Recent Blog Posts
February 10, 2023 / Personal Injury
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Motorcycle Accident?
A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help Win Compensation Motorcycles offer little protection to their riders, so it is no wonder that motorcycle crashes can have catastrophic results. Survivors may wind up with severe injuries, dealing with hospitalizations, surgeries, tremendous pain and suffering, and medical bills piling up at a time they are unable to work. It’s not uncommon for some injuries to result in death. If you or a loved one has been injured or someone has died in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim that can bring compensation for your losses and provide the money you need to meet your expenses and pay for care. However, this is not something you should fight for on your own. Indian[...]
January 5, 2023 / Car Accidents
Can I sue if someone hits me with their car?
If you were hit by a car while walking on the sidewalk or enjoying a leisurely stroll, it can be both frightening and result in severe injury and impairment. You could be laid up in the hospital for weeks and experience several days or weeks off work. If you’re wondering “can I sue if someone hits me with their car?”, the answer is often “yes.” Pedestrian accidents spiked by 12% nationwide in the first nine months of 2021 as drivers -- stressed and fatigued by the pandemic -- became more careless, distracted and anxiety-ridden. In 2020, there were 6,516 pedestrian traffic deaths in the U.S., and pedestrian fatalities as a percent of all traffic fatalities totaled 16.8%, according to the National Safety Counsel. The largest [...]
December 7, 2022 / Catastrophic Injuries
What Qualifies As a Spinal Injury Lawsuit?
A spinal injury can be a life-changing event, which is why it’s important to know what qualifies as a spinal injury lawsuit. In the worst case, a spinal injury can leave you permanently paralyzed or otherwise disabled. But even in less extreme scenarios, spinal injuries can lead to chronic pain problems or, at the very least, a long recovery time which could result in lost wages. Regardless of the severity, your spinal injury is likely to cost you hefty medical expenses. It can be helpful to know that you have options for pursuing a lawsuit. But what qualifies as a spinal injury? Let our attorneys at Stephenson Rife help you prepare your case. What Qualifies As a Spinal Injury Lawsuit? Although spinal injuries are always upset[...]
November 28, 2022 / Personal Injury
Should Injury Victims Negotiate Directly with Insurance Companies?
A recent case handled by our law firm offers a good reminder how an insurance company’s claims adjuster’s job is to settle, even a clear liability injury case, for as little as possible and NOT for the real value of the injury. This case is a great example of what can happen when an injured victim tries to negotiate directly with a very experienced insurance claims adjuster. In this case, an insurance company initially offered only $1,374 for the injuries our client suffered in a car crash. After she hired Stephenson Rife, we were able to negotiate a $35,000 settlement. The facts in the case were simple, though tragic. Legal liability, or responsibility, was not in dispute. An elderly man was driving a vehicle and ran a stop sign. Hi[...]
November 18, 2022 / Wrongful Death
How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Paid Out?
Dealing with the death of a loved one caused by someone else’s negligence can be devastating. You may receive some benefits through your loved one’s life insurance, but that might not alleviate the financial and emotional burden that you feel. You may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit for additional compensation. Wrongful death lawsuits can be complicated and stressful, so it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can represent your best interests. If you’ve decided to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit for additional compensation, you might be wondering how the money gets paid out. Contact our experienced wrongful death lawyer to guide you through the process and help you understand your legal options. [...]
September 23, 2022 / Car Accidents
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Indiana?
It would be great if there were an average settlement for a car accident in Indiana, but unfortunately, there isn’t. That’s because each case is so different. The dollar amount of a settlement depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, number of defendants, amount of medical bills, impact on your future ability to earn a living, and many other variables. Generally, as a rule of thumb, the more catastrophic the injury, the higher the payout. If you’re wondering “what is the average settlement for a car accident in Indiana?”, the best thing to do is talk to a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer who can assess the facts in your case and give you an estimate of what your case might be worth. At [...]
March 23, 2022 / Vehicle Accidents
What to Do if Your Motorcycle Is Hit by a Car from Behind
The average motorcycle weighs just 700 pounds, and when one collides with a much heavier truck or car, the consequences can be severe. Motorcycle accidents are often deadly. You may be asking what to do if your motorcycle is hit by a car from behind. Are there certain steps you should take to ensure your immediate safety? Let’s take a closer look at motorcycle crashes. There were 8,596,314 motorcycles registered in the U.S. in 2019, and they traveled more than 19 billion vehicle miles that year. There were 5,014 fatalities due to motorcycle crashes in 2019, and an additional 84,000 motorcyclists were injured. Fatality rates were roughly 58 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled among motorcyclists, compared to a much lower 9 per [...]
March 9, 2022 / Personal Injury
Can I Sue for a Concussion?
You've received a blow to the head that resulted in an injury and left you with medical bills you didn't expect to deal with. Now you're asking, "Can I sue for a concussion?" The answer to the question is yes, you can sue for damages provided you can show proof of injury and that the blow to your head was the result of negligence, even if the concussion was mild. A concussion is caused by a blow to the head that results in your head being whipped to one side in a sudden motion. The sudden motion causes your brain to crash into your skull and causes temporary or permanent injuries to your brain. You'll experience a change in your ability to process the world around you, along with difficulty speaking and other conditions related to brain [...]
February 26, 2022 / Car Accidents
How Often Do Car Accident Cases Go to Court in Indiana?
About every 10 seconds someone is injured in a motor vehicle accident in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This means a lot of motorists are getting hurt every day. While there are no exact figures available, the majority of car accident lawsuits – an estimated 95% -- are settled before trial. So, if you’re asking how often do car accident cases go to court, the answer is about 5% of the time. Why do cases go to trial? Well, there are several reasons. The most common reason is that an insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith when trying to agree on a settlement amount. If insurance representatives consistently low-ball their offers in the hopes of getting a v[...]
February 17, 2022 / Catastrophic Injuries
Can You Sue for Chemical Burns?
Chemical burns can leave lasting injuries. Whether you got injured at work, at home, or in a place of business, you have the right to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses as a result of a chemical burn caused by someone else's negligence. While insurance might cover part of what you're owed, it's often the case that you need to sue for chemical burns to receive all of the compensation you're entitled to. If You Want to Bring a Lawsuit, Can You Sue for Chemical Burns? You have the right to receive full compensation any time the negligence of another person or business causes you chemical burns or other injuries. Some people would even say you have a duty to sue to prevent that[...]