Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Muncie, IN

FAQs

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

  The Muncie Police Department takes non-emergency dispatch calls at 765-747-4838.

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

  The police hold office at 300 N High St., Muncie, IN 47305, and the Records Division responds to calls at 765-747-4891.

• Why is inadvisable to accept an insurance company's initial offer after an accident in Muncie?

  A resident of Muncie shouldn't accept an insurance company's initial accident liability offer because it will almost always be below the full value of the damages sustained. The company has an incentive to release as little as possible to preserve its assets. It is preferable to lawyer up and enter into a negotiation process.

• Does a parent in Muncie have a cause of action under personal injury law if a child's toy has a defect that causes its rechargeable batteries to explode and cause burns?

  Yes, a parent in Muncie has a cause of action against the manufacturer of a toy if the object has a defect that leads to burns. Personal injury law has a specific subset dedicated to product liability matters, and this addresses the proliferation of negligently manufactured goods, including playthings. The defect might be in the initial design or introduced by a flaw in the manufacturing process, but the maker is on the hook either way.

• What are the hazards of representing one's self in a personal injury case in Muncie?

  Representing oneself in court for a personal injury matter in Muncie is risky because litigation and negotiation could be long-winded and procedurally puzzling. The odds of obtaining the desired restitution are lower since the defendant might lawyer up and use every permissible motion and measure in the remedial law to wear down the plaintiff's resolve.

• Is a postal worker in Muncie prevented from seeking damages against the owner of a chihuahua who has bitten the former yet has never bitten another before?

  No. In this case, the postal worker can still obtain damages in Muncie if bitten by a dog that has never been aggressive before. While the Indiana law used in the metro follows the "one-bite" principle, where an animal is allowed a single strike before the owner is liable for damages, this is not applicable when the victim is a government employee like the mailman.

• When is a rideshare company's insurer liable for damages in a car accident within Muncie?

  A rideshare company operating in Muncie may have its insurance policy liable for damages when the erring driver's application is turned on. If the app is active, it shows that the motorist is on duty and covers times when the former is transporting the client or on the way to pick one up. However, it also covers times when the contractor is waiting for a customer and has no personal insurance policy.

• 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.