When Should I Contact a Personal Injury Attorney?

You Should Contact a Personal Injury Attorney As Soon As Possible After An Accident

No one ever expects to be in a wrongful accident, but they unfortunately do happen. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness, it can be difficult to know how to proceed. In such cases, seeking out a personal injury attorney is the best course of action. But when should you contact a personal injury lawyer and what should you expect from the process?

This blog post will provide answers to the question so that when you need help navigating your legal options after an accident, you are better prepared for the process ahead. Continue below to get started.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With an Indiana Personal Injury Lawyer.
Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With an Indiana Personal Injury Lawyer.

When It’s Time to Call a Personal Injury Attorney

It is important to note that not every accident requires legal action, it is always best to consult with a personal injury attorney right away. The sooner you contact one, the better. It is also important to seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney as soon as possible for multiple reasons. Some of the most critical reasons include:

▶ The possible defendant’s insurance carrier is obtaining evidence and having your claim reviewed by experienced insurance adjusters and attorneys and you should have an experienced attorney on your side at the same time;

▶ Evidence documenting your claim regarding both liability and damages needs to be obtained and preserved as quickly as possible before it is lost;

▶ As most injured persons are experiencing this for the first time, they need advice and knowledge on how a claim or lawsuit works and what to expect;

▶ There are statutes of limitations that apply. This means that you may be barred from filing a lawsuit against the responsible party if too much time passes between the date of the accident and the date you file your claim. Therefore, it is always best to contact a lawyer sooner rather than later.  Moreover, claims against governmental entities have very short time limitations for filing a “tort claims notice”; and

▶ Defendant insurance claims adjusters will initially seek to appear to be working out the claim with you but make no mistake, their job is to pay as little as possible to you for your claim in the end.  It is important for you to have an experienced attorney working on your behalf to obtain a full and fair settlement for you.

What You Can Expect From Your Accident Claim Lawyer

Once you have decided to contact an accident claim lawyer, there are certain things you should expect during the initial consultation process. First, any experienced personal injury attorney will likely begin by asking you what happened to understand the details of your accident and to determine if you have a valid injury claim. You should expect that your lawyer will ask for all relevant documents, including any police reports or medical records related to the incident. Your lawyer will also want to inquire about witness statements, photos of the accident site, proof of property damage, and other evidence that could help strengthen your case. If you do not have all items, do not worry.  Your attorney will help to obtain the necessary evidence.

Next, after determining that there is sufficient grounds for a personal injury lawsuit or claim against the responsible party’s insurance company, your attorney can then explain the legal process and timeline moving forward. This includes helping you understand what kind of compensation might be available to you through either a settlement or jury award. Your attorney will also negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies in order to obtain the most favorable outcome for you.

Third, a skilled accident lawyer will make sure you understand your rights and obligations throughout the entire process. They can help you navigate any legal challenges that come up and ensure that all paperwork is properly filed in order to move the case along as quickly as possible.

Finally, it is important to note that speaking with an attorney right away does not necessarily mean that you need an attorney for your claim.  You should talk with your potential attorney at your initial meeting and they will help guide you and determine if you need their services or not.  In the end, you lose nothing by speaking with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after you are injured to determine the best course of action to take.

The Bottom Line

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it is important to know that help is available in the form of an Indianapolis personal injury attorney. While there is no specific timeline for when you should contact a lawyer, acting sooner rather than later is always best in order to properly document your case and avoid any potential legal issues. A seasoned lawyer will be able to explain the process step-by-step and provide guidance on navigating the legal system so that you can seek the compensation and justice you deserve.

You need help navigating your injury claim, so make sure to get in touch with us as soon as possible. Contact Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury consultation with a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our services cover victims from all over the state, including Indiana residents who were injured in other states and persons from other states injured in Indiana.

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How to Win Your Personal Injury Case: Tips from a Pro

If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of someone else, you may be considering filing a personal injury claim. You want justice and compensation for your injuries, but how can you make sure that your case is successful? The answer is simple – hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. A seasoned accident attorney will guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit and help protect your rights as an injured party. They can also provide valuable advice on how to win your case and move forward with life once all legal matters are concluded.

Continue below to learn some more about what it takes to win a personal injury lawsuit.

