Noblesville Car Accident Lawyer

Most of us hop in a car every day to drive to work, school, the grocery store, or to visit friends.  Cars are so much a part of our daily life that we often forget that they can also be the cause of serious injuries or death.  In the blink of an eye, a car ride can turn into a life-changing event.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a vehicle crash, a Noblesville car accident lawyer can serve as your advocate and help you get back on your feet.  Car crashes often represent serious setbacks for families, not only because of the emotional toll and time spent in doctors’ offices, but also because of the tremendous financial burden that can arise.

Our Legal Team

A financial recovery cannot heal all wounds or restore everything to normal again.  But it can make some things easier and provide for your family’s future well-being. This compensation can ease the expensive burdens caused by overwhelming medical bills, loss of income, and even disability.

Attorney Mike Stephenson has 40 years of legal experience and has won many large personal injury claims totaling millions of dollars. He has served as lead trial counsel in more than 100 civil jury trials and has handled litigation in 18 states around the country. State and local polls by peers have listed Mike as one of Indiana’s top lawyers.  Attorney Brady Rife, also highly experienced, prepares each case as though it may be tried in court.  Our entire legal team treats every client with compassion, concern, and respect.

• We are not afraid to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies or take a case to trial, if necessary.
• We communicate openly and frequently with the clients we serve.
• We have a winning track record in personal injury cases.

At Stephenson Rife, we understand that your family needs to be protected and cared for after a car accident in Noblesville. If you feel alone and don’t know where to turn, reach out to us. We will assess the facts in your case, explain your legal options, and discuss next steps.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

There are many different kinds of car accidents, and the amount of damages you could receive varies from case to case. Your attorney will tell you that the value of a claim tends to be higher when:

• Injuries are more severe,
• Long-term disabilities are greater,
• Total bills for treatment and rehabilitation are higher, and
• Days and weeks off work are longer.

There are some things that could bring down the value of your case, such as evidence that you played a role in causing the accident, or the defendant may have some valid defenses to the claim. No matter what, your Stephenson Rife attorney will work tirelessly to achieve the maximum payout possible in your case.

It Is Important to File Your Noblesville Car Crash Claim Promptly

The statute of limitations for a car accident claim in Indiana is two years from the date of the injury crash. (Indiana Code Title 34. Civil Law and Procedure § 34-11-2-4).  This two-year limit applies to claims involving physical injury or property damage. If you miss the two-year window, the court will likely dismiss your case, so it’s important to contact a lawyer promptly after you’ve been injured.

Indiana applies the legal theory of modified comparative negligence when determining fault in a car accident case, also known as the “51% fault” rule. You must be less than 51% at fault for a car crash to file an injury claim. If you are awarded damages for your injuries, the court will reduce your recovery by the percentage of fault that is yours.  For example, if it is determined that you are 20% at fault for a collision and the other party is 80% at fault and the total award is $100,000, then you will receive $80,000 (the total less 20%).

Proving Your Case

At Stephenson Rife, we collect all relevant evidence to build a powerful lawsuit against the negligent parties. Some of this includes:

• Driver statements at the scene: The other driver will sometimes admit fault for an accident by blurting out comments moments after the crash.  A statement like this supports your assertion that they caused the crash.
• Photos or videos: Police dash cams, cell phone videos shot by onlookers or passengers, and surveillance cameras can show driver negligence. These can be used in court.
• Police report: Your attorney will request the police report to use as evidence in court.
• Cell phone records: Your lawyer can subpoena the cell phone company to obtain the other driver’s texting and call records. Showing they were handling the phone before the wreck could provide evidence in your favor.
• Witness statements: Your Noblesville car accident lawyer can gather witness statements to prove your claim.  This includes your own passengers and those of the at-fault driver.
• Accident reconstruction reports: Our legal team maintains a network of experts who advise us in matters of injuries, auto damage, and accident reconstruction. We can also hire an independent investigator to recreate the events leading up to the impact.  We are skilled at using digital and multimedia tools to demonstrate the other driver’s negligence.

Our legal team is highly skilled at preserving evidence after an accident.  The sooner you call us, the sooner we can get to work for you.

Who Pays My Attorney Fees?

Here’s the good news — our Noblesville car accident attorneys work on contingency, which means we don’t get paid until you get paid. Our fees are paid by the defendant(s) as part of a settlement agreement or jury award. If for some reason your claim is not successful, then you owe us nothing. To learn more about settlements you can visit our settlement FAQ page.

