Why Choose the legal office of Craven Blazek Law for Your Personal Injury Claim?

Posted on October 8, 2018 by admin

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers
317-881-2700

If you or your loved one were recently injured in an accident, it is time to start protecting your rights to economic recovery. You need a seasoned and qualified personal injury lawyer managing your accident claim in order to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve for your damages and losses. The legal office of Craven Blazek Law has the aggressive and adept personal injury attorneys who can provide this service for you. Continue reading to learn more reasons why you should trust us with your accident claim.

Why Choose Us:

✦ No Upfront Lawyer Fees

One of the most admired attributes of our firm is that we do not require lawyer fees upfront, as we work on a contingency-fee basis. In fact, you pay nothing at all unless our law firm obtains a settlement or judgment for you. Aside from no upfront lawyer fees, there are several more reasons to choose us to represent you in your claim. We also offer free initial consultations to discuss your case, so there is no out-of-pocket obligation to have your case reviewed by a licensed accident attorney.

✦ We Represent a Wide Range of Claims

Furthermore, there is not a category of personal injury cases we do not represent. Our adept personal injury lawyers have represented a wide variety of cases over the past 30 years, from dog bite accidents and car accidents, to slip and fall claims, nursing home neglect, defective products, workers’ compensation claims, burn injuries, child injuries, wrongful deaths, and much more. And although we are based out of Indianapolis, we handle claims all throughout Northern, Southern, and Central Indiana and we represent persons from other states who were injured in Indiana.

✦ We Do Not Back Down

We start with a detailed and systematic review regarding the circumstances that surround our client’s accident so that we can begin to document a strong and impactful case against the opposing party. Through this firm and systematic approach, we have prevailed for numerous personal injury clients in Indiana. We use various resources and tactics to prove solid cases against opposing parties. We consult with field experts, interview witnesses, meet with industry leaders, retrieve necessary documents, obtain pertinent records, and more. And if the opposing insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement out of court, we will not hesitate to take the lawsuit to trial.

✦ We are Accomplished and Seasoned Professionals

Our partners, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are highly accomplished and reputable personal injury attorneys in Indiana with decades of tort law and litigation experience. We have enjoyed distinguished careers practicing law in Indiana as proud members of The Trial Lawyers of America, The Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, The Indianapolis Bar Association and several other notable associations. Since the beginning of combining the three of our personal and litigation experience into our practice in 1995, our practice has earned a solid reputation for providing aggressive, comprehensive, and quality legal advocacy for clients.

✦ We Care About Our Clients and Their Families

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Here at the legal office of Craven Blazek Law, we understand the emotional, physical, and financial stress that follows a terrible accident or serious injury. Several people in our Firm, including the attorneys, have personally been injured in accidents. We can clearly guide you through the complex legal issues that surround your personal injury lawsuit in a way that is most comfortable for you. We encourage our clients to heal and recover in their personal lives while we handle the other aspects of their personal injury claim.

Contact us today at 317-881-2700 to schedule your free initial consultation and get started on your financial, emotional and physical recovery as soon as possible.

How Long Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Take?

Posted on October 5, 2018 by admin

Many questions arise after being negligently injured in an accident. One of the more common inquiries involves time; that is, many accident victims want to know how long a personal injury lawsuit can take. If you are a recent accident victim, you may be wondering the same thing.

Continue reading to learn more about personal injury lawsuits, including the possible standard events of the average legal process.

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Immediately After the Accident

As soon as you are involved in an accident, you must get medical treatment immediately. Even if you look and feel fine because of adrenaline, there could be underlying bodily injury such as whiplash, back injuries, spine injuries, orthopedic fractures, burns and more. Always get checked out by a medical professional right after an accident. Once you have received your medical treatment, continue with any physician’s orders and show up for all scheduled doctors’ appointments.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

After you get home from the hospital, it is wise to start looking for a lawyer to represent your personal injury claim. Choose a seasoned Indianapolis accident lawyer who has experience in your type of accident and provides free initial consultations to discuss your case. It is also helpful to choose a law firm that works on a contingency fee basis, meaning they do not collect lawyer fees unless the recover a settlement for you.

