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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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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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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Deponent Tips for Personal Injury Depositions

As a personal injury victim or survivor, it is likely that you may be subjected to a personal injury deposition, therefore making you a deponent. A personal injury deposition is intended to provide a platform for attorneys to ask questions, seek answers, and document the case.

All parties deposed are done so under oath, which means there can be legal repercussions for deponents who are dishonest during their deposition session. If you have just received a Notice of Deposition, or already aware that you will soon be deposed, it is important to educate yourself on what to expect and how to conduct yourself.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about preparing for your personal injury deposition, including some important tips that will help you be as successful as possible.

Personal Injury Lawyer Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700
Personal Injury Lawyer Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700

How to Prepare For Your Personal Injury Deposition

The first thing you should do is meet with your attorney a few days prior to your deposition so you can review relevant documents in an attempt to help jog your memory to events that took place usually quite some time ago.

During your personal injury deposition, a court reporter will be recording the entire session. For this reason, it is important to focus closely on what you are going to say, and how you are going to approach every question. Anything you say at your deposition can be used later to challenge any inconsistencies in your testimony at trial.

Whether a plaintiff or defendant, a deponent can expect to be asked some basic questions. Such questions will likely be about their past medical history and personal injuries, their current employment, the specific event that gave rise to the lawsuit, who they’ve talked to about the case so far, there criminal history, their driving record, current physical status, and similar basic data that would be relevant to the case.

You can expect your deposition to take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, but in larger cases, it may take longer to reach completion. Arrive sometime before your session so that you may meet with your personal injury lawyer and discuss some important objectives before getting started. Be sure to dress in business casual attire, as if you are interviewing for a job or going to church.

Personal Injury Deposition Advice

MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
As mentioned, it is important to dress accordingly for your personal injury deposition. Choose business casual attire, like something you would wear to a job interview or to your place of worship; and be well groomed.

BE ARTICULATE
During your deposition session, it is important that you speak up, speak clearly, and enunciate your words well. Avoid using any slang or shortcut language, and oppositely, avoid using vocabulary that is too sophisticated or confusing. Be confident with your speech.

CONDUCT YOURSELF AS A PROFESSIONAL
Just like planning your attire, it is important that you conduct yourself with the highest level of professionalism, as if you are at a job interview. Remember that a deposition is not a casual conversation, it is a question answer format. Keep your answers precise and efficient, and do not volunteer information that is not been asked of you. If the deposing attorney wants to know more on a topic, they will ask follow-up questions.

DO NOT RUSH
Although it is important for you to be professional and speak up during your deposition session, it is equally important that you do not rush through it all. Be patient as you wait for the attorney to ask the question entirely, and then take your time thinking about what you want to say before you offer your answers.

BE RESPECTFUL AND COURTEOUS
During your deposition, you will feel threatened or wrongly accused by the opposing attorney’s questions. No matter how you feel, maintain your composure and be as polite and respectful as possible. Avoid arguing with the attorney or using any sarcasm. This is very important during a personal injury deposition.

DO NOT GUESS
You never want to play the guessing game in a personal injury deposition. If you don’t know the answer to something or cannot remember a certain detail, just say I do not recall.  Your attorney does not want you guessing at your deposition because people get things wrong when they are guessing.  As mentioned earlier, anything you say during your recorded session can be used later at your trial to challenge any inconsistencies the opposing attorney may have found.  If the opposing attorney can get you to start guessing at answers to questions in a deposition, there will inevitably be inconsistencies because you are guessing.

Are you looking for personal injury help after being recently injured in an accident that was not your fault? 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 victims all throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

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Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
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How a Personal Injury Attorney Will Prove Your Accident Claim

Negligence is the legal concept that personal injury cases depend on. You need proof of negligence for an injured victim’s legal team to recover compensation for the injured person’s damages. This is why it is so vital to hire a licensed personal injury attorney that is experienced in the specific type of serious accident (motor vehicle, trucking collision, slip and fall, wrongful death, etc…) you or a loved one were recently involved in.

Hiring a seasoned accident attorney will give you an advantage when it comes to proving fault in a personal injury case. Just be sure to act fast before evidence is lost and file a claim before your state’s statute of limitations runs out.

Continue reading to learn more about establishing negligence and personal responsibility in an injury claim.

Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Attorney
Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

A Brief Explanation of Duty of Care in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Negligence can be defined in many ways, but there are two fundamental factors that make evident its basic concept: the two factors being “duty of care” and “breaching” that duty.  Every person in the United States has a legal responsibility, or duty of reasonable care, to prevent or avoid causing harm to another person, whether intentional or accidental. Establishing a party’s duty of care is the primary step in a personal injury case, and the step your lawyer will be initially focused on.

Proving Liability

Your hired legal team will work to prove that the at-fault party had a responsibility and failed to uphold that responsibility, causing another person to get injured or killed. They need to show the jury or judge that a defendant breached their personal duty of care, which led to a person getting hurt. If these two concepts can be established and upheld, then a plaintiff has a greater chance of winning their case and recovering recompense for their damages.

Proving Damages and Losses

Once these two concepts are demonstrated and confirmed, the next step is to prove that their client (the injured victim or plaintiff) suffered damages as a result of the defendant’s negligence. For more information or advice regarding accident lawsuits and filing claims after being hurt in an accident, be sure to consult a licensed Indianapolis Indiana accident lawyer for accurate and knowledgeable counsel you can trust.

