Indianapolis Car Accident Law Firm
No one lawyer can say he or she is the best car accident lawyer Indianapolis has to offer, however, Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers has some of the top car accident lawyers that are licensed to protect the rights of injured Hoosiers throughout the state of Indiana. While some car accidents are similar in nature, each one is unique and most are hazardous to navigate without a legal team working on your behalf. The best car accident lawyer in Indianapolis for one person and their particular situation, may not necessarily be the best lawyer for another person. It is important to find the right lawyer for you and your particular needs.
Uninsured Motorist Crashes
Being involved in a car accident in Indianapolis, IN can be an extremely upsetting, overwhelming, and complex situation. When you learn that the at-fault driver is not insured, the situation can worsen significantly. If you discover that the liable driver does not have insurance, you should consult a car accident lawyer as quickly as possible.
At Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers, we have helped clients to recover damages after being involved in an uninsured or underinsured car accident. We understand the laws, rules, and intricate processes associated with this situation and can provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to file a claim. By choosing us to be on your side, you can ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the money you need for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses.
Even when an at-fault driver has insurance, many people still recommend that it is best for Indianapolis car accident victims to enlist the help of a reputable lawyer. If you are injured and have financial worries because of the expenses that your injuries are creating, such as medical bills, loss of income, and fixing or replacing damaged property, to name just a few, you should not be suffering from these kinds of worries on top of your injuries. Your time should be spent focusing on healing and trying to get back to the life you knew before your accident. As well, insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with and will often try to pay accident victims as little as they can get away with even though the victim may be entitled to additional compensation to be made ‘whole’ again according to the standards of the judicial system.
If you have been injured in a car accident Attorney in Indianapolis, it may be in your best interest to discuss your situation with a lawyer who is experienced with successfully defending the rights of Indianapolis car accident victims.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)
Depending on the state you live in, you may be required to have uninsured motorist coverage. This is meant to protect you against another driver who is not insured and causes you harm from an accident. Your insurance company will then cover any of your losses. This type of coverage can also protect you if you are involved in a hit and run. The amount of coverage you can have can vary depending on economic tax brackets and geographical location. The standard is a minimum of $100,000 and a maximum of $300,000. If you’re unsure about whether or not you should use this type of coverage to file a claim, you can consult an Indianapolis, IN lawyer.
Why are we being protected from unprotected motorists?
When a driver hits you in they do not have liability coverage, or they leave before you get their information, it’s going to lead to you losing out. Your car is most likely total order in need of repairs and you are injured, and may require medical care. This means if your not able to go to an insurance company, you’re going to be hurting financially. However this is where the un-and underinsured protection coverage comes from.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is can be used on the at fault driver does not have enough for any liability coverage. It will also be used when you have to pay out-of-pocket for a car accident you didn’t cause. It usually cost more to add to your policy and states with more uninsured drivers. So if your underinsured insurance coverage is going to cost you a lot more to do in one state then you know that you really need it because there are more uninsured drivers.
But how does it work? If you’re involved in an accident that was not your fault, you’d file a claim with driver’s insurance company, get your car repaired and receive compensation for any lost wages or medical expenses. No out-of-pocket expenses to you. However what happens if the driver resides like you doesn’t have car insurance or doesn’t have enough of it. Minimum liability does not always coverage a whole car accident. If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is going to help protect your finances if you’re in an accident where a driver is not insured enough to pay you or they have no insurance. If you have any questions about whether you should have uninsured or underinsured car accident coverage, reach out to a car accident attorney in Indianapolis IN.
If you need help to understand the difference between underinsured coverage and uninsured coverage, talk to your auto accident lawyer in Indianapolis IN, because they may be able to give you some information about those differences. Essentially the difference is that an underinsured driver has insufficient liability limits to cover your bills after they caused an accident. An uninsured driver is going to have no liability in no way to cover your bills, and typically you would get you would eat that fall.
If you’ve been in an accident talk to a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis IN. a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis I and is going to be able to tell you whether your state comes requires you to have UIM bodily injury coverage required or if they require property damage covered or some other type of coverage. Not every state requires this kind of insurance. There are a few more X exceptions to each type of insurance you can have as more than one type of uninsured UIM insurance you can purchase. One covers medical bills, the other covers car, some cover both. It really depends on you and if you are struggling to understand what your insurance covers, talk to a lawyer.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Known as PIP, this type of coverage may be the first line of defense after being involved in an uninsured motorist accident. Not all PIP is created equal. It is possible to not have enough PIP coverage to cover all of your losses. In this case, you would want to discuss with a car accident lawyer what your other options might be.