Case Investigation and Development

Upon hiring a lawyer, the next step of the process mainly rests in their hands. From here, your lawyer will document your case through an investigation, while also utilizing all types of sources and evidence, such as witness statements, 911 tapes, photographs, videos, professional testimonies, medical records and more. They will also negotiate with the opposing insurance company to obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve for your damages and losses as an accident victim.

Negotiations

The negotiating part of the process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, or even years, depending on many factors, including how cooperative the opposing insurance company is and how long it takes for you to recover. Sometimes, lawyers will not make a demand until a victim has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), and they have mostly recovered from their injuries. No accident victim should want to even make a settlement demand until a doctor tells them there is no further treatments which can improve their situation.

Filing a Lawsuit

Not all personal injury claims go to trial and in fact the majority of cases do not, but if they do, the process starts as soon as the lawsuit is filed. From there, it can take up to 1 to 2 years for the case to make it to court, however, every state has different pretrial procedures, so it is hard to really predict how long it will take.

Discovery Process

Once the lawsuit is filed, both sides begin the discovery process to investigate and research the legal claims and defenses, which involves interrogatories, document requests, and more. The discovery process generally takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months, but this can vary depending on various factors such as case complexity and court deadlines.

Mediations

Once the discovery process closes, both sides enter into the mediation and negotiation phase of the process. Basically, they begin to discuss the possible settlement. If the lawyers representing each side cannot agree on a settlement among themselves, obviously with the consent of their clients, they will go to mediation. If mediation does not work, the case will go to trial. However, most personal injury lawsuits settle out of court using mediation.

Trial

If a personal injury lawsuit goes to trial, it is very difficult to predict how long it will take. There are several factors that influence the legal timeline of such cases. Hearings can also be pushed back and rescheduled. This means a trial can take anywhere from one day to several months, or longer, depending on the case.

Where to Get the Best Legal Advice Regarding Your Claim

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to make a personal injury claim in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis accident lawyers are ready and able to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you!

Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident?

Posted on October 2, 2018 by admin

After being injured in an accident, there are many questions and concerns on your mind, as well as the minds of your loved ones. Dealing with insurance companies after sustaining a personal injury can be challenging and tedious, especially for those who are not well-versed in insurance and tort law. For many more reasons aside from these, it is strongly encouraged to hire a personal injury lawyer after being hurt in an accident that was not your fault.

Continue reading to learn why this duty is so vital to your quality of life.

Indiana Personal Injury Lawyers
317-881-2700

Hiring an Attorney is Vital to Your Claim

Although you are not required by law to hire a lawyer in order to make an accident claim or file an injury lawsuit, it is strongly recommended. They have what it takes to negotiate settlements, navigate pre-trial processes, take your case to trial, and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Here are some of the top reasons why you want a lawyer in your corner:

☑ Legal Expertise

When it comes to obtaining the best possible outcome for your personal injury claim, it is critical to hire a personal injury lawyer for legal assistance. Seasoned personal injury lawyers are educated and experienced in tort law and litigation, and are capable of building a strong case on your behalf. The more serious the accident, the more necessary it is to have a lawyer on your side.

☑ Attorneys for the Other Side

When you sustain a personal injury, the defendant’s insurance company will seek to argue why your damages should be minimized. In fact, most insurance companies have staff counsel so the greater the injuries, the more likely it is that an attorney for the insurance company is involved with the claim behind the scenes from the beginning. If the other side has an attorney from the beginning of your claim, you should have an attorney as well.

☑ Peace of Mind

Not only are they qualified to properly obtain necessary evidence and present that evidence in an admissible form, they give clients peace of mind. Having an attorney handling your claim allows you to focus on your health and recovery, rather than worrying about how you are going to pay your rent, mortgage, hospital bills, and more. With less stress and anxiety, your body can better heal itself, overtime.
Greater Recovery

By hiring a personal injury attorney, you increase your chances at winning your case and recovering the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve. Cases are won and lost based upon the evidence and evidence can disappear if not obtained quickly. If you were to represent yourself, the chances of you being able to negotiate a fair settlement is much lower. You simply will not recover as much compensation as you would with a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyer working your case.

