A serious accident changes everything in an instant — and while you’re trying to heal, the insurance company is already building a file to pay you as little as possible. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact us immediately.
Mark K. Gruenhagen represents injured people and families across Lake County and Northwest Indiana after crashes, falls and other accidents caused by someone else’s carelessness. He brings the same preparation and directness to a personal injury claim that he brings to every case: straight answers, careful documentation, and a willingness to push back on an insurance company that isn’t taking your injuries seriously.
What’s at Stake After a Serious Accident
An injury can mean medical bills, missed work, and pain that doesn’t show up on an X-ray. Insurance companies know this, and their adjusters are trained to resolve claims quickly and for as little as possible — often before you or your doctors know the full extent of what you’re dealing with. The steps you take in the first days and weeks after an accident can shape how well your claim reflects what actually happened to you.
Injury Cases Mark Handles
Car, Truck & Motorcycle Crashes
Collisions caused by a distracted, impaired or careless driver, from routine fender-benders to serious highway wrecks.
Slip & Fall / Premises Liability
Falls caused by unsafe conditions a property owner knew about, or should have known about, and failed to fix.
Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
Injuries from an animal an owner failed to control, often with lasting physical and emotional effects.
Wrongful Death
Standing up for a family that has lost a loved one because of another person’s negligence.
How Mark Helps After an Accident
- Investigating the accident. Gathering the police report, photos, witness accounts and any other evidence while it’s still available.
- Dealing with the insurance company. So you’re not the one on the phone with an adjuster whose job is to minimize your claim.
- Documenting your injuries. Working with your medical treatment to make sure the full picture of your injury is on record, not just the first report.
- Standing up for you. Negotiating from a position of strength, and preparing to fight for you if the other side won’t treat your claim fairly.
Don’t give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster, and don’t accept a quick offer. Early offers are often made before anyone knows the full extent of your injuries. Talk to a lawyer first.
What to Do Right Now
Avoid These Mistakes
- Don’t give a recorded statement to any insurance company without talking to a lawyer first.
- Don’t accept a quick settlement offer before you know the full extent of your injuries.
- Don’t post about the accident, your injuries or your activities on social media.
- Don’t delay medical care, even if you think you’re not badly hurt.
Protect Yourself
- Get medical care right away, and follow through with any treatment your doctor recommends.
- Take photos of the scene, the vehicles or property involved, and any visible injuries.
- Get names and contact information for any witnesses before they leave the scene.
- Keep records of every medical visit, bill and day of missed work.
- Call Mark at (219) 322-3000 before you talk to any insurance company. Strict deadlines apply, so don’t wait.
Personal Injury FAQ
What should I do if an insurance adjuster contacts me?
Be polite, but don’t give a recorded statement or go into detail about the accident or your injuries until you’ve talked to a lawyer. The adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you, and anything you say can be used to reduce what you’re owed.
Should I accept the first settlement offer?
Not without careful thought. An early offer often comes before anyone knows the full extent of your injuries or future medical needs. Talk to a lawyer before you accept anything, so you understand what you might be giving up.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
You may still have a claim. Indiana law can allow for recovery even when fault is shared between more than one party, though the details matter and can affect your case, so it’s worth having someone review the facts.
How much time do I have to file a claim?
Strict deadlines apply, so don’t wait to talk to a lawyer. The sooner Mark is involved, the sooner evidence can be gathered, witnesses can be reached, and your claim is protected.