What UIM or PIP Coverage May Cover You For
Both UIM and PIP can protect you from another driver who is not insured or flees the scene. If you’re in this situation, our lawyers in Indianapolis, IN can explain to you what your options might be and tell you how to collect compensation for:
- Ambulance/air ambulance fees
- ER visits
- Hospital room fees
- Car rental or repairs
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation
- Therapy
- Medication
- Short-term, long-term care
In an uninsured/underinsured claim situation, you will need legal representation to negotiate with your automobile insurance carrier. Without an experienced car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN, it is likely you will run into challenges and legal snags while trying to get the compensation you have paid for via our insurance premiums. Stress, confusion, and anger could ensue and hinder your overall recovery.
A car accident lawyer can handle all of the communication and negotiations with your insurance company so you are not left to deal with the complexities by yourself. Many people feel that it is best to have an Indianapolis car accident lawyer on your side even if the insurance company you need to negotiate with is the one that you pay for. Although your insurance company is technically ‘on your side,‘ your claims representative may low-ball an amount you may be entitled to.
Learn About Your Legal Options Today
We know how difficult of a time this might be. You may feel like you’re alone in this journey, but rest assured you are not. Our lawyers sympathize with what you’re going through and understand that you never asked for this physical pain and emotional rollercoaster. We want to help you.
For decades we have been dealing with a large number of cases that have involved uninsured motorists. We believe that just because the liable driver does not have insurance does not mean you should have to suffer financially for months or even years to come. It is our goal to get you every bit of compensation you are legally entitled to.
Let our law firm help you to file an uninsured motorist claim. We’ll guide you through the process and handle your case in the most effective manner possible. If you have been injured in an uninsured motorist accident, call a car accident lawyer Indianapolis, IN clients trust from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers to obtain an honest legal assessment.
When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Indianapolis, IN Victims Have Chosen First
Many victims who were injured in an accident choose to hire a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN to make sure they receive maximum compensation from the responsible party. At Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers, we have protected the rights of many victims and have recovered significant financial awards on their behalf. Though you can file a personal injury claim on your own, you may benefit from working with an experienced car accident lawyer who has a thorough understanding of the legal process. Call us to find out more about how we can assist you through this difficult time and get you the compensation you deserve.
Insurance Companies
After your accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will either deny your claim or else offer you a settlement amount for your damages. Generally speaking, the more serious your injury and the more costly the treatment, the more likely it is they will pay you less than you should receive. If you balk at their offer, they may threaten to rescind it altogether. If you try to take them to court, they will have a team of lawyers defending them. If you hire a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN from our firm, we can protect your rights.
The Settlement Negotiation Process
Your car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers can submit a personal injury claim to the at-fault party’s insurance company. It will be backed up with the necessary documentation and other necessary proof. If the carrier refuses to pay that amount, your lawyer will work to negotiate a settlement that is fair to you. Our legal team is very familiar with the negotiation process and what is required to secure the maximum possible amount of compensation. After a free consultation with our car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN, you may have a better idea of the value of your injury case.
When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis, IN from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers
Anyone has the legal right to hire a car accident lawyer if they wish to protect their best interests. However, for some victims, it makes more sense than for others. For instance, if any of the following describes your situation because of your car accident, contact us at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers to learn how a car accident lawyer from our firm can help you get justice:
- The car accident that was not your fault resulted in you sustaining one or more severe injuries.
- As a result of your car accident injury, you are facing costly medical bills.
- During your recovery time from the accident injury, you have or will have lost significant money due to being unable to work. Alternately, you will not be able to return to work because your injury is permanent.
Proving Causation in a Car Accident Case
When faced with a car accident case, the accident victim will be charged with proving that four elements of an accident case were present. A car accident lawyer Indianapolis, Indiana clients recommend from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers may play a key role in linking these elements together to achieve a successful outcome for our clients. There are four elements needed for a favorable outcome:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty of care
- Causation
- Damages
If you were in an accident that was the result of the other driver’s actions and you suffered from injuries and damages to your property, you may want to schedule a consultation with an Indianapolis, IN car accident lawyer from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers. The road ahead may be a long one. With our help, we may be able to support you in proving your case. Causation, is one of the most difficult and challenging elements to prove in car accident cases. With our help, we will work with you to prove causation and link it to the other essential elements involved in your case.
Causation
In some cases, proving that the driver was at fault for the accident can be a difficult task. A car accident lawyer with experience in crash cases may be able to help navigate a car accident claim with ease. Causation is just one of the essential elements needed to prove your accident case. When speaking in terms of car accident cases, causation links the damages and injuries a victim sustained to the actual accident. In the best case, proving causation would not be difficult without the help of a car accident lawyer that is licensed to protect people in Indianapolis and throughout the state of Indiana but unfortunately, it is often difficult for an accident victim to do this on their own.
