Yes, it is possible to settle a car accident without a lawyer in Indiana. However, it is highly recommended that you consult with a lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for any damages or injuries sustained in the accident.
The number of nonfatal injuries resulting from collisions in Indiana fell to a ten-year low in 2020, with 38,913 people suffering injuries. Each one of these people had a potential claim against the collision’s at-fault party. However, the idea of hiring an attorney and filing a lawsuit can be daunting, tempting many to handle the accident settlement on their own or take the initial offer extended by the insurance company. Depending on the circumstances, this may not be the wisest course of action. The lawyers at Goodin Abernathy LLP fight for their clients to ensure they receive the maximum possible recovery for their cases.
How to Handle a Car Accident Without a Lawyer
If an individual decides to handle a car accident without a lawyer, it is paramount that they document everything. This begins at the scene of the accident. First, take video or pictures of the damaged vehicles and the location of the accident. Next, report the accident to law enforcement so a police officer can make an official report. The next step is to negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement amount. This could require the individual to visit doctors and vehicle repair shops to gather documentation on injuries and property damage.
How to Get Pain and Suffering From a Car Accident Without a Lawyer
Car accident plaintiffs in Indiana can recover pain and suffering damages. To get pain and suffering damages without a lawyer, a plaintiff needs to prove physical or mental pain and suffering. Unlike medical costs, there is no verifiable cost of pain and suffering. For a plaintiff to convince a jury that they deserve pain and suffering, they must address several factors.
- The severity and type of injury
- Recovery requirements
- Medications required
- Length of the injury
Do Car Accident Cases Go to Court?
When you hire the firm of Goodin Abernathy LLP, you have a lawyer who will aggressively represent you as their client. We begin each case by negotiating with the insurance company. Our goal is to secure a fair settlement amount that reflects our clients’ loss and injuries. However, while many firms focus their representation on settlement, our lawyers also have courtroom experience. Having an attorney with trial experience relieves some of the stress of settlement negotiation. Our attorneys understand that insurance companies have extensive financial backing. This gives them greater negotiating power and the ability to draw out the settlement process. Because we are not afraid to take a case to trial, we are able to secure our clients a settlement that they deserve and not allow the insurance company to pressure our clients into accepting less.
How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Take?
The average car accident lawsuit takes 9-18 months. The length of time a car accident lawsuit takes depends on several factors. The complexity of the case, the parties’ ability to settle, and the court’s caseload all factor into how quickly a lawsuit gets completed. It can help to hire a firm that has a reputation for aggressively representing its clients. This can help move a case along through the settlement process by not allowing the insurance company to string the client along for longer than necessary. Because each case is unique, speaking with an experienced car accident attorney is the best method for determining an estimated timeframe for your car accident lawsuit.
What Is an Auto Accident Lawyer?
An auto accident lawyer is an individual trained to represent clients seeking compensation for damages and loss as a result of a car accident. Auto accidents are a type of case that falls under personal injury law, which subsequently falls under negligence law. Often, auto accident lawyers represent clients in various types of vehicle accidents, such as passenger vehicle, motorcycle, semi-truck, or bicycle accidents.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
Once a car accident lawyer gets hired by a client, they will begin to represent them. This includes gathering evidence, providing legal advice, negotiating with insurance companies, researching the law, and vigorously pursuing compensation for their clients’ losses. Depending on the case’s complexity, the attorney could seek out expert witnesses to testify at trial to support the client’s claims. The attorney’s goal is to build a case and successfully recover compensation.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Charge?
Car accident lawyers in Indiana can vary in the fees charged for their services. A common fee structure is to charge on a contingency fee basis. With this type of agreement, the lawyer takes a percentage of the amount recovered through settlement or trial. Other possible fee structures are hourly, flat fee, or retainer. However, do not base attorney choice purely on the fees charged. The most expensive or cheapest attorney isn’t always the best option. Instead, focus on choosing the best quality attorney that you can afford.
How to Choose a Car Accident Lawyer
If you decide to hire a car accident lawyer to represent you, start by asking friends and family for a recommendation. Alternatively, you can look online and read reviews. Concentrate your search on locating an attorney who focuses on car accident cases that are similar to yours. Car accident claims are a type of personal injury that falls under negligence law. It isn’t enough to hire an attorney who handles personal injury cases. Look for a lawyer who focuses their practice on car accidents. Schedule a consultation and ask the lawyer about their experience, representation track record, communication style, and fee structure. This will help you decide which lawyer is the best fit.
Hire a Goodin Abernathy LLP Lawyer
When you hire Goodin Abernathy LLP, you can sleep better at night knowing you have a dedicated team that will aggressively fight for you. Our experience means we know how to maximize your damages and ensure the insurance adjuster doesn’t minimize your loss, thereby reducing your recovery. Feel confident that you have someone experienced in handling car accident personal injury cases.
Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys to discuss the circumstances surrounding your car accident.