The Most FAQS For Personal Injury Lawyers

Posted on January 6, 2023 by admin

Personal injury attorneys are experts in helping people who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. Tort law is a complex and ever-changing field, so it is important for potential clients to understand the process and what their rights are when filing an accident claim.

To help with this, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about personal injury claims that you should know before meeting with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims

What is a personal injury claim?

A personal injury case is whenever a person has wrongfully suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence or unlawful intentions. Victims of personal injury can seek financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit. There are many different types of injury claims, ranging from premise liability claims to product liability claims, auto or trucking collisions, wrongful death cases and medical or legal malpractice cases. In these accident cases, the victim or plaintiff must be able to prove the defendant was at fault for their personal injury claim to be successful.

In all accident cases, like car accidents or worker’s compensation cases, legal assistance is necessary to present a strong argument in court. It is important for injured victims and/or personal injury clients to seek out the best possible legal representation for their individual case in order to get the best possible outcome for their unique situation.

How do I know if I have a personal injury case?

If you have been the victim of personal injury, you might be wondering if you have a legitimate personal injury case. To determine this, your best bet is to consult an experienced personal injury attorney. They can assess the strength of your claim and advise you on the best way to move forward. Some things an accident attorney will consider include the level of negligence involved in causing the personal injury, how extensive the damages or losses are, the related medical bills or losses incurred as a result of the personal injury, how long the person was injured, whether the injuries are permanent or not and if the applicable defendant or defendants had insurance company. Answering these questions with detail and accuracy can help your personal injury case become a winning one.

What are the time frames for filing a personal injury claim in civil court in the United States?

When filing a personal injury claim in civil court, there are often strict time frames associated with the process. Before initiating any legal proceedings, it is critical to be aware of the state’s and court’s timelines and seek clarification on all relevant requirements. Generally, personal injury claims need to be initiated within 2 years of the date of the incident; however, this can vary significantly depending on which state or territory you are residing in. In Indiana, the general statute of limitations is 2 years for most personal injury claims, excluding claims against governmental entities. Some injury claims have a 6 month deadline to be filed so it is recommended that you seek advice from a professional personal injury attorney in Indianapolis immediately after the incident that caused the injury to better understand your legal rights and obligations.

How does the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit work and what can I expect throughout the process?

When filing a personal injury lawsuit, it is important to understand the process and what you can expect as your case progresses. This can be a difficult and stressful experience, so it is important to work with experienced Indianapolis accident attorneys throughout the process. Generally speaking, the first step in filing a personal injury lawsuit for serious injuries is to consult with an attorney about liability and statute of limitations issues. Attorneys will advise their clients on how to proceed and will file the necessary documents.

During the personal injury lawsuit process, both parties will exchange evidence related to the case through their attorneys, such as documentation of damages, photos, police reports and medical bills. Additionally, all parties involved, including witnesses and expert testimonies, may be asked to testify or provide sworn affidavits depending on the circumstances. Throughout this process an injury attorney can help ensure that your rights are respected and that you receive the full compensation for your damages and losses.

What happens if my personal injury lawsuit goes to trial?

Most personal injury cases are settled and do not go all the way to a trial. If a trial occurs though, a trial marks the end of a personal injury lawsuit, unless the plaintiff or defendant file an appeal to a higher court following trial, which does not happen very often. During the trial, each side has an opportunity to explain their case and make their arguments in front of a judge or jury. A trial involves witnesses, testimony, exhibits and expert opinions. Ultimately, it is up to the judge or jury to decide if the plaintiff should be awarded damages against a defendant. It is almost always the defendant’s insurance carrier that actually pays the verdict against the defendant.

How much money can I expect to receive if my personal injury case is successful?

When weighing the settlement options of a successful personal injury case, it is important to remember that any settlement or compensation you receive will depend on the specific details of your case. This amount can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to hundreds of thousands, even millions for more severe cases. All settlement amounts are determined by analyzing both economic and non-economic damages such as past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, among others. It’s important to be well-versed in these various components to have an accurate assessment of what type of settlement you may receive at the end of your personal injury case.