How to Get Started on Your Personal Injury Claim

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to make a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent personal injury clients throughout Indiana and residents of other states for injuries sustained in Indiana. Our licensed attorneys are eager to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in an accident caused by another party. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you.

How to Make a Personal Injury Claim for Your Child

Posted on September 27, 2018 by admin

Children are prone to an overabundance of accidents and injuries, such as day care injuries, car accidents, playground accidents, swimming pool accidents, and more. Since the law recognizes that children lack the mature judgment that adults typically have, it provides a separate set of rules and requirements when it comes to making a personal injury claim for minors. This means that the claim process is not the same as it would be for an adult.

If your child was recently injured in an accident, be sure you are aware of your rights as a parent of an injured child, as well as, the rights your child has as an injured victim. This can help you pursue a claim for compensation. Continue reading to learn more about personal injury claims for children, including the primary differences in law and where to get started.

Indiana Child Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Child Injuries and Accident Claims

Most states provide laws that give children essentially the same rights to compensation as they do adults for accidents that involve personal injury. Although these laws differ from state to state, children injured negligently in accidents can pursue compensation for pain, suffering, permanent disability, and more, and parents may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills and any other related expenses on the child’s behalf. Under such laws, parents and legal guardians are permitted to negotiate or file on behalf of their children as well.

When it comes to making a personal injury claim for your child, the best course of action is to contact a licensed Indianapolis child injury attorney as soon as possible to learn everything you need to know about your potential case. As mentioned, there are some key differences in laws and procedures for child injury claims, which can make it challenging for you to understand without professional counsel.

For instance, the statutes of limitations for making a personal injury claim is much longer for child cases than it is for adult cases. Additionally, courts recognize that child injury lawsuits are delicate and complicated, so they oversee these types of cases more carefully than they would otherwise because they are looking out for the best interests of the child.

Furthermore, courts must approve all settlements in child injury cases. They know that rewarded compensation can potentially be misspent by parents or guardians. So they will sometimes order for the compensation to be put into a safe investment or account until the child reaches adulthood. Then once a minor turns 18, they are either given full access to the funds or structured payouts.

Key Questions to Ask Regarding Your Child’s Accident

Here are some important questions to ask yourself when making a personal injury claim for your child’s accident:

✏ “Why Did My Child Get Hurt?”

✏ “How Did My Child’s Injury Happen?”

✏ “Who Was Responsible for My Child When He or She was Injured?”

✏ “Could the Accident Have Been Prevented?”

Indianapolis Child Injury Lawyers You Can Trust

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 for help with child accident injury claims in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Our child injury attorneys are well-versed in the tactics used by opposing parties to try and avoid liability in such accidents. We have prevailed for numerous child injury victims, and can do the same for you. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

What Causes the Most Slip and Fall Accidents?

Posted on September 24, 2018 by admin

There are many reasons why slip and fall accidents happen. However, when it comes to personal injury claims, the most serious slip and fall accidents seem to stem from the same types of negligence. Continue reading to learn some of the most common causes for slip, trip, and fall accidents, as well as, how to get started on your injury claim.

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are generally caused by hazardous surface conditions, such as wet floors, uneven walkways, and poorly maintained parking lots. Here are some examples of the most common causes for slip and fall accidents:

⚠ Wet or Slippery Floors

⚠ Cracked Sidewalks

⚠ Defective Escalators

⚠ Defective Moving Walkways

⚠ Jagged Walkways

⚠ Uneven Steps

⚠ Broken Tiles

⚠ Torn Carpets

⚠ Insufficient Lighting

⚠ Pathway Obstructions (debris, rubble, electrical cords, etc.)

