Life’s unpredictability means that accidents can occur at any given moment, impacting anyone, anywhere. These incidents could range from an unanticipated encounter with a hostile dog to a severe vehicular collision. Such abrupt events can drastically alter your life and your family’s life in an instant. In these challenging periods, it’s imperative to have a seasoned expert you can trust for advice and guidance. The attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, specializing in personal injury cases, are readily available to meet your needs swiftly across Indiana, in the aftermath of a serious mishap. To reach us, fill out our online form or dial (317) 545-1760.
The primary objective of a personal injury claim is to make accountable those individuals or organizations whose errors have detrimentally impacted others’ health and wellbeing. If you’ve suffered substantial injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you can be confident that Indiana law supports you. Regrettably, insurance companies can sometimes obstruct the path to full compensation when you file for it. If you attempt to negotiate with an insurance company singlehandedly, you’re less likely to secure a fair settlement that truly represents your losses.
Our personal injury attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC in Indianapolis understand how challenging it can be for an average person to manage vehicle repairs or medical bills, especially when facing a loss of income in the wake of a serious accident. If you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one and a consequent wrongful death claim, you may also be grappling with funeral costs and emotional grief. We can shoulder the responsibility of dealing with insurance companies, allowing you to concentrate on your family and your recuperation. Leveraging our over three decades of personal injury practice experience and resources, we take a firm stand against insurance companies on your behalf. Trust us to advocate fiercely for your rights.
Benefits of Hiring an Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyer
Our team of personal injury attorneys is distinguished by the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Rating and 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating, affirmations of the exceptional service we consistently provide to our clients. We boast a broad range of experience in handling personal injury cases and place a premium on keeping our clients abreast of their case developments. Our accident lawyers are adept negotiators and assertive litigators whose proven track record speaks volumes about their efficacy.
Choosing us means you gain the advantage of a dedicated team of professionals working tirelessly on your behalf. We offer our personal contact numbers to our clients to ensure they can reach us whenever they have queries. Our clients are treated with empathy, courtesy, and the utmost respect, the way we would like to be treated ourselves.
Here’s a brief glimpse at the systematic approach our legal team adopts when managing your personal injury claim:
- We conduct a thorough, independent analysis of the accident to ascertain its cause and identify all potentially liable parties, including third parties such as manufacturers of hazardous products and defective vehicle parts;
- We meticulously review all potential insurance coverage the culpable parties possess;
- We collaborate with traffic reconstruction specialists, medical experts, product safety engineers, and life-care planners to precisely establish the cause of your accident, the impact of your injury on your life, and your current and future medical costs and other losses;
- We manage all communications with insurance adjusters and insurance attorneys, including robust negotiations for a comprehensive claim settlement;
- If necessary, we prepare the claim for court, which includes collecting evidence of your injuries due to negligence;
- We settle any healthcare liens on your financial settlement to ensure you receive the maximum possible amount.
We understand that financial constraints can be a major concern if you’ve been unable to work and generate income due to an injury. At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we don’t charge any upfront fees. Our remuneration is contingent on us successfully securing compensation for you, either through an insurance settlement or a jury verdict. Only then we do take a portion to cover our legal fees and expenses.
What Steps Should I Follow After a Serious Personal Injury?
If you become a victim of a personal injury incident, be it a vehicular accident or otherwise, precipitated by another individual’s negligence, it’s crucial that you follow these three vital steps:
- Alert Authorities and Remain On-Site: First, notify the police without delay, and stay at the incident location until their arrival. A comprehensive police report can serve as an invaluable asset while pursuing your claim, offering a professional and objective account of the occurrence. Never let the party at fault persuade you into avoiding the police.
- Prioritize Your Health: If you’re injured, seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries don’t appear severe, consult a healthcare professional – certain injuries, like concussions, might not exhibit symptoms immediately but can lead to serious complications over time. Make sure to inform your healthcare provider about the incident, aiding them in providing accurate diagnosis and treatment. Their documentation can be pivotal in linking your injuries to the incident in question.
- Consult with a Legal Expert: Before giving any statements or signing documents presented by an insurance company, it’s critical to seek advice from an attorney specializing in personal injury cases. Make use of a complimentary consultation with a proficient attorney in Indiana to review your personal injury incident. An experienced injury lawyer can evaluate the fairness of a settlement offer based on the specifics of your case. Allow the attorney to scrutinize any offers you’ve received and discuss their merit. Insurance companies are notorious for their hasty lowball offers to settle claims – offers that seldom reflect the actual value of your case.
