Auto Accident

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much money is my Indiana auto accident case worth?
   Your case is worth either what you agree with the insurance company it's worth or the amount of a cash award granted by a judge and jury. We examine all of the conditions surrounding your case in order to arrive at a figure that we believe the insurance company must pay for your injuries. Generally, the dollar value is dependent upon the type and extent of your injuries. Other factors influencing the dollar value of your case are the amount of medical bills, length of treatment, frequency of treatment, future medical bills, permanent disabilities and any other damage that can be documented. We study every detail so that we can get you the money you deserve for your injuries.

2. How long will it take to get a fair and reasonable settlement offer?
   These cases can vary in length from weeks, months, to even years in some instances. Typically, you will get paid after you have healed from your injuries and have been released by the doctor. This is the best way you can be assured of receiving full compensation for your injuries. We want you to get this compensation for your injuries, so we wait until treatment is completed before telling the insurance company how much your case is worth. We never rest, however. While we wait for your treatment to be completed, we gather the information that increases the value of your case. We constantly do everything we can to move your case forward toward settlement.

3. Will I have to go to court?
   If the insurance company agrees to pay what we believe your case is worth and you wish to settle for that amount, then your case will not go to court. This is what happens in most situations. Some cases do require a formal trial proceeding, however. In either situation, hiring a firm like Stewart & Stewart with experience in handling personal injury cases is critical. We prepare all of our cases as if they are going to court and this is the very reason why most of our cases get settled outside of court. We are always prepared, and our preparation allows us to negotiate from a position of strength, helping you get the maximum award for your injuries.

4. How much will Stewart & Stewart charge?
   There are several ways that an injury lawyer charges for services. At our law firm, this is how we charge: there is no charge for your first visit or telephone call. All your questions will be answered and there is no obligation. We never charge an attorney's fee unless we obtain a recovery for you. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery. If a recovery is not made, you pay nothing for attorney's fees. We do not charge any fee for helping you settle your claim for damage to your vehicle.

5. Is it true that the best lawyers in law firms never handle the small cases?
   At Stewart & Stewart only the best will handle your case. We're a team. More than one person will probably work with you, but all of our employees are skilled at their jobs, from our attorneys to our receptionists. Whether you're talking with an attorney, receptionist, or case manager, you will get all the professional attention you deserve. Also, we stay personally involved in all of our cases, and we are always available to deal with any problems you may have.

6. Can't any lawyer handle any type of case?
   It's true that you could hire any lawyer licensed to practice in Indiana, but not all lawyers have the training, expertise, and trial experience that we have at Stewart & Stewart. We always represent our clients' best interests. Think of it this way: if you needed surgery, would you rather have it done by a surgeon who is a specialist or a general practitioner? Both are doctors … right? Yes, but the surgeon has the training and experience you need. The same is true for lawyers. The family lawyer who prepared your Last Will and Testament may not have the personal injury trial experience that you need. You have a right to ask about the experience and training of the lawyer you hire. You should exercise this right.

7. Should I release my medical records to the insurance adjuster?
   Definitely not. Releases should only be signed under limited circumstances and after consulting with a qualified personal injury lawyer. If your medical information gets into the insurance adjuster's hands, it could hurt your case.

8. Who will pay the doctor bills and fix my car if the other person has no insurance?
   Even if the other driver doesn't have any insurance, you may still be covered. Check with our office. We can look at your policy and tell you if you have uninsured motorist coverage, coverage which can compensate you if you are involved in an auto accident with someone who has no insurance.