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

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.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

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.

Indianapolis Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700


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 Attorney Indianapolis

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.

Does an Injured Victim Need a Witness to Prove a Car Accident Case?

When a person is involved in a car accident, they must provide information and evidence to their insurance company that outlines the events leading up to and surrounding the accident in order to get coverage. In the case that an insurance company will not give the proper coverage needed for damages, an injured victim may end up filing a lawsuit. And to win their case, they would need an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer, but they wouldn’t necessarily need a witness. Witnesses are great assets to a case, but they are not the only method of proving the validity of a person’s injuries. Whether the matter is being managed administratively through an insurance carrier, or legally in a court of law, there are other ways to prove a case without witness testimony.

Indianapolis Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

No Witness Testimony

When an injured person does not have a witness, it is wise for them to take pictures and videos at the scene of the accident to document visual proof of the damages and surrounding environment. This includes anything that was related to the accident, including vehicular damages, skid marks, shattered glass, road obstructions, street lights, and more. Of course, this is difficult to do for someone that is seriously injured or unconscious. Under these circumstances, if a victim is immobilized because of their injuries, it is a good idea to record themselves, describing their injuries and what’s happening at the scene of the accident. Injured victims can also ask a police officer or EMT to take pictures for them if they are too injured to do it themselves.

Having a Witness

If a victim does have a credible witness, it will be easier to prove the facts surrounding their accident and injuries. Often times, a person will not even realize there are witnesses until they ask. It is common for crowds of people to gather when an accident takes place, so a victim can ask these people for their testimony or camera footage as well. It is important for them to record their names and contact information for future questioning.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

If you were recently injured in a car accident, and you don’t have any witnesses or camera footage, you may still have a chance to win your case. Hiring a seasoned car accident injury lawyer is the first step to recovering the full and fair compensation you deserve after being seriously injured in a car accident.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Craven Hoover Blazek Personal Injury Law

Craven Hoover Blazek Personal Injury Law 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced car accident injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are eager to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being wrongfully injured in an auto accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win your case. Call 317-881-2700 to get started with your Indianapolis car accident injury claim, today.

A Courtesy Wave Can Hold Drivers Liable for Pedestrian Injuries

Pedestrian Injury Claims 317-881-2700

Pedestrian Injury Claims 317-881-2700

Are you the type of driver that happily pauses and waves on other cars and passer-byers on the road? If so, this politeness can sometimes create liability on your part if your courtesy causes another person to have an accident. In Indiana, anyone can be held liable for another person’s damages and losses if their negligence causes that person to become a victim of a serious injury.

This means a good-mannered wave to another pedestrian, biker, or driver creates a duty of care to ensure the wave is not putting them into harm’s way. Continue reading to learn more about what this duty of care means, and how a polite wave to another pedestrian can hold you liable for subsequent accidents and injuries.

Be Careful Giving the “OK” to Pedestrians

When you are driving your car and see someone on foot or bike attempting to pass the street, it is unlawful to stop and allow them to go unless it is at a designated cross-walk. If you do, however, decide to stop and allow a pedestrian the right-away by means of friendly waving, you better be sure there isn’t traffic coming the other way that the pedestrian cannot see. If there is another car that drives by in the other lane, and it hits the pedestrian you waved through, you could be held liable for their injuries and losses.

Pedestrian Injury Claims 317-881-2700

Pedestrian Accident Claims 317-881-2700

When you give a pedestrian the “right to cross” you are taking on a duty of care that the pedestrian will be safe at your gesture to cross the road. If you were to wave to a pedestrian to cross in front of your car, you need to be sure that the passage is safe for them in ALL lanes and on ALL sides. Otherwise, you are responsible for any accidents since you signaled that it was okay to cross. You would be blamed for allowing the pedestrian to cross the road and walk into ongoing traffic. This is especially applicable to child injuries and accidents since children trust adults for guidance and are not mature enough to properly gauge danger.

If you were involved in an accident that resulted from a friendly wave, it is vital to contact a personal injury attorney for legal representation. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses, by both the insurance company and the person who caused your injuries. For pedestrian injuries, retaining a licensed accident lawyer is your best opportunity at recovering the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a compassionate pedestrian accident attorney you can trust. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are seasoned litigators with decades of experience practicing personal injury law. First consultations are free and we never collect lawyer fees unless we successfully recover for you. Call 317-881-2700 and schedule a free initial consultation with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to assess your case and file your claim today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims – Part 2

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.

Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Personal Injury FAQs

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

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

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

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

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

What are My Rights and How Can I Protect Them?

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

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

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

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

• You have the right to legal counsel.

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

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

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers

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.

Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

If you have been involved in an accident in which you sustained injury, it is vital that all proper and necessary steps are taken to file a personal injury claim against the guilty party. Unfortunately, doing this on your own can leave room for mistakes. If a mistake is made during the filing process, you can potentially be denies compensation for your injuries. Continue reading to learn how to avoid the top 3 mistakes made in a personal injury claim.

❶ Failure to Document the Accident Scene

It is understandable that many victims of personal injury fail to document the scene of the accident. A combination of shock, emotional trauma, and pain can interfere with a person’s intent to document the accident sight. Unless a victim is unconscious, it is highly recommended to take photos and video to record the happenings, locations, and other various circumstances surrounding the accident. In the case that a person is injured to the point of unconsciousness, a legal representative can help track down ambulance and police records following an accident. Having these records and documentations is a great advantage for someone pursuing legal compensation for their injuries, medical bills, and time off work. It is a full-proof method of verifying the occurrences and events of the accident, and stands solid in a court of law.

❷ Failure to Seek Medical Attention

Another common mistake people make following a personal injury is failing to seek medical attention altogether. By not seeking medical help, it ascertains that a person is not as seriously injured as they claim. This shows the court that the injuries sustained are not severe enough to receive compensation for the accident.

❸ Giving Statements Without Legal Representation

If a person is involved in an accident that caused them to sustain personal injuries, it is important for them to never give any official statements concerning the accident unless they have a lawyer present. Legal representation during a personal injury law suit is vital when it comes to apply for compensation. It is easy for a person to say something that can contradict or annul a personal injury claim in court. Speaking to a personal injury attorney before making official statements about the accident is the most important step to pursuing compensation for damages and injuries following an accident.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorney, Daniel Craven, has several years of trial and litigation experience and will work hard to recover the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve after sustaining a wrongful injury. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win your case. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your initial consultation with a trusted personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, IN.

Can I Settle My Own Personal Injury Claim?

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

Truthfully, more than 90% of personal injury claims never become a lawsuit because they are settled out of court. Negotiating a settlement out of court makes the legal process simpler and more efficient, and it costs much less than having a trial. For less complicated cases, it is the least-risky alternative for all parties involved. In order to make the process even less risky, it is strongly advised to seek out professional legal counsel. Personal injury lawyers retain the proper knowledge, resources, and experience to accurately manage an accident claim and negotiate a full and fair settlement.

Although it is strongly encouraged to hire an attorney, an injured victim could choose to represent themselves and attempt to settle their claim all on their own, but this is not recommended. Continue reading to learn why settling a personal injury claim without a licensed attorney can be detrimental to a victim’s case.

What You Need to Know About Personal Injury Claim Settlements

If you are thinking about settling your personal injury claim yourself, there are a few things you should know. First, consider settling out of court for the aforementioned reasons. It will cost you much less if you can avoid a trial. You will then need to calculate all your damages, including economic losses, special damages, general damages, and past and future losses. And be sure to have proof of these numbers. Then you will need to adjust this value by mitigating certain damages and adding in certain factors of your case, including liability, the number of defendants, your age, your occupation, your medical history, and more. Then you can make your claim by writing a settlement demand letter to the insurance company (yours or theirs).

Keep in mind that you are not likely to have as good an outcome, in terms of recompense, without the professional assistance of a licensed attorney. A lawyer has the negotiating skills and experience to render a fuller and fairer settlement. There are several tricks and traps insurance companies will use against claimants in order to absorb the least amount of liability and pay out the least amount of compensation possible. Attorneys that practice injury law are familiar with these methods and know how to navigate through them so their client’s get what they fully deserve.

Without professional legal counsel, you are an easy target. The law is confusing and there are several aspects to a personal injury claim process. Aside from all the filing and paperwork, you would have the burden of proving the other party’s liability. This requires a comprehensive understanding of accident law, injury law, and more. It would be near impossible to adequately prepare yourself for what you need to know to easily and effectively settle your own claim.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Law Firm Indiana
Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim in Indianapolis. Seasoned attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, have a focus on accident law and retain extensive trial and litigation experience. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to learn about filing a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, IN today.

Is Market Share Liability Still Used in Product Liability Cases?

Market share liability is a legal set of rules that plaintiffs and courts can use against a group of product manufacturers in a product liability case if the origin of the harmful product in question cannot be proven. In such a case, since there is no way of determining which manufacturer provided the fungible product that harmed a person or group of people, the law decrees that all manufacturers in the market must pay a percentage of recompense for damages. Continue reading for an example of a market share liability case, and more about how it applies to product liability cases.

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

Market Share Liability in the Legal World

Market share liability is rarely used in the court system today. In order for it to apply, four distinct factors must be true about the case: it must be impossible to determine which manufacturer provided the actual product that harmed the actual victim, all manufacturers were active suppliers of the product when the damages occurred, the product must be fungible (the same no matter who made it), and a majority share of the manufacturers of the product must be present as defendants in the lawsuit.