By following these steps, you’re well-positioned to protect your interests and make a compelling case for just compensation. If you’re uncertain about any aspect of the process, we encourage you to reach out to our team for guidance. Our experience and dedication to fighting for our client’s rights make us the legal ally you need in your corner.
What Not to Do in a Personal Injury Case
In the unfortunate event of suffering a personal injury, it is essential to understand what actions can help or harm your legal recourse. Below are four potential pitfalls that can seriously jeopardize your personal injury claim:
- Abandoning the Accident Spot: In the context of a personal injury claim, it’s vital to stay at the incident’s location until law enforcement arrives. Leaving the scene could be seen as an admission of guilt, which can negatively impact your claim and potentially lead to legal troubles.
- Providing Inaccurate Information: Misrepresentation, even in its smallest form, can undermine your personal injury case. Always provide a truthful account of the incident to law enforcement, medical professionals, and your legal representation.
- Neglecting Immediate Medical Care: If you have suffered an injury, promptly seeking medical attention is crucial. Ignoring the need for a health check-up may not only worsen your health but could also weaken your case by making it harder to link your injuries to the incident.
- Mishandling of Documentation: It’s imperative to keep an orderly record of all documents related to your case, such as medical invoices, police reports, witness testimonials, and personal notes about the incident. Thorough documentation helps build a robust case for your claim.
Avoiding these pitfalls can significantly strengthen your personal injury claim. If you’ve experienced a personal injury, our dedicated legal team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC is ready to guide you, providing professional assistance and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us, and let’s ensure your rights are protected.
How Much Does an Indiana Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
If you’re considering hiring an attorney to assist with your personal injury case, one of the first questions you’ll likely have is, “How much will it cost?” Understanding the fee structure for personal injury attorneys in Indiana is crucial for setting realistic expectations and making an informed decision. The following video aims to shed light on the various factors that influence attorneys’ fees and provide a comprehensive overview to help you anticipate potential costs. Watch on to discover what you can expect to pay for professional legal representation in Indiana.
What Compensation Might I Be Entitled to in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Personal injury accidents invariably give rise to a unique combination of factors and circumstances. Your potential to secure compensation in such a scenario will hinge on various variables. These include the precise details of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the coverage of insurance available to offset your losses.
In the jurisdiction of Indiana, individuals embroiled in a personal injury accident could be eligible for various forms of damages, such as:
- Payment of all medical costs including rehabilitative therapy, physiotherapy, and even prospective treatments necessitated by the injury.
- Compensation for wages lost due to the injury and for any future decline in your earning potential.
- Compensation for the pain, suffering, and decline in life satisfaction that you have been forced to undergo due to no fault of your own.
- Charges incurred in the repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle. This includes costs for a rental car during the period your vehicle is out of commission or you are awaiting the settlement to purchase a new one.
- In cases where the vehicle is repaired, compensation is to account for any devaluation of the vehicle.
In the tragic event of an accident resulting in the loss of a loved one, we acknowledge that no monetary amount can truly make amends for your loss. However, this sorrowful event should not impose additional financial burdens on the family left behind. If your loved one’s demise was due to someone else’s negligence, Indiana law is firmly on your side. You might have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim, enabling you to seek compensation for funeral costs, medical expenses, loss of income, emotional trauma, loss of companionship, and other losses associated with the accident.
In personal injury cases, knowing your rights and potential compensation avenues is crucial. Remember, the road to recovery is complex and filled with potential pitfalls, but you don’t have to traverse it alone. If you or a loved one has been injured, we encourage you to reach out to us. As experienced legal service providers, we can offer you the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
What is the Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Indiana?
Under Indiana law, there exists a precise time frame within which you must commence your personal injury claim. This timeframe, known as the statute of limitations, spans two years starting from the date the accident occurred. This two-year limitation is applicable for both physical injury and property damage claims. Generally, if you attempt to initiate your claim after this two-year period, it is highly likely your case will be dismissed.
Get in Touch with an Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorney Near You
If you’ve suffered a personal injury in Indiana owing to someone else’s carelessness, it’s crucial to have our experienced personal injury attorneys on your side. Our legal team possesses the invaluable combination of resources and rigorous courtroom experience necessary to significantly influence your case’s resolution. We’re undaunted by conflict and will stand beside you, ensuring your interests are fully represented.
