Category: Car Accidents

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[...]


What to Do If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Indiana
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[...]


What Happens If Your Uber Is in An Accident?
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[...]


When to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident
February 14, 2023 / Car Accidents

When to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident

When to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, chaos often ensues. You may be laid up in the hospital, attending physical therapy appointments, and missing days at work. Your family’s routine is turned upside down. Any thoughts about when to hire a lawyer after a car accident are likely low on your list. But it’s an important question to ask yourself: Do I need a lawyer for a car accident in Indiana? The answer is often, yes. There are several benefits to hiring a lawyer, including: Injury victims represented by lawyers typically receive larger payouts than do victims representing themselves. Victims who interact directly with insurance companies are at a disadvantage [...]


Can I sue if someone hits me with their car?
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 [...]


What is the average settlement for a car accident in Indiana?
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 [...]


How Often Do Car Accident Cases Go to Court in Indiana?
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[...]


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