michigan, and heavy bands can drop visibility and traction quickly on US 20, US 35, and the county roads outside town. A driver going too fast for those conditions can still be at fault even if the posted limit was higher.
Indiana Law That Governs Your LaPorte Claim
Indiana gives you two years to file a lawsuit after a crash. The rule is Indiana Code 34-11-2-4. Two years sounds like plenty of time, but evidence fades fast. Skid marks disappear, camera footage gets erased, and witnesses move away. Starting early protects your claim.
For most car accident cases, Indiana uses a comparative fault system. You can recover as long as you were not more than half at fault for the crash. Your award is then reduced by your share of the fault. The rule is Indiana Code 34-51-2-6. For example, if a jury finds you 20 percent at fault, your recovery is reduced by 20 percent.
Those rules change when the government is involved. Indiana’s comparative fault law does not apply to claims against government defendants. That comes from Indiana Code 34-51-2-2. Instead, the older rule of contributory negligence controls, and under that rule even a small share of fault on your part can block your claim entirely.
The deadlines are shorter too. A claim against a city, town, or county requires written notice in as little as 180 days under Indiana Code 34-13-3-8. A claim tied to the State of Indiana, which can include a state highway such as US 20 or US 35, requires notice within 270 days under Indiana Code 34-13-3-6.
Where Your LaPorte Case Is Filed
LaPorte is where the county courthouse sits, so cases from the city are filed close to home. Injury lawsuits from LaPorte County are filed in the LaPorte Circuit Court or one of the LaPorte Superior Courts. The Circuit Court and Superior Court 3 sit at the county courthouse at 813 Lincolnway in LaPorte. Superior Courts 1, 2, and 4 sit at 300 Washington Street in Michigan City. Civil injury claims are typically filed in one of the Superior Courts.
Most claims settle before a trial ever happens. Filing still matters, because it sets a schedule and gives your lawyer the ability to require the other side to produce evidence.
What To Do After a LaPorte Crash
Call the police and ask for a report, even if the damage looks minor. Get checked by a doctor, because neck, back, and head injuries often feel worse a day or two later. Photograph the vehicles, the road, and anything that helps explain how the crash happened. Write down names and phone numbers for anyone who saw it.
If weather played a part, photograph the road surface and note the conditions while they are fresh. Lake effect snow can clear within hours, and a road that caused a crash in the morning can look ordinary by afternoon.
Be careful with the other driver’s insurance company. An adjuster may call within days and ask for a recorded statement. You are not required to give one, and it is reasonable to speak with a lawyer first.
About the Law Offices of David W. Holub
David W. Holub and Katelyn Holub are Indiana attorneys who focus on personal injury cases. The firm has represented injured people across Northwest Indiana for decades, including clients from LaPorte County. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome; each case depends on its facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
My crash happened during a lake effect snow band. Can the other driver still be at fault?
Yes. Indiana drivers are expected to drive reasonably for the conditions in front of them, not just under the posted limit. A driver who kept highway speed into a snow band with poor visibility can still be found at fault. Photographs of the road taken close to the time of the crash help a great deal, because conditions change fast.
Will my case be heard in LaPorte or in Michigan City?
Either is possible. The Circuit Court and Superior Court 3 sit at the courthouse on Lincolnway in LaPorte, and Superior Courts 1, 2, and 4 sit on Washington Street in Michigan City. Civil injury claims usually go to one of the Superior Courts, so your lawyer files where the case fits best.
What if my LaPorte crash involved a city, county, or state vehicle?
Stricter rules apply. Indiana’s comparative fault law does not cover claims against government defendants, so even a small share of fault on your part can bar recovery. Written notice is also required, in as little as 180 days for a city or county claim, or 270 days if the claim is tied to the State. Because US 20 and US 35 are state routes, that second deadline comes up more often than people expect.
How much does it cost to talk to your office?
Nothing. Consultations are free, and injury cases are handled on a contingency fee, which means the fee comes out of a recovery rather than out of pocket.
Talk With Our Office
If you have questions about your situation, you can contact our office to discuss it. Call (219) 736-9700 or use the contact form on this site. There is no cost to talk.