Indiana Personal Injury Legal Questions

It is very rare that you would make payments and THEN own the car. Most of the time you own the car, and also sign a note promising to pay off a loan that is secured by the car. Are you sure THAT isn't what you did? If it is really the first arrangement, you would need to show an attorney your purchase agreement to answer the question. If it is the more common arrangement, generally you have to pay the loan, though they can't just keep money and NOT apply it to the loan as your posting suggests.... Read More

Dear Anonymous,   Whether you could prevail on a claim like this depends on whether a reasonable person could conclude that the officers used excessive force based on the circumstances.  These cases are very fact specific and require a detailed analysis of exactly what happened leading up to the use of force.  These claims are typically brought under 42 U.S.C. sec. 1983, which specifically provdes as follows: Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State or Territory or the District of Columbia, subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party injured in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding for redress.   Sec. 1983 claims can be difficult because law enforcement officers are provided with some immunities under State and Federal Law.  If you think you may have been a victim of excessive force by a law enforcement official, you should contact an Indiana personal injury attorney that is knowledgeable about these claims.   Very truly yours,   Chip Clark... Read More

1. No, you can't; this is your son's claim. Even if you pursue it for him as a minor, the money still goes to him. 2. You can arrange for a free consultation about your son's personal injuries with an attorney in your community. Claims like this are very fact-specific, and require a meeting and conversation.... Read More

Dear Anonymous,   Once you have received any necessary medical treatment, you will want to contact an experienced personal injury attorney.  Depending on the severity of your injuries, and the facts and circumstances that led up to your injury, an attorney can evaluate whether or not you might have a viable claim against Walmart.     Very truly yours,   Chip Clark... Read More

You probably have a defense to any lawsuit based upon his voluntary participation in the game, but you will need to sit down with an attorney and have a talk, as cases like this can be very fact specific. If you have any form of homeowner's or other personal liability insurance, you can and should also notify your carrier if a lawsuit is threatened or filed.... Read More

Dear Anonymous,   It sounds to me like you could probably use the help of a personal injury attorney, but keep in mind that most personal injury attorneys are going to charge you 1/3rd of whatever settlement amount that is accepted.  Therefore, in order to put you in the same position you are in right now, the lawyer is going to need to get the insurance company to increase their offer enough to justify the fee.  Keep in mind that an experienced personal injury lawyer can also help you negotiate the payment to your medical providers, which can also help to maximize your recovery.  Also, there is more to evaluating a personal injury claim than just medical bils.  Did anyone miss work or lose wages?  Were there other lost opportunities that resulted from the accident.  Are any of the injuries permanent?  Most personal injury attorneys will give you a free consultation over the phone to discuss the merits of your case.  I would always recommend talking to any attorney before you make any agreement to settle your claim.   Chip Clark... Read More

Dear Ramon, Whether you will be able to recover under the landowner's insurance policy depends on the circumstances of the shooting.  If the homeowner was negligent, there could be coverage under their policy.  You would not be able to sue the insurance company directly; rather, you would have to sue the owner of the property.  For example, if the owner of the property was cleaning his gun and shot you accidentally while you were lawfully on the premises, you would have a claim.  If you just happened to be at someone's house and were the victim of a drive-by shooting, you probably would not have a claim unless the homeowner was negligent in some way. If you have specific questions or want to provide me with more details, please do.   Chip Clark... Read More