$5

Million

$5 million settlement

We recently won a $5 million settlement for a wrongful death & injury case to survivor due to car crash.

Frequently Asked Questions about Indiana Car Accidents

What should I do if I have a car accident in Indiana?
Who is responsible for paying for damages from an Indiana car accident?
What types of compensation are available to a person injured in a car wreck?
Does the injured party have to go through a trial to receive compensation?
What will it cost to make a claim against the person who caused the car accident?
What am I likely to win in a lawsuit?
What areas of Indiana do you cover?

What should I do if I have a car accident in Indiana?

  1. Your first priority must be to protect the safety of yourself and your passengers. Call the police to report the accident and to request emergency medical treatment. Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, you may have delayed symptoms. Some serious injuries are not immediately apparent, so it is best to seek a medical evaluation right away.
  2. Obtain the names and contact information for others involved in the accident, as well as any people who have witnessed the accident or stopped to assist. Their statements may help you make a successful claim against any negligent parties.
  3. Do not admit fault or make any comments to bystanders or others involved in the accident.
  4. If you are able, take photographs of the accident scene, the road, and any markings or debris around the site.
    Cell-phone cameras are excellent for quickly documenting the circumstances and extent of the damage.
  5. Contact an Indiana attorney who has experience handling motor vehicle accidents. Mike Stephenson of Stephenson Rife Thopy & Harrold offers personalized service with outstanding results. For a free claim evaluation, call 317-680-2501.

Who is responsible for paying for damages from an Indiana car accident?

Some states are “no-fault” states; however, Indiana has an insurance system based on fault. If you’re an Indiana driver who has been injured or been left with a damaged vehicle after a wreck caused by another driver, you can file a claim under your own insurance policy, pursue a claim against the other driver’s insurance policy, and/or file a lawsuit against the other driver. Mike Stephenson, Indianapolis personal injury attorney, can help you determine the most advisable course of action based upon the circumstances of your accident.

What types of compensation are available to a person injured in a car wreck?

A negligent driver responsible for causing a car wreck may be held liable for:

  • Medical expenses, both current and anticipated
  • Cost of rehabilitation
  • Loss of earnings, both current and future
  • Disability or disfigurement
  • Home health care and domestic assistance
  • Emotional distress
  • Other expenses related to the accident.

In addition, the family of a person tragically killed in a car accident may make a wrongful death claim against the negligent driver and recover additional damages, such as compensation for loss of companionship and lost financial support.

Does the injured party have to go through a trial to receive compensation?

Not always. Many times, car accident claims are settled out of court. The insurance company for the negligent driver may offer a lump sum settlement. Be aware, however, that by accepting the settlement you will have to agree to forfeit your right to make any future claims on account of the accident. Do not accept any payment or sign any release until you have consulted an Indiana personal injury lawyer. Mike Stephenson has been a trusted advisor for car injury victims for more than 30 years and will be able to explain the pros and cons of your accepting a settlement offer. Whether negotiating with insurance attorneys in a conference room or addressing a jury in a courtroom, Mike Stephenson will be an aggressive advocate for your rights. Call him at 317-680-2501.

What will it cost to make a claim against the person who caused the car accident?

When you call Mike Stephenson, the first consultation will be free. You will receive Mike’s honest evaluation and advice on the best way to proceed. If you decide to retain Mr. Stephenson, the financial resources of the Stephenson Rife law firm will be at your disposal, hiring the most competent investigators and experts to support your case. Our fee will come from any recovery you ultimately receive, and that amount will depend on the circumstances of the case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

What am I likely to win in a lawsuit?

We can’t give you a definite answer to that question, because the circumstances of every accident are different. However, we can assure you that we give every case our best efforts, working tirelessly to bring a measure of justice and healing to our injured clients. Here are some of the results we have achieved for car accident victims:

  • A $1 million verdict for a passenger hit by a delivery truck
  • A $200,000 verdict against an insurance company for underinsured motorist coverage
  • An $820,000 settlement for a driver hit by a pick-up truck
  • A $500,000 settlement from a distracted driver.

What areas of Indiana do you cover?

Although our offices are in Shelbyville, near Indianapolis, our personal injury attorneys serve clients located in towns and cities all across the state. In fact, Mike Stephenson has handled litigation in 18 states and is often called upon by attorneys in other states to assist with their Indiana cases.

Mike Stephenson believes justice matters. Phone him at 317-680-2501 or use the firm’s convenient online contact form. You’ll find comfort in his concentration on the details of your story and confidence in his “client first” approach.

Attorney Mike Stephenson

Indiana Attorney Mike StephensonMike Stephenson has 40 years of experience and is a trusted advisor to many individuals and companies. His current practice is dominated by civil litigation in state and federal courts. He focuses much of his time on handling catastrophic injuries caused by all types of accidents, including motor vehicle, trucking, workplace injuries, product liability, and fire, just to name a few. He also works extensively in construction accidents. [ Attorney Bio ]

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