If you’re unsure if you have a personal injury claim, then yes, it’s usually a good idea to talk to a lawyer. Personal injury claims arise when one party is injured due to another party’s negligence. After an accident, it can be hard to know if it was simply bad luck or if the accident could have been prevented had another party taken appropriate care. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your situation and advise you about your next steps.

Each case is different, but usually, your claim is worth the total economic damages you suffered (all your out-of-pocket expenses) plus consideration for non-economic damages, specifically intangible losses, like pain and suffering or a reduced quality of life. Your non-economic damages are typically calculated based on the total economic damages, although these are more subjective. Those who are badly injured typically have a higher claim value than those with minor injuries and losses. This is why it’s crucial to work with a lawyer experienced in valuing cases so your claim demands reflect the true amount of your losses.

Nothing! You may be asked for a statement from an insurance adjuster representing the other party. You are not obligated to answer questions or give them a statement. In fact, you can refer them to your lawyer so that your words can’t be twisted against you. Your attorney will let you know when you must answer questions posed by the defense.

Even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s usually good to get checked out by a medical professional. Many types of car accident injuries don’t present symptoms immediately but show up later. Prompt diagnosis can catch these “hidden injuries,” so you have a better chance of recovery. Plus, your post-crash medical records are a vital part of your car accident claim, tying your injuries to the crash.

Usually, your settlement covers the cost of fixing or replacing a damaged vehicle. However, when one driver’s car is a complete write-off, determining an appropriate value may get contentious. The other party’s insurance company will fight to place as low of a value as possible on the vehicle, which could leave you upside down or otherwise unable to purchase a replacement vehicle. As your car accident lawyer, we fight on your behalf to secure a high enough settlement so you can replace the car without an unfair financial burden.

Yes, in Indiana, as long as you are less than 50% to blame for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, insurance companies know this, too, and so the other party’s carrier may try to shift as much of the blame to you as possible in an effort to deny or minimize your claim. Your own lawyer can build a claim of negligence against the at-fault driver and contest any efforts of blame-shifting by the other side.