⚠ Broken Ramps

⚠ Construction Zones

⚠ Grease or Oil Spills

⚠ Loose or Missing Handrails

⚠ Open Desk Drawers

⚠ Failure to Remove Hazards

⚠ Failure to Remove Snow or Ice

⚠ Defective Ladders

⚠ Building Code violations

⚠ Failure to Post Warning Signs for Floors or Steps

If You Were Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident

Rights surrounding slip and fall victims vary from state to state, so the circumstances for recovering compensation will likely differ. But across the board, commercial, public, and residential property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their premises are safe and hazard-free in order to protect any visitors from potential harm. Please see our blog, “A Store’s Obligation to Maintain Safe Premises” to learn more about store owner liability.

Here in Indiana, victims of slip and fall accidents are protected under Indiana Premises Liability law. This means if you slip and fall on another person’s property and suffer serious injuries, you may be entitled to legal compensation for your damages. It is vital that you discuss your accident and injuries with a seasoned Indianapolis slip and fall lawyer for help making a claim.

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers You Can Trust

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The Law Firm of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 if you would like to file a personal injury claim for a slip and fall accident in Indianapolis, Indiana or anywhere in Indiana. Our seasoned accident attorneys are eager to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you.

Qualities to Look For When Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney

Posted on September 21, 2018 by admin

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Now that you have decided to pursue a claim, your next step is to hire a reputable personal injury lawyer. There are dozens of law firms to choose from in virtually every town, so it can be overwhelming trying to make a distinction among them all. In order to narrow down the options, you must be on the lookout for certain professional merits in an attorney. Continue reading to learn which qualities separates the seasoned personal injury lawyers from the others.

Experience

The most important credential to look for in a potential personal injury attorney is experience. Do not rely on your cousin’s son-in law who just passed the state’s bar examination last year to manage your claim. There is a big difference between a junior associate just starting out at a law firm and a seasoned accident attorney with years of hands-on trial and litigation experience.

Practice Area

Personal injury law is made up of numerous practice areas, such as workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, premise liability, and more. Some personal injury lawyers may only concentrate on car accident claims, while others might provide estate planning legal services. Choose a personal injury lawyer who concentrates on the type of accident claim you are pursuing. Keep in mind that it is common for lawyers to focus on more than one practice area.

Lawyer Fees

Another influential factor in choosing a personal injury attorney is how much they charge. Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they recover a settlement for their client. Most contingency fees are between 33% and 40%, but this can vary among professionals. Lawyer fees do not include other legal fees, such as court costs, filing fees, and other related legal expenses. These same law firms usually offer free initial consultations as well, so there is no out-of-pocket obligation when first meeting with a lawyer.

Partners

When you are choosing a personal injury lawyer to represent your claim, it is wise to select one that works with other partners. Although you do not need a huge law firm, it helps for your lawyer to have others around to assist them with investigations or case precedents if need be. Having various resources available is beneficial for the client and the lawyer.

Personality

The trickier part of choosing a personal injury lawyer is finding one with a personality that makes you feel comfortable. In order to have trust, you must feel like your personal injury lawyer is a good fit for your personal comfort level. Get to know them at your initial consultation to learn more about their practice style and overall disposition, and rely on your instincts when making a final decision.

The Law Firm of Craven Blazek Law

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call the Law Firm of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury attorney who can determine the best strategies for your case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today.

Social Media Mistakes That Can Jeopardize an Injury Claim

Posted on September 17, 2018 by admin

If you are preparing to make a claim for injuries you or a loved one has suffered in a recent accident, your social media portals are not a “safe” place to discuss your feelings or thoughts regarding the incident. Providing details and making statements online about an accident or claim can be extremely risky, and potentially damaging, to your settlement, even if only your “friends” can see your posts.

Continue reading to learn some common social media mistakes accident victims make so that you can avoid jeopardizing your personal injury claim.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers
317-881-2700

Social Media Vulnerability

Social media can easily sabotage a personal injury lawsuit in quite a few ways. With the exponential rise of various social media portals and websites, such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, and similar social media platforms, users are still learning how they affect other aspects of their personal and professional lives. It is important to understand that social media can be used as evidence against individuals, whether in a serious legal matter, or in a personal or private setting.

