6 Tips for Injured Pedestrians in Indiana

Let’s be clear: Pedestrians do not always have the right of way.

We’re unsure how the rumor started, but there’s a belief among some that a driver who hits a pedestrian is always liable for damages, no matter the situation. Attorney Matt Boulton has witnessed several pedestrian-related accidents throughout Indiana, and, unfortunately, a significant number of these incidents were caused by a pedestrian’s actions.

Following an accident, there can be confusion about Indiana’s pedestrian laws as well as how to choose the right attorney for your case. For these reasons, Boulton Law Group recommends you ask an experienced Indiana pedestrian injury lawyer the following questions:

How Long Have You Practiced Pedestrian Accident Law in Indiana?

Pedestrian laws can differ from state to state, so it’s important that you ask your attorney about his or her experience with pedestrian accident cases in the state of Indiana.

Ideally, the attorney will have several years of experience specifically handling pedestrian accident cases in large and small cities throughout the Hoosier state. Like any area of Indiana personal injury law, pedestrian cases will have unique rules and issues that can benefit from professional, legal analysis.

Matt offers his clients more than 25 years of experience handling pedestrian injury cases, often involving a vehicle that was found to be partially or fully liable for the accident.

Have You Handled a Case Similar to Mine?

Every case is unique, and nowhere is this more true than in the case of pedestrian accident law. In addition to the variety of factors that can affect the liability of these cases, the potential for injury is often high and results in the need of medical treatment.

With that in mind, you’ll want to take note if the attorney has handled a pedestrian accident case that involves an injury similar to the one you sustained. For example, if you suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it can benefit you to hire someone with experience handling other personal injury cases involving TBI.

Additionally, you may want to ask about their results on a case similar to your own. Were they successful?

Indiana law doesn’t permit any attorney to guarantee the outcome or value of a case, but Matt will be able to speak to you about his success rate with pedestrian-related cases.

Do You Have Trial Experience?

While rare, pedestrian cases involving serious injuries have the potential to require a jury trial. This means you should hire an attorney who is able, willing, and experienced in trying injury cases in Indiana’s court system.

More than 95% of Boulton Law Group’s clients are never required to go to court. However, Matt has several years of trial experience, and if he believes the insurance company’s theory of liability is wrong, or they haven’t offered adequate compensation, he doesn’t hesitate to file a lawsuit on his clients’ behalf.

Will You Actually Handle My Case?

Be sure you know who is handling your actual case strategy and negotiations. It is not uncommon for law firms (especially large ones) to send one attorney to meet with you and then have another attorney or paralegal handle the majority of the casework. While they likely aren’t trying to be deceptive, it can be a sign that your case may not receive focus from the attorney to whom you initially spoke.

Matt handles his clients’ cases from start to finish. There is no hand-off or assembly line approach. Each Boulton Law Group client receives custom case strategy and focused attention from its founder.

How Much Is My Case Worth?

No attorney can guarantee the value of a pedestrian accident case–there are too many variables. However, once you’re released from treatment and all sources of insurance coverage are located, an experienced attorney should be able to put an estimated value to the claim based on your unique circumstances.

Matt will never settle a claim before discussing with the client what he believes is a fair request based on prior pedestrian-related injury cases. If the client agrees, and gives Matt authority to move forward, only then will he request the agreed upon amount from the insurance company.

Do You Work on Contingency Fee Basis?

Attorneys who work on a contingency fee basis typically do not collect any payment from their clients unless the case is won. This type of agreement removes financial risk and ensures everyone has equal access to experienced legal representation.

However, be sure that you fully understand the attorney’s specific fee arrangement. While a contingency fee usually means “No win No Fee,” the fee rates and other details can vary between lawyers.

Boulton Law Group clients are granted a Zero Fee Guarantee, meaning they will never be charged for a legal consultation or asked for any payment until the case is won. Additionally, the Guarantee promises that the firm will never receive more than the client, nor will the fee increase if your case goes to court. (Some law firms increase their fee if trial is required due to the additional time and casework that may be involved.)

If you have additional questions, you may contact Matt through our confidential contact form. Matt reviews each contact received by the firm and looks forward to hearing your story!