WILSON & NOVAK LAW OFFICES: Your Advocate for Fair Compensation AFTER AN ACCIDENT
St. John Personal Injury Lawyers
Representing people injured in St. John and across Lake County, from our office in Merrillville.
Injury Representation for St. John Families
St. John traces its start to 1837, when German immigrants John and Johanna Hack became the first known settlers along what is now Wicker Avenue. For most of its history it was a quiet farm town. That has changed quickly. St. John had 14,850 residents at the 2010 census and 20,303 in 2020, and the Census Bureau now estimates nearly 25,000. New subdivisions, new stores, and steady traffic on US 41 and US 231 are now part of daily life. When an injury interrupts that routine, the first questions are usually practical ones: how the medical bills will be paid, how long you will be out of work, and what to say when the insurance company calls.
Wilson & Novak Law Offices represents people injured in St. John and throughout Lake County. Attorney David Wilson or Attorney David Novak works on your case directly, and you can reach the attorney handling it when you have a question.
In the first days after an injury, a few simple steps protect your claim. After a crash in town, ask for the report number from the St. John Police Department or the Lake County Sheriff's Department. After a fall at a store or another business, ask the manager to document it, and take photos of the hazard before it is cleaned up or repaired. Keep a folder for every bill, receipt, and letter you receive.
Attorneys Wilson and Novak each have over 25 years of experience in personal injury law. They have represented Northwest Indiana clients in car and semi-truck crashes, falls on unsafe property, and wrongful death claims, and both have worked on the insurance defense side.
St. John does not have its own hospital, so residents with serious injuries are often treated at Franciscan Health Crown Point, Franciscan Health Dyer, or Community Hospital in Munster. Bring the names of your providers to your first meeting with us. The consultation is free, and there is no obligation to hire us.
Paying Medical Bills While Your Claim Is Pending
An injury claim can take months to resolve, but medical bills start arriving right away. In most cases, your own health insurance pays for treatment as you go, and the at-fault party's insurer pays only when the claim settles or a judgment is entered. Many people are surprised to learn that the other side's insurance company usually does not pay bills as they come in.
If your health insurer pays for injury-related care, it may have a right to be repaid from your settlement. Hospitals and providers sometimes file liens as well. Those amounts affect what you actually take home, so they should be identified and addressed before a settlement is final. Learn more about what to expect from a settlement.
What Happens After You Call Us
The first step is a free conversation about what happened, how you were hurt, and what treatment you have had so far. If we take your case, we gather the reports, photos, and medical records, notify the insurance companies that you have a lawyer, and handle communication with them from that point on.
As your treatment continues, we track your bills and lost income and build the claim around the full effect of the injury. When it is time to negotiate, we explain each offer and what it means for you, and the decision to settle is always yours. Read more about what a personal injury attorney does.
Your Trusted Personal Injury Advocates
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Your Path to Justice Starts Here
Injured in St. John? Talk With Our Attorneys
Call 219-757-0225 or request a call back for a free review of your case. The attorneys you meet are the attorneys who handle it.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
We provide personal attention, clear communication, and support at every stage of your claim. Throughout the process, you work directly with an attorney, not a case manager or call center. Request a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys by filling out our online form.
Representing Residents of St. John and Nearby Communities
Wilson & Novak has one office, at 200 W 80th Place in Merrillville. We represent clients throughout Lake County, including St. John, Dyer, Schererville, and Crown Point, along with Porter County and nearby Illinois communities.
Case reviews are free, and there are no upfront charges if we take your case. Call 219-757-0225, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Injured in a nearby community? Visit our local pages:
Car and Truck Crashes in St. John
Two federal highways meet in St. John. US 41, known in town as Wicker Avenue, carries traffic north to Schererville and south to Cedar Lake, and US 231 begins at Wicker Avenue and runs east toward Crown Point. INDOT has flagged two US 231 intersections in town for safety work. At Parrish Avenue, INDOT reports that rear-end collisions account for 76% of reported crashes, and that crash frequency and severity are higher than expected for that type of intersection. A roundabout is planned there, with construction scheduled for 2027. At Cline Avenue, INDOT said the intersection sees a high rate of crashes and injuries and planned a two-lane roundabout.
Rear-end crashes often happen when traffic slows suddenly for turning vehicles. Even when the driver in back seems clearly at fault, insurers may argue that the front driver stopped short or turned without signaling. Under Indiana's comparative fault rule, any percentage assigned to you reduces what you can recover, and you can still recover if your share is 50% or less. Learn more about car accident claims.
US 41 and US 231 also carry a steady flow of commercial trucks. When a semi-truck is involved, the driver's employer and other companies may share responsibility, and federal rules require trucking companies to keep driver and vehicle records that can be important evidence. Learn more about truck accident claims.
Resources
After a car or truck crash, the same questions come up again and again: what to do first, who is responsible, what your claim may be worth, and how to handle the insurance company. These guides answer each one. If you would rather talk it through, call us at 219-757-0225 for a free case review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we receive about personal injury claims. We’re here to help you understand the process and what to expect.
What should I do if I was hurt on someone else's property in Cedar Lake?
