How to Find a Good Personal Injury Attorney in Indianapolis

Posted on December 13, 2022 by admin

If you’ve been in a wrongful accident, you should be considering hiring a personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis to help you get the compensation you deserve. But how do you know if you’re hiring the right one? Continue reading to learn some of the top tips to help you find the best Indiana accident attorney for your case.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With Licensed Civil Lawyers in Indianapolis Indiana.

Tips for Hiring an Indiana Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating, so if you’ve suffered a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be considering filing a lawsuit. But before you take legal action, it’s important to find the right lawyer for your case.

Here are some tips on how to find a good personal injury attorney in Indianapolis:

1. First, ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have been in a similar situation. If someone you trust has had a good experience with a particular lawyer, that’s a good place to start your search.

2. Once you have a few lawyers in mind, schedule consultations with each one. This will give you an opportunity to discuss your case and get a feel for the lawyer’s personality and style.

3. When you’re meeting with potential lawyers, be sure to ask about their experience handling personal injury cases. You want to make sure you’re working with someone who has the knowledge and skill set to win your case.

4. Finally, make sure you feel comfortable with the lawyer you choose. This is an important decision, so you want to make sure you’re working with someone you trust and who makes you feel confident about your chances of success.

Basic Steps for Getting Started on Your Indianapolis Accident Claim

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be wondering how to get started on your personal injury claim. Here are the initial steps to help you get started:

Gather evidence of the accident. This includes photos of the scene, police reports, injury photos and witness statements.

Contact an accident attorney. Personal injury claims can be complex, so it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side.

File a claim with the insurance company but speak to an attorney first. Be sure to include all relevant information about your case.

Wait for the insurance company to respond. They will likely ask for more information or request to meet with you in person. Hiring an attorney can speed the process up.

Navigating the process of filing a personal injury claim can be intimidating but following these steps can help make it easier. With the right evidence, an experienced civil litigator on your side, and patience throughout the process, you’ll be able to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident in Indiana, you need the best legal representation to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury consultation, today. The experienced attorneys at our Indianapolis accident law firm have been providing exceptional personal injury representation for over 25 years. We represent victims all throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

What is the Personal Injury Case Court Process?

Posted on December 5, 2022 by admin

Were you just injured in an accident that was not your own fault? Do you believe someone else should be held accountable for your damages and losses, such as medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, and pain-and-suffering? If so, your first step is to educate yourself and to hire a personal injury attorney.

Continue below for a brief explanation of the Indiana personal injury process, plus where to get started on your accident claim by learning more about your case.

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What to Expect From the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process in Indiana

When someone is injured due to the negligence of another person, they may file a claim with the insurance carrier for the at-fault party and a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary. In Indiana, the court process for these types of cases can be complex. Here is an overview of what you can expect if you choose to claim suit for a wrongful accident and injuries in the Hoosier state:

The first step in filing a personal injury lawsuit is to file a complaint with the court. The complaint must state the facts of your case and what damages you are seeking. Once the complaint is filed, the defendant will have approximately 23 days to respond.

If the defendant does not respond, the court can enter a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff. If the defendant does respond, the next step is to engage in discovery. This is the process where both sides exchange information and documents relevant to the case.

After discovery is complete, the next step is to file motions with the court. These motions can be used to ask the court to make a ruling on certain issues in the case. For example, a motion for summary judgment can be used to ask the court to rule in favor of the plaintiff or the defendant without having a trial.

Once all of the motions have been ruled on, the next step is to go to trial. This is where both sides will present their evidence and arguments to a judge or jury. The judge or jury will then make a decision on who should win the case.

Schedule a No-Fee Case Evaluation to Learn Your Rights

If you are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit in Indiana, it is important to understand the court process. This overview should give you a general idea of what to expect. However, it is always best to consult with and hire an experienced injury attorney in Indianapolis to get specific advice for your case.

Would you like to know if your recent accident and injuries place you in a strong position to sue for compensation? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation. You can speak directly with a trusted and experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney over the phone, via online video, or in person at our law firm. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana and resident Hoosiers injured in other states.

Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney After an Accident

Posted on November 1, 2022 by admin

If you’ve been injured in an accident, the last thing you want to do is try to handle everything on your own. You need someone who can help you navigate through the legal process and get the compensation you deserve. Continue below to learn some of the top reasons why you should hire an Indiana personal injury lawyer after being negligently injured in an accident, plus how to get started on your case as soon as today.

