If you’ve been injured in an accident due to the negligent actions of someone else, you’re probably ready to begin the claims process. In order to hold the liable parties accountable and receive full compensation for the losses you’ve endured, you’ll want to hire a personal injury attorney to help guide you through the legal system.
Although many personal injury cases get settled outside of court, there’s a good chance that the negligent party won’t be willing to pay the full amount of your settlement. In this case, you’ll need to go to court. At Kooi Law, our qualified lawyers are prepared to negotiate on your behalf and secure you the compensation you deserve.
Before heading into trial, you may have some questions and concerns to address with your attorney. We know that the legal process is foreign to most, so we’ve answered some of the most common questions below.
What if I’m Partially Responsible for the Accident?
The state of Indiana has modified comparative negligence laws in place, which follow that anyone who is partially at fault for an accident can still file for compensation as long as they were less than 50 percent responsible. This law protects individuals on both ends of the accident from losing all of their money.
If you were partially at fault for the accident, your percentage of fault will be taken out of your settlement amount. For example, if you’re found to be 10 percent at fault, your total settlement will be reduced by 10 percent.
How Much Is My Claim Worth?
Your Indianapolis personal injury attorney can help you calculate your overall claim value by investigating your case and compiling a list of economic and non-economic damages. Not only will your medical expenses be taken into consideration, but other economic damages will also be examined, such as loss of future wages and property damages.
Non-economic damages that have affected your lifestyle will be considered, as well, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
What Does the Trial Process Look Like?
In a civil trial in Indiana, a six-person jury will be selected to decide your case. This jury will be questioned by judges and lawyers on both the prosecution and defense to ensure all members are unbiased and have no prior knowledge of the case. The steps in the trial will be as follows:
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Closing statements
- Jury deliberation
- Verdict
Once the prosecution and the defense have both presented their arguments, the jury will deliver a verdict and the settlement will be decided. Your personal injury attorney in Indianapolis will fight on your behalf and do everything in their power to prove to the jury why you deserve compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered.
Contact an Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorney
Although going to court can seem daunting, our experienced attorneys at Kooi Law are prepared to fight for you. We’re here to answer any questions you may have before going to trial so that when the day comes, you’ll feel confident and at ease.
Reach out to an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer today with any concerns you have about your case. You can fill out the contact form below or call us for a no-obligation consultation at 317-569-1335.