Call 317-881-2700 When You Need a Personal Injury Accident Attorney in Indianapolis
Call 317-881-2700 When You Need a Personal Injury Accident Attorney in Indianapolis

Increase the Chances of Winning Your Personal Injury Case With These 5 Tips

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you may want justice and compensation for your damages. Filing a personal injury claim could be something to consider. But in order to place yourself in a position to have a viable chance at winning your case, you must equip yourself with the right knowledge and resources.

These 5 essential tips can help you increase your odds of success in a personal injury case:

Gather Evidence

One of the most important things you can do to ensure success is to collect evidence proving that someone else was responsible for your injuries. Make sure you have medical records, photographs, witness statements and any other relevant information to support your case.

Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer

A qualified personal injury attorney will be able to assess the strength of your claim and advise you on how best to proceed. They will also be able to tell you what kind of compensation is reasonable in your situation, as well as provide legal representation during court proceedings.

Stick to Your Story

During a trial, it’s important that you stick with the facts of the case and don’t embellish or exaggerate your story. Tell the truth and don’t be swayed by arguments from the other side. Overall, take the advice of your lawyer –they can coach you on courtroom best practices.

Remain Calm

Emotions can run high during a trial, but it’s important to remain calm and collected throughout the proceedings, interviews, depositions, and more. This will show that you are confident in your case and help sway the jury in your favor.

Make Your Case Known

You should make sure that everyone involved knows about your situation and why you are filing a claim. Showing evidence of negligence is key to gaining compensation for your injuries, so make sure you’re prepared to discuss these points with the judge and jury if necessary. 

Contact an Accident Lawyer Today to Get Started on Your Personal Injury Case

These tips from our seasoned Indianapolis personal injury law firm should help you get a better understanding of the process and what it takes to win your case. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, make sure to contact an experienced accident lawyer who can help guide you through the legal system and protect your rights. With the right guidance, you can be sure that justice will prevail, and you will receive the compensation you deserve. A successful personal injury case can bring financial compensation or reimbursement for economic or non-economic losses, such as medical treatment, hospital bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. In some cases, punitive damages may even be awarded by the courts if your injury was caused by a party’s reckless and malicious behavior.

If you think you have a legitimate personal injury case that has resulted in damages and losses, it might be time to speak with a skilled accident attorney to discuss the specifics of your situation and explore the possibility of filing a claim. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-fee, initial case evaluation with a skilled personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also represent injured victims throughout the state, and can meet via phone, video conference, or in-office.

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Do I Need to File a Lawsuit After Being Hurt in an Accident?

After being injured in an accident by the carelessness of another, many victims are legally entitled to some degree of reimbursement or compensation for their losses. These losses include damages like lost wages, medical expenses, hospital bills, prolonged rehabilitation, mental trauma, pain, suffering, property damages, and more. In extreme cases where the wrong doer demonstrated egregious misconduct or caused such trauma that compensation is not a sufficient means of amends, punitive damages may also be awarded by a court or jury.

Although a victim of a negligent act or accident is truly a victim and should be compensated for their damages, pursuing a lawsuit for such restitution may not always be in the victim’s best interest. Most often, a personal injury lawsuit is the path wrongly injured victims should take, but in some instances, it may not be the best option for a number of reasons. For this reason, it is wise to consider whether a lawsuit is a worthwhile endeavor.

Continue reading to learn a few considerations that can help a personal injury victim decide if a lawsuit is the productive course of action to take after being hurt in an accident.

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Accident Lawsuit Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Examining the Details of the Accident

After being injured in an accident at the expense of another person or entity, it is important to indicate three aspects of the incident. First, it is critical to consider the actual level of fault of the opposing party.

What was their role in the incident?

Did they have a legal duty of care to prevent such accidents from happening to the same class of people as the victim?

Would a reasonable person have foreseen the possibility of the accident happening?

Did they take reasonable action to prevent such accidents?

There is much more involved in determining fault in a personal injury case, but these are a few inquiries that come into play when assessing liability. Sometimes, it can seem like an accident was the other person or company’s fault, when in fact, they are cleared of such liability for several other reasons. If a person does not have a strong enough claim against an opposing party, or if the opposing party is not the majority at-fault, there may be no point to a personal injury lawsuit.

