The Steps to Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted on November 23, 2015 by admin

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

After being injured in an accident that was no fault of your own, you need a competent and tough personal injury lawyer in your corner to protect your rights and ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve. The potential compensation you may be owned is imperative to help pay for medical expenses, hospital bills, time off work, and additional financial losses. But if your accident and injuries were egregious, the courts may award punitive damages as well, in order to make up for losses such as pain, suffering, loss of companionship, loss of professional vocation, prolonged rehabilitation, permanent disfigurement, mental anguish, wrongful death, and much more.

A licensed accident attorney is the only one who will be your true advocate during your legal battles, and will stop at nothing to recover the compensation you deserve after an awful tragedy.When it comes to hiring a personal injury lawyer, there are a few recommended steps to take to ensure you find an experienced and competent attorney for your legal needs. Continue reading to learn which steps to take in order to find and hire the right personal injury attorney for your accident claim.

After the Accident

As soon as you, or a loved one, is capable of making a call to a personal injury law firm, this must be done. It is common to call directly from the hospital, because the sooner you retain professional legal counsel, the better your chances of recovering full recompense for your losses. It will give the attorney a head-start in investigating and researching your case, and allows them to gather all the necessary evidence and facts to negotiate your remuneration. It also allows them to speak on your behalf to insurance adjusters and other investigators, to make sure you do not say anything that can compromise your case. Make this call as soon as you are physically capable. If your accident was serious enough to be unconscious or unable to move, have a loved one make the call for you.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal injury law firms generally offer free initial consultations to discuss your accident and determine if you have a valid case. For this reason, there is no need to be anxious about making the call to an attorney since there is no out-of-pocket obligation whatsoever, until they win your settlement. That is right; most personal injury lawyers also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning if they do not recover compensation for you, you pay nothing for their services. This is a sure-fire way to know that a personal injury attorney is doing everything in their power to win you the compensation you deserve, otherwise they do not get paid either.

Research

For less extreme injuries, or those that show up after some time (which is very normal, especially in car accident cases), you may have some more time to look for a qualified attorney. Either way, be sure you call a personal injury lawyer that is experienced, esteemed in the community, and has represented similar cases to yours. This is a good way to gauge whether or not a lawyer is qualified to represent your case. Start online, looking up different personal injury law firms in your town. It is wise to read client reviews and check for licensing. There are attorneys out there that are dishonest and claim they practice personal injury law when they are actually a divorce lawyer or other practice area that is completely unrelated.

Take a Short Cut

If you want a short cut through all this hassle and research, simply trust one of the most well-known and respected law firms in Indianapolis:

The Law Firm of Craven Blazek Law

Personal Injury Attorneys Indianapolis 317-881-2700

Call The Law Firm of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 for personal injury claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek have extensive trial and litigation experience, and have practiced personal injury law for decades. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a respected personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, IN today.

Uninsured or Underinsured Car Accidents and Claims

Posted on November 18, 2015 by admin

Virtually every state in the country requires drivers to be covered by motorist insurance if they intend to drive a car, truck, or motorcycle legally. Unfortunately, many people fail to comply with insurance laws, or fail to maintain the proper minimum coverage. In many cases, drivers cannot afford car insurance, while others simply neglect the legal responsibility altogether.

Regardless of the reason, uninsured motorists (UM), and even under-insured motorists (UIM), are going against the law. If they wreck, hit, or injure another driver while driving, they can be legally held responsible for damages, hospital bills, medical coverage, and more. Continue reading to learn about your rights if you are hit or involved in a car accident with an uninsured motorist or under-insured drivers on the road.

Call 317-881-2700 When You Need a Local Car Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Cases

Accidents that involve uninsured or under insured drivers, are commonly referred to as “UM” or “UIM” claims. The acronym “UM” standing for uninsured motorists, and “UIM” standing for under-insured motorists. In any case, it is recommended to check with your current automobile insurance provider to see if you are covered if ever hit by an uninsured or under insured drivers.