What are some things to keep in mind when considering whether to file a personal injury lawsuit after an accident?

When considering whether to file a personal injury lawsuit in Indiana after an accident, it is important to keep in mind the various factors involved. Firstly, it is important to determine if your injuries are serious enough that you should move forward with legal action. Secondly, you should seek advice from a qualified accident lawyer in Indianapolis who can assess the specifics of your individual situation and guide you through the legal process. Ultimately, filing a personal injury lawsuit should be an informed decision made carefully and thoughtfully; consulting experienced legal professionals can provide insight into the process and help make sure each step is handled properly.

Are you interested in discovering if you have the right to take legal action against a wrongdoer who caused your family or yourself harm? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent all Indiana residents injured in or out of state, including children and teenagers. We also represent persons from other states who are injured in Indiana.

FAQS Regarding Personal Injury Settlements

Posted on October 14, 2020 by admin

After being injured in a serious accident that was no fault of their own, the law provides personal injury victims certain relief for their subsequent damages and losses. They can be awarded compensation to cover their hospital and medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages from missing work, and much more. But personal injury victims typically have a lot of questions about collecting compensation from a negligent party’s insurance company.

Continue below to review some of the most frequently asked questions personal injury lawyers get from their current and prospective clients about accident claim settlements, and perhaps get the answers you are looking for today, including where you can get more answers to your personal injury claim questions at the bottom of this blog.

Indiana Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Will My Settlement Be Impacted if I am Partly to Blame for My Accident?

When an individual is seriously hurt in an accident, it is necessary to determine who was at fault for the incident. This process of determination is called comparative fault analysis, and it is widely used as a standard in tort cases. The jury gives this report to the judge at the closing of a personal injury trial. Comparative fault analysis simply describes the standard formula used to identify the negligent party involved in a serious accident, however, there are numerous details that go into making these distinctions. Fundamentally, if a victim or plaintiff is 50% (or less) at-fault in the case as compared to all fault against all defendants, then they are most likely entitled to basic compensation. In Indiana, a plaintiff cannot have 51% fault or greater and be awarded compensation.

Where Can I Find Answers to My Personal Injury Questions?

If you have questions about personal injury compensation, it is vital to discuss your claim with a team of licensed Indianapolis Indiana accident attorneys. They can give you personalized recommendations for your case, and document an impactful claim to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. As soon as you receive medical attention for your injuries, your next step should be to contact a personal injury law firm for help with your accident claim.

How Much Does an Accident Lawyer Charge?

Contingency fees are the most common form of billing practice used by personal injury law firms and attorneys. This payment arrangement works by not charging clients any retainers or upfront lawyer fees, but collecting a percentage of whatever monetary settlement they recover for them. Personal injury claims are complex and vary from case to case, so the percentage collected upon judgment will vary among lawsuits.

How Does a Court Assess an Injured Victim’s Damages and Losses?

Under tort law, when a person is a victim of a civil wrong-doing, a court may award damages to compensate them for their injuries and losses. Assessing the amount of damages is often a difficult and complex process since so many variables influence the final determination. A court/jury must consider the losses or injuries of a victim’s person, property, and overall quality of life. Courts take this responsibility seriously since the law intends to help victims of personal injury get back to the condition and state of life they were in before their accident and if that is not possible, to compensate for the permanent injuries. It requires evidence on behalf of the victim to recover the full and fair amount of compensation for the total amount of damages and losses. Evidence includes medical records, police reports, expense records, witness statements, interviews, doctor depositions and much more.

What Does Personal Injury Compensation Cover?

Economic losses, non-economic losses, and future economic losses are the types of damages meant to be covered by personal injury compensation. Economic losses may include all or a combination of medical expenses, hospital bills, OTC medication costs, prescription costs, lost wages, childcare expenses, home adaption expenses, and fuel costs (to and from doctors’ visits). Future economic losses may include prolonged medical treatment, physical therapy, long-term care, future medical expenses, future lost wages, future prescription costs, and future hospital costs. Non-economic losses may include pain and suffering, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, mental anguish, PTSD, loss of social life, loss of work abilities, loss of companionship, and loss of education experience.