Comparative Fault Analysis

It is also important to consider the victim’s own liability in the accident. This is referred to as comparative fault analysis. According to USLEGAL.com, Comparative Fault Analysis is defined as, “…a doctrine of tort law which permits plaintiff and defendant to compare their liability for the accident. It allows proportionate recovery if both the plaintiff and defendant were negligent and thereby contributed to the cause of an injury.” So, one must ask themselves what was their level of fault might be? Could they have prevented their injuries? Should they have reasonably foreseen that such an accident could happen?  Was what they were doing at the time of the incident reasonable?

For example, consider a winter blizzard. On a snowy and icy day, a young man visits a grocery store wearing roller skates. Although there are wet floor signs posted everywhere and the store attempted reasonable clean up, he ignores them and continues to skate his way through the store, eventually wiping out and injuring himself badly. Since a reasonable person would not wear roller skates to a grocery store in those conditions because they know that floors will be wet and slippery, and since the grocery store took reasonable action to try to clean and to post “wet floor” signs as a warning to customers, the level of fault might fall onto the man. In this case, the store would not be held liable or fully liable for his injuries.  A personal injury lawsuit might be futile in this example.

Extent of Damages

And the third aspect to consider is the severity of the victim’s injury and the extent of damages incurred because of the accident. If the injury is not so serious that it caused the victim to suffer calculable financial losses like medical bills, lost wages, and loss of ability to work.

For instance, let’s say a person is wrongly rear-ended by another driver and the collision causes the airbag to deploy. As a result, the person who was rear-ended incurred minor airbag burns on their forearm but no other injuries. Because these burns are minor, they only required one doctor’s visit in which the physician orders the patient to use OTC topical ointment to soothe the burns as they heal. Because the accident did not cause them to suffer serious damages and losses, a personal injury lawsuit would be useless, although if a settlement were not reached with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier, a lawsuit in small claims court might be sufficient but again, the pros and cons of your time and effort in obtaining a small claims judgement would need to be weighed.

Had the car accident resulted in a head injury, orthopedic injury, or similar serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and ongoing rehabilitation, the circumstance would change, and a personal injury claim and possible lawsuit would be worthwhile filing.

Prospect of Compensation

Aside from the three aspects of the accident, it is important to think about the possibility of compensation. Although a court can rule that a victim is owed compensation, the court is not the one to pay it, and neither is the government unless the claim was brought against the government. All compensation that is court- ordered to the victim or their families has to come from, in almost all cases, the defendant’s insurance company. If a defendant has no insurance, and has very little assets, income, or savings, there is little chance to get the compensation. They usually cannot pay a judgment if they could not afford to carry liability insurance. For this reason, pursuing a lawsuit is most often not worthwhile, but every case needs to be looked at individually.

Would you like to learn more about your opportunity to obtain compensation through an Indiana personal injury claim or lawsuit? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-risk, no-fee personal injury evaluation to explore your eligibility, today. We represent clients all throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

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Important Information About Settling an Accident Case

Surviving victims injured in a wrongful accident caused by another person’s negligence can recover compensation for their damages and losses one of two ways:  out of court mutual negotiations or trial.  Although many personal injury settlements are negotiated and settled outside of court, it is critical to a victim’s financial future and overall quality of life to retain experienced personal injury representation for their claim.

A seasoned Indiana accident attorney will aim to settle without a trial if a reasonable settlement can be reached but will remain ready and prepared to take a client’s case to court if necessary. If you are a recent victim of a wrongful accident and suffered injuries as a result, the settlement process will impact the outcome of your claim.

Continue reading to learn what you can expect during the process of settling a personal injury claim, plus how to ensure you obtain the maximum compensation for your case.

Accident Claim Legal Services Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700
Accident Claim Legal Services Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Settlements

A settlement takes place when a defendant’s insurance carrier and sometimes the defendant themself make an offer for compensation, and the victim or plaintiff accepts the offer. This often happens outside of court. In fact, some agreements are made before a lawsuit is even filed. If the victim has trouble receiving a fair offer, their lawyer may suggest taking the case to civil court.

Settlements can also be made after a case goes to trial, but before a final award or verdict is made. Other times, parties might become anxious during jury deliberations, and decide to settle before their verdict comes back. This is because some defendants would rather agree to a set settlement, rather than allowing a jury to decide the case.

Full Liability Releases

Once a settlement is agreed upon between both parties, the plaintiff must sign a full liability release form. This form lawfully relinquishes all potential claims against the defendant arising out of the accident or incident. This way, the plaintiff cannot file any further lawsuits for more compensation against the defendant later. For instance, in a slip and fall case, a store’s insurance company may offer a victim $25,000 to settle a case made against their insured, but to receive the payment, the victim must agree to not sue the store or to dismiss any lawsuit that has already been filed against the store.

