Being injured in an accident is a traumatic experience, and the thought of making a personal injury claim can add to that stress. Unfortunately, there are many myths about personal injury claims that make it even harder for those who have been hurt to get the compensation they deserve.

To help you understand your rights after an accident, here are 3 common myths about making personal injury claims debunked by experienced personal injury lawyers. From understanding how long you have to file a claim to knowing when hiring a lawyer is advisable, this post will answer all of your questions and give you the information needed to make informed decisions throughout the process.

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

Top 3 Misconceptions About Personal Injury Claims

Myth 1: You Have Forever to File a Personal Injury Claim

False. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims varies from state-to-state, but typically it’s between one and six years. In Indiana it is normally 2 years, but in some cases certain prerequisites must be met in as little as 6 months in order to be able to pursue a claim at all so it is extremely advisable to immediately at least talk to an attorney. Therefore, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to ensure that your rights are being protected and your case is filed in a timely manner.

Myth 2: All Personal Injury Lawyers are Created Equal

False. Hiring the wrong attorney can cost you time, money and possibly even your personal injury case. When looking for the right personal injury attorney, it is important to find someone with experience in accident cases and a proven track record of getting clients maximum compensation. Our attorneys at Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. each have over 25 years of experience in handling any and all types of personal injury and wrongful death cases.

Myth 3: You Don’t Need an Accident Attorney

False. Even if you believe you understand the laws and regulations surrounding personal injury claims, hiring a lawyer can be beneficial. An experienced Indiana accident attorney not only knows the law inside and out but also will have years of experience handling similar cases. Having access to their expertise can help protect your rights and ensure that you get the highest amount of compensation possible from your case. Because both case law and statutory law change and evolve every year, it is best to hire an experienced injury lawyer who keeps abreast of those changes and can provide accurate counsel.

Understand Your Rights as an Accident Victim

These are just three of the most common myths about making a personal injury claim. Knowing the truth behind these misconceptions can help you make the right decisions when it comes to filing a claim and getting the compensation you deserve. If you have any additional questions, contact an experienced personal injury civil litigator who can provide more advice specific to your situation.

Are you looking for skilled personal injury law firm to represent you in your auto accident case in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also represent injured victims all across the state.

Compensatory Damages

Compensatory damages are meant to restore a victim’s losses that were incurred as a result of a defendant’s wrongful conduct or negligence. Types of losses that fit this category include property damage, hospital bills, current and future medical expenses, lost wages, prolonged physical therapy, permanent disfigurement or scarring, loss of consortium, reduced quality of life, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more. The most common accidents that result in compensatory damages being awarded are generally those that involve carelessness and negligent, such as car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and product defects.

Punitive Damages

Cases in which a defendant’s conduct was especially egregious, a court may award a victim with punitive damages. These are generally reserved for those who deserve penalty or punishment for an outrageously negligent or illegal act that harmed another person. An at-fault party in this type of case would likely face criminal prosecution too. Not only will courts use punitive damages to punish a defendant, they may also award them to set an example for the rest of the community. Common examples of such cases include drunk driving accidents, wrongful deaths, and medical malpractice.

Nominal Damages

Aside from the standard compensatory and punitive damages awarded in a personal injury lawsuit, there is a third category that is not as common called nominal damages. Nominal damages are small sums of money that are sometimes awarded to injured victims who have not incurred a significant economic loss or injury, but did experience an invasion of rights. Although minimal in funds in most cases, these damages are still important because they allow injured victims to pursue legal recompense for an immoral act against them, even if the act didn’t cause any financial repercussions. A court may award nominal damages to a plaintiff simply to show that the plaintiff is right and the defendant is wrong. They can be as low as 1 dollar since they are really meant to prove a point.

Craven, Hoover, & Blazek P.C.

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3 Common Myths About Making a Personal Injury Claim