If all four of these factors are true in a product liability case, market share liability could be applied. This of course all depends on individual circumstances, evidences, and varies case to case. It is important to discuss your legal questions regarding personal injury or product liability with a licensed attorney that focuses on your accident case.

Case Example

The market share doctrine originated in California after a DES case was revealed. Mothers were prescribed a medication called DES that prevented miscarriages. Later, the adult-children of these mothers began to develop reproductive tract cancers, like vaginal tumors, masses, and more. Since it was impossible to determine which drug company provided the DES that was prescribed to their mothers, the courts decided to apportion the liability among all (or most) of the drug companies that manufactured the DES medication at the time the mothers were prescribed to it.

The apportioned share in a market share liability case is not always equal among manufacturers. It is divvied according the percentage of the product they produced and distributed at the time a victim was injured by it. If you or a loved one was injured by a defective product, contact a licensed personal injury lawyer to learn your rights before the statute of limitations runs out. You could be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers
Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn about product liability or to file a defective product injury claim in Indianapolis, IN. Personal injury attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, have extensive trial and litigation experience and can offer you accurate and information answers to your legal questions. We offer free initial consultations so there is no financial obligation to discuss your case! We also never collect attorney fees unless we win your case. Call 317-881-2700 to speak with a product liability lawyer in Indianapolis, today.

Pedestrian Accidents and Laws in Indiana

Pedestrian Injury Claims 317-881-2700

Pedestrian Injury Claims 317-881-2700

Sadly, all over the United States, thousands of men, women, and children are seriously injured or killed in pedestrian accidents each year. Motor vehicle and traffic accidents are the number one causes behind pedestrian injuries and deaths. There are various laws and rules regarding pedestrian protection in our state, but unfortunately, they are commonly forgotten or overlooked after traffic school. Continue reading for a brief overview of standard pedestrian laws and regulations in Indiana.

Pedestrians

Just like all other driver’s on the road, pedestrians have rules and guidelines to follow too. In Indiana, pedestrians must obey all traffic and pedestrian control signals at all times. This means anyone traveling by foot is required to comply with “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” traffic signals; as well as, any other traffic control devices or signs. They are also expected to always use crosswalks and pathways designated for pedestrian use. This means no J-walking! These rules are just in that they protect everyone by establishing a safe, consistent, and effective plan that we can all easily understand and obey.

An At-Fault Driver

A driver cannot overtake or pass another vehicle that is stopped in front of them at a crosswalk for pedestrians or cyclists. This at-fault driving scenario puts any pedestrian crossing the path at that time, in danger of being hit by the driver. This is why it is illegal. All drivers must obey all traffic control signals, and yield to pedestrians that have the right away at crosswalks and other pathways. They must also yield to blind pedestrians; discernible by a white cane or seeing-eye dog.

An At-Fault Pedestrian

Pedestrian Injury Claims 317-881-2700

Pedestrian Accident Claims 317-881-2700

Pedestrians, just like drivers, can be at fault in a motorist-pedestrian accident. If a pedestrian darts out into a busy road from a safe place or sidewalk, they could be at fault if they are hit by an oncoming car. The law explains that in this situation, drivers that are acting in accordance with with their traffic rules do not have enough response time to stop for a wandering pedestrian. Also, any person on foot is expected to use a sidewalk, rather than the edge of the road, for safety. If there is no sidewalk, they are allowed to walk on the direct edge or shoulder of a highway or street. If a pedestrian is crossing a road that is not marked with traffic control signals or a crosswalk, they are expected to yield the right away to all traffic.

There are several more pedestrian safety laws and guidelines that begin to get very specific, such as pedestrian law IC 9-21-17-11; that states all pedestrians should move along the right half of all crosswalks. Not such a serious violation. The important Indiana pedestrian laws are general, but important. Vehicles are prohibited to overtake a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk; pedestrians have to obey all traffics control devices unless otherwise specified by a police officer, pedestrians must yield to oncoming traffic if there is no marked crosswalk or path, they cannot walk along the shoulder or edge of a road with a functioning sidewalk, and motorists are responsible to yield to blind pedestrians at all times. Keep these rules in mind and protect yourself and others on the road.

Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you are a victim of a pedestrian accident in Indiana. Indianapolis pedestrian accident attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are seasoned injury lawyers that are eager to recover he rightful compensation you deserve after being wrongly injured in a pedestrian accident. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and will not collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 for pedestrian accident and injury representation and legal counsel in Indianapolis, IN.