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Why Hire an Accident Lawyer in Indiana?

Some people choose to try to represent themselves in legal cases, whether it is because they cannot afford an attorney or because they believe they can handle the case on their own. However, this is not only a risky proposition due to errors that can be made due to lack of knowledge of the rules, it is a decision no person should really make. Even attorneys who are injured as a result of the negligence of any person or entity should obtain an attorney who specializes in the type and area of law involving their claim.

Without the training and experience of a qualified and experienced accident lawyer who knows all the ins and outs of the law of a particular type of case, you cannot possibly know how to best present your case. In our experience, a non-specializing attorney or non-attorney altogether obtain less favorable outcomes than if you had hired an experienced attorney who specializes in the correct subset of the law.

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Indiana, you may be wondering whether or not you should hire a personal injury attorney. Here are five good reasons to consider hiring one:

You may be entitled to more compensation than you realize.

Accident attorneys are experienced in fighting for the maximum amount of compensation their clients are entitled to under the law. This could include not only medical bills and lost wages, but also pain and suffering, property damage, and other types of damages. Such damages can include physical, emotional, and financial losses. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for these damages.

You will need help dealing with insurance companies.

After an accident, you will likely deal with your own insurance company as well as the at-fault party’s insurer. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they attempt to minimize the amount they have to pay out on claims. An experienced civil litigator can help you navigate the insurance claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Your case may require litigation.

If the at-fault party’s insurance company is unwilling to offer a full and fair settlement, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. Only an attorney who has experience litigating such cases will be able to handle this process effectively.

You have a limited time to file a claim.

Most personal injury claims are subject to a statute of limitations, which is a law that sets a deadline for filing a claim. If you miss the deadline, you could be barred from recovering any compensation. An attorney can make sure your claim is filed on time. Moreover, a tort claims notice is required to made within a very short time period following an incident against a city, county or state defendant or you are barred from later making a claim. These time limitations are as low as 6 months.

You should not have to worry about the cost of legal representation or whether or not your own interests are being looked after.

Accident lawyers in Indianapolis typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you recover compensation in your case. This allows anyone who has been injured in an accident to seek the legal help they need without worrying about the cost. In addition, you can have peace of mind that you have an experienced and knowledgeable representative on your side and your side only.

Personal injury law is a complex area of the legal system that can be difficult to navigate. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or the negligence of employees of a corporation, it is important to know your rights and how to protect them. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also represent injured victims all across the state, Indiana citizens injured in other states and citizens of other states injured in Indiana.

Where Do I Make a Personal Injury Complaint in Indiana?

Posted on October 18, 2022 by admin

When you know you are not at-fault for a recent accident that caused you injuries and damages, you might be eager to obtain justice through an Indiana personal injury claim. Continue below to learn which court system you might file your personal injury lawsuit, plus where you can get trusted legal advice regarding your recent accident and injuries.

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Common Factors That Influence Where You File an Injury Lawsuit

There are many factors that will ultimately determine which court system is the right fit for your personal injury complaint. Whether you file in small claims court or state civil court will be dependent on the location or jurisdiction of the accident site, scope of injury, extent of damages, and more.

Small Claims Court

Small claims court deals with just that: smaller level claims. They adjudicate cases that involve a lower level of damages and losses, or more plainly, the amount of compensation you are seeking for such damages and losses. Although the set limit for small claims can differ among states, they typically range between $3,000 and $15,000.

There are some benefits to pursing a personal injury lawsuit through small claims court. The legal process is generally quicker, easier, and cheaper. However, small claims court is less formal and because damages in small claims court are capped, it is not the choice for serious cases, like wrongful deaths and similar catastrophic accidents or any case that is valued over the small claims limits.

Civil Court

Civil litigation allows civilians like yourself to seek financial justice after being wrongly victimized by another person or entity. In comparison to small claims court, civil court deals with personal injury cases that involve a higher level of damages and losses, and therefore, higher settlement demands and verdicts. Personal injury complaints that are requesting more than $15K in damages should be filed and adjudicated in the proper branch of the state’s civil court system.

Common cases include serious motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, serious slip and fall cases, brain injuries, wrongful deaths, and catastrophic accidents like falling from heights, chemical explosions, house fires, and plane crashes.