Most Accident Cases Settle in the End

The reason why most personal injury cases settle is because both the plaintiff and the defendant want to mitigate and control their risks and avoid the significant legal costs that come with actually going to trial. Almost all personal injury cases involve insurance companies, who have the finances to pay out claims quickly.

If a claim goes to trial, the insurance company loses some control over how much they pay in recompense to a wrongfully injured victim, as well as court costs, attorney fees, and other legal expenses. Also, many insurance companies settle claims because they want to avoid the public eye for themselves and the defendant they insure. With so many social media platforms these days, it is easy for one incident to result in a company being publicly criticized for their negligence.

Are you a recent accident victim who was wrongly injured as a result of another person or company’s negligence? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn your rights to pursuing a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned accident attorneys offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you.  We represent injured persons and the family survivors in wrongful death cases throughout the state of Indiana.

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Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim if I Am Hurt in an Accident?

Merriam-Webster Legal Dictionary defines a personal injury as, “harm to one’s body, mind, or emotions broadly.” A personal injury typically results in a wide range of damages and losses, like medical bills, hospital bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. Although it is not required by state or federal law to file a personal injury claim after being injured physically, mentally, or emotionally, there are many cases in which a victim should do so.

Continue below to learn under which circumstances an accident victim might want to make a personal injury claim, and how to get started on your own in Indiana.

Indiana Personal Injury Legal Assistance 317-881-2700
Indiana Personal Injury Legal Assistance 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Claims are Not for Property Damages

Merriam-Webster Legal Dictionary further defines a personal injury as, “an injury that is not to one’s property.” This is important to note. Personal injury claims do not include property damages, such as automotive repair or damaged personal belongings after a car accident. Personal injury claims are solely meant to recover compensation for physical, mental, or emotional damages. However, a person who suffers a personal injury may also make a claim for property damages if need be.

Additionally, personal injury claims are reserved for those who are wrongly injured or killed by another liable party, either as a result of a negligent action or inaction, or an intentional act. Those who lost a family member due to the negligence of another may recover damages in a personal injury wrongful death claim. In such cases, a personal injury claim would be beneficial to a victim’s quality of life, now and in the future.

The most common types of personal injury cases are auto accidents, drunk driving accidents, motorcycle accidents, large truck accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, construction accidents, workplace accidents, child injuries, defective products, and wrongful deaths.

When to Pursue a Personal Injury Claim

Why is it a good idea to file a personal injury claim after being injured in a wrongful accident? Personal injury survivors experience a wide range of stressors after their accident, including an influx of insurance claims, financial obligations, pain-and-suffering, and much more. This level of stress is heightened even more so for personal injury victims who are the primary wage earners or sole caretakers of their family. During this time, one’s sole focus as an injured victim should be to heal; not deal with these pressures and concerns.

Under these common circumstances, it would be considerably advantageous to file a personal injury claim. You can focus solely on your recovery, plus obtain compensation for your damages and losses caused by another person’s failure to use reasonable care. The first step in the legal process is to contact a trusted and experienced Indiana personal injury law firm. They have the knowledge, skills, resources, and drive to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.

Hiring an Attorney for Your Personal Injury Case

Many accident victims wonder if they need to hire an attorney to represent their case or if they can just represent themselves. Hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent your accident case is vital. You never want to represent yourself because insurance companies and large corporations will use every resource in their power to diminish the value of an accident claim. Such parties are extensively outfitted, and therefore, successful at doing so against those representing themselves.

A seasoned Indiana personal injury attorney will know how to combat all of the questionable strategies used by insurance adjusters and corporations, and ultimately ensure that you recover the maximum settlement or verdict for your claim.

Were you or your loved one wrongfully injured in an accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned Indianapolis Indiana accident attorney you can trust to recover the settlement you deserve. We represent victims all throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

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Will My Case Have a Better Outcome if I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Although you are not required by law to hire a lawyer to represent your personal injury claim, it is strongly encouraged. Continue reading to learn why a personal injury attorney is your best ally in recovering the maximum settlement for your damages and losses.