For example, if an employee calls in sick to work, and then later posts pictures of themselves at a beach party the same day, it is possible for the employer to find out and reprimand them. In another example, a man might tell his wife that he cannot make dinner with her parents because he has to work late, but then checks in on Facebook at the football stadium a few hours later. Well, the same idea can be applied to lawsuits and trial. Social media pictures and posts can sometimes be used as evidence in a court of law.

Here are three common mistakes personal injury claimants make on social media:

❶ Posting Subjecting Video Footage or Photos

Videos, pictures, “check ins”, and even blogs can be imperiling in a personal injury case. For instance, if a person is pursuing a slip and fall lawsuit after suffering a broken pelvis, they would be seriously endangering their case if they did something like post a video of themselves walking their dog, or upload a picture of them jumping off a diving board. The opposing insurance company or counsel will surely use posts like these as evidence against an injury compensation claim.

Defense counsel will sometimes even argue that seemingly innocent photos show more than they do. Because posts are only a snapshot in time, they can only arguably show how a person was feeling or what they were doing at a certain time. Postings can create the illusion that a person is physically okay because people usually do not post photos of themselves injured or when they are hurting. It is best not to post anything at all to avoid these potential arguments by defense counsel altogether.

❷ Divulging Confidential Conditions of Settlements

For lawsuits that settle out of court, it is a practice to sometimes require both parties to sign a non-disclosure agreement to prevent either party (or family and friends of each party) to say anything about the opposing party. Disclosing or revealing confidential terms of settlements and trial details can be a breach of contract under such an agreement. Many people do not think about their social media sites as a means of breaking such agreements, but they are. It is vital to refrain from posting anything about a lawsuit or settlement, online or anywhere else.

❸ Making Aggressive or Threatening Statements

It is common for people to express their negative and angry feelings online; however, in a personal injury case, this is a big mistake that can cost a person their settlement. Although it is understandable that if a person is hurting and has been injured and/or is not making a paycheck because they cannot work due to someone else’s negligence that was avoidable that they would be angry, it is best to keep those thoughts and feelings to one’s self. Although online social media posting is legal, it can gravely hurt a victim’s chances of recovering remuneration for their damages in a personal injury accident. It will only guarantee a case going to trial, where such videos, photos, and postings can be used against them in a court of law.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to make an accident and injury claim in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyers are ready and able to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment, today.

What To Do If You are Injured at Work

Posted on September 10, 2018 by admin

Workers’ compensation laws vary from state to state, and can be quite complex for the average employee to understand. Some people even believe that they are not eligible for such benefits unless they have been employed for a certain amount of time. These common misunderstandings about workplace injuries often lead victims down the wrong path to financial recovery.

If you are ever injured at work, regardless of how long you have been employed, it is important that you act fast and take the proper steps towards making a claim. Continue reading to learn what you should (and should not) do to after being injured at work.

Indiana Workers’ Compensation Lawyers 317-881-2700

What NOT To Do

Do not believe your employer if they say you are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. As mentioned before, this is simply not true. This same fact applies to an employer who insists that you must work a minimum period of time to receive workers’ comp benefits; this is simply not true either. As soon as you are officially employed, you are entitled to rights if injured on the job.

It is also very important that you do not let your employer put you back to work in a position that violates your work restrictions. Be sure to discuss what these restrictions are with your doctor so that you are entirely informed of your aftercare instructions and occupational restrictions.

If your employer assigns you a nurse case manager, you do not have to let them into the examination room with you when being seen by the doctor. This is your legal right, so do not allow your employer to manipulate you into believing otherwise.

Upon making a claim, do not let the insurance carrier postpone their decision on whether to approve or deny your workers’ compensation claim. In Indiana, the law mandates that insurance companies must provide their decision within 30 days from the day a workers’ compensation claim is filed.