How to Get Started With Your Personal Injury Complaint

It is critical to the outcome of your case, namely the amount of compensation you are awarded, to hire a skilled and experienced Indiana personal injury law firm to manage your case. Your accident lawyer will navigate every step of your case from start to finish with the objective to obtain the maximum settlement or verdict for your claim. Trust your personal injury attorney to handle the unique needs of your case, including filing your complaint with the right court system and obtaining the evidence necessary for you to win your case.

Are you ready to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned personal injury lawyer who can help you understand the next best step in the legal process? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to get started, today. We represent victims all throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

Tips for Documenting Your Personal Injury Expenses

Posted on August 9, 2022 by admin

There are many elements involved in pursuing a personal injury claim, but the most important one is proof of damages. Not only do personal injury claimants hold the burden of proving more likely than not that the opposing party was negligent, but they also must prove more likely than not their damages and losses. After all, if a personal injury plaintiff cannot show how much their accident and subsequent losses have cost them, they cannot possibly win their claim, let alone obtain a fair settlement or verdict.

The best method for ensuring that all personal injury expenses are collected, organized, and preserved for the sake of proving a claim is documentation. Continue below to learn some critical tips for keeping track of your personal injury costs, plus how to find trusted and experienced personal injury representation near you.

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Personal Injury Record Keeping

In order to guarantee good organization of your personal injury expenses, it is important to record them right away. Your records should be gathered and preserved with care so that they can easily be handed over to your Indiana accident attorney and aptly applied to your case. It is important to keep a list of all medical providers so you can provide that list to your attorney so they can make sure all medical records and medical bills have been obtained.

Medical Treatment

After being involved in a wrongful accident, it is necessary to begin the record-keeping almost immediately, starting with medical care. You have a few options depending on the circumstances of your accident. You will need to either seek treatment at the scene by EMT’s, have an ambulance or someone else take you to the emergency room, or make an appointment with your doctor.

In all cases, it is critical to see a doctor or medical professional as soon as possible after noticing signs of injury. Although nobody wants to go to a doctor, it is important to make sure nothing is being missed when it comes to your health. Keep all records and paperwork you receive from your medical treatment, including all bills and invoices and provide them to your attorney.

Lists

Before and after seeking medical treatment, it is strongly encouraged for personal injury victims to keep a list about their accident, injuries, expenses, missed events [work, vacation, etc…]

Additional Document Requests

In addition to requesting and retaining copies of your medical records, receipts, and billing invoices, it is also important that you and your attorney obtain a copy of the police report for your accident. Making a police report at the scene of an accident is important for many reasons, whether the law mandates it for your incident or not. This is especially true for car accidents that result in bodily injury. In such cases, injuries may not appear until days or weeks later. These are known as late-appearing car accident injuries or an onset of symptoms. If you are employed, it is necessary to retain copies of past paystubs, plus proof of missed wages from time off work.

Are you unsure what to do after your recent accident or injury? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial case evaluation with a skilled Indianapolis IN personal injury lawyer. We represent injured persons throughout the state and Indiana residents injured in other states.

Will My Personal Injury Claim Take a Long Time?

Posted on July 25, 2022 by admin

There are various factors that influence the total timeline of a personal injury case. Some cases may take only a few weeks or months, while others might take two years or more if a person sustains substantial and on-going injuries and problems. Consult with an experienced accident attorney to understand the elements of your case and the predicted length of time it will take.

For now, continue below to learn more about how long personal injury claims take and where to get trusted legal advice surrounding your accident case concerns.

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Complex Personal Injury Cases Take Longer to Settle

You can roughly get a feel for the amount of time it will likely take for your claim to settle by the complexity of the case. The more complex the case, the more difficult it will be to adjudicate, which delays the settlement phase even longer. This is especially true for cases that go to trial.

Certain Liable Parties Can Attempt to Delay a Personal Injury Case

Another factor that can extend the timeline of a personal injury case is the type of liable party, or parties. If the liable party, or defendant, is a company, corporation, or government entity, or if there are multiple liable parties (defendants) in a case, the process can take longer.

Proving Negligence and Extent of Damages Can Take Time

As a claimant in a personal injury case, you hold the burden of proving that the opposing party is at fault for your accident and subsequent damages. Your Indiana personal injury lawyer will document a strong and impactful case to prove that the opposing party breached their duty of care, or was otherwise negligent, and as a direct result, caused your accident and damages. In addition to proving negligence, your team will need to prove your damages to support reasonable compensation.

