Recent Blog Posts
October 25, 2024 / Car Accidents
What to Do After an Accident with a USPS Mail Truck in Indiana
Accidents are never easy to deal with, but when an accident involves a USPS mail truck, things can quickly become even more complicated. The sound of the crash, the shock of the moment, and the immediate concern for everyone's safety can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. These accidents are not just any ordinary fender-bender; they involve federal property, which introduces a unique set of challenges and considerations. Knowing what to do next isn’t just about legal steps—it’s about finding a path to recovery and normalcy with compassionate, experienced guidance. What Is the Federal Tort Claims Act? The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) gives you the right to seek compensation from the U.S. gov[...]
October 11, 2024 / Wrongful Death
Can a Family Sue for Wrongful Death?
Losing a loved one can be a painful and difficult experience. When that loss is due to another party's negligence or wrongful actions, it can be even more devastating. Wrongful death cases provide a legal avenue for the surviving family members to receive compensation and seek justice for their loss. In Indianapolis, as in many other jurisdictions, it is possible to file a wrongful death lawsuit under certain circumstances. Think you may be entitled to compensation after a wrongful death? Contact us today at (317) 680-2501 for a free consultation. Understanding Wrongful Death in Indianapolis Wrongful death, as a legal concept, refers to a situation where another party's negligent, reckless, or intentional actions cause an indiv[...]
July 29, 2024 / Wrongful Death
The Differences Between Wrongful Death And Survival Action Cases
Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when their passing could have been prevented. Amidst their grief, families often feel uncertain about their legal options for holding accountable those who were responsible. In Indiana, there are two primary legal avenues in such situations: wrongful death claims and survival actions. Although they may appear similar, each serves a distinct purpose and follows different rules under Indiana law. What Is a Wrongful Death Claim? A wrongful death case is initiated when a person dies due to the fault of another party, such as negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to provide compensation to the deceased person's survivors for their losses. These[...]
June 9, 2024 / Car Accidents
What to Do If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Indiana
Under any circumstances, a car accident is stressful at best, and at its worst it could be utterly devastating. When the other party involved has no auto insurance, the stress and devastation mount. Victims need compensation for their losses and parties at fault must be held accountable for paying that compensation; they usually do so through their insurance policies. If you or someone you love is hurt or experiences property damage in a car accident with an uninsured driver, all hope for compensation is not lost. An Indiana car accident lawyer from Stephenson Rife PLLC will review your case for free and present you with options for securing the compensation you justly deserve. Indiana Auto Insurance by the Numbers Indiana requires[...]
June 9, 2024 / Car Accidents
What Happens If Your Uber Is in An Accident?
When you take an Uber, you may avoid driving through unfamiliar areas or may not be sober, making Uber a great option for staying safe. Unfortunately, Uber drivers are fallible, and you may have been injured in an Uber accident. Now, you need compensation, but you may be unsure what happens next or where to begin. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get compensated fairly for your injuries. Insurance and legal options can help protect you when a serious accident happens so you have the chance to recover from your suffering. If you are unsure what happens next after an Uber accident, do not hesitate to reach out to our team at Stephenson Rife for the help you need. Liability for Your Injuries Can Be Tricky As you handle any[...]
June 9, 2024 / Truck Accidents
Do Most Truck Accident Cases Go to Trial?
Truck accident victims suffer physical, emotional, and financial injuries and need substantial compensation to recover their losses, reach maximum recovery, and stabilize their financial future. While many victims secure compensation through an out-of-court settlement, a smaller percentage may need to fight for that compensation at trial. If you or someone you love is the victim of a truck accident, an Indiana truck accident lawyer at Stephenson Rife LLP has got you covered. We are fierce negotiators and skilled trial attorneys prepared to fight for your rights at the negotiating table or in the courtroom. How Truck Accident Cases Work Like any personal injury case, victims of truck accidents can only see a favorable outcome to their [...]
June 8, 2024 / Wrongful Death
Who is Entitled to Wrongful Death Benefits?
Victims of wrongful death are those who die because of another party’s reckless or intentional actions or negligence. While offenders may face criminal charges for that wrongful death, the victim’s surviving family can also file a civil case, demanding that the offender pay wrongful death benefits – financial compensation – for their loved one’s death. When someone you love is the victim of a wrongful death, reach out to Stephenson Rife LLC to connect with a caring, experienced Indiana wrongful death lawyer. Our team will work to hold the responsible party accountable for compensating you and your family members for the loss of your loved one and the consequences of that untimely death. Wrongful Death Benefits Explained W[...]
February 20, 2024 / Wrongful Death
Is There a Statute of Limitations on a Wrongful Death Suit?
Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence is a devastating experience. Families often seek legal recourse by filing a wrongful death lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable. In such cases, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek justice and compensation for your loss. However, it's crucial to understand the legal framework surrounding wrongful death claims, including the statute of limitations, to ensure your rights are protected. If you need legal help with your wrongful death suit, the experienced lawyers at Stephenson Rife can help. Contact us today at (317) 680-2501. Understanding Wrongful Death Claims A wrongful death claim is when the negligence, recklessness, or intentional miscondu[...]
December 22, 2023 / Vehicle Accidents
How Much Can I Get for a Car Accident Settlement?
Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, and it often comes with physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you've been injured in a car accident in Indianapolis, you may be wondering how much compensation you can receive through a settlement. The value of a settlement is influenced by various factors, primarily revolving around the facts of the case, applicable laws, and the quality of the evidence supporting your assertions. In most car accident cases, the plaintiff initiates the lawsuit and takes legal action against the defendant, the party alleged to have caused the accident. The defendant's insurance company is typically responsible for covering legal defense costs, settlements, or verdicts up to the[...]
December 22, 2023 / Wrongful Death
Bicycle Deaths: It’s No Longer Mostly Children
Bicycles, once synonymous with carefree childhood adventures, have become integral to adult life. Bicycle accidents were often seen as unfortunate yet commonplace misadventures, usually involving scraped knees and tales of daring escapades. As the wheels of time turn, so too does the narrative surrounding bicycle-related fatalities. What was once predominantly a concern for children learning to navigate their bikes close to home now impacts adults at an alarming rate. In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the demographics of bicycle-related fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2021, there were 966 cyclist fatalities, and the average age of the cyclist killed was 49. The National Lib[...]