Indianapolis IN Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700
Indianapolis IN Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Benefits of Personal Injury Representation

Hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you in your accident claim is smart, not just for financial reasons, but for practical ones as well. You see, a lawyer is your single point of communication and accountability during your claims and case process. They handle every aspect of your case, from recovering a full and fair damages settlement or verdict for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc… for you, to remaining a steadfast supporter during a trying time in your life.

Additionally, personal injury lawyers often work on contingency, which essentially means they only bill you for their services if they are successful at recovering a settlement or verdict for you. Under a contingency-fee payment model, you would not be required to pay any upfront lawyer fees. You will only pay if you are awarded compensation.

Most importantly, personal injury lawyers know tort law. They know all the intricacies of the judicial system in which they work in, and they know all of the strategies and tactics that are effective against the local and national insurance companies. They have the specialized skills and knowledge to investigate personal injury cases down to the very last detail and prove their clients’ damages.

Expert personal injury lawyers can usually negotiate accident claims outside of court, but, if necessary, they are perfectly prepared to take a case to trial and fight for their victims’ rights to full and fair compensation.

Why You Do Not Want to Represent Your Own Claim

Some people choose to represent themselves in legal disputes or lawsuits, but when it comes to an accident claim, you do not want to take the chance. Navigating personal injury claims takes experience, industry knowledge, and most importantly, skill.

Insurance companies are ruthless as the less money they settle the claim for, the more they keep for themselves and because of this, they specifically train their adjusters to try to get injured victims to agree to the smallest settlement possible. A skilled personal injury lawyer is well-versed in such insurance adjuster tactics and knows how to navigate around them for a successful outcome.

Overall, if you want the best outcome possible for your personal injury claim, you will need to hire a personal injury law firm.

Avoid Hiring a General Practice Lawyer

A common mistake made by personal injury victims and survivors is not hiring the right type of lawyer. General practice or family lawyers are not well-versed in tort law and may not be the best asset for your claim. Hiring a specialized personal injury lawyer is the best choice for accident and injury claims and lawsuits. They are the professionals who retain the proper legal acumen and experience to obtain the best possible outcome for accident victims and their families. 

Think of it this way: in the medical field, your primary care physician makes a referral for you to go see a specialist because they are more knowledgeable in a particular medical area of practice, say a neurologist or neurosurgeon.  It is the same for the legal profession.  If you need a will done, you would go see an attorney who practices in the probate area of law.  If you have a personal injury case, you should hire a law firm where all its attorneys each have over 25 years of experience in every type of personal injury case.

Are you ready to learn more about pursuing legal action against the party who caused your injuries and subsequent damages? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation. Act fast, before time runs out on your claim or evidence supporting your claim is lost.  All of our attorneys are very experienced (more than 25 years each) in personal injury cases of all kinds and we represent injured persons throughout the state of Indiana.

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What are Economic Damages in a Personal Injury Case?

The primary purpose of filing a personal injury claim is to pursue and recover financial compensation from an at-fault party for a victim’s damages. When a settlement or verdict is obtained, the at-fault party’s insurance company pays the verdict or settlement. This is intended to put the victim back into the position they were in before the accident, or to make them whole once again, including a monetary amount for the pain and suffering the injured person endured.

But we all know this isn’t always possible. For injured persons, damages are more than just financial, and a victim can never be the same after a serious accident. Therefore, several types of damages exist in accident law and are awarded in successful personal injury cases. But many people are confused about what the term damages represents in personal injury tort law.

Continue reading to learn what damages are in relation to accident lawsuits, and the difference between economic and non-economic damages.

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Indiana Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Damages and Losses

Damages that result from a personal injury caused by a negligent party are generally losses. These losses can be financial, emotional, physical, and mental. Depending on the types of losses experienced following a personal injury, damages can be economic, non-economic, punitive, or a combination of all three. There are also damages known as nominal damages, which are small sums of compensation that are awarded to acknowledge that a victim, although not seriously injured or subject to substantial financial losses, was still violated in terms of their rights.

Facts About Economic Damages

Economic damages, also known as compensatory damages or general damages, are the calculable financial losses that can be defined by an actual dollar amount and redeemed through financial compensation. Economic damages include hospital bills (i.e., hospitalization, ambulance transport, anesthesia, emergency room services, surgeries, doctor care, x-rays, MRI’s, etc.), medical expenses (i.e., physical therapy, medical equipment, medication, etc.) lost wages from time off work, property damages, lost benefits from spouses’ death (i.e., insurance, veteran benefits, etc.), in-home nurse, and anything else that was a direct financial loss to the victim or their family.

