Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Evansville, IN

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Evansville, Indiana?

  To reach the Evansville Police Department, call (812) 436-7896.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Evansville, Indiana?

  To obtain a police report from the Evansville Police Department, reach out to the Records Unit at (812) 436-7956 from Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM. You can also visit the Central Record Room on Room 126 of the Civic Center Building.

• How is loss of future earnings in an Evansville personal injury case calculated?

  A medical prognosis on how long it takes for the injured to recover and the financial impact of this situation has to be determined to be able to calculate the loss of future earnings. A personal injury attorney in Evansville should be able to make this calculation with the help of the doctor treating the injured and an economist.

• Do you always have to go to court when filing a personal injury claim in Evansville?

  Not always. Court trials of personal injury cases in Evansville can get expensive and take a lot of time. Most of the time, parties involved prefer to settle the matter outside of the court, sometimes through mediation. However, it is not an easy thing to accomplish, especially if accountability needs to be established or there is a huge amount of settlement money involved.

• When should you call an attorney after you have gotten in an accident in Evansville?

  You should call an Evansville attorney as soon as you can. The earlier, the better, especially if you believe that your injuries are extensive enough to need a lot of medical support and rest from work. This allows the attorney plenty of time to build a strong case to support your personal injury claim. The attorney does this by going over the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and gathering all documentation.

• What does a modified comparative negligence rule mean in an Evansville accident?

  The modified comparative negligence rule means that a party in an accident in Evansville can still expect to receive compensation if they are partly at fault. This is applicable so long as the degree of responsibility does not go over 50%. If the fault exceeds 50%, then the party can no longer obtain compensation for their injuries.

• Why is it necessary to visit a doctor after an injury in Evansville when you feel like you do not need one?

  If you are planning to pursue compensation from a negligent party in Evansville who caused you your injuries, then it would be wise to seek medical attention as the records that it yields can prove that you are in need of financial compensation. It will also prove that your injuries were caused by the accident and not pre-existing, as some insurance companies tend to use that excuse to deny claims.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.