How Long Does it Take to Get My Compensation?

From start to finish, a personal injury case can take anywhere from one year to five years or more, depending on the complexity of the case and how long the injured party needs medical care. You can expect it, in most cases, to take at least one year before a case is settled. There are countless variables that affect the time frame of a personal injury claim and receiving awarded compensation. Again, talk to your attorney to get a better idea of how long your particular case is predicted to take. In some cases, a settlement can and does occur within 1 year though.

Personal Injury Attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana Who You Can Trust

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for information about your rights to pursue legal action after being seriously injured in a wrongful personal injury accident in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Keith Blazek, and Ralph Hoover are highly experienced accident lawyers who will obtain the full and fair compensation you rightfully deserve for your damages and losses. Not only do we offer free initial consultations, in-person or over the phone, we also work in contingency, which means we never collect attorney fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict for you. Contact us today at 317-881-2700 to set up your free case evaluation with a seasoned Indianapolis accident attorney. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

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Important Personal Injury FAQS

Posted on November 14, 2016 by admin

If you or someone you love has recently endured a serious injury, time is precious, so it is important to address your concerns and get started on your claim right away. Look below to review some frequently asked questions about personal injuries, and learn where to get started.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

What Should I Do After an Accident?

As soon as you are injured, get medical treatment. Once you are stable and your injuries are addressed by a professional EMT or doctor, you can move onto the next step: hire a personal injury lawyer. They can help you with the remaining steps of the claim process from there. If you are able to, gather as much evidence at the scene of the accident, including witness statements, pictures, names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance information, license plate and drivers’ license numbers (if vehicle were involved), and even video if possible.

Why Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?

Accident and injury claims are challenging, and the laws and procedures surrounding them are quite tricky as well. In order to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve, you will need an experienced personal injury attorney helping you along the way. They have the knowledge, skills, and resources to accurately navigate your claim and argue your case if it goes to trial.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Charge?

Most personal injury law firms work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning they do not get paid unless they recover a settlement for you. If they do not win your claim, you pay nothing. Most firms also offer free initial consultations to discuss your claim before filing.

What if I Do Not Want to File a Lawsuit?

Many personal injury settlements can be negotiated out of court. Only complex or highly-valuable claims end up going to trial. A personal injury lawyer can help guide your claim toward an out-of-court settlement if that’s what you prefer.

How Long Do Settlements Take?

It all depends on the circumstances of your accident and injuries. Some injuries lay dormant for several weeks before becoming an evident injury, in which case, an evaluation of your claim wouldn’t even begin until then. But first, you would need 2 to 4 weeks to compile all of your medical records and billing documents, and then another 2 weeks to have your claim evaluated and a proposal written and submitted to the insurance company. From there, it can take anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on the agreeability of the insurance company or defendant party.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call the law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned accident attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are eager to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after suffering a serious injury. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment with our Indianapolis personal injury lawyers, today.

Accident Liability for Hosting an Employee Party With Alcohol

Posted on June 14, 2016 by admin

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

At any party with alcohol being served, excessive drinking is always a possibility. For this reason, hosts are often concerned about being held liable for a drunk person’s damages or injuries. If you are an employer that is planning to host a social gathering for your staff, it is important to learn some vital information about host-alcohol liability in the case of an intoxication-related accident. Continue reading to understand your potential liability in such situations, and how to prevent it.

Dram Shop Laws

Dram Shop laws pertain to commercial vendors like bars, restaurants, and package stores, and holds business owners responsible for injuries and damages caused by an intoxicated customer. They vary greatly from state to state, and retain separate sets of limitations regarding the amount of damages a victim can sue for. Unless you are a commercial vendor of alcohol, it unlikely for you as an employer, or anyone for that matter, to be held liable for another person’s alcohol overindulgence and subsequent damages. However, it is not impossible.

Intoxicated Individuals and Victims

In most states, a drunk person cannot sue a host for injuries and damages they endured or caused to themselves. But if an intoxicated individual causes harm or damages to another person, a third-party lawsuit can be filed by the victim, against both the intoxicated person and the host that served them the alcohol. This is especially common in cases when the defendant does not have sufficient insurance to cover their victims’ damages. But the limitations to the host’s liability differs from state to state.

