Frequently Asked Questions About
Personal Injury Law

1. I was in an accident caused by someone else. What should I do?
2. What types of compensation am I entitled to claim after an accident?
3. Is there a time limit on when I can bring a lawsuit in a personal injury case?
4. How are the attorney fees paid?

1. I was in an accident caused by someone else. What should I do?

	Take notes about the details of the accident, include names and addresses of witnesses;
	Get the police report and make sure it is accurate;
	Get prompt and appropriate medical treatment - follow the doctor’s directions;
	Photograph or videotape the vehicle(s) and any visible injuries;
	Report the accident to your insurance company, even if you do not feel the accident was your fault. Ask your company if they provide benefits such as medical insurance or collision coverage that can help you. Generally you should cooperate with your insurance company;
	Avoid discussing the circumstances of the accident and your health history with the other driver’s insurance company. They seldom pay your medical bills until you are ready to settle or get a verdict;
	If you feel uncertain of what else to do, contact an attorney. Almost all attorneys who handle these cases will be happy to talk to you for free.

2. What types of compensation am I entitled to claim after an accident?

The most common damages include:

	The bills for reasonable and necessary medical treatment;
	Lost earnings;
	Pain and suffering;
	Scarring or other disfigurement;
	Inability to function as you did before the accident.

3. Is there a time limit on when I can bring a lawsuit in a personal injury case?

Yes. In Indiana the statute of limitations is generally two (2) years from the date of injury. However, there are exceptions:

	In certain types of accidents involving the state, county or local government units, including schools, the law requires that specific notices be served in as little as 180 days;
	The law also has exceptions for injuries that are not discovered right away, for minors and incompetent persons.

If you have any doubts you should talk with a personal injury lawyer.

4. How are the attorney fees paid?

In most personal injury cases, attorney fees are paid on a “contingency fee” basis. This means that you pay no money up front to hire the lawyer. The attorney fees are deducted from your settlement or verdict. No fees are due unless the lawyer makes a recovery for you. In our firm we charge the same percentage for verdicts after trial as for settlements.