What to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer at Your Case Evaluation

Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?

Asking a lawyer about the validity or strength of your case is one of the basic and most essential inquiries to ask at a personal injury case evaluation. No one wants to waste anytime beating around the bush. Ask your injury attorney if the incident was most likely caused by another’s negligence, if you or your family are entitled to compensation for your damages, and how to file a claim. Which leads us to the next important question.

If a personal injury claim is valid, you should be entitled to remuneration for your economic damages, including lost wages, medical expenses, hospital bills, at-home nursing, long-term hospitalization, pain and suffering and much more. More specifically, you should be asking your lawyer how much compensation you are entitled to, and perhaps even what similar cases have paid out in the past. Obviously, the value of a case will largely be dependent upon the strength of the evidence and how long a person does or does not need on-going medical treatment and how long the injuries last.

How Much is My Case Worth?

The settlement you may collect largely depends on your total compensatory damages and losses, including lost wages, lost wages, hospital bills, medical expenses, mileage to and from doctors’ appointments, partial or permanent disability, and more. Settlements may also include non-economic or punitive damages as well, like pain and suffering, mental anguish, partial or permanent disability, permanent disfiguration, prolonged rehabilitation, loss of companionship, diminished quality of life, pain medication dependencies, reduced quality of life, and more. In order to truly know how much your case is worth, you must consult with a licensed Indianapolis IN personal injury a ttorney.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

There are various factors that influence the outcome of a settlement. Whether a claim gets settled out of court or goes to trial depends on many details of a particular case. For most plaintiffs, a personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis assists with this part of the process. They are prepared to go to court for their clients but do everything in their power to avoid it and settle out of court instead. In most cases, personal injury claims are settled out of court.

How Much Will Lawyer and Legal Fees Cost Me?

Although not all, most personal injury law firms get paid on contingency. This means that clients do not have to pay the law firm for their services if the lawyers are unsuccessful at recovering a settlement or verdict for them. When clients do receive a settlement, lawyers will be paid a percentage of that settlement as defined in the lawyer-client agreement. This can range anywhere from 33 and 1/3% to 40%, depending on various factors.

In addition to paying the lawyers, personal injury clients will owe additional expenses and court costs. For these expenses, the attorney will front them and will just reimburse themselves out of any settlement or verdict if the case is won. Expenses would include things like copies, postage, filing fees, costs to obtain copies of medical records, and doctor reports and depositions if necessary.

Are you looking for a motivated Indiana personal injury law firm to represent you or a loved one? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana.

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The First Questions You Should Be Asking After a Personal Injury

Posted on November 9, 2021 by admin

If you wish to file suit against a person or entity after being wrongfully injured in an accident, you need to equip yourself with the right knowledge. By asking the important questions straight away, and from a reputable and well-versed source, you are placing yourself at an advantage.

If you are thinking about bringing a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for your damages and losses, begin your course by asking these important questions about your personal injury first.

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Important Personal Injury Questions You Need to Ask Your Lawyer

Who is to Blame for My Personal Injury?

Establishing legal liability is a central element of all personal injury cases. Your first question should be regarding fault in your accident. Here in Indiana, our legal system uses a modified comparative fault principle, which allows claimants to collect personal injury compensation for their damages so long as they are less than 51% at-fault for their accident. If you are less than 50% to blame for your accident, it is wise to consult with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to learn your eligibility for filing suit. For example, if a jury finds you 50% at fault and the defendant 50% at fault, you still recover your damages award, but only 50% of it.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

Most personal injury law firms operate on a contingency-fee business model. Under this arrangement, if a law firm does not obtain a settlement or verdict for their client, the client does not owe any lawyer fees whatsoever. The personal injury lawyers’ fees are contingent on whether or not they win their client’s case. On average, personal injury clients can expect to pay between one-third and forty percent of their total settlement or judgment in attorney fees.

Clients are also required to pay for all other legal expenses, such as court costs, filing fees, medical records, police reports, investigator fees, expert witness fees, depositions, transcripts, trial exhibits, and mailing postage. So long as you find an experienced Personal Injury Law Firm to represent your case, you will have more than enough compensation to cover all of your losses, plus pay your attorney fees and expenses because your attorney will be able to obtain the full value for your case.

Do I Still Have Time to Make a Personal Injury Claim?

The state does place a limit on the amount of time injured victims have to bring about a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault party. This is known as statute of limitations, and they vary depending on the nature of the accident and the local jurisdiction. Most personal injury cases have a statute of limitations of 2 years from the date of the accident. Talk to your Indianapolis accident lawyer to learn how much time you have left to file a personal injury claim in Indiana.