Facts About Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more difficult to assign a dollar amount to because they are not direct and tangible monetary losses, like medical bills and lost wages. Instead, they are damages awarded for emotional or mental losses and tribulations. Examples of non-economic losses include pain and suffering damages, mental anguish or illness (i.e., depression, anxiety, etc.), loss of companionship (i.e., wrongful death, brain damage to loved one, paralysis of loved one that changes or prohibits the relationship, etc.), long-term medical care or medication dependencies, diminished quality of life, permanent disabilities, loss of ability to work, and more.

Understanding Punitive Damages

For very malicious or egregious acts, a judge or jury might also award punitive damages depending on the circumstances of a case. These are different from economic and non-economic damages because they are not intended to put a victim back into the same position they were in before an injury or accident, at least as much as possible. Although punitive damages are still paid in part to the plaintiff, they are meant to be more of a punishment for the at-fault party. They are intended to set a public example and double as a deterrent for the type of gross negligence involved in the case.

Are you ready to speak with a licensed injury attorney about obtaining compensation following your wrongful accident? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial case evaluation for your personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Act now before evidence is lost and time runs out on your claim. We represent clients all throughout the state.

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How to Prepare for Your Personal Injury Consultation

When meeting with a personal injury lawyer for the first time after being wrongfully injured in an accident that was not your fault, it is normal to experience a broad range of emotions, including nervousness, anxiety, and confusion. So, before your initial case evaluation at a personal injury law firm, help yourself by learning what to expect and how to prepare. Continue reading for tips on meeting the personal injury lawyer for the first time.

Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700
Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

The Purpose of a Personal Injury Case Evaluation

Virtually all personal injury law firms offer free initial consultations, which allow potential clients to learn their eligibility for pursuing legal action against the wrongful party who caused their accident and subsequent injuries, as well as get to know the lawyers and legal team that will be working the case. During your initial consultation, you will discuss your accident and injuries with a licensed personal injury attorney who will gauge the strength of your claim and determine the best course of action to recover compensation for your damages and losses from the at-fault person’s/company’s insurance company.

How You Can Prepare for Your Initial Consultation With an Accident Lawyer

There are plenty of things you can do on your end to be fully prepared for your initial consultation at a personal injury law firm. First, gather all relevant documents and proofs of evidence related to your accident and subsequent injuries. Such documents might include medical bills, notices, letters and/or emails from insurance companies, receipts, police reports, witness statements, medical records, doctors’ notes, records of current treatment, previous paychecks prior to your accident, and anything else that might have to do with your claim.

Once you have gathered all of the necessary paperwork and documentation that is related to your case, your next step to prepare for an initial consultation is to write down a statement or summary of your accident, injuries, and current quality of life and living situation. Be as chronological and detailed as you can, including any times, dates, people, places, and things involved in the accident. At the end of your summary, write down any questions you have for your lawyer. This way, you’ll be able to remember exactly what inquiries you have about your rights.

The Day of Your Case Evaluation

It is important that you arrive on time for your personal injury case evaluation. If you are unable to be on time, or unable to make it all together, be sure to call ahead and let the office manager know as soon as possible.

When you arrive at the office for your meeting, you will check in at the front desk with the office manager or receptionist. You will likely have a seat and a small waiting room, and then be escorted back to an attorney’s office by the attorney themselves or their paralegal. It is very important that you be completely honest with your lawyer and turn over all documents and paperwork that you have gathered for your case.

Are you ready to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation in Indianapolis? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to meet with a seasoned Indianapolis Indiana accident attorney you can trust to recover the settlement you deserve.  We represent injured persons and dependents of loved ones in wrongful death cases throughout the state of Indiana.

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How the Law Holds Property Owners Accountable for Negligence

Premise Liability Law is a set of ordinances that hold property owners liable and responsible for any harm or damages caused to people that are on their premises. This liability differs depending on whether the injured person was invited onto the property, licensed to enter the property, or someone who has trespassed onto the property. Continue reading to learn more about premise liability law, and how it protects you against being wrongfully injured by a negligent store or property owner.

Indianapolis IN Accident Lawyers
Indianapolis IN Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

What is Considered One’s Premises?

