James R. Keller

Bar / Professional Activity

• American Trial Lawyers Association
• Marion County Bar Association
• Indiana Trial Lawyers Association

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• Successful trial to verdict, Robert McKinney hit by school bus, 500K Jury Verdict, Berrien County Michigan  , 1998
•  Indiana Auto (Marion County) (4/10/2023)- Soft-tissue, uninsured claim requiring epidural steroid injections- finalized at $75,000, 2023
•  Indiana Auto (Marion County) (6/6/2024)- Multiple cervical fractures requiring surgery with disputed liability- finalized at $130,000, 2024
• Indiana Premise (Boone County) (10/15/2022)- Fall from attraction while attending festival requiring extended Hospitalization with multiple Orthopedic surgeries- finalized at $500,000, 2022
• Indiana Dog Bite/Attack (Johnson County) (8/22/2023)- Pregnant client attacked by multiple, unrestrained dogs while working as a delivery driver- finalized at $58,000, 2023
• Wrongful Death Claim (Marion County) (2/14/2022)- 20-year-old sustained fatal injuries stemming from a motor vehicle accident involving an inattentive driver operating a vehicle at an excessive speed- finalized at $310,000 (Indiana’s wrongful death cap plus $10,000 for funeral/burial expenses), 2022

Videos

• Deb Evans connected with Keller & Keller Injury Lawyers after being hit in her vehicle and spending nearly a week in the hospital recovering. Call Keller. WE MEAN BUSINESS., Deb Evans, Personal Injury, 2025
• Paul lost his wife due to medical malpractice and the lack of a diagnosis. We maximized Paul's compensation for the loss of the love of his life., Paul's Story, Medical Malpractice, 2025
• Manny was hit and his car flipped multiple times in the air. He required a lengthy stay at the hospital and surgery to recover., Manny, Personal Injury, 2025
• Call 1-800-2-KELLER and hire the RIGHT lawyer for you. If you were hit by a car or truck and it’s been weeks with no updates? Wrong lawyer. If your calls go unanswered… wrong lawyer. If your lawyer makes you do most of the work… wrong lawyer. At Keller & Keller, when a serious crash comes in, we move—ordering records, tracking down witnesses, and in truck cases, protecting the black‑box data before it ‘goes missing.' You only get one shot at your case. If your lawyer disappears… call us. Auto or big‑rig crash—cutting through, that’s the Keller edge. 2keller.com, Did you hire the Wrong Lawyer?, Personal Injury, 2026
• Cassie was driving through a green light when another car hit her and flipped her vehicle upside down. In a moment, everything changed. After the accident, she reached out to Keller & Keller Injury Lawyers to help her figure out what to do next. In this video, Cassie talks about her experience working with the Keller & Keller team and why their approach meant so much to her. As a business owner with a background in baking and customer service, Cassie really values being treated with care, patience, and respect — and she felt that same level of support throughout her case. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you don’t have to handle it on your own. Keller & Keller has been helping people for nearly 90 years, and they’re ready to help you too. Learn more or schedule a free consultation: https://www.2keller.com Serving Indiana, Michigan & New Mexico When it matters most., Cassie's Story, Personal Injury, 2025
• Motorcycle accidents often come with serious injuries, rising medical bills, and insurance companies that don’t play fair. Having the right legal team can make all the difference. At Keller & Keller, we’ve spent decades fighting for injured riders across Indiana. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash, you don’t have to handle it alone. Injured? Find your Keller EDGE. Serving clients across Indiana Free consultation: 1-800-253-5537, William M., Personal Injury, 2026
• Tal R. shares his real experience after being hit by a truck in Indianapolis and how Keller & Keller helped guide him through the aftermath of a serious truck accident. Tal discusses the challenges he faced, including medical treatment, insurance complications, and the stress that comes with recovering from a crash involving a commercial vehicle. Truck accident cases in Indiana can be complex, and Tal’s story highlights why having an experienced truck accident attorney matters. Keller & Keller’s team handled the legal, insurance, and investigative work so Tal could focus on his health and recovery. This testimonial provides insight into what victims can expect after a truck collision and how a dedicated law firm can make a difference during the process. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, semi-truck accident, or commercial vehicle crash in Indianapolis or anywhere in Indiana, Keller & Keller offers a free consultation to help you understand your rights. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling personal injury claims, negotiating with insurance companies, and fighting for the compensation accident victims deserve. Learn more about our truck accident representation and client results at 2keller.com or call 317-926-1111 for a free consultation. Keller & Keller. When it matters MOST., Tal Rothenberg, Personal Injury, 2026
• Robin Clark was injured by a truck in Indianapolis. In this video, she shares her story — the challenges she faced, the support she found, and how Keller & Keller Injury Lawyers helped her through the process. Real clients. Real stories. Real results. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you don’t have to go through it alone., Robin Clark, Personal Injury, 2026

