Injury / Accident

Personal injuries include every variety of injury to a person's body, emotions, or reputation, as contradistinguished from injury to property rights.

About this service

Injury / Accident law settles legal disputes that arise when intentional or unintentional wrongdoing affects an individual (or individuals) psychologically or physically. Often attorneys who practice personal injury law work on cases that involve accidental collisions, wrongful death, medical malpractice, product liability, or injury in the workplace. Personal injury cases are often settled informally before a lawsuit is filed. However, when a formal civil lawsuit is filed, plaintiffs have a statute of limitations that begins from the moment when they first discover the injury or when they are first injured.  

AUTO / TRUCK ACCIDENTS OVERVIEW

You are driving down the road minding your own business when – you’re hit. Through no fault of your own, you find yourself with car damage, personal injuries, loss of work, financial pressures. When the initial shock subsides, you quickly learn that you will be facing a large, sophisticated insurance company with lawyers on hand to protect its interest. As soon as possible, you should consult an attorney to insure someone is there protecting your interests. It is important to take immediate steps to protect yourself, which may include getting a copy of the police report, hiring an investigator to do an accident reconstruction, or simply making sure that you don’t say something wrong to an insurance adjuster who may seem friendly on the phone, but is working for the other side.

BICYCLE ACCIDENTS OVERVIEW

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded 818 bicycle fatalities in 2015 up a staggering 12.2% over the previous year. Additionally, there were 45,000 people injured in bicycling traffic crashes.  The number of bicycles on the road is increasing as more of us choose to use bicycles for both exercise as well as transportation. As cyclists we understand there are dangers in “Sharing the Road” as not all drivers understand our right to use the road. Distracted drivers pose the largest danger to cyclists, whether it is not seeing the bike in their blind spot, passing too close and sideswiping a rider, opening a door without checking the rearview mirror, rolling through a stop sign, pulling out of driveways, driving while texting or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The reality is there are a lot of drivers of cars and trucks that simply don’t pay attention to their surroundings, putting those of us who ride at a dangerous disadvantage.

Complicating matters is the fact that Indiana Bicycle Laws are confusing and sometimes they may seem to be at odds with moving vehicle laws. At TCRJ Law, we will help eliminate confusion and assist injured cyclists with claims and settlements.

Depending on the individual insurance policy, homeowners insurance and auto insurance may extend to your bicycle. Sometimes even seasoned agents don’t know this coverage exists and you could possibly get a “no it isn’t covered” when it actually could be.

If you sustained a personal injury in a bicycling accident and are about to deal with an insurance company, consult with a TCRJ attorney first. The reality is insurance companies want to settle for the smallest amount they can get away with, possibly leaving you with unpaid bills, loss of time at work or future medical expenses without compensation. This can be a very stressful time, so let us help you through it.

Our experience at TCRJ Law comes into play with every case, with those involving cyclists our experience on the road gives you something else-an understanding of your situation.

WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

  1. Any letters you have received from the insurance company.
  2. Any medical reports, papers or off-work slips from any treating physicians.
  3. Any photos of your injuries or accident scene.
  4. Any statements from witnesses or co-workers.
  5. Any letters you have received from attorneys representing the other parties.
  6. Police Report – if you have one.
  7. Insurance Policy and Insurance Limits (usually found on your declaration page). If you do not have this, your insurance agent can get you one immediately.
  8. Copies of any and all medical bills to date for treating the injuries.
  9. Copies of pay stubs showing the loss of pay.
  10. Photographs of the cars and injuries.

FORMS TO FILL OUT FOR YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

  1. Personal Injury Client Questionnaire

Additional resources

  1. Indiana bike laws

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW SOON DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY?
WHAT IF THE INSURANCE COMPANY CALLS ME IMMEDIATELY?
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO MAKE A CLAIM?

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Let’s work on your case together

We understand that sometimes it’s difficult to make the first step. We want you to feel comfortable and know that you have a trusted partner by your side. Contact us today for your confidential consultation.