If a person is not covered under their insurance policy, and is struck by another UM or UIM driver, they can be left to deal with medical bills, lost wages, property damages, and more all on their own. This is why it is important to seek professional legal counsel about your rights and how to get the compensation you deserve immediately after a motor accident.

If a car accident is not your fault, and you sustained serious injuries as a result, you may be entitled to compensation by either your insurance company, the opposing insurance company, or the uninsured driver themselves. Talk to a licensed personal injury lawyer about your recent car accident and learn whether or not you have a valid claim against the uninsured motorist or insurance carrier.

Indianapolis Uninsured Motorist Attorneys

Call Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 for more information about uninsured motorist accident claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are extensively experienced in uninsured accident law and are happy to answer all your personal injury questions. Schedule a free consultation with a licensed personal injury attorney to assess your eligibility for compensation following an uninsured motorist accident that resulted in serious injury or losses. For reputable and assertive representation for an uninsured or under-insured motorist accident claim in Indianapolis, IN, call Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 today.

Suing the Government for Personal Injury Compensation

Posted on November 10, 2015 by admin

There are certain rules that must be followed if you wish to file a personal injury claim against a person, company, organization, or other entity. But as for suing a governmental institution or organization for a personal injury, there are a completely separate set of meticulous guidelines and agendas. It is vitally important to hire an experienced attorney for personal injury claims against a government-operated establishment or organization.

They are the only professionals capable of protecting your rights and securing your future. The procedures and legal obligations involved in such governmental injury cases are very complex and demanding. A licensed accident attorney that concentrates on the type of injury you suffered is your best option for recovering full and fair compensation for your damages and losses. Continue reading to learn more about pursuing a lawsuit against governmental entities for personal injury they are responsible for, and who you can trust for accurate and proficient legal advice regarding your claim.

Governmental Organizations and Establishments

An injury can occur at the fault of several types of government establishments, services, and entities. Examples include government-owned buildings, city buses and trains, city subways, government officialdom’s like the post office, park, or library, and much more. Injury claims can be filed against the state, city, county, public agencies, public divisions, and federal governments. To have a valid claim against any of these parties, one must prove that their injuries and subsequent damages we caused, or partially caused, by a government entity or employ while performing their official duties. To do this, a special approach is necessary.

Suing the Government

The government has a different set of rules that decrees who can sue them and what they can be sued for. This is just another reason why hiring a licensed Indianapolis personal injury lawyer is so vital to your case. Your state has a very specific and strict set of guidelines that must be stringently followed in order to present a claim against any government entity. For example, one must formally file a written claim against the specific government employ or entity with in 30 to 60 days (or more depending on your state) of the accident. If all forms and files are not implemented properly and on time, a victim can lose their opportunity to recover compensation for good.

Valid Personal Injury Cases

One clear cut example of a valid claim against a governmental organization would be a city bus accident. If a person is injured while riding on a city bus, for reasons of negligence on the government’s behalf (i.e. intoxicated bus driver, reckless driving, bus defects, etc.), they are likely to have a strong and valid case against the city or county.

Craven Blazek Law

Call Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to speak with a licensed personal injury lawyer about your recent accident in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek have extensive trial and litigation experience practicing personal injury law. We have the drive, determination, and skill necessary to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after sustaining a wrongful injury. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation and have your case evaluated by a knowledgeable accident attorney in Indianapolis, today.

A Courtesy Wave Can Hold Drivers Liable for Pedestrian Injuries

Posted on November 5, 2015 by admin

Pedestrian Injury Claims 317-881-2700

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

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

Be Careful Giving the “OK” to Pedestrians

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

Pedestrian Accident Claims 317-881-2700

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

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

Craven Blazek Law

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

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

Who is Legally Responsible for Damages Caused by an Under-Aged Drivers?