Representative Clients

• Wrongful Death Claim (Marion County) (2/14/2022)- 20-year-old sustained fatal injuries stemming from a motor vehicle accident involving an inattentive driver operating a vehicle at an excessive speed., 2022
• Indiana Auto (Marion County) (4/10/2023)- Soft-tissue, uninsured claim requiring epidural steroid injections., 2023
• Indiana Auto (Marion County) (6/6/2024)- Multiple cervical fractures requiring surgery with disputed liability., 2024
• Indiana Premise (Boone County) (10/15/2022)- Fall from attraction while attending festival requiring extended Hospitalization with multiple Orthopedic surgeries., 2022
• Indiana Dog Bite/Attack (Johnson County) (8/22/2023)- Pregnant client attacked by multiple, unrestrained dogs while working as a delivery driver., 2023

Special Licenses / Certifications

• Does not Apply in Indiana, 2025

Pro bono / Community Service

• Founder and President of the Samantha's House Foundation, 2026
• Giving back is part of who we are in Albuquerque, and our team looks forward to the Special Olympics New Mexico Golf Outing every year. It’s a day that brings people together for a great cause—supporting athletes who show up with determination, joy, and an incredible sense of pride. Our Albuquerque office plays an active role each year, from sponsoring the event to spending the day on the course alongside other supporters. It’s one of those events that reminds us why community matters and how powerful it can be when people rally around something bigger than themselves. Through Keller Cares, we’re proud to continue supporting Special Olympics New Mexico and staying involved in ways that truly make a difference—year after year., 2025
• https://www.2keller.com/new-mexico/blog/keller-cares-at-the-state-summer-games/, 2026
• This year, Keller & Keller Injury Lawyers hosted our inaugural Holiday Ham Giveaway in Albuquerque, and the turnout exceeded every expectation. Through a drive-through event at our Albuquerque office, we were able to give away 400 hams to local families, along with winter essentials, canned food, and Keller & Keller swag. The drive-through format allowed families to remain in their vehicles while our team worked quickly to make the experience easy and welcoming. In just about an hour and a half, all 400 hams were distributed—an incredible reminder of how much support is needed during the holiday season. Through our Keller Cares initiative, we’re proud to continue showing up for the Albuquerque community and helping families enjoy a warmer, more hopeful holiday.  , 2025
• Homecroft is a small town on the southside of Indianapolis, known for its close-knit community and dedicated local officers. Like many communities, it has faced its share of difficult moments in recent years, and the Homecroft Police Department continues to work closely with IMPD to keep residents safe. Recently, HPD hosted all three shifts of IMPD Southeast District and welcomed them with a full day of homemade meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—served as each shift began. It was a simple gesture, but one that gave officers a chance to slow down, share a meal, and connect with the people who understand the challenges of their work. The food for the day was donated by Jim and Randy on behalf of Keller & Keller as a way to show appreciation for the officers who show up for our community every day. Moments like this remind us how important it is to support the people who protect our neighborhoods, and how meaningful it can be to create small moments of comfort in the middle of demanding work. We’re grateful to the Homecroft Police Department and IMPD Southeast District for everything they do, and we’re proud to stand behind them. Keller & Keller has always believed in supporting good work in our community, and we’re committed to continuing that mission in every way we can., 2024
• The Keller Cares team brought the spirit of giving to life for families in need at KIPP Indy Schools. With over $8,000 in groceries generously purchased from a local ALDI, our team delivered and personally unloaded the truck—alongside a few helpful students—to ensure families had everything they needed for multiple holiday meals. From fresh vegetables to peanut butter and jelly, bread, pasta, and more, the Keller Cares initiative made sure no family went without a festive meal this season., 2025
• Keller & Keller had the opportunity to partner with Indy Humane as a sponsor for Heirloom’s SWIFT + SHIMMER celebration—a weekend that brought together Taylor Swift fans and animal lovers for a good cause. The event wasn’t just fun; it helped shine a light on Indy Humane’s ongoing mission to rescue, care for, and rehome animals throughout our community. Cats were even available for adoption all weekend, adding an extra layer of joy to the festivities. Supporting local organizations that make a real impact is at the heart of what we strive to do, and this partnership was a natural fit. It was inspiring to see so many people come together, enjoy the celebration, and rally behind an important cause. Thank you to everyone who showed up and helped make the weekend meaningful. We’re grateful for the work Indy Humane does every day, and we look forward to continuing to support efforts that improve the lives of animals—and the people who love them—in our community., 2024
• Keller & Keller is proud to support HVAF of Indiana, an organization dedicated to housing, feeding, and empowering unhoused veterans across Indianapolis. Following the devastating fire on October 26, 2024 — which displaced more than 48 veterans — our Keller Cares initiative stepped in to help those affected during an incredibly vulnerable time. In addition to making a financial contribution to HVAF, our team delivered boxes of essential items, including clothing, toiletries, and non-perishable food, to help veterans meet immediate daily needs while they work toward stability. HVAF has long been a pillar in our community, providing critical housing programs, recovery services, outreach, and employment support for Hoosier veterans.Keller & Keller is honored to stand beside them in this effort and is committed to continuing our support in the months and years ahead. As we look toward building a long-term partnership, our goal is simple: to uplift those who have served our country and ensure they receive the dignity, resources, and stability they deserve.  , 2025
• Thanksgiving is about family, gratitude, and coming together, and each year Keller & Keller Injury Lawyers is proud to support local families through our Indianapolis Turkey Giveaway. In both 2024 and 2025, we welcomed the community to our Indianapolis office and gave away 500 turkeys in a drive-through format, helping 500 families enjoy a Thanksgiving meal of their own. Families were able to stay in their cars while our team loaded turkeys, desserts, clothing, Keller & Keller swag, and other items—making the experience easy, respectful, and accessible for everyone. What started as a simple idea has become a meaningful tradition rooted in care, dignity, and connection. Through our Keller Cares initiative, we remain committed to giving back year after year and supporting the Indianapolis community in moments that truly matter., 2025
• Indiana University Hillel Board