Types of Legal Causation
For an accident victim, understanding and proving that their injuries were the result of their accident can be easier said than done and oftentimes, downright overwhelming. Indianapolis, IN car accident lawyers are well versed in managing car accident cases, especially when it comes to key elements such as causation that are necessary to prove your case. Primary, causation comes in two forms:
- Actual Causation: Proving with evidence, that the actions of the defendant caused the injuries and losses faced by the victim.
- Proximate Causation: Is the idea that the defendant’s actions could have been anticipated to cause harm.
In car accident cases, the plaintiff will be charged with the burden of proof, meaning they will need to prove that the driver’s negligent behavior was the cause of the accident and injuries that followed. In an Indianapolis personal injury car accident case, the plaintiff is the car accident victim and/or their family that is seeking compensation, often with the help of a lawyer. While a lawyer cannot take away a victim’s suffering, shouldering their legal burdens and helping them to get the compensation they deserve is often helpful to the victim’s recovery process.
Proving Causation
Relying on a car accident lawyer from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers can alleviate the stress that often comes with a car accident case. It’s just not enough to assert that the injuries you have suffered were due to the accident you experienced. You will need to prove that your injuries resulted from the accident. Essentially, an attorney will work to prove that had the at fault driver behaved differently, the injuries you suffered would never have occurred, or that the accident in question would have never happened at all. Car accident attorneys will work to prove that your injuries would not have occurred if not for the driver’s actions by:
- Gathering evidence
- Speaking with medical professionals who provided treatment
- Gathering medical documentation
- Proving that the accident would not have occurred if the driver had not been negligent
- Reconstruction of the accident scene
An attorney can help to link causation to negligence and the injuries that you suffered. With extensive legal experience, you can feel rest assured that you are in the very best of hands with Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers.
Proving that your injuries resulted from an accident is a task for attorneys such as those at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers. Not only do we have the experience needed to handle your case, we also have the compassion and patience required for accident victims. The period of time following an accident can be riddled with stress, pain and hardship. With our assistance, you may feel peace of mind in knowing that Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers is taking the lead.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis, IN Who Cares
Car accidents occur nearly every day of the year in Indianapolis, IN. Though many are of no great consequence, others are quite serious and result in severe injuries to the victims. If someone caused an accident that left you with a severe injury, call us. At Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers, you can meet with a car accident lawyer Indianapolis, IN respects at no charge to discuss your case.
If you are in the unfortunate situation of having been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, a good lawyer may be able to help you. The best car accident lawyer Indianapolis has to offer is going to be different for different people’s needs but a good place to start your search is by contacting the Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with no obligations.
What Is an Independent Medical Examination?
When you find yourself hurt after an automobile accident, you might be overwhelmed by the claims process. Depending on the state where you live and the laws the dictate insurance coverage requirements, you may be able to file a claim for help.
Car insurance companies may be hesitant to sink a lot of money into your medical care unless they get a chance to confirm your injury. These carriers will likely launch a full investigation into the cause of the crash and confirm your injuries are valid. One step in the claims process may be an independent medical examination. This process may be foreign if you have not been involved in an accident previously. Discover the ins and outs of what this examination entails.
The Insurance Company Designates a Doctor
You may have been seeing your regular doctor since the crash, and that doctor may have drawn up a treatment plan based on the diagnostics and examinations performed. To confirm that your injuries are legit, the insurance company may send you to see another physician who you have never been to previously. This third-party doctor is intended to be a fresh set of eyes and ears to provide insight into what ails you after a crash.
The Examination and Medical History
A trip to an independent medical examiner will entail having to go through your medical history. The doctor may ask you the same questions you have answered before, so be prepared to give these answers. The examination will be much like a regular exam. Your appointment may last longer than a normal one. This doctor will not prescribe you medication, but you may get sent for further diagnostic testing. Some of these tests will be repeats of ones you’ve already gone through.
The Independent Medical Examination Report
The sole purpose of the third-party physician is to author a report on the status of your injury. The doctor will use your medical history, physical examination and diagnostic results to author the report. The doctor will also use your prior medical records from this and other medical incidents to provide background information and treatment recommendations for your current injury. The insurance company may rely heavily on this report to make decisions about processing medical claims. If this report is in direct conflict to your physician’s plan, it may cause them to stop paying.
A car accident lawyer can benefit you in many ways. When it comes to dealing with the insurance company, an attorney can provide valuable insight and help.