Damages You Might Be Entitled To

If you’ve been injured in a Noblesville, IN, car accident, you may be entitled to compensation to help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally.  Compensation could include:

• Medical Expenses: All medical and hospital bills related to your injury, including doctor bills, emergency room visits, surgeries, and prescription drugs.  If you’re disabled or require long-term care, future medical costs can also be included.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for lost earnings from your job. This can include future lost income and any reduction in earnings capacity due to your injury.
• Property Damage: Compensation for damage to your property, such as your vehicle, personal belongings, and other items damaged in a car accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional distress caused by an accident and resulting injuries. This could include PTSD, anxiety, pain, or other emotional setbacks.

Steps To Take After a Noblesville Car Accident

Getting injured in a crash can be a traumatic experience. By taking certain steps to protect your health and legal rights, you will be well-positioned to file a lawsuit later. Here are the important steps to take:

• Get Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and safety by seeking medical attention right away.  Even minor injuries could hide much more serious medical problems that develop months later. Timely medical attention ensures you receive the necessary treatment.  It also establishes documentation vital for your legal claim.
• Report the Accident: In cases where the car accident occurs in heavy traffic, move to the side of the road to ensure your safety.  Then call 911 and report the crash to the police, giving them your location and asking them to respond to the scene.
• Preserve Evidence: Protect any physical evidence related to the accident, such as vehicle parts, road debris, or evidence that the other driver was drinking.  Retain documents associated with your injury, including doctor’s reports, medical bills, and communications with insurance companies.
• Document the Scene: If possible, take photographs or videos of visible injuries, property damage, hazardous conditions, or contributing factors like weather conditions or road hazards. Obtain contact information from witnesses who saw the accident.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: In cases involving car accidents, promptly inform your insurance company. Provide factual details about the accident but refrain from admitting fault or making speculations about what happened.
• Consult with a Car Accident Attorney: Hiring a car accident attorney will ensure that your legal rights are protected.  Your lawyer can also advise you about what compensation you might be entitled to.

Proving Negligence in Car Accidents

Proving negligence is essential in any personal injury lawsuit.  The Noblesville car accident attorneys at Stephenson Rife know how to handle the complex laws and multiple parties and insurers that can be involved in crash claims.  We are deeply committed and fully prepared to prove that the other party was negligent in your case.  To prove negligence, your attorney must show:

1. DUTY – The other motorist had a duty to follow traffic laws and drive responsibly.
2. BREACH – The other driver breached this duty by violating rules of the road and showing careless disregard for the safety of other motorists.
3. CAUSATION – The other driver caused your injuries in a car crash because of their negligence.
4. DAMAGES – You suffered measurable economic and non-economic damages as the result of the crash caused by the other driver.

Why Choose Stephenson Rife as Your Noblesville Car Accident Attorney?

Dealing with the aftermath of a serious car accident can feel overwhelming.  At Stephenson Rife, our personal injury attorneys have a proud record of success.  Here are several reasons why we believe we are your best choice when choosing a lawyer to represent you:

• Recognized Excellence: Attorneys Mike Stephenson and Brady Rife have earned distinctions as Indiana Super Lawyers and received prestigious legal awards, attesting to our elevated standing and proficiency in the field.
• Comprehensive Legal Support: We handle all legal documentation and court appearances as Indiana law mandates, reducing the burden on our clients.
• Skilled Negotiators: Dealing directly with insurance companies and engaging in aggressive negotiations are integral to our legal services sparing you from these complexities.
• Leaders in Our Field: Serving the Indianapolis community since 1976, we bring extensive experience to the table.  Recognized for our expertise, we are the go-to law firm for consultations with other legal practices.
• Cost-Effective Legal Services: We prioritize cost-effectiveness, ensuring our legal services remain accessible. You only pay us if we secure a victory for you, ensuring a fair and risk-free arrangement.

Stephenson Rife:  A Big Firm Without the Baggage

High hourly rates are common at large law firms, but not at ours. We can provide cost-effective legal representation. We don’t have to pay rent in a downtown office building, and we don’t have a bureaucracy made up of layers of partners and associates.

We keep things simple. We take your car accident case, put a team of experienced lawyers on it and take care of it. No excess. No fluff. Just results.

Our outstanding client testimonials and the significant cases we’ve won speak volumes about our skill, trustworthiness, and authority.  We also offer an attractive attorney referral program. At Stephenson Rife, we treat clients like family.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a Noblesville car accident due to someone else’s negligence, we can help. Contact Stephenson Rife today at (317) 680-2501 to schedule a free consultation.