Educational Background

• Indiana University, Bloomington Indiana, 1985

White Papers

• Serious car crashes are terrifying, traumatic events. Along with physical injuries, survivors often experience mental and emotional injuries. Survivors who are innocent victims of another driver’s negligence or carelessness may be entitled to financial compensation from the at-fault party. This compensation should take into account not just the medical bills and property damage, but the more intangible losses suffered by the victim. These non-economic damages may include compensation for your pain and suffering. We explain what this means and how a dollar amount is calculated. Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages The first thing to understand is the difference between what is known as economic damages and what are considered non-economic damages. Economic damages are things like damage to your vehicle, bills for medical treatment, lost income due to an injury, loss of future earnings because of a disability, household expenses, and out-of-pocket costs—basically, anything that comes with a clear price tag. These damages are easy to demonstrate by simply producing a bill or invoice. Non-economic damages, however, are harder to prove. They include emotional responses and physical pain that cannot be easily calculated. These damages will not be freely offered by the at-fault party’s insurer and will have to be argued for by the injured party. What Is Pain and Suffering? So what kinds of conditions are considered for non-economic damages? Any mental or physical condition that affects your ability to function normally and complete daily tasks may be considered, including the following: Fear Depression Insomnia Loss of enjoyment of activities Inconvenience Worry Physical pain Grief Loss of companionship If you require counseling or other treatment for one of these conditions, the cost of treatment may be considered under economic damages, but you are still entitled to be compensated purely for the suffering you have experienced, regardless of treatment. Proving Pain and Suffering After an Auto Accident Because these types of conditions cannot be proven with a photograph or x-ray, it is up to the plaintiff to provide evidence of his or her suffering. A skilled accident attorney can create a picture of what the plaintiff’s life was like before the accident, what he or she experienced in the accident, and how his or her life is different after the accident. Family members, home videos, photo albums, and friends can offer valuable testimony in pain and suffering claims. Counselors and therapists can also be called to testify about a person’s mental state. Juries are not always open to awarding pain and suffering damages, so it is vital that a reasonable but strong case be presented. How Auto Accident Damages Are Calculated In most cases, pain and suffering damages will be determined by using a formula. Insurance adjusters will take the amount awarded in economic damages and multiply that by a certain factor to come up with a dollar amount of the non-economic damages. A multiplier of anywhere from one-and-a-half to five may be used. The key in the formula is what multiplier is used and the plaintiff’s attorney will argue for the highest possible multiplier. Factors that raise the multiplier include the following: Clear and total fault on the part of the other driver Obvious and medically supported physical injuries Catastrophic or serious injuries that require surgery Expectation of a prolonged recovery A permanent consequence, such as pain or disability, that is medically documented You do not have to meet all of these factors to be awarded non-economic damages, but the more serious your injuries are, the higher the multiplier should be., How Pain and Suffering Damages Are Determined in Indiana, Personal Injury, 2026
• Your life changed in an instant when you were seriously injured in a traffic accident. Now you're dealing with frequent doctor visits, rising medical bills, and insurance company calls. You deserve compensation for your losses, and you’ll need your Indiana crash report to get started. This official police report is the primary record insurance companies use to assign fault and calculate settlements. Understanding how to obtain and interpret this document can mean the difference between a fair settlement and one that leaves you struggling to pay bills. At Keller & Keller, our Indiana car accident attorneys help accident victims throughout Indiana use their crash reports to secure proper compensation. Table of ContentsWhy Your Indiana Crash Report MattersHow to Get Your Indiana Crash ReportGetting Your Crash Report NumberHow Fault Impacts Your CompensationMistakes That Jeopardize Your Indiana Injury ClaimHow an Experienced Lawyer Can HelpWhy Your Indiana Crash Report Matters An Indiana crash report is the official police documentation insurance companies use to determine who pays for your injuries. Created by the responding officer at the accident scene, this three-page document captures critical details that directly impact your compensation. The crash report includes everything from basic facts like date, time, and location to more subjective assessments like contributing factors and fault assignments. These details matter to seriously injured victims throughout Indiana because insurance adjusters rely heavily on crash reports when calculating settlement offers. Your crash report contains five main sections: Basic accident information and injury severity Contributing factors (where fault gets assigned) All parties involved, including crucial witness information Documented injuries and property damage The officer's narrative of how the accident happened Each section plays a role, but Sections 2 and 5 are most important in determining compensation. Even minor errors in these sections can cost you thousands of dollars. How to Get Your Indiana Crash Report All Indiana crash reports are stored in a centralized system for easy access. They’re typically available within seven to ten business days, but may take longer for serious accidents. Whether Indianapolis Metropolitan Police, Indiana State Police, or local law enforcement investigated your accident, you can get your report from the same website.  