It’s a common misconception that every accident or injury in Indiana requires an Indianapolis, Indiana lawyer. While it is true that many accident victims retain the services of a lawyer to ensure their interests are fully and forcefully represented throughout the claims process, there are some instances in which law firms in Indianapolis are not required to settle a personal injury claim.
Accidents that Don’t Require an Indianapolis, Indiana Lawyer
If you have been in an accident, ask yourself the following questions before you reach out to an Indianapolis, Indiana, lawyer at one of the law firms in Indianapolis.
Was anyone injured in the accident? Accidents that involve injuries become complex and stressful very quickly. Accidents that only involve property damage, however, are much more straightforward to settle because issues such as long-term medical care, rehabilitation, lost wages and many other factors do not have to be taken into account. If nobody was injured in your accident, you may not need an Indianapolis, Indiana lawyer to settle your claim.
Was the damage relatively small-scale? If your personal injury claim is less than $20,000, you may be able to handle the claim without an Indianapolis, Indiana lawyer. Insurance companies and at-fault parties will put up less of a fight on smaller claim amounts, and the necessity for the involvement of one of the law firms in Indianapolis may be mitigated.
Do both parties generally agree on who is at fault for the accident? When there is a general understanding of who caused the accident, the proceedings tend to go much more smoothly. The cases that are most likely to turn into lawsuits and go to trial are those in which the parties are in conflict over who is to blame.
Advantages of Hiring an Indianapolis, Indiana Lawyer
That being said, there are many advantages to having one of the law firms in Indianapolis in your corner, and it is always a good idea to seek advice from an attorney. For instance, an Indianapolis, Indiana lawyer knows:
• The kind of documentation that is required for the claims process;
• What sources of compensation are available;
• How to conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances of the accident to ascertain all relevant facts;
• What factors to consider when calculating the projected costs of your injuries and long-term care; and
• What kinds of settlements are appropriate.
Before you turn to any of the law firms in Indianapolis or any Indianapolis, Indiana lawyer, make sure that you have considered if you are capable of seeing the process through without attorney assistance. If the claim escalates or cannot be settled, you still have the option of retaining the services of an Indianapolis, Indiana lawyer.