Report the injury to the owner or manager before you leave and ask for a copy of the incident report. If you can, photograph the hazard that caused the fall, such as ice, a spill, or a broken step, and get the names of any witnesses. Then get medical care and keep every record. Conditions are often fixed or cleaned up quickly, so early photos can make a real difference.Should I talk to the insurance company before I talk to a lawyer?
You can report the injury, but be careful about anything more. You are generally not required to give a recorded statement to the other party's insurer, and statements given early, while you are still in pain or unsure of your injuries, are often used later to dispute a claim. A free consultation first costs you nothing.What does it cost to talk with Wilson & Novak about my case?
The case review is free. If we take your case, there are no upfront charges, and our fee comes from the recovery. The fee agreement is put in writing before work begins.What should I bring to my first meeting with a lawyer?
Bring whatever you have, even if it is incomplete: the crash or incident report or its number, photos, the names of witnesses, your health insurance card, the names of the doctors and hospitals that have treated you, and any letters or emails from an insurance company. If you do not have these yet, call anyway. We can help you get them.How long does a personal injury claim usually take?
It depends mostly on your recovery. A claim usually should not be settled until your doctors understand the full extent of your injuries, because a settlement generally ends the claim for good. Some claims resolve within months. Others take longer, especially when fault is disputed or the injuries are serious.Can I still make a claim if I did not go to the hospital right away?
Often, yes. Some injuries, including concussions and back injuries, do not show their full effect for hours or days. Get medical care as soon as you notice symptoms and tell the provider how you were hurt. The longer the gap between the injury and your first treatment, the more likely an insurer is to question the connection.Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?
Not before you understand what your claim is worth. First offers often come before the full cost of treatment is known, and accepting one usually means signing a release that ends the claim for good. Once you sign, you generally cannot go back for more, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected.What if I had a back or neck problem before this injury?
You may still have a claim. Under Indiana law, the person at fault is generally responsible for making an existing condition worse, even if you were more vulnerable than someone else would have been. Medical records from before and after the injury help show what changed.How long do I have to file an injury claim in Indiana?
In most cases, Indiana allows two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Claims involving a government vehicle, employee, or property usually require a written notice much sooner, often within 180 days. Because deadlines vary, it is wise to ask a lawyer early rather than wait.Can I choose my own doctor after an injury?
In most personal injury claims, yes. You can generally see the doctors you trust, and the other side's insurance company cannot require you to use its preferred providers, although it may ask for an independent medical exam if a lawsuit is filed. What matters most is that you get appropriate care, follow your doctor's advice, and keep a record of every visit.Can my family bring a claim if a loved one was killed?
In Indiana, a wrongful death claim is generally brought by the personal representative of the person's estate, for the benefit of the surviving spouse, children, or other dependents. The claim generally must be filed within two years of the death. A lawyer can explain who may bring the claim and what it can include.Will I have to deal with the insurance company myself?
Not once you hire us. We handle communication with the insurance companies, including requests for statements, records, and settlement discussions. You can focus on your treatment while we keep you informed and involved in every major decision.Do I need a lawyer if my injury seems minor?
Not always. Some minor injuries resolve quickly and can be handled without a lawyer. It is still worth a free conversation if you are unsure, because injuries that seem minor at first sometimes turn out to be more serious, and an early settlement usually cannot be reopened.What if the insurance company denies my claim?
A denial is not always the final word. Insurers deny claims for many reasons, including disputes over fault or over whether the injury was caused by the incident. A lawyer can review the reason given, gather additional evidence, and pursue the claim further, including filing a lawsuit if that becomes necessary.Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?
Usually, yes. Indiana uses a comparative fault rule. If you are found 50% or less at fault, you can still recover, but your recovery is reduced by your share of the fault. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover.What if I was hurt across the state line in Illinois?
You may still have a claim, but it will generally be governed by Illinois law. Some Illinois deadlines and procedures differ from Indiana's, particularly for claims against a local government. Talk with a lawyer early so the right rules and deadlines are identified from the start.How do I know if I have a case?
In general, you may have a personal injury claim if someone else's carelessness caused your injury and you suffered real losses, such as medical bills, lost income, or pain. Every situation is different. A free consultation is the simplest way to find out whether your claim is worth pursuing.What should I avoid saying after an injury?
Avoid apologizing or guessing about what happened, and avoid saying you are fine before you have been checked by a doctor. Statements like these can be used later to argue that you were at fault or were not really hurt. Stick to the facts, and talk with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to the other side's insurer.What if I cannot work while I recover?
Lost wages are generally part of a personal injury claim. That can include time missed for treatment and recovery, and, for more serious injuries, reduced ability to earn in the future. Keep pay stubs, a note of the days you miss, and any letters from your employer about your time away.How are future medical costs handled in a settlement?
A settlement is usually paid once, so it should account for care you are expected to need later, such as surgery, therapy, or medication. That is one reason it is often wise to wait until your doctors can explain your long-term outlook before you agree to settle.Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Indiana?