Visit BuyCrash.com and select Indiana, then the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. You can search using your crash report number if the officer provided it. Or, use your last name and the accident date or location street. After paying the $12 fee, you’ll get immediate access. In-person requests depend on where the accident happened. You may need to visit your local jurisdiction's website or call their offices. In Indianapolis, visit the Marion County Clerk's office at 50 N. Alabama Street, Room E100. Bring valid identification and provide the accident date, time, and location (and, if possible, the investigating officer's name). They're open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Getting Your Crash Report Number An officer at the accident scene should have given you their name and a crash report number, but you won’t need this to access your online report. If you still need your crash report number, Indianapolis accident victims can call 317-327-3811 (or dial 311 from any cellphone). For state police investigations, contact the specific post that handled your accident. For other jurisdictions, contact the police department where the accident occurred. Mistakes That Jeopardize Your Indiana Injury Claim Many accident victims unknowingly damage their cases through simple errors. Our Indiana injury lawyers often see these common mistakes:At the accident scene. Never admit fault or apologize. Statements like "I'm sorry" or "I didn't see you" appear in crash reports and become ammunition for insurance companies. Stick to facts when speaking with officers.After the accident. Accepting quick settlement offers based solely on the crash report often means leaving money on the table. Insurance adjusters push for fast settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries.During recovery. Delaying medical treatment or having gaps in care gives insurance companies reason to minimize your injuries. They'll argue you weren't hurt if you didn't seek immediate treatment. How Fault Impacts Your Compensation Even if you know you were not to blame for the accident, the crash report may indicate you were at least partially at fault. Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence system that directly impacts how crash reports influence your compensation. Under this law, you can recover damages if you're less than 51 percent at fault for the accident. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your total damages equal $100,000 but the crash report suggests you're 30 percent at fault, you'd receive $70,000. This makes the contributing factors section of your report incredibly important. Insurance companies scrutinize these details, looking for any opportunity to shift blame and reduce payouts. Even slight differences in assigned fault percentages can mean thousands of dollars in lost compensation. How an Experienced Lawyer Can Help Although the information in your crash report can work against your interests, it may also contain mistakes. Common errors include wrong vehicle positions, missing witness information, incorrect fault assignments, or incomplete injury documentation. These errors can severely impact your compensation if not addressed quickly. Don't panic if your report has errors or wrongly assigns blame to you. An experienced car accident lawyer can help support your case by gathering additional evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, accident scene photos, and medical records. If you've been seriously injured in an Indiana auto accident, you shouldn't go through this process alone. At Keller & Keller, we handle everything from obtaining your crash report to negotiating with insurance companies. Our Indiana personal injury lawyers work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win your case., Indiana Crash Report, Personal Injury, 2025
• Short term disability insurance coverage is designed to provide income in the event that a worker becomes injured or sick. The vast majority of workers who are insured for short term disabilities receive coverage as a fringe benefit from their employer. Common examples of short term disability events include surgeries, child births, and accidental injuries. The length of short term disability coverage varies, but most policies are written to cover 90 days or 180 days of disability. Although these benefits are only payable for a limited amount of time, short term disability benefits may bridge the gap until a disabled worker qualifies for long term disability insurance coverage. Filing Your Claim for Short Term Disability Benefits When an individual becomes disabled, they need to file an application in order to receive short term disability benefits. This application can usually be obtained directly from the employer, but may also be found on the insurance company’s website. Typically, the application includes a statement from the employee, a statement from a treating physician, and a statement from the employer. After receiving the necessary paperwork, the short term disability insurance company will likely request medical records to confirm that the employee is disabled. The insurance company may have a medical professional review the claim to determine if the applicant is disabled and how long their disability is expected to last. The insurance company will then send a letter to the applicant notifying them whether or not disability benefits will be paid. Common Reasons for Denial of Short Term Disability Benefits The most common reason for denial of a short term disability claim is the insurance company’s finding that the applicant does not meet the definition of “disability”. To qualify for short term disability benefits, the applicant must prove that their injury or sickness prevents them from working the main duties of their occupation. The insurance company’s medical reviewers may claim that the employee’s medical records do not prove they are restricted from performing their job duties. There may be other policy provisions that affect the eligibility for a disability applicant, although the “definition of disability” is most often cited. Procedural issues may also prevent an individual from receiving disability benefits. For example, if the individual failed to provide the insurance company with necessary forms to process the disability claim, then their claim may be denied. In addition, if a person becomes disabled while working and receives workers compensation benefits, then they not be eligible to receive short term disability benefits. Other tactics used by disability insurance companies are detailed in the article “7 Ways Insurance Companies Try to Terminate Your Benefits.”Contact a Disability Attorney at Keller & Keller Today for Help Securing Your Short Term Disability Benefits If you have become disabled and your claim for short term disability or long term disability benefits has been denied, contact Keller & Keller immediately. We can provide a free consultation to determine if we can assist with your disability claim. Appeals to insurance denials must be timely filed, so don’t delay in contacting Keller & Keller., How to Get Short Term Disability Benefits, Social Security Disability, 2026