What is the Value of My Personal Injury Case Worth?

Every wrongfully injured victim worries about the financial toll their accident and subsequent damages will have on their livelihood, and more importantly, their quality of life. For this reason, it is important for accident survivors to obtain the maximum settlement for their damages and losses. Accordingly, it is important to also know how much their personal injury case is worth. Some accident lawyers are obviously better than others. But the right Indianapolis personal injury lawyer will stop at nothing until their client is awarded the fullest and fairest settlement possible. By knowing the value of your case, you can ensure you are choosing a qualified personal injury law firm to represent your case.

What Kind of Damages Might I Collect for My Personal Injury?

By knowing the general value of your damages, you can better gauge the total value of your personal injury claim. Types of damages may include medical expenses, hospital bills, over-the-counter medication costs, prescription costs, lost wages, time off work and similar expenditures.

They can also include future economic losses like prolonged medical treatment, physical therapy, long-term care, future medical expenses, future prescription costs, future hospital costs, and more.

Injured victims can also collect non-economic damages for pain and suffering, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, mental anguish, PSTD, loss of social life, loss of work abilities, loss of companionship, loss of education experience, and more.

Are you looking for a reputable and skilled personal injury law firm to answer your questions about a recent accident? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana.

How to Interview a Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted on September 25, 2020 by admin

After being injured in an accident that was not your fault, you have a right to claim your damages through a personal injury claim. In order to get the maximum settlement or verdict for your case, it is vital to retain the services of a licensed accident attorney; but not just any accident attorney, as there are thousands to choose from just in Indiana alone. You must choose an experienced and qualified lawyer to represent you in your personal injury claim. How do you know you have found the right accident lawyer to work with? You will have to meet or speak with them, and decide for yourself if they are a good fit.

Continue below to learn what you should be asking personal injury lawyers when you are interviewing them as a potential legal representative your Indiana accident claim.

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Questions to Ask Your Accident Attorney

Have You Represented Cases in Civil Court?

All personal injury lawyers have seen the court room during their career, but you want to choose a lawyer who is familiar with the civil courthouses throughout the State you are filing your claim in. Our law firm has represented injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

Have You Represented Cases Like Mine Before?

Choose a personal injury lawyer who is well-versed in the particular type of injury or accident you have suffered. For instance, if you were seriously injured in a car accident, you will want to find a personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accident claims and has represented such cases before with successful outcomes. Our law firm has represented thousands of injured persons successfully throughout the State of Indiana.

Do You Take a Lot of Cases to Court?

Most personal injury lawyers can settle the cases they work on out of court, without ever going to trial. However, they should always be ready and willing to take the case to a jury if the insurance company won’t deliver a fair settlement offer. Ask your potential accident attorney how often their cases go to court to gain an idea of their hands-on trial experience.

Do Other Lawyers Work on Your Cases Too?

Some personal injury lawyers work as a team within a law firm. Not only is it quite common for more than one lawyer to handle a personal injury case, it is an advantage to have multiple astute minds working on a client’s financial recovery. Furthermore, it is easier to get in touch with a legal professional during the claim process when you have questions.

How Much Do You Charge in Lawyer Fees?

Most personal injury law firms work on contingency, which means clients do not owe any fees unless the lawyers obtain a settlement or verdict for them. There are no upfront lawyer fees, hourly billing, or retainers. So, you should ask your potential lawyer if they too work on contingency, and if so, how much they deduct from your settlement for attorney fees if they are successful with your case.

How Soon Can You Start on My Claim?

Personal injury lawyers know that claims are limited in time with the state’s statute of limitations. So, most often, they will get started on your case the same day, or at least very soon after you agree to hire them.

How to Get Started on Your Indianapolis Personal Injury Accident Claim

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer who can help you gain control of your life and who will take some of the stress off of you after suffering serious injuries or damages at the hands of another. We offer free initial consultations and never collect fees attorney fees unless we recover for you. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700 — Schedule a Free Consultation!

The First Questions You Should Ask About Your Personal Injury

Posted on May 28, 2019 by admin

Becoming a victim of a personal injury that resulted at no fault of your own is not an obstacle you planned on facing in life. However, now that you are on this journey, the most important factors are your health and well-being. Aside from medical treatment, it is important to also protect your legal rights, especially to compensation for your damages and losses. So as you turn the corner from medical care to legal action, be sure you are asking the right questions about your personal injury case.

