Why Do I Need A Lawyer For My Personal Injury Claim?

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Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims

Ward & Ward Personal Injury lawyers

Many accident victims ask themselves these questions:

“Do I need a lawyer to handle my accident claim?”
“Since I wasn’t at fault, why should I pay legal fees?”
“Can I negotiate directly with the insurance company?”

The answers depend on the specific facts of your situation, particularly:

Were you or your passengers injured?
Are multiple parties potentially responsible?
Do you understand the five elements of negligence and how to prove them?
Are you familiar with civil procedure rules and relevant tort law?

How Indiana’s Fault Laws Affect Your Claim

Indiana is an “at-fault” state, meaning the party responsible for the accident is liable for damages. This differs from “no-fault” states like Kentucky and Michigan.

In Indiana:

The at-fault driver’s insurance typically covers damages
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own policy may provide coverage
Special circumstances apply when drivers have insurance from no-fault states

Property Damage vs. Injury Claims

Property Damage Only

For claims involving only vehicle or property damage with no injuries, you may be able to negotiate directly with the insurance company. Claims adjusters use industry standards to estimate property damage.

Personal Injury Claims

When injuries are involved, professional legal representation becomes much more valuable. Attorney Charlie Ward notes: “Injury clients typically receive better settlements and increased compensation when an experienced personal injury attorney directs their case.”

Potential Pitfalls of Self-Representation

Insurance companies are not your advocates. Without legal representation, you may face:

Claim denials that persist until the statute of limitations expires
Delays designed to run out the clock on your legal options
Disputes about fault percentages that reduce your compensation
Settlement releases that prevent you from pursuing additional necessary compensation
Legal knowledge gaps that insurance defense lawyers may exploit

What a Personal Injury Attorney Does For You

A skilled personal injury attorney:

Protects your rights at every stage of the process
Builds your case methodically to maximize compensation
Keeps you informed throughout the process
Stays current on relevant laws and court decisions
Handles complex issues like medical liens and insurance reimbursements
Considers future medical needs and wage losses in settlement negotiations

When You Need a Lawyer

If your accident required medical treatment, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights and interests.

Auto Insurance Coverage

Attorney Charlie Ward’s free e-book also explains:

Indiana’s minimum insurance requirements
The difference between uninsured and underinsured coverage
Which coverages you should never waive
How umbrella policies can maximize your protection
Determining adequate liability coverage

Get Professional Help Today

If insurance companies hire defense attorneys to protect their interests, shouldn’t you have skilled legal representation protecting yours?

For an honest assessment of your case and a free consultation without obligation, call Charlie Ward of Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers today at 317-740-1900.

We Treat Our Clients Like Family

Client Testimonials

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Wanda Schumpert 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My sister in law referred me to Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers over 20 years ago when I was in a car accident. To this day I am still calling Charlie for advice.  Charlie is one of the best personal injury attorneys in Indianapolis. Now I am referring my son to him for his case.  I know that he will be in good hands as Charlie will work hard for him.  I fully trust and believe in Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers's ability to handle the case. You have a client for life keep up the great work. God Bless!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Boomer05 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. we needed a lawyer for an accident that caused bodily injury. He is amazing. The insurance company was not going to pay what was due and we got it through Charlie. Highly recommend him.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Charlotte Carmichael 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks for all your help—appreciate it.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   keegan collins 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience. 10/10 recommend. Pure honesty and knows exactly what to do!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Raechelyn Dawn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Charlie Ward was recommended to me by a personal friend who knows him and respects him.  He was friendly, personable and incredibly compassionate with me as I had just lost my son due to an horrific hit and run motorcycle accident.  He went the extra mile in hooking me up with the right people in Texas as I didn’t really know anyone in my area who to contact, trust or help me with the painstaking task of finding honest representation. He also addressed my immediate concerns and returned my messages and phone calls quickly.  I would highly recommend this man of integrity and his Law Firm.  It’s difficult to find individuals that work as hard as Charlie and that truly care about people… I am convinced that this man is amazing at what he does and has the passion to get the job done… whatever needs to be taken care of.  I trust and appreciate him so much.  Thank you Charlie!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Elizabeth Newland 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience with Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers! Always accessible, sincere and caring.... Treat you like family!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   R Burchfield 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent attorney with attention to detail. Easy access and free parking at their South Meridian Street location
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Harpold 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family has been using the services of Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers for many years.  Charlie, and his father Don, have been tremendous to work with.  They have not only provided great legal counsel, but do so with a personal touch that is so appreciated.  I would strongly recommend Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers for any of your legal needs.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kimberly Pittman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They could not take my case but Charlie Ward called me so quick after I sent in an email explaining my situation to tell me they don’t take cases such as mine but gave me the number to someone who I could call and I truly appreciate that. Charlie did not have to go out of his way to do that but did it anyway to help. Thank you!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shannon Murphy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been using Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers since 2008 and have been very pleased with the services provided.  Both Don and Charlie, as well as the administrative team are great to work with.

Contact Us Today!

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Wanda Schumpert 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My sister in law referred me to Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers over 20 years ago when I was in a car accident. To this day I am still calling Charlie for advice.  Charlie is one of the best personal injury attorneys in Indianapolis. Now I am referring my son to him for his case.  I know that he will be in good hands as Charlie will work hard for him.  I fully trust and believe in Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers's ability to handle the case. You have a client for life keep up the great work. God Bless!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Boomer05 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. we needed a lawyer for an accident that caused bodily injury. He is amazing. The insurance company was not going to pay what was due and we got it through Charlie. Highly recommend him.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Charlotte Carmichael 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks for all your help—appreciate it.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   keegan collins 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience. 10/10 recommend. Pure honesty and knows exactly what to do!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Raechelyn Dawn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Charlie Ward was recommended to me by a personal friend who knows him and respects him.  He was friendly, personable and incredibly compassionate with me as I had just lost my son due to an horrific hit and run motorcycle accident.  He went the extra mile in hooking me up with the right people in Texas as I didn’t really know anyone in my area who to contact, trust or help me with the painstaking task of finding honest representation. He also addressed my immediate concerns and returned my messages and phone calls quickly.  I would highly recommend this man of integrity and his Law Firm.  It’s difficult to find individuals that work as hard as Charlie and that truly care about people… I am convinced that this man is amazing at what he does and has the passion to get the job done… whatever needs to be taken care of.  I trust and appreciate him so much.  Thank you Charlie!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Elizabeth Newland 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience with Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers! Always accessible, sincere and caring.... Treat you like family!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   R Burchfield 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent attorney with attention to detail. Easy access and free parking at their South Meridian Street location
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Harpold 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family has been using the services of Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers for many years.  Charlie, and his father Don, have been tremendous to work with.  They have not only provided great legal counsel, but do so with a personal touch that is so appreciated.  I would strongly recommend Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers for any of your legal needs.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kimberly Pittman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They could not take my case but Charlie Ward called me so quick after I sent in an email explaining my situation to tell me they don’t take cases such as mine but gave me the number to someone who I could call and I truly appreciate that. Charlie did not have to go out of his way to do that but did it anyway to help. Thank you!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shannon Murphy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been using Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers since 2008 and have been very pleased with the services provided.  Both Don and Charlie, as well as the administrative team are great to work with.

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