To start the process, simply call us at (317) 545-1760 or complete our online form for a no-obligation case assessment. We’re well-versed in squaring off against insurance companies and will fight relentlessly to ensure you secure the remuneration you’re rightfully owed. Lean on our legal services expertise – we’re here to guide you on every step of this challenging journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the term “personal injury” mean?
Personal injury refers to an injury to a person that is the result of negligence or intentional misconduct. Injuries may be physical, emotional or psychological, or financial in nature. Personal injury claims could include injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents, a slip and fall, medical malpractice, a defective drug or a defective product.
Personal injury lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitations, after which the claim cannot be filed. Under Indiana law, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed in court no later than two years after an injury. There are a few exceptions, but you should consult with a personal injury lawyer sooner rather than later to determine if you have a case.
If the at-fault party has insurance coverage, the victims will have to deal with the insurer to seek compensation for injuries and damage to their property. Unfortunately, insurance companies are often reluctant to pay the full amount that the accident victim is owed. When this happens, an experienced Indiana personal injury attorney can help the victim and their family pursue compensation through a negotiated settlement or personal injury lawsuit.
How much should I ask for in a personal injury settlement?
When you have been hurt in an accident caused by negligence, the other party’s insurer may offer you a quick settlement to resolve your case. Determining whether the insurance company’s offer is fair can be challenging for someone without experience handling injury claims. This is especially true if you are unsure about your ongoing needs for medical treatment, rehabilitation, or other requirements related to the injury. An experienced personal injury lawyer will have an informed perspective on whether a settlement offer is reasonable and can offer helpful guidance.
Your lawyer will submit a demand letter to the insurer that requests fair compensation before you will release an at-fault party from liability. In so doing, consider the expenses you have already paid, as well any other injury-related costs you expect to incur in the future.
Along with your medical bills and property damage, your attorney will calculate lost wages and the cost of any medical devices or prescription medication. You can also seek compensation for other kinds of damages that cannot necessarily be quantified in a traditional manner, such as pain and suffering.
Your lawyer will consider the strength of your case, including the evidence and the likelihood that your story could earn the sympathy of a jury if the case gets that far. The insurer may accept your demand and move forward with a settlement, make a counteroffer or series of counteroffers, or simply deny your claim.
How long does a personal injury case take?
The amount of time it takes to resolve a personal injury case will vary depending on specific factors. Claims with stronger evidence may be more likely to be settled faster than cases in which key facts or the injuries themselves are in dispute.
Since the evidence gathering or discovery phase could take some time, you should expect it to take at least several months before a lawyer can begin negotiating a respectable settlement amount with an insurance company. Settlement negotiations could continue for several additional months and may last all the way through the eve of the trial or even during a trial if the case goes to court.
A lawyer may hold off on filing a lawsuit until the scope of the victim’s injuries and medical treatment needs are more evident. Once filed, a personal injury lawsuit can take several years to work its way to resolution.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Nearly every injury victim asks whether his or her case will go to trial. The answer may depend on the insurance company handling the case on behalf of the at-fault party or parties. Insurers can be stubborn and refuse to negotiate. On the other hand, insurance companies seldom want a case to go to trial because of the uncertain outcome of litigation.
For this reason, settlements always remain the more likely outcome. There is no guarantee of any particular outcome, but in the end, an insurance company may conclude that settling is more cost-effective than paying their legal team to fight your claim and risking an additional judgment on top of those costs.
A settlement also can benefit the at-fault party or that party’s insurance company. For example, a confidentiality clause may be part of the settlement, which prevents anyone connected to the case from speaking about it – and specifically the dollar amount of the settlement — publicly.
If a case does go trial, it could be a year or longer before it shows up on the court docket. The trial itself could take weeks depending upon the amount in demand, the proof required, the number of witnesses, and how vigorously the defense responds in its rebuttal.
Any trial will be a matter of public record. Corporate defendants when they are engaged in any court battle may have concerns about preventing the disclosure of embarrassing information that could harm the company’s reputation. Your attorney could use that as a form of pre-trial leverage that leads to a favorable resolution.
At Craig, Kelley & Faultless, we will give your claim personal attention and do our best to move your case forward as quickly and efficiently as possible through the civil justice system.