Continue reading for some helpful tips, including who to call for professional legal advice regarding your potential claim.

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Do I Have a Case?

The first and foremost question you should be asking yourself, and then a qualified lawyer, is the question of validity. Are there grounds for compensation? Did the at-fault party have a duty of care and breached it, resulting in your injuries? Consult with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury lawyer who offers free consultations, and use that time to discuss the strength of your case.

How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?

There are set statute of limitations for every type of legal action. In tort law, personal injury claims are brought forth in civil court, which generally has shorter statute of limitations compared to criminal courts. For personal injuries, the amount of time depends on the type of injury, however, most claims retain an average statute of limitations of 2 years or less. Refer to Title 34, Article 11, Chapter 2 of the Indiana Code book for details regarding civil statute of limitations in our state.

How Long Will My Case Take?

There are countless factors that contribute to the amount of time it takes to settle a personal injury claim, which means it is virtually impossible to predict a timeline since they vary greatly from case to case. Sometimes cases are clear-cut, while others require ongoing litigation, and as a result, more time. Standard cases can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year, while more complex cases can take double, or triple that amount of time. In some cases, no settlement is ever reached.

Will I Have to Go to Trial?

There are various factors that influence the outcome of a settlement. Whether a claim is settled out of court or goes to trial depends on many details of a particular case. For most plaintiffs, a personal injury lawyer assists with this part of the process. They are prepared to go to court for their clients, but do everything in their power to avoid it and settle out of court instead. In most cases, personal injury claims are settled out of court.

How Much is My Case Worth?

The amount of compensation you will likely collect largely depends on your total damages and losses, including lost wages, hospital bills, medical expenses, pain, suffering, and more. In order to truly know how much your case is worth, you must consult with a licensed and experienced personal injury attorney.

Indiana Personal Injury Lawyers

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a licensed personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek can help you recover the compensation you deserve after being injured in an accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your consultation, today.

Is it Optional to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for an Accident Claim?

Posted on October 10, 2016 by admin

Seriously injured victims are faced with several challenges following an accident. Recovery, treatment, hospital bills, medical expenses, prolonged therapy, lost wages, and funeral expenses are some of the more common economic damages and losses suffered by accident victims. In order to get a fair shot at collecting the full and fair amount of compensation from an insurance company or third party, a victim would require professional legal assistance. However, it is not mandatory in terms of the law. Although it is entirely optional to hire an accident attorney to represent your personal injury claim, it the key to recovering for your losses. Continue reading to find out why.

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Personal Injury Attorneys

Not all accident cases require a victim to hire a personal injury lawyer. For instance, if a person lives in a “no-fault” state, they would not have any legal consent to sue, so instead, victims would have to collect coverage from their own third-party Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIP). In another example, if a person’s insurance company is already paying the maximum benefits available they wouldn’t necessarily need a lawyer either.

But in all other accident cases, it is in the best interest of the victim (or the bereaved) to hire a personal injury lawyer for their claim. Even if injuries are minor, it is still helpful to retain the services of an experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve after being seriously injured in an accident. Keep in mind that minor injuries can turn into major ones later on, while other injuries might take days or weeks to appear.

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Esteemed Attributes of Accident Lawyers:

Drive and Motivation – Most personal injury law firms operate on a contingency-fee basis, which means they do not get paid unless they recover compensation for their clients. This also means that accident lawyers are highly-driven and motivated to represent victims to the best of their abilities.

Knowledge and Experience – Personal injury lawyers are knowledgeable of the law, and have experience investigating and litigating accident claims. This gives victims an immediate advantage when negotiating for a settlement.

Dependability – Personal injury lawyers know what it takes to win an accident case. Their knowledge of the law combined with their extensive litigation and trial experience, makes them a dependable resource for recovering compensation for your losses.

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 schedule a free initial consultation with one of their seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyers, today. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Kieth Blazek are experienced personal injury litigators with a passion for helping victims of serious accidents. We never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to learn your options from a licensed accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Accident Liability for Hosting an Employee Party With Alcohol

Posted on June 14, 2016 by admin

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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

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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.

The Steps to Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted on November 23, 2015 by admin

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After being injured in an accident that was no fault of your own, you need a competent and tough personal injury lawyer in your corner to protect your rights and ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve. The potential compensation you may be owned is imperative to help pay for medical expenses, hospital bills, time off work, and additional financial losses. But if your accident and injuries were egregious, the courts may award punitive damages as well, in order to make up for losses such as pain, suffering, loss of companionship, loss of professional vocation, prolonged rehabilitation, permanent disfigurement, mental anguish, wrongful death, and much more.

