WILSON & NOVAK LAW OFFICES: Your Advocate for Fair Compensation AFTER AN ACCIDENT
Wheeler Personal Injury Lawyers
Representing people injured in Wheeler and across Porter County, from our office in Merrillville.
Injury Representation for Wheeler and Union Township
Wheeler has been a railroad town from the start. It was founded in 1858, when the railroad was extended to this spot in northern Union Township, and it had its own post office for more than 160 years, from 1858 until July 2023. In the 1930s, the local paper counted three stores and an ice cream parlor here. Today Wheeler is a small, unincorporated community of about 435 people, home to Wheeler High School, with State Road 130 running through town beside the rail line. When an injury happens in a community this size, it can be hard to know where to start with medical bills, missed work, and the insurance company.
Wilson & Novak Law Offices represents injured people in Wheeler, throughout Porter County, and across Northwest Indiana. Your case is handled by Attorney David Wilson or Attorney David Novak, so you know exactly who is working on it.
Because Wheeler is unincorporated, there is no town police department. A crash or other serious injury here is usually handled by the Porter County Sheriff's Department, or by the Indiana State Police on a state highway. Ask for the report number, take photos of the scene and your injuries, and write down the names of anyone who saw what happened.
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.
Wheeler residents with serious injuries are often treated at Northwest Health Porter in Valparaiso, St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, or Methodist Hospitals Southlake in Merrillville. Keep every record and bill from the start. Your first conversation with us is free and carries no obligation.
How Our Fees Work
Many people put off calling a lawyer because they worry about the cost. At Wilson & Novak, the first consultation is free, and there are no upfront charges if we take your case. Our fee comes from the recovery, so you do not have to pay out of pocket to get started.
Before any work begins, we put the fee agreement in writing. It explains how the fee is calculated and how case expenses are handled, and we go over it with you so there are no surprises. If you have questions about cost, ask them at the first meeting. Read more about what a personal injury attorney costs.
Injuries at Homes and on Private Property
In a small community, many injuries happen at someone's home or on private land, such as a fall on icy steps, a collapsed deck, or a hazard in a yard or outbuilding. Indiana treats invited social guests much like business customers, so a property owner generally owes them reasonable care.
That does not mean you are suing a friend or neighbor out of their own pocket. In most cases, the claim is handled by the owner's homeowner's or property insurance. Report the injury, take photos of the hazard, and get medical care right away. Learn more about slip and fall and premises injuries.
Your Trusted Personal Injury Advocates
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Your Path to Justice Starts Here
Injured in Wheeler? 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 Wheeler and Nearby Communities
Wilson & Novak has one office, at 200 W 80th Place in Merrillville. We represent clients throughout Porter County, including Wheeler, Hobart, Valparaiso, and Portage, along with Lake County and nearby 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 Around Wheeler
State Road 130 is Wheeler's main road. It runs between Hobart and Valparaiso and follows a major rail line for nearly its entire length, so drivers here cross tracks and share the road with local traffic and farm vehicles. To the south, US 30 is a four-lane divided highway between Merrillville and Valparaiso, passing through a mix of farmland and homes. The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission found that crashes in unincorporated areas of the region are more than twice as likely to be fatal as crashes elsewhere.
Crashes on rural and semi-rural roads often involve higher speeds, vehicles turning onto or off of the highway, and drivers who misjudge a gap in traffic. When fault is disputed, Indiana's comparative fault rule reduces your recovery by the percentage of fault assigned to you, and you can still recover if your share is 50% or less. Learn more about car accident claims.
US 30 is also a major truck route across Northwest Indiana. When a semi-truck is involved, the trucking company and other businesses may share responsibility with the driver, and records such as driver logs and engine data should be requested early. 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.