What To Do

If you are injured at work, whether you think you might require treatment or not, you should immediately notify your supervisor and have them make a written report of the incident to have on record. Be sure to get a copy of the report too.

If your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier sets up appointments and medical examines for you, be sure to attend them all, regardless of the situation. Make all efforts to avoid rescheduling any such arrangements. In some jurisdictions, workers’ comp benefits can be negatively impacted if you miss or reschedule more than once.

Retain all documents (or copies of documents) that your doctors give you regarding any medical restrictions, off-work statements, and related reports. If you are not pleased with the medical treatment you are receiving, it is in your right to request a second opinion.

If you have to travel outside of your county of residence to see doctors or receive medical treatment, record the dates, miles traveled, and doctors’ names, and keep this log on hand. In Indiana, there is a certain rate that employees can be reimbursed per mile they have to travel.

As far as logs go, it also helps to keep record of the total amount of time you are off work as a result of your injuries. In Indiana, if you are off work for more than 7 days due to your workplace injury, you are entitled to collect TTD (Temporary Total Disability) benefits. See our blog A Brief Explanation of Temporary Total, Temporary Partial, and Permanent Total Disability Benefits to learn more about these benefits.

If your employer harasses or retaliates against you for making a workers’ comp claim, immediately report to the Indiana Department of Labor. It is against the law for an employer to make threats or retaliations.

If you are denied any benefits based on the suggestion of a pre-existing condition, or some other reason, be sure to contest the denial. Contact an Indianapolis workers’ compensation lawyer to recover the full and fair benefits you deserve after being injured at work.

How to Take Action Now

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to make a workers’ compensation claim in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis workplace injury lawyers are ready and able to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after suffering serious injuries at work. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started, today!

Auto Insurance Terms You Need to Know as a Car Accident Victim

Posted on September 4, 2018 by admin

All drivers should have a basic understanding of their auto insurance policy. This is especially true for anyone injured in a car accident. This awareness can also help victims if you have to make a personal injury claim. A good place to start is by learning the common auto insurance terms used in the industry.

Continue reading to review some basic terminology surrounding automotive insurance claims and policies, as well as where to get started with your car accident claim.

Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

The terms and definitions listed below are likely to vary from state to state. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm the details of your state’s particular auto insurance laws and policy limitations. If you have questions about making an accident claim, it is vital that you speak with a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyer for professional advice and assistance you can trust.

Here are some common auto insurance terms you may come across:

Accident Forgiveness – While most providers will increase a policy holder’s premium after causing an accident, policies with accident forgiveness will not add a surcharge after a car accident.

Adverse Carrier – The insurance carrier of the other party involved in a car accident.

Appraisal – The estimation of the property damage and the cost to have it repaired.

At-Fault – The party who is legally responsible for damages resulting from an accident.

Binder – A provisional insurance contract that provides proof of insurance coverage until a permanent policy can be allotted.

Bodily Injury – Injuries sustained by individuals involved in an accident.

Claim – The formal request to an insurance company for compensation following a car accident.

Comparative Negligence – Victims who are partially at-fault can collect a partial amount of compensation for their damages and losses based on the percentage of their contribution to negligence. See our article on The Difference Between Comparative and Contributory Negligence.

Coverage – The overall protection and benefits provided by an insurance policy contract.

Covered Person – Those who are insured under a car insurance policy.

Damage – Harm or loss to a person or property.

Deductible – The fee the insured party must pay in order for their insurance company to pay their claim.

Proof of Financial Responsibility – A law mandating that all drivers must retain the state’s minimum amount of liability insurance coverage to legally operate each vehicle they own (Indiana’s requirement is 25/50/25 minimum liability insurance).

Indemnification – Compensating an injured party for the purpose of restoring their estimated financial position and quality of life back to what it was before an accident.

Liability – A legal and imposable obligation for the losses and damages suffered by an accident victim.

Liability Insurance – Car insurance coverage that defends against claims that a driver’s negligence cause a victim bodily harm or property damage.

Limits – The maximum benefits an insurance company will pay for losses and damages covered in an insurance policy.