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

• Honored to share this conversation with Care Sandwich host Margarita Eberline from Marketing Boss on a topic that means everything to me: values, legacy, and community. We talked about what drives us at Keller & Keller Injury Lawyers and why this firm’s story truly runs in my blood. I’m incredibly grateful to carry on the legacy my grandfather and father built and to help grow our presence around the country while holding tight to the same principles they started with. I also loved highlighting some of the ways we show up locally, like our recent ham giveaway in Albuquerque—and why being present in the community is just as important to us as the work we do for our clients. A special part of the episode was getting to share the story of Samantha's House, which is near and dear to my heart. I’m already looking forward to this year’s golf outing at Wood Wind on September 1st and the impact we can continue to make together. , Co-Host, Mission Over Profits: Putting Compassion Back Into The Law, Spotify, Personal Injury, 2026
• Author of black box (EDR) article that showcases importance of EDR's in truck and motor vehicle accidents., Author, What a Truck’s Black Box Can Reveal After a New Mexico Accident, 2keller.com, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents, 2026

Other Outstanding Achievements

• Providing a new van to a disabled child in need in central Indiana through Samantha's House Foundation., 2026

Honors

• Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers, 2015
• AV Martindale Rating, Martindale, 2024
• 2025 Super Rating, Received a "superb" rating from AVVO, 2025
• Included in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Awards

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Avvo Client's Choice Award: This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com

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Silver: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 3 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.0 or higher.

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AV Preeminent®: This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.

Industry Groups

• Car Accident
• Injured Victims
• Truck Accidents