A licensed accident attorney is the only one who will be your true advocate during your legal battles, and will stop at nothing to recover the compensation you deserve after an awful tragedy.When it comes to hiring a personal injury lawyer, there are a few recommended steps to take to ensure you find an experienced and competent attorney for your legal needs. Continue reading to learn which steps to take in order to find and hire the right personal injury attorney for your accident claim.

After the Accident

As soon as you, or a loved one, is capable of making a call to a personal injury law firm, this must be done. It is common to call directly from the hospital, because the sooner you retain professional legal counsel, the better your chances of recovering full recompense for your losses. It will give the attorney a head-start in investigating and researching your case, and allows them to gather all the necessary evidence and facts to negotiate your remuneration. It also allows them to speak on your behalf to insurance adjusters and other investigators, to make sure you do not say anything that can compromise your case. Make this call as soon as you are physically capable. If your accident was serious enough to be unconscious or unable to move, have a loved one make the call for you.

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Personal injury law firms generally offer free initial consultations to discuss your accident and determine if you have a valid case. For this reason, there is no need to be anxious about making the call to an attorney since there is no out-of-pocket obligation whatsoever, until they win your settlement. That is right; most personal injury lawyers also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning if they do not recover compensation for you, you pay nothing for their services. This is a sure-fire way to know that a personal injury attorney is doing everything in their power to win you the compensation you deserve, otherwise they do not get paid either.

Research

For less extreme injuries, or those that show up after some time (which is very normal, especially in car accident cases), you may have some more time to look for a qualified attorney. Either way, be sure you call a personal injury lawyer that is experienced, esteemed in the community, and has represented similar cases to yours. This is a good way to gauge whether or not a lawyer is qualified to represent your case. Start online, looking up different personal injury law firms in your town. It is wise to read client reviews and check for licensing. There are attorneys out there that are dishonest and claim they practice personal injury law when they are actually a divorce lawyer or other practice area that is completely unrelated.

Take a Short Cut

If you want a short cut through all this hassle and research, simply trust one of the most well-known and respected law firms in Indianapolis:

The Law Firm of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorneys Indianapolis 317-881-2700

Call The Law Firm 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 have extensive trial and litigation experience, and have practiced personal injury law for decades. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a respected personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, IN today.

Who is Legally Responsible for Damages Caused by an Under-Aged Drivers?

Posted on October 26, 2015 by admin

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The legal driving age is set for a reason. And there are certain qualifications that must be met before anyone, at any age, is offered a drivers’ license. Without an active drivers’ license, a person is not legally allowed to operate a vehicle under any circumstances. Now the age at which a person can legally apply and acquire a drivers’ license differs state to state. In Indiana, a teenager can legally begin drivers’ education courses and receive a probationary license at the age of 16 or older. A probationary license prohibits a person from driving alone. They must always have a licensed driver with them at all times while operating a vehicle. This type of license is not intended to let a person drive legally, without supervision of an actual licensed driver.

Once a person reaches the age of 17, they are eligible to take the state mandatory driving tests, written and field, and receive their drivers’ licensed if they pass both exams. No one under these ages, or without a valid license, can legally operate a vehicle. So what happens if an under-aged minor decides to take a car for a joy-ride, and then causes an accident that renders another person injured or worse? Continue reading to find out.

Under-Age and Un-Insured Motorist Accidents

When a minor that is under the legal driving age and without proper licensing causes a car accident that results in another person’s injury or death, it can be alarming to learn who is actually responsible for the injured party’s’ damages. The answer is the parents or legal guardians. An under-aged minor without a drivers’ license doesn’t have insurance, and it is usually the insurance company that pays out a settlement in the case of a car accident. The parents are the ones with liability insurance for their children, or at least they should, and these are ones who will get the brunt of the liability. Many insurance companies, however, may not pay for such an incident since the driver was neither legal nor of-age, which means the parents will have to personally pay remuneration for whoever was injured as a result of their minor’s driving escapade.

It is best to consult a licensed car accident lawyer in Indianapolis for accurate legal counsel and information pertaining to your personal case. They retain the proper resources, experience, and knowledge to answer all of your personal injury and liability insurance questions, any time.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for professional legal advice and counsel regarding car accident injury lawsuits in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorney, Daniel Craven, is available to answer your personal injury questions today! We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 and schedule an appointment with one of our licensed car accident lawyers in Indianapolis, IN today.

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.

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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.

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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.