Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys

Our Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a personal injury claim?

If you have sustained injury after an accident, you can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party whether they are an individual or a company.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?

In Indiana, you can file your injury claim up to two years after the accident occurred.

Will I have to pay for my medical bills out of pocket?

Typically, medical specialists will wait until you have reached a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurer before you have to pay. You may have to pay copay fees, but you can include those in your claim.

How much is my case worth?

Compensation varies case by case, and to identify what you may be entitled to, you will want to discuss your case with a lawyer.

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?

Personal injury lawyers typically do not collect payment unless you obtain a settlement, so there is no risk to get started. Rather than charge an upfront fee, you only pay attorney fees if and when we secure you compensation for your injuries.

What percentage do most personal injury lawyers take?

The average contingency fee for a personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis is 33%. However, each attorney is free to charge their own rate, as long as it is considered reasonable.

Do I have a personal injury case?

You could have a personal injury case if you were injured due to the negligent, wrongful, or unlawful conduct of another person or party. For example, if you were injured by a careless driver or slipped and fell due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you could have a case. The best way to tell if you have a personal injury case is to contact an attorney. Reach out to us at Hovde Dassow + Deets today to set up a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.

Should I hire a personal injury lawyer?

While there is no law requiring you to hire a personal injury attorney, there are many reasons to do so. Studies show that people who work with attorneys tend to recover higher settlements than those who try to resolve their personal injury claims on their own. A personal injury lawyer will be able to investigate your case, gather applicable evidence, work with various industry experts, communicate with the insurance company, and advocate for you in court if necessary. This allows you to focus on your physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?

Personal injury lawyers provide legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means that their attorney fees are paid via a percentage of your overall settlement or verdict. The percentage depends on various factors, but it is generally determined and agreed upon by both parties prior to the attorney being hired. In other words, you do not pay anything upfront or out-of-pocket when you hire a personal injury lawyer, and you only owe attorney fees if/when you recover compensation.

Is my injury severe enough to file a claim?

You should contact a lawyer if you are not sure. Different factors will indicate if your injury was severe enough to file a claim. Scenarios such as missing prolonged time from work, wage loss, the need for surgery, time spent in hospital, or an unfortunate permanent disability would be factors the lawyer would review in order to determine the severity.

What is the statute of limitations on personal injury cases in Indiana?

The statute of limitations, or deadline for filing a lawsuit, on most personal injury cases in Indiana is two years from the date of injury. If you fail to file a lawsuit within two years (with some exceptions), you will almost certainly lose your right to sue the liable party for damages.

Will my personal injury case go to trial?

Only 5% of all personal injury cases ever proceed to trial. The vast majority of personal injury cases are resolved outside of the courtroom, either through a settlement or mediation. Our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys always work for the best interests of our clients. Usually, that means securing a favorable settlement, however, there are cases where we will advise our clients to go to trial – if we are confident that a more favorable verdict can be obtained.