Moving to Indiana: Traffic Laws, Insurance Issues, and Safety Rules to Know

Indiana is centrally located in the Midwestern US states. Indiana is rich in education, tourist attractions, and more. There are a lot of changes you will experience before and after establishing your residency here. This article explains how you will live a less stressful life with the Hoosiers.

What To Do When Moving To Indiana

Exchange Your Driving License

When you become a resident in Indiana, you should exchange your driving license with the BMV for 60 days. Then, visit their offices personally for driving and vision tests, if necessary. Once you pass, you surrender your old license and pay for the new license and proof of ID. Don’t forget to surrender all your valid credentials (identification card, learner’s permit, or driver’s license) you hold from the state you come from.

Register Your Vehicle

From the day you arrive in Indiana, you have 60 days to register your car. Regulations governing Indiana’s traffic and accident laws restrict foreigners with established residence from disobeying the law. Therefore, you should have a 45-day-expiring Indiana car title. You can do that online or physically. Online registration is done at the MyBMV online, and physical registration is at the IN BMV office.

Get Health Insurance

Health insurance saves you in case of health issues and emergencies. Indiana has several health insurance companies with quality service.

Get Home Insurance

In the event of natural disasters, having home insurance is essential. It will pay for every cost associated with post-calamity settlement. Indiana particularly experiences floods, storms, and tornadoes.

Indiana Traffic Laws, Insurance Issues, And the Need For An Attorney

When you’re out and about in Indiana, you need to know the traffic laws that apply to your situation. Drivers should consider actual and potential hazards when driving at or above a certain speed limit. Here, drivers must slow down to 65 mph on interstates and highways and 70 mph on some roads. In addition, special conditions might apply to certain vehicles.

In addition, it’s important to understand how traffic laws work if you’re facing a ticket. In Indiana, violations are scored on a points system. The higher the point value, the more severe the violation. If you accumulate enough points, your driving privileges can be suspended. On the other hand, you may have to take a driver safety course if you get too many points. However, if you’ve had two or more traffic violations in a year, you’ll likely get a suspension or revoked license.

Another thing you must know is that car accidents are rampant in Indiana. The NHTSA reported that 94% of road accidents occur due to human fault or error. Thus, this prompts every citizen to buy insurance if an accident occurs and they need to receive or pay compensation. But getting fair compensation is almost impossible without a personal injury attorney. Also, understanding Indiana’s modified comparative negligence law is tricky if you come from a state that does not operate under this doctrine.

In personal injury cases in Indiana, most claims involve accidents. To be successful, you must demonstrate that the other party was negligent. However, the defendant may argue that you were partially to blame too. In Indiana, the plaintiff must be less than 51% at fault for the accident to file an injury claim. If you are partially at fault, an experienced personal injury attorney can craft a strategy to maximize your compensation.

What To Know Before Selecting A Car Accident Attorney In Indiana

Does your car accident attorney firm negotiate good settlements or take cases to trial? Choose a firm with reputable car accident handling capability in and outside the court. Therefore, you should research the firm extensively. The Yosha car accident law firm in Indianapolis is a good example but do your homework thoroughly. Having a car accident attorney in your contacts list anywhere you live, not just in Indiana, is advisable.

Another path to go is verifying law firms’ social proof. But, again, it is best to go with a firm with an impeccable reputation among “happy customers” who also left testimonials and great reviews.

Overall, select a car accident lawyer based on their capacity to handle negotiations, settlements, and even court trials with small and large insurance companies. The best personal injury law firm to choose should battle adequately against large insurance companies without feeling budget constraints. It should boldly arrange trials, depositions, and mediations against the giants.

Conclusion

Everybody has their reasons for moving to Indiana. But there is essential information you should understand before leaving, especially regarding traffic, accidents, and insurance. Prioritize security and safety measures and consult with an attorney about such issues to know how to protect your rights and pursue your legal options in case you are the victim of a car accident or cause one.

Author Bio:

Michael Hawkins is a legal journalist with a passion for education. His published articles and guides aim to help the public understand their rights, find the best legal solutions and get actionable answers and tips to their problems. Versed in personal injury and civil law matters, Michael is not afraid to tackle criminal law issues either.