Posted on October 26, 2015 by admin

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

The legal driving age is set for a reason. And there are certain qualifications that must be met before anyone, at any age, is offered a drivers’ license. Without an active drivers’ license, a person is not legally allowed to operate a vehicle under any circumstances. Now the age at which a person can legally apply and acquire a drivers’ license differs state to state. In Indiana, a teenager can legally begin drivers’ education courses and receive a probationary license at the age of 16 or older. A probationary license prohibits a person from driving alone. They must always have a licensed driver with them at all times while operating a vehicle. This type of license is not intended to let a person drive legally, without supervision of an actual licensed driver.

Once a person reaches the age of 17, they are eligible to take the state mandatory driving tests, written and field, and receive their drivers’ licensed if they pass both exams. No one under these ages, or without a valid license, can legally operate a vehicle. So what happens if an under-aged minor decides to take a car for a joy-ride, and then causes an accident that renders another person injured or worse? Continue reading to find out.

Under-Age and Un-Insured Motorist Accidents

When a minor that is under the legal driving age and without proper licensing causes a car accident that results in another person’s injury or death, it can be alarming to learn who is actually responsible for the injured party’s’ damages. The answer is the parents or legal guardians. An under-aged minor without a drivers’ license doesn’t have insurance, and it is usually the insurance company that pays out a settlement in the case of a car accident. The parents are the ones with liability insurance for their children, or at least they should, and these are ones who will get the brunt of the liability. Many insurance companies, however, may not pay for such an incident since the driver was neither legal nor of-age, which means the parents will have to personally pay remuneration for whoever was injured as a result of their minor’s driving escapade.

It is best to consult a licensed car accident lawyer in Indianapolis for accurate legal counsel and information pertaining to your personal case. They retain the proper resources, experience, and knowledge to answer all of your personal injury and liability insurance questions, any time.

Craven Blazek Law

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 for professional legal advice and counsel regarding car accident injury lawsuits in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorney, Daniel Craven, is available to answer your personal injury questions today! We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 and schedule an appointment with one of our licensed car accident lawyers in Indianapolis, IN today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims – Part 2

Posted on October 21, 2015 by admin

In last week’s blog, we discussed some common personal injury questions concerning valid claims, compensation, cost of attorney, and more. Since there are many frequently asked questions about personal injury law, which we will discuss some more in this week’s blog! Continue reading for answers to common questions regarding personal injuries, accidents, and claims.

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Personal Injury FAQs

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

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

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

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

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

What are My Rights and How Can I Protect Them?

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

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

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

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

• You have the right to legal counsel.

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

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

Craven Blazek Law

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 for personal injury claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are seasoned accident lawyers with extensive trial and litigation experience. Our firm respects all clients and their loved ones, and never collects lawyer fees unless we win your settlement. We also provide free initial consultations to discuss your case and assess your eligibility for remuneration. Call 317-881-2700 to learn your rights after suffering a serious injury in Indiana.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims – Part I

Posted on October 15, 2015 by admin

Injuries are bound to happen to all of us at some point in our lives; but what happens when your injuries were no fault of your own? What if another person or entity is responsible for the accident that caused you harm? These two inquiries are just the beginning to the frequently asked questions about personal injuries and claims. After being seriously hurt in an accident, people are often confused, stressed, and full of questions. It is important to retain the services of a licensed personal injury lawyer so you have professional guidance and knowledge concerning your rights and your case. Continue reading to review some more FAQs about personal injury accidents and cases.

Indianapolis Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Do I Have a Valid Personal Injury Case?

Medical expenses, hospital bills, time off work, and general life expenditures tend to add up quickly after a serious injury. At this point, victims are usually very stressed and overwhelmed. They want to know if they should be paying these and if they have a valid claim. The only way you can know if you have a case is to speak with a licensed personal injury lawyer. They can assess your case and determine your eligibility for remuneration. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION with a licensed personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, today.

Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Yes. There is no getting around it. A personal injury lawyer is your best chance at recovering the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve after being wrongfully injured. They retain the knowledge, experience, and resources to aggressively negotiate your claim without backing down. They investigate, research, and recover all necessary evidence, eye witnesses, and more to win your claim. Insurance companies are tough, and they will take advantage of a member by urging them to agree to a small payout. But personal injury attorneys know better than this, and they know how to fight insurance adjusters to get what their client’s need and deserve.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?

Most personal injury law firms provide their services on a contingency-basis. This means there are no upfront costs or lawyer fees, and clients pay nothing if their claim is not settled. If an attorney wins your claim, they generally take a set, pre-negotiated percentage of the total amount collected from the claim. This is can be anywhere from 20% to 40% and more. It varies depending on the law firm and other factors. Choose a law firm that uses the contingency-fee rule, and discuss costs before making any final hiring decisions.

How Long Does it Take to Get My Compensation?

From start to finish, a personal injury case can take anywhere from one year to five years or more, depending on the complexity of the case. You can expect it to take at least one year before a case is settled. And then once a case is settled, you can expect to wait at least 2 to 4 months before actually receiving any money. There are countless variables that affect the time frame of a personal injury claim and receiving awarded compensation. Again, talk to your attorney to get a better idea of how lo9ng your particular case may take.

Craven Blazek Law

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 for personal injury lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek retain extensive trial and litigation experience. We are confident our law firm can recover the compensation you rightfully deserve after being injured in an accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we win your settlement. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, IN today.

Optional Driver Insurance Coverage for Accidents and Injuries

Posted on October 8, 2015 by admin

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Understanding automotive insurance policies can be quite complex. There are several stipulations, clauses, and hidden agenda in many types of insurance agreements. It is important for you, as a driver, to fully understand your motorist insurance coverage so you can know exactly how you are covered in the case of an accident or injury. You can also consult an Indianapolis personal injury law firm for more information about motor vehicle accidents and injury claims.

Continue reading to learn about liability limitations, and the types of motorist insurance coverage everyone should have for added protection on the road and behind the wheel.

Liability Limitations in Insurance Policies

Liability limitations dictate the amount of money that will be available by the insurance company, to compensate a person in the event that you injure them in a motor vehicle accident. These parameters are usually set once a policy is purchased. These limitations will differ from person to person, depending on the type of policy purchased and a person’s individual and driving records. Liability limitations are meant to protect your personal savings, funds, and assets from being liquidated in order to pay compensation to an injured driver after causing a motor vehicle accident.

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It is recommended to purchase higher limits if you have several or significant assets to protect. In Indiana, a driver must have the state minimum liability coverage in order to legally operate a vehicle. This minimum is 25/50/10, meaning $25,000 per person (yourself and your vehicle), $50,000 per accident and all injured parties, and $10,000 for property damages per accident. So most policies offer this as standard coverage in their most basic policies.

However, the state minimum is very low; so it is strongly encouraged to add more coverage to your motorist policy. There should be enough coverage to pay for a person’s vehicle damage, bodily injury, and subsequent financial obligations or losses resulting from their injuries; such as lost wages, rehabilitation costs, medical expenses, hospital bills, and more.

Here are the additional types of motor vehicle accident coverage strongly recommended by the state and insurance companies, to further protect yourself and your assets in the case of an accident resulting in injury:

Un-Insured/Under-Insured Motorist Insurance (UM)

Under-insured and un-insured insurance coverage is vital for anyone who drives on a daily basis. In the case that someone negligently causes an accident, and they do not have sufficient or valid insurance, you could be stuck paying for the damages yourself; unless you have this additional coverage. If an un-insured or under-insured driver hits you and causes you injury, this additional coverage will be available to clean up the mess, financially. If a person with not enough insurance coverage causes you $30,000 in hospital bills and vehicular damages, but their policy only covers $25,000, your UM insurance coverage will cover the rest so that you don’t have to pay out of pocket for your expenses. This is very important insurance coverage to have, for yourself and for your family.