Negotiating a Final Settlement in a Personal Injury Case

Personal Injury Lawyers Indiana 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers Indiana 317-881-2700

Negotiating a final settlement in a personal injury case is a common occurrence. It is much like buying a used car from a dealership. The salesman wants to sell the car at the highest price possible, while the customer wants the best price possible. So the negotiations continue until both parties are satisfied. An insurance adjuster and personal injury victim both want to come out on top during the negotiation process.

Although the insurance adjuster knows roughly how much the insurance company will pay out to the injured victim, they will try their hardest to negotiate the smallest payout that the victim is willing to accept. The victim knows what their personal injury damages are worth, so their attorney tries their hardest to get the highest possible payout from the insurance company or opposing party.

There are a few predictable circumstances and steps to the negotiations process that injured victims should familiarize themselves with in order to be better prepared when the time comes to recover the full and fair compensation they deserve after an accident. Continue reading to learn some common approaches to negotiating a personal injury settlement.

Settlement Negotiations Between Both Parties

The victim’s lawyer will ask for the highest amount first in a written demand letter. The insurance adjuster or opposing party will likely contest that amount by refuting the degree of liability or finding something else wrong with the claim. They may state that certain treatments, surgeries, or therapy was not necessary, or use some other type of similar excuse.

Once this happens, the victim’s lawyer will respond by negating their allegations and then asking for a certain amount of compensation for a second time. This is the time that the insurance company will counter with an insulting, low-ball offer to see if they can get lucky in the case that the victim is simply in a hurry to get a settlement check.

This is when the victim’s legal team responds by vaguely acknowledging the insurance adjusters interferences, and lowering the initial compensation request, but only slightly. At this time, an insurance adjuster is more willing to raise their low-ball offer, and most often do.

With a higher offer, the victim and their lawyer have the option to either accept the offer or to counter once again with the same compensation request, or one that is slightly lower once again.

This process continues like this until both parties come to an agreement on full and fair compensation for a victim’s damages. If an agreement cannot be made, then the case will go to court and a judge will decide the appropriate compensation.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for information about personal injury claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek retain extensive experience in litigation and personal injury law, and are eager to represent your case. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win your settlement. If you or someone you love has been recently injured as a result of another’s negligence, contact one of our seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyers for information regarding your rights following a serious accident.

What is MedPay?

Every driver needs to have car insurance. But car insurance only covers damages to vehicles, not people. Fortunately, there is an additional type of coverage you can purchase to protect yourself and your passengers. It is called medical payments coverage, or MedPay insurance for short. It is a form of insurance coverage for “Medical Payments to Others”, rather than vehicles. In the case of an auto-related or motor vehicle accident, whether your fault or not, med pay insurance will cover the medical expenses of yourself and your passengers if injured as a result of the accident. Continue reading to learn more about MedPay, how it works, and where to obtain such insurance coverage.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Medical Payments Insurance

Any medical costs that results from an auto-related or motor vehicle accident will be paid for by a medical payments insurance policy. It pays for and protects your passengers and yourself, but it does not cover medical expenses for the people in any other vehicles involved. That would require third-party insurance coverage. Medical payments coverage is usually set at a maximum limit of $25,000. All medical costs that exceed a MedPay policy’s limit has to be paid out of pocket, by health insurance, or third-party insurance.

There is a lot of confusion when it comes to understanding MedPay coverage. Many assume it is a type of health insurance, but it is only meant to cover injuries caused by auto-related accidents, and again, only has a $25,000 payout limit. Also, health insurance will only cover your injuries, not the injuries of your passengers. Instead, med pay is more like PIP, or Personal Injury Protection. Although both types of insurance are similar, MedPay differs from PIP because it only covers medical expenses, not lost wages or other damages, like PIP coverage does. We will further discuss PIP coverage in next week’s blog, so stayed tuned!

It is strongly encouraged to purchase MedPay insurance for anyone who regularly carpools as well as, for adolescent drivers. It is a lucrative expense that is well-worth it in the end. Also, medical payments insurance has to be purchased for every single vehicle owned, including motorcycles. So if you only have MedPay insurance for your Jeep, but an accident occurs while driving your Honda, you will not be covered by your MedPay policy. You need to insure all vehicles to be fully-covered. Start by calling your own car insurance provider to inquire about MedPay, but be sure to also shop around for the bet rates. For an affordable cost, you and your passenger’s medical expenses can be covered if ever seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident in your vehicle.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident, contact a licensed personal injury lawyer right away to learn your rights and recover the full and fair compensation you are owed.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers Indianapolis, Indiana 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers Indianapolis, Indiana 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for information about personal injury car accident claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Keith Blazek, Ralph Hoover, and Daniel Craven have extensive trial and litigation experience in Indiana, and will work hard to recover the compensation you deserve after being seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we get you money! Call 317-881-2700 to find a reputable and experienced car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.