Loss – The amount of money assigned to a claim.

Negligence – Failure to possess or demonstrate a level of care, expected by all persons under law, which protects another person, reputation, or property from harm or foreseeable and unreasonable risks.

No-Fault Insurance – A policy that covers medical treatment, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses, regardless of who is at-fault for an accident.

Per Occurrence Limit – The maximum benefits paid by an insurance company for all claims stemming from a single incident.

Per Person Limit – The maximum benefits paid by an insurance company for a single person’s injuries arising from a single incident.

Personal Auto Policy (PAP) – A simple, rudimentary automotive insurance policy that provides coverage for liability, medical payments, uninsured and underinsured motorists, and physical damage protection.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – A type of medical payments coverage in which all or a portion of medical expenses and hospital bills (driver and passengers) are paid for, no matter who is to blame for an auto accident. See our blog on Discussing Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

Policyholder – The individual who owns the policy. It may also include anyone covered under the policy.

Premium – The amount paid for an automotive insurance policy.

Property Damage Liability Coverage – This covers any property damage done to another person’s property in the case that a driver is at-fault for their accident.

Replacement Cost – The total cost to replace damaged property, with the exclusion of depreciation reductions.

Split Limits – An imbursement strategy used by the insurance company to pay for individual components of a car accident.

Underinsured – A policyholder who does not retain enough insurance coverage to cover all related damages in a car accident.

Unsatisfied Judgment Fund – A state fund intended to compensate individuals for any losses sustained from an automobile accident caused by an uninsured/underinsured motorist, or person without money.

Get Started on Your Car Accident Claim Today

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis car accident attorney who can determine the best strategies for your case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today.

Legal Disclaimer: Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice. Individual cases differ and should be discussed with a lawyer.

How to Make a Personal Injury Claim in Indiana

Posted on August 27, 2018 by admin

Learn a step-by-step process of how to get the compensation you deserve after being seriously injured in an accident that was not your fault.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers
317-881-2700

Step ❶

Find a Reputable Personal Injury Law Firm

As you begin the search for a reliable personal injury law firm to represent your injury claim, you will quickly discover that there are numerous options to choose from. In order to find the right fit for you, choose a law firm that demonstrates qualities of knowledge, experience, and a sincere desire to help clients recover a fair settlement. You can better gauge these qualities by setting up a consultation and speaking to a lawyer in person.

Step ❷

Schedule an Initial Consultation With a Seasoned Personal Injury Lawyer

Once you have chosen a local and trusted personal injury law firm, you are ready to set up an in-person consultation with a licensed accident attorney. The initial consultation is a two-way process; you will have the opportunity to get to know the lawyer and discuss your case, and the lawyer will decide if your case is strong enough for them to take on. Most personal injury law firms offer initial consultations for free, but some do not. Be sure to ask about any upfront or out-of-pocket fees when you contact the law firm to schedule an appointment.

Step ❸

Hire the Law Firm of Your Choice

After your initial consultation, you will be able to decide if you would like to move forward with that particular law firm. If you do, hire them right away so they can immediately get started on your case. If you do not want to move forward, simply continue your search for other law firms and attending consultations. However, keep in mind that the longer you wait to make a claim, the more challenges can arise, and ultimately impact your settlement as evidence can be lost or not preserved.

Step ❹

Let Your Personal Injury Lawyer Take it From There

After you have chosen a personal injury law firm and lawyer to represent your claim, all you have to do is let your attorney lead the way. They will handle the preparation and filing of the initial documents, as well as, manage all other aspects of your claim, including investigations, evidence, expert panelists, witnesses, litigation, and more. The best way to help your case and your attorney is to maintain good communication. Be sure you are willing and able to provide any needed documentation, information, or testimony for them at any time.

Want to Take a Short Cut?

If you to cut through all the hassle of finding a lawyer for your claim, simply trust one of the most well-known and respected personal injury law firms in Indianapolis.

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, & Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are ready, willing and able to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Get started by calling our office, today.