Limited Liability State to State

In some states, the law does not impose any liability on a social host at all. Other states simply limit the amount of liability on a social host to accidents that occur on their premises. And some states actually extend the limit of liability to accidents and injuries that occur after they have left their premises, such as traffic accidents. But almost all states hold social hosts liable for intoxication-related accidents when 1) alcohol was served to minors, 2) Alcohol was served recklessly, or 3) a “reasonable” host should have recognized a guest’s level of intoxication and stopped serving alcoholic drinks.

Employer Liability

Many states also hold employers responsible to a certain degree when social gatherings are held for a business-related purpose. This extra duty of care is imposed on employers under these circumstances since many employees feel obligated to attend an office party more so than another social event. In order to prevent employer-liability for over-intoxicated guests, be sure to make your social gathering’s focus on entertainment, rather than drinking. There are several steps you can take to lessen the possibility of overindulgence and alcohol-related accidents.

Preventing Alcohol-Related Accidents

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

First and foremost, you should never serve minors alcohol, or allow them to consume it under your nose. Under perfect conditions, minors would not be allowed to attend an adult social gathering where alcohol is being served and consumed. Also, always discourage guests from over-drinking, stop them from drinking further when they’ve noticeably had too much, and strongly encourage designated drivers and sober transportation.Another great tip is to hold your workplace event at a local bar or restaurant. Under Dram Shop laws, this relieves your liability for alcohol-related accidents, and provides a wait staff that is professionally-trained to monitor everyone’s alcohol consumption and politely cut someone off when they have had too much.

Try a Cash Bar

If you must host an employee social gathering on company or personal premises, consider having a cash bar. Provide all the party supplies except the liquor, and have guests pay for their alcoholic beverages with their own money. Since you are not necessarily making alcohol entirely unlimited to your guests, you can be relieved of some liability. If you have questions about an alcohol-related injury case, contact a personal injury lawyer for professional guidance. They have the knowledge to provide accurate state-specific answers to your injury-liability questions and concerns.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for answers to your personal injury questions. Seasoned accident attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek retain extensive trial and litigation experience. They are happy to answer your questions about a recent personal injury or accident, and even provides free initial consultations to discuss your case in person. Call 317-881-2700 for Indianapolis personal injury lawyers you can trust.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims – Part 2

Posted on October 21, 2015 by admin

In last week’s blog, we discussed some common personal injury questions concerning valid claims, compensation, cost of attorney, and more. Since there are many frequently asked questions about personal injury law, which we will discuss some more in this week’s blog! Continue reading for answers to common questions regarding personal injuries, accidents, and claims.

Indianapolis Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Personal Injury FAQs

Personal injuries can greatly alter a person’s quality of life. For this reason, it is only just for victims of wrongful injuries to receive the full and fair amount of compensation to pay for medical bills, expenses, and more. In order to protect your rights and recover the necessary funds needed to get your life on track, you must seek out professional legal counsel. Below are some additional frequently asked personal injury questions and answers that will hopefully address some of your concerns as a recent victim of a serious injury or accident.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

This is a very common question since many victims of personal injuries face long recovery times. Pursuing a claim against a negligent party is often the last thing a family is concerned about right after an accident. But as soon as those expenses start piling up, and valuable time at work is lost, victims start thinking about their rights. At this point, many want to know if it’s too late or if they’ve waited too long to file a claim. It is important to check with your licensed accident attorney since time limits for personal injury cases vary from state to state. However, in Indiana, victims or families of victims have two years from the date of the accident to legally file a claim against an opposing party or insurance company. This time limit is called the Statute of Limitations. This is just one reason why you should take fast legal action after being seriously injured in an accident.

What Should I Say to Insurance Adjusters? What Should I Sign?