To gather all the relevant evidence needed to prove your case, your lawyer may need to hire expert witnesses, forensic specialists, accounting experts, and accident reconstruction services, or prepare witnesses, including yourself. These needs add to the overall time it takes to reach a settlement or verdict.

How Long Care is Needed

The longer an injured person needs to obtain treatments, the longer it will take the case to resolve. This is because it takes some time for doctors to determine if a person’s injuries are permanent or not. If an injured person’s injuries are permanent and will last a lifetime, then obviously that would need to be taken into account when attempting to determine a full and fair settlement value for the case.

Insurance Companies Might Require Legal Representation

In some cases, insurance companies require claimants to acquire legal representation for their claim. If the claimant is hospitalized or comatose for several weeks after a catastrophic accident, they are not capable of retaining a lawyer for the purpose of pursing an injury claim. This scenario would increase the expected timeline of the case.

Refusing to Accept a Settlement Offer Will Extend Negotiations

It is important to trust your personal injury lawyer with their evaluation of your case. If you refuse every settlement offer you get, you can expect the process to take longer. You can feel confident in accepting an offer that your attorney agrees is full and fair and the attorney should explain to you why they believe the offer is fair. If an offer is not fair, your attorney should also explain to you why that is their opinion.

The best way to avoid extending the timeline of an injury claim is to hire the right attorney to represent your case. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation, today. We represent clients throughout the state, plus Indiana residents injured in other states.

Common Methods of Discovery in a Personal Injury Case

Posted on July 19, 2022 by admin

Personal injury cases require the collection of information and evidence, regardless of which side you are on. The process of obtaining and reviewing such information in a personal injury case is known as discovery. Continue below to learn which options personal injury parties might have in the discovery process, plus where to get the best advice regarding your recent accident or injury in Indiana.

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The Personal Injury Discovery Process

After a personal injury complaint and answer is filed with the court, the discovery phase can begin. The discovery process generally takes usually anywhere from 6 to 12 months, but this can vary depending on various factors, such as the current traffic of the court, the amount of investigation required, court delays, rescheduled court dates, and so forth.

During this phase, both the legal teams for both the claimant (party making the claim) and the defendant (the party being sued) will exchange all evidence with one another, including witness information. They will also go before the proceeding judge to let them know how the case is proceeding. Also in the presence of the judge, they will either decide on mediation, which is normally ordered by the judge, and they will move forward with the lawsuit by setting a trial date.

Common Options For Discovery

There are different methods used by the court system to obtain personal injury case information. The two most common methods are depositions and interrogatories and physical exams, Requests for Production, Requests for Admission, and Subpoena Duces Tecum are other methods used to investigate and research all legal claims and defenses.

Depositions

Depositions are formal, recorded interviews conducted under oath and used to learn what a person knows pertaining to the case in question, and as evidence for later use during the trial. Depositions can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour, but in larger cases it may take several hours and even a day or two to reach completion.

Interrogatories

Interrogatories are a little different but are used for much of the same purpose. Rather than a formal interview in person, interrogatories are a set of written questions that each party sends to the other. Each party must fill out the entire list in writing, under oath, and within a limited period of time (usually between 20 and 40 days depending on the state). Although they are not always phrased in the form of questions, interrogatories always pertain to specific factors surrounding the case, such as reckless driving, distracted driving, and intoxicated driving. Since it is common for both parties to have different versions of what happened in an accident, they are designed specifically to get both sides of the story so that each party can prepare their case before trial.

Physical Exams

It is very common for the defense to request that the claimant be physically examined by a licensed medical practitioner chosen by the defense to verify and confirm the extent of their injuries. Judges almost always grant these requests. Although these examiners are obviously biased since they are hand-picked and paid for by the defendant’s insurance carrier, the witness can be cross-examined at trial on any testimony and opinions.

Requests for Production

A Request for Production is a motion that asks the opposing party for specific types of evidence or information that they are in possession or control of. This might include medical records and reports that detail the extent of injuries to the claimant, invoices or documents evidencing lost wages, photos of the scene or injuries, fuel receipts, and similar documents that prove or disprove allegations or statements made by either side.

Requests for Admission

A Requests for Admission is when one party asks the other to either deny or confirm facts. It is basically asking for them to admit to certain statements for the purpose of streamlining the case process. It allows the court and jury to focus on the necessary points of the case.

Subpoena Duces Tecum

A Subpoena Duces Tecum is a special type of subpoena used in cases. They are very similar to Requests for Production in that they ask someone to disclose evidence or information pertaining to the case. But while Requests for Production are reserved for claimants and defendants, a Subpoena Duces Tecum can be applied to expert witnesses, doctors, and other case-relevant entities who are called nonparties.