In most cases, the claim is brought by the personal representative of the person's estate on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, or other dependents. Different rules can apply when the person who died was a child or an adult without dependents. A lawyer can explain how the rules apply to your family.Who is responsible if I was hurt at a community pool or beach?
It depends on who owns and maintains the area and what caused the injury. If a hazard existed that should have been fixed or clearly marked, the organization or company responsible for the property may be liable. Report the injury, ask for an incident report, and take photos before conditions change.Should I report my injury to the people who manage the property?
Yes. Reporting the injury creates a record of when and where it happened. Ask for a copy of any written report, and keep your own notes. Be factual, and avoid guessing about what caused the injury or saying you are fine before you have been checked by a doctor.Does it matter which county I was hurt in?
The same Indiana injury laws and deadlines apply in Lake and Porter counties. The county can affect which sheriff's department takes the report and where a lawsuit would be filed if one becomes necessary, so it is worth noting exactly where the injury happened.Can a Merrillville law firm represent me if I live in Jasper County?
Yes. Wilson & Novak represents clients throughout Northwest Indiana, including Jasper County. Indiana's personal injury laws apply statewide, so where you live does not change your rights. Call 219-757-0225 to talk about your situation.What records should I request after an injury?
Start with the crash or incident report, your medical records and bills, and proof of any time missed from work. Keep your own copies of photos, receipts, and letters from insurance companies. If you hire us, we can request many of these records for you.Will I have to sue my neighbor if they caused my injury?
Not necessarily in the way people fear. In most injury claims, the person at fault has insurance, and the claim is handled by that insurance company. Many claims settle without a lawsuit. Even when a lawsuit is filed, the insurer usually provides the defense and pays any settlement up to the policy limits.Can I be reimbursed for mileage to medical appointments?
Reasonable travel costs for injury-related treatment can often be included in a personal injury claim. Keep a simple log with the date, the provider, and the round-trip miles for each appointment, along with any parking or other travel receipts.What happens if I need surgery later?
That is one of the main reasons not to settle too early. If your doctors think surgery or other major treatment may be needed, the claim should account for it. Once you sign a release, you generally cannot reopen the claim to cover care you need later.Can I still file a claim if the police did not come?
Often, yes. A police report is helpful, but it is not required for every claim. You can still document what happened with photos, witness names, medical records, and a written account. If you were in a crash, you may also be able to file a report with the local agency after the fact.What if my child was hurt?
A parent or guardian can usually bring a claim on behalf of an injured child. Indiana generally gives minors extra time to file, but it is still wise not to wait, because evidence and witness memories fade. Keep your child's medical records and a note of how the injury has affected school and daily activities.Can I talk with a lawyer even if I am not sure I want to file a claim?
Yes. A free consultation is a chance to ask questions and understand your options. There is no obligation to hire us, and many people find it helpful just to learn what deadlines apply and what steps they should take to protect themselves.What happens if the person who hurt me has no insurance?
It depends on how the injury happened. If a vehicle was involved, your own auto policy may include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. In other situations, another business or property owner may share responsibility. A lawyer can review every possible source of coverage.Is there a different deadline if I was hurt in a city park?
Usually, yes. A claim against a city, town, or county in Indiana generally requires a written tort claim notice within 180 days of the injury, which is much shorter than the two-year deadline for most injury lawsuits. Missing the notice deadline can end the claim, so it is important to act quickly.What if I was hurt while visiting from out of town?
You can still bring a claim. An injury that happens in Indiana is generally handled under Indiana law, even if you live in another state. Working with a lawyer near where the injury happened can make it easier to gather reports, records, and witness information.Does it hurt my claim to wait before hiring a lawyer?
Waiting can make a claim harder. Video gets recorded over, physical evidence is repaired or discarded, and witnesses become harder to find. Deadlines also keep running. A free consultation early on costs nothing and can help protect your options.What should I do if I was hit while walking or riding a bike?
Get to safety, call 911, and get medical care, even if your injuries seem minor. If you can, take photos of the scene and get the names of witnesses. Pedestrians and cyclists can bring injury claims just like drivers, and the driver's insurance is often the first source of coverage.How is pain and suffering valued?
There is no fixed formula. Insurers and juries look at the type of injury, how long recovery takes, how the injury affects your work and daily life, and what your medical records show. Keeping a simple journal of your symptoms and limits can help show the full effect of the injury.Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury claims settle without a trial. Some are resolved through negotiation, and others through mediation after a lawsuit is filed. If a fair settlement is not offered, going to trial may be the right choice. We explain your options at each step so you can decide.How do I get a copy of my police or crash report?
Request it from the agency that responded. In Whiting, that is usually the Whiting Police Department, which charges a small fee for copies. Have the date, location, and report number ready if you have it. If you hire us, we can request the report for you.Can I handle an injury claim on my own?
You can, and some small claims are handled that way. For more serious injuries, it helps to have someone who knows how insurers value claims, which records matter, and which deadlines apply. A free consultation can help you decide.How soon should I contact a lawyer after an injury?
As soon as you are able, ideally before you give a recorded statement or sign anything from an insurance company. Early contact helps preserve evidence, such as video and witness statements, and makes sure no deadline is missed.