Property premise is defined as inside and outside the property, including sidewalks and access property. Such cases of premise liability have involved slip and fall accidents, structural hazards, victims of violence and assault, food poisoning, animal bites and attacks, and more.  More detailed reports of past premise liability cases were dead tree branches, poorly maintained public stores, swimming pool accidents, pet bites and animal attacks, driveway car accidents, unlevelled sidewalks, restaurant food poisoning, and bonfire accidents.    

Premise Liability Organizations

Important organizations related to premise liability law in Indianapolis, IN are the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC).  These associations have dedicated years of combined efforts to reform the law and rights of injured individuals.  The American Tort Reform Association was created in 1986.  The Association’s creed is preserving the American civil justice system’s efficiency, predictability, and fairness. 

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners seems like an unlikely ally in the premise liability law world.  But, in fact, this association has worked endlessly to promote markets, protect the public’s interest, implement equal and fair service of insurance customers, promote reliability of insurance companies, and the improve the state’s regulation of insurance.  Finally, the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control was established 20 years ago to promote safety and injury prevention across the country and works closely with research institutions to get closer to their goals. 

Talk to an Experienced Premise Liability Lawyer

If you think you may have been involved in a premise liability accident, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away.  Depending on the circumstance of your case, you may have a valid legal claim for compensation.  You can pursue a personal injury claim to recover financial restitution for lost wages, emotional distress, hospital bills, medical expenses, legal fees, prolonged therapy, pain, suffering, and much more. 

Were you injured on someone’s property because they were careless? Contact the accident attorneys at Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a seasoned personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also specialize in slip and fall accident cases.

You Should Also Read:

A Store’s Obligation to Maintain Safe Premises
What is Premise Liability?
How Do I Sue a Store for My Injuries?

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
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How to Find a Good Personal Injury Attorney

Many believe a phone directory and a number is all they need when it comes to finding a reliable personal injury attorney. This is far from the truth; in fact, there are several credentials and amenities to look for in an accident lawyer. It is important to hire a lawyer that can assertively represent you and your case to recover the full and fair compensation for your damages.

Continue reading to learn what to look for when retaining a personal injury lawyer following a serious accident that caused you harm or damages.

Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Law Firm
Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

It is Vital to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Accident Claim

When searching for an accident lawyer, it is important to know what to look for in a law firm. Below are the most significant credentials and amenities that should be present in any personal injury law firm and within their legal teams.

Licenses and Certifications

A reputable law firm retains valid licensing, as well as the injury attorneys that work for the law firm. It is vital that you use an accident attorney that is actually licensed by the state and has passed the state bar exam. Some people claim to “practice law” because they have taken and passed the Bar but a lawyer cannot practice law unless they are specifically licensed to do so. You are consulting a reputable lawyer if they are properly and legally licensed to practice law. Be sure they are well-versed in personal injury cases as well. You do not want to retain a general civil lawyer to represent your accident claim; instead, you should hire an accident attorney that specializes in personal injury law.

Experience and Achievements

Be sure to look for an accident attorney that is extensively experienced in personal injury litigation and retains ample trial experience as well. Look for recent accomplishments, awards, diplomas, honors, and cases-won in order to grasp a better understanding of their commitment to their industry and the reputation of their law firm. A well-respected and highly accomplished law firm is a good start to obtaining proficient legal representation following a serious injury or accident.

Additional Amenities

Most personal injury law firms offer free initial consultations for clients that believe they were hurt negligently. This allows potential clients to have their case examined by a licensed personal injury lawyer without any obligation to pay legal fees. If a personal injury lawyer believes they do have a strong case, they will represent the client. Another common convenience for clients of personal injury law firms is not having to pay any upfront legal fees.

Most law firms will represent a client for free, and only collect attorney fees if they recover compensation. This puts clientele in a no-risk zone. They can pursue a lawsuit with competent legal representation, without any obligation to pay unless they win a monetary settlement.  Obviously this is beneficial to the client as they have medical bills, property damages and lost wages they are trying to deal with right when they need legal representation the most.  

If you are looking for a qualified personal injury lawyer who will not back down to stubborn insurance companies, you are in the right place. Contact the accident attorneys at Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a seasoned accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. Meetings can be conducted over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.  Just call 317-881-2700 to get started today.  We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

Your First Steps in an Accident Claim
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring an Accident Lawyer
How Can I Tell Whether or Not I Have an Injury Case?

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
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