Are you a Hoosier who is looking for trusted and qualified advice regarding your rights to pursuing compensation for a wrongful accident you were recently injured in? C o ntact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-risk, no-fee personal injury e v aluation to explore your eligibility, today. We represent clients all throughout the state of Indiana.

The Importance of Documentation in a Personal Injury Case

Posted on June 27, 2022 by admin

Documentation makes all the difference when it comes to adjudicating legal matters. As for personal injury cases, having all the proper paperwork in order is key to enhancing the quality of your claim, and ultimately supporting a more successful outcome. Continue below to learn more about the importance of documentation in a personal injury case, including the types of paperwork and files you should keep, as well as how to ensure you are getting started on the right foot with your Indiana injury claim.

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Why Personal Injury Evidence is So Valuable

Without the proper evidence, it is possible for a personal injury claim to get thrown out before it can even begin. Under tort law, the claimant (victim or victim’s family) holds the burden of proving that the defendant (alleged at-fault party) was negligent and that their negligence was a responsible cause of their accident and subsequent damages. In order to prove anything in life, especially negligence in a personal injury case, you need evidence to back up your assertions. And it is vital to note that quality of evidence, documentation specifically, is more impactful than quantity of evidence.

Types of Evidence Supported in a Personal Injury Claim

There are several types of documented pieces of evidence that can be used to support a claimant’s personal injury case. The most common personal injury documents and paperwork include police reports, medical records, pay stubs, hospital records, witness statements, expert testimonies, accident reconstruction reports, depositions, interrogatories, and even photos and videos of the scene of the accident or injuries. Other forms of personal injury evidence may include receipts for property repairs and medical expenses.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

Not only is it critical to have the right type of evidence in a personal injury claim, but it is equally critical to submit it all within the required deadlines and formats, and to the proper authorities, which may be judges, courts, lawyers, clerks’ offices, or other legal departments.

For this reason and more, it is necessary to hire an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to navigate your case and document a strong and impactful argument on your behalf. They can ensure that all pieces of evidence, including all documentation and paperwork, are sorted, organized, investigated, and submitted as evidence in accordance with court procedures and rules.

Are you looking for personal injury lawyer to represent you in a current accident case? 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. We represent injured persons and the loved ones following the wrongful death of a relative throughout the State of Indiana and Indiana residents injured or killed in other states.

To Sue or Not to Sue for a Personal Injury?

Posted on June 23, 2022 by admin

To sue or not to sue? Well, that is certainly an important question after sustaining serious injuries in an accident that was someone else’s fault. When wrongly injured by another party, it is natural to assume you will be fairly compensated for your injuries and subsequent damages. And although most personal injury lawsuits settle before ever reaching trial, this is not always the case. Sometimes, it takes a lawsuit to get the financial justice you deserve. But do you know if you need to sue?

Continue reading to learn how to determine if your personal injury accident is grounds for a lawsuit or if your case is a good candidate for settling out of court.

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Considerations For Personal Injury Lawsuits

Whether a person, business, manufacturer, insurance company, or even a branch of government, an at-fault party should be held liable for your resulting personal injury damages and losses, including but not limited to lost wages, medical expenses, hospital bills, prolonged rehabilitation, pain, suffering, and more. But before your jump straight into a personal injury lawsuit, there are several considerations that need your attention first. You see, there may be no question that a person who’s been wrongly and negligently injured is a victim but being a victim doesn’t always mean there are valid grounds for a lawsuit, or that a lawsuit would be the best route to take.

Certain dynamics of a case largely determine whether a person can or should sue another for their injuries. For example, the seriousness of an injury must be examined and assessed, the opposing party’s actual level of fault or negligence, and the limits of the at-fault person’s insurance. All these factors and more are considerations that will reveal whether a lawsuit is an advisable action or not.

Can the At-Fault Party Pay?

Aside from all of the relevant factors to consider, one of the most important and deal-breaking is whether or not an at-fault party is capable of providing remuneration. Sometimes, an at-fault party does not have the means to pay for another’s damages because they are not insured; so even if they are sued and lose, a victim might not be able to be awarded any funds if there are none to give in the first place. This is especially true if the at-fault party doesn’t have liability insurance either. This is why every person should purchase uninsured and underinsured insurance coverage to protect themselves and other persons in their vehicle.