Medical Payments Coverage (Medpay)

Medical payments coverage is critical in the case of a serious motor vehicle accident. Although optional, many drivers opt for this additional coverage in order to cover all medical expenses and hospital bills, regardless of who is at-fault. One key benefit to Medpay is that it will pay for your medical expenses while treatment and care is ongoing. This minimizes a person’s out-of-pocket payment obligations, and eliminates the need to wait for reimbursement. Also, your insurance company does not need reimbursement if you are not made whole through the liability settlement. It maximizes a person’s “net” settlement because insurance companies base their offers on total amount of medical bills, not outstanding balances.

Craven Blazek Law

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 for car accident injury claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek retain extensive trial and litigation experience in personal injury law. Our personal injury law firm offers free initial consultations and never collects lawyer fees unless we win your settlement. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your consultation for personal injury claims in Indianapolis, IN today.

A Brief Review of Indiana’s Personal Injury Laws

Posted on October 1, 2015 by admin

Indianapolis Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

In terms of personal injury, Indiana has its own set of ordinances that surround the civil legal process and more. This includes time limits for filing lawsuits, government claims, compensation caps, liability, and more. Most of these basic personal injury laws will become relevant at some point, either during court trials or negotiations with insurance companies.

If recently injured and considering a claim against a negligent party, it is wise to familiarize yourself with these personal injury law basics so that you are better prepared to discuss your case with a trusted accident lawyer. Continue reading to review some basic principles surrounding personal injury law, as well as, some fundamental laws and ordinances specific to Indiana jurisdiction.

Statute of Limitations

When a person is wrongfully injured and wishes to pursue a claim against the at-fault party, they cannot wait too long. All states have a set time limit to file a civil lawsuit, all of which vary depending on the type of case. As for Indiana personal injury lawsuits, a person has two years from the date of the accident to legally file a suit. Once two years has come and gone, a personal injury victim loses all opportunity to pursue compensation for their damages. This time limit decreases for other types of claims. For claims against a city or county, a personal injury victim only has 180 days to file a lawsuit. And for claims against an Indiana state government agency, victims have 270 days from the time of the accident.

Liability

Indiana uses “comparative fault” for some personal injury claims. This means a victim can be found partially at-fault for their accident and subsequent damages, thus reducing the opposing party’s liability. It also reduces the total amount of compensation awarded. For example, if a person is hit by a car while crossing the street, but they were not using a designated crosswalk, a court might find them 20% at-fault and the driver 80% at-fault. And the math for compensation would continue from there.

Car Accident Claims

In Indiana, a car accident victim has several options in terms of collecting compensation for their damages. They can choose to file with their own car insurance carrier, the other driver’s car insurance carrier (third party claim), or take the case to court to prove fault and collect compensation for damages.

Dog Bite Claims

Many states follow a “one bite rule” regarding dog bites and injuries. This means a dog owner, to some degree, is protected from liability the first time their dog injuries another person, if their history does not show aggression or past attacks. But Indiana does not use this rule; instead, they use “strict liability” meaning a dog owner is strictly liable no matter what their dog’s behavioral history looks like.

Compensation Caps

In Indiana, there are certain limits to how much compensation can be collected on specific types of cases. For example, medical malpractice lawsuits had a cap of $500,000 for non-economic damages, while government payouts capped out at five million. These compensation caps have been updated since 2012, and may currently abolished. Talk to your personal injury lawyer for current state cap limitations.

Craven Blazek Law

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 for information about filing a personal injury claim in Indiana. Attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are seasoned litigators with decades of trial experience. Our personal injury law firm fights hard for our client’s right to full and fair compensation. We are not afraid to go the extra mile for our client’s well-being and future! Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, and never pay attorney fees unless we win your case.

Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Posted on September 22, 2015 by admin

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

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

❶ Failure to Document the Accident Scene

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

❷ Failure to Seek Medical Attention

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

❸ Giving Statements Without Legal Representation

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

Craven Blazek Law

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

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