Are you ready to begin the process of filing an accident claim after being wrongfully injured in an accident or event? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn your eligibility for pursing legal action against a suspected at-fault party.  Once a verdict or settlement is obtained, the at-fault party’s insurance carrier pays the verdict or settlement. From the initial consultation to the final verdict if necessary, our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys are by your side every step of the way.

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The 3 Primary Categories of Torts

Torts are civil wrong-doings, immoral behaviors, failing to use reasonable care and/or actions against civilians. Most often, torts come with consequences, like serious injuries and death. These consequences establish a civilian’s right to file a personal injury claim against a wrongful party and to recover damages from the wrongful party’s insurance carrier, except for intentional crimes.

Torts that result in serious injury or death can be punishable by imprisonment depending on the wrongful act; however, the objective of tort law is to provide for compensation for damages incurred by victims and families of victims. Its additional, and equally important, depending upon the tort, the intent is to prevent similar wrongdoings from occurring in the future.

Continue reading to learn the 3 categories of torts, and what to do if you are an injured victim who was wrongfully hurt in an accident caused by another.

Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Tort Lawyers
Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Tort Lawyers 317-881-2700

Tort Law

There are several individual capacities of tort law that all depend on the type of injury or accident that harms a person. Types of cases involving torts include motor vehicle accidents, product liability, assault and battery, sexual harassment, drunk driving accidents, wrongful death, slip and falls, head or brain injuries, dog bites, nursing home neglect, motorcycle accidents, and several other types of infliction of emotional or physical trauma.

Most torts can be grouped into at least one of three separate categories: Intentional Torts, Negligent Torts, and Strict Liability Torts.

Intentional torts are deliberate, premeditated, and purposeful. Assault and battery, sexual misconducts, and nursing home neglect are some examples of intentional tort.

Negligent tort occurs as a result of carelessness and disregard. Disobeying traffic signals, failing to pay attention while driving, speeding and causing an accident that harms another person are examples of negligent torts.

Strict liability torts, on the other hand, occur when a particular action causes harm or damage to another person, such as liability for making and selling defective products that are hazardous.

What to Do as an Injured Victim of a Wrongful Accident

Victims of torts can pursue fair compensation for damages incurred as a result of the tort. Exemplary damages include everything from pain and suffering to loss of companionship, and much more, such as lost wages, hospital bills, medical expenses, scarring or disfigurement, funeral expenses, prolonged rehabilitation, permanent disabilities, and much more.

Injured victims can also pursue compensation for damages like diminished quality of life and loss of benefits from a loved one’s death. Tort law is established to protect injured victims that were wrongfully hurt by a negligent party. Negligent parties can include people, companies, individuals, organizations, etc…

If you are a victim of tort or were recently injured in an accident caused by the negligence or misconduct of another party, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Contact a licensed personal injury law firm for professional guidance and counsel. It is important to take immediate action following a serious injury before the statute of limitation runs out. An experienced tort lawyer will substantially increase your chances and likelihood of winning your personal injury claim recovering compensation for your damages.

Are you ready to learn about your eligibility for recovering compensation as a survivor of a wrongful accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free consultation with a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, today. We represent inured persons and the survivors in wrongful death cases throughout the state of Indiana.

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How Long Does it Take to Settle an Accident Claim?

If your personal injury claim settles too quickly, does that mean you’ve settled for less compensation?

If your claim settles too slowly, will you be able to cover your out-of-pocket expenses while in recovery?

How long will it take to settle my case and receive payment?

These are common questions asked by wrongfully injured accident survivors all across the nation, and rightfully so. It is important to understand your rights as an accident victim, as well as your eligibility for pursing legal action against the at-fault party and their insurance carrier. Continue reading to learn how long personal injury claims take to reach a settlement or verdict, and what you can expect as a client of a skilled and experienced accident attorney.

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

The Beginning of the Personal Injury Claims Process

There are certain strategies that work better than others when it comes to obtaining the maximum settlement or verdict for a personal injury claim. The best and most effective approach is to hire a licensed and experienced personal injury law firm to represent you in your case. From there, they will navigate each and every aspect of your claim, using their own proven strategies to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

In fact, hiring a reputable Indiana accident lawyer is your first step you should take as soon as you are medically stable after an accident. Even if you are not medically stable enough to contact a lawyer and discuss your claim, you can have your spouse or next of kin do it for you. Family and guardian ad litems can file personal injury claims on behalf of an injured victim in certain circumstances.

Settling Too Quickly Can Mean Less Compensation

In most cases, settling a personal injury claim too quickly can result in being shorted on the compensation the victim is rightfully owed. Although there are some cases in which settling quickly is the right option, most times, a personal injury lawyer will continue to fight the insurance company until a maximum settlement is reached. This takes time, which is just one element of a personal injury case that can extend the amount of time it takes to come to an end. With a skilled accident lawyer on your case, you will not have to worry about settling too quickly and sacrificing monies that you could have been awarded or offered.

Why Cases Sometimes Take a Long Time to Settle

Along with back and forth negotiations and stubborn insurance companies, other common reasons why personal injury cases take longer to reach a settlement include:

▷ Victim has not yet reached maximum medical improvement (MMI);
▷ The case involves a considerable amount of money;
▷ There are legal or objective issues that need resolving.

Never accept a lowball settlement from an insurance adjuster after being wrongfully injured in an accident because once the settlement is agreed to, there is no going back on it if you find you need further medical care. Contact the accident attorneys at Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana to learn more about your rights to compensation.  We represent injured persons and the dependents in wrongful death cases throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

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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.

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

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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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