It can be very confusing knowing what to say or sign after an accident. Anything said or signed can be used against a victim in their case. Insurance adjusters are specially trained to get certain information from claimants or clients, and will in turn use this information as a means to evade liability for a victims’ damages. The best advice for personal injury victims is to not say or sign anything without consulting a licensed accident attorney first. Waivers, documents, and interviews can entail confusing jargon and mislead victims into accepting liability. An attorney can read through all documents and be present for interviews and questioning to ensure their clients are protected. If you must sign something or answer questions, be sure to read through every line thoroughly and do not give away too much information; and NEVER admit fault under any circumstances.

What are My Rights and How Can I Protect Them?

As a victim of a serious injury or accident, it is only natural to have questions about your rights as a victim and furthermore, how to protect them. Knowing your rights is the first step to protecting your rights after being wrongfully injured in an accident. Here are some exemplary rights for accident victims to keep in mind:

• You have the right to ask a police officer to file a police report.

• You have the right to take pictures at the scene of the accident; but only of your personal property, damages, and injuries.

• You have the right to deny insurance adjusters’ requests for a recorded statement without consulting a lawyer first. (Whether it’s your insurance carrier or another)

• You have the right to legal counsel.

• You have the right to collect compensation for your damages and losses if wrongfully injured.

To protect your rights, you must learn about your case, learn about your rights, and trust a licensed personal injury lawyer to navigate your claim to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. They have the knowledge, experience, and resources to carefully and compassionately protect your rights and the rights of your loved ones through the entire claim process, start to finish.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for personal injury claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are seasoned accident lawyers with extensive trial and litigation experience. Our firm respects all clients and their loved ones, and never collects lawyer fees unless we win your settlement. We also provide free initial consultations to discuss your case and assess your eligibility for remuneration. Call 317-881-2700 to learn your rights after suffering a serious injury in Indiana.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims – Part I

Posted on October 15, 2015 by admin

Injuries are bound to happen to all of us at some point in our lives; but what happens when your injuries were no fault of your own? What if another person or entity is responsible for the accident that caused you harm? These two inquiries are just the beginning to the frequently asked questions about personal injuries and claims. After being seriously hurt in an accident, people are often confused, stressed, and full of questions. It is important to retain the services of a licensed personal injury lawyer so you have professional guidance and knowledge concerning your rights and your case. Continue reading to review some more FAQs about personal injury accidents and cases.

Indianapolis Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Do I Have a Valid Personal Injury Case?

Medical expenses, hospital bills, time off work, and general life expenditures tend to add up quickly after a serious injury. At this point, victims are usually very stressed and overwhelmed. They want to know if they should be paying these and if they have a valid claim. The only way you can know if you have a case is to speak with a licensed personal injury lawyer. They can assess your case and determine your eligibility for remuneration. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION with a licensed personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, today.

Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Yes. There is no getting around it. A personal injury lawyer is your best chance at recovering the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve after being wrongfully injured. They retain the knowledge, experience, and resources to aggressively negotiate your claim without backing down. They investigate, research, and recover all necessary evidence, eye witnesses, and more to win your claim. Insurance companies are tough, and they will take advantage of a member by urging them to agree to a small payout. But personal injury attorneys know better than this, and they know how to fight insurance adjusters to get what their client’s need and deserve.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?

Most personal injury law firms provide their services on a contingency-basis. This means there are no upfront costs or lawyer fees, and clients pay nothing if their claim is not settled. If an attorney wins your claim, they generally take a set, pre-negotiated percentage of the total amount collected from the claim. This is can be anywhere from 20% to 40% and more. It varies depending on the law firm and other factors. Choose a law firm that uses the contingency-fee rule, and discuss costs before making any final hiring decisions.

How Long Does it Take to Get My Compensation?

From start to finish, a personal injury case can take anywhere from one year to five years or more, depending on the complexity of the case. You can expect it to take at least one year before a case is settled. And then once a case is settled, you can expect to wait at least 2 to 4 months before actually receiving any money. There are countless variables that affect the time frame of a personal injury claim and receiving awarded compensation. Again, talk to your attorney to get a better idea of how lo9ng your particular case may take.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for personal injury lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek retain extensive trial and litigation experience. We are confident our law firm can recover the compensation you rightfully deserve after being injured in an accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we win your settlement. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, IN today.