In this case, a victim will only waste their own time and money pursuing a lawsuit that can’t render recompense. The same goes for anyone intentionally or maliciously injured. A liability insurance policy will not cover intentional tort or wrongdoings, so if someone wants to recover compensation for an intentional injury, they must pursue it in court; but if the individual does not have the means to even pay for a victim’s damages, a lawsuit will also be unsuccessful in some situations in providing actual recompense.

If you are struggling with the decision to move forward with filing an injury claim for compensation, your best option is to consult with a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis for personalized advice regarding your case. They will know if your case is valid, and whether you should pursue legal action against the at-fault party and they can look to determine any and all potential applicable insurance policies.

Are you asking yourself, “Where can I find the best accident lawyers near me?” Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We do not get paid until we obtain a settlement or verdict for you, which means we strive to recover a settlement or verdict as quickly as possible for our clients, but always with the understanding that the settlement must be the full-and-fair based on all the evidence for the case. We represent injured persons throughout the state of Indiana.

What You Can Expect From the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process

Posted on May 24, 2022 by admin

No personal injury case is alike. They each have their own unique set of circumstances. However, most personal injury lawsuits will involve a similar legal progression, from the initial step of filing a lawsuit to the final phase of receiving a verdict or settlement. Continue reading to learn which steps will likely fill in the blanks between the start and finish of a personal injury case, plus where to obtain skilled accident representation for your claim in Indiana.

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Litigation Milestones in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Although your personal injury case will not look like the next person’s, you can count on a few standard litigation milestones after deciding to move forward with a lawsuit, such as hiring an Indianapolis accident attorney and filing a complaint, as well as exploratory investigations, pretrial and discovery, depositions, and more.

Obtaining Legal Representation

The first step after making the decision to sue is to hire a personal injury law firm to represent you. An accident attorney has the proper knowledge, experience, and resources to build a strong and impactful case on your behalf to obtain the maximum settlement possible for your lawsuit.

It is not recommended to represent yourself in a personal injury lawsuit. Not only is the law complex, but the filing and deadline requirements are stringent. Furthermore, representing yourself places you at a much higher risk of losing money. You would be required to pay for all upfront costs and legal expenses, and in the end, likely receive a much lower settlement than you would without legal representation.

The personal injury lawyer might choose to initiate an exploratory investigation before taking you on as a client. An exploratory investigation primarily involves researching and confirming the defendant’s insurance coverage and your own underinsured coverage. If the lawyer decides you have a viable case, they will commence all the necessary paperwork, making the client-attorney relationship official. Next comes attempting to resolve your case with the defendant’s insurance carrier after you have finished your medical care and if the insurance company does not wish to resolve your case for a full and fair settlement, next comes filing the lawsuit.

Filing a Complaint With the Court

After establishing the client-attorney relationship, your accident lawyer will take the necessary steps to file a personal injury complaint, which will be physically served on the defendant. From there, the defendant is given time to hire their own legal team and prepare for the first court appearance. The personal injury complaint is the first official legal document in the lawsuit process. It contains the circumstances of the accident, including how the defendant was negligent and the damages you’ve suffered as a result.

Pretrial and Trial

The next major stage in the personal injury lawsuit process is pretrial, which is followed by mediation or a trial. During the pretrial process, the “discovery” phase takes place, which involves both sides exchanging evidence and information, including depositions from both parties, witness statements, expert witness testimonies, and more.

Also, during the pretrial process both sides will appear in front of a judge to agree to or reject mediation. The pretrial phase can take several months due to the intermittent court hearings and scope of evidence collection. Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but some do go to trial.

If your case goes to trial, lawyers will begin to select a jury, set mandatory settlement conferences, debate which pieces of evidence will be allowed at trial, and so forth. Once the trial begins, the process only takes a matter of days. Within a weeks’ time, give or take a few days, the court and jury will decide if and how much the defendant should pay the plaintiff for damages. If the defendant is found liable and ordered to pay, they can choose to appeal, which continues the process for several more months. The defendant’s insurance company will pay any verdict entered against the defendant, up to the insurance policy limits.

Receiving a Settlement

Both parties can agree to a settlement and close the case at any point in the process, even before a complaint is ever filed. There are many factors used to calculate a personal injury settlement.

The attorneys are responsible for preparing and agreeing upon the release document, which sets forth all the terms of the settlement.

Are you looking for skilled personal injury law firm to represent you in your negligence 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.