We strongly recommend that you do not file a school bus accident claim without an attorney on your team. These cases can be especially complex to pursue, and calculating the full value of accident damages is difficult for anyone without extensive experience handling this type of claim.
Hiring a discount attorney who is a “jack of all trades” may not be the best bet, either. You need an attorney who knows how to pursue a case against a school district or other government entity, including the specific laws regarding how to navigate this type of claim.
Should I File a School Bus Accident Claim Without a Lawyer?
School bus accidents are relatively common in Indiana, but no two are the same. There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer for how to prove liability, build a case, prove your damages, navigate the claims process, and negotiate a settlement with an attorney or insurance company.
Personal Injury Attorneys Know How to Navigate the Process
When a school bus accident victim’s family chooses not to hire a lawyer, or hires a discount “jack of all trades” attorney, it may be the first time they have ever seen a case like this. They may not know that different rules apply when the bus is owned by a public school, for example. In addition, they lack the experience to adequately review the case to ensure they identify, value, and pursue all the losses suffered.
Lastly, pursuing this type of claim requires working closely with insurers and other lawyers to prove the case, demonstrate the value of the case, and negotiate a just settlement. Many discount attorneys and certain individuals who choose to represent themselves have little experience in this arena.
For a free legal consultation, call 317-636-7777
A Discount Attorney or Pro Se Representation May Not Save You Money
Many people falsely believe that the more they can save on hiring an attorney, the more money they will keep in their pocket when they get an accident settlement. They will look for any break from paying the standard 33 ⅓% to a personal injury attorney who regularly handles school bus accident cases.
They will try to represent themselves (pro se representation) or chose a discount lawyer who takes on any type of case, but may have never seen a school bus accident case. However, this thought process overlooks the fact that a personal injury attorney who has handled only this type of case for several decades may be able to:
- Build a stronger case
- Uncover additional damages
- Negotiate a larger settlement
So while the victim’s family pays a larger percentage of their payout to a personal injury attorney, they may get a larger settlement overall. This means their net payout—the check they take home—might be larger.
Let Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. Help You with Your Indiana School Bus Accident Claim
For more than 30 years, Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. has handled only personal injury cases. This includes Indianapolis school bus accidents and other school bus accidents around Indiana. We know how to pursue a payout after you or your child suffers an injury while riding on a public school bus, private school bus, or in a car hit by a school bus.
We understand all the loopholes and pitfalls that can accompany this type of claim, including the need to file a notice of your injuries long before the two-year statute of limitations under Indiana law runs out. Public schools are a government entity, including Indianapolis Public Schools. This means different rules apply when you pursue a claim against them, and this includes different time limits in some cases.
We also know the most common types of damages suffered in these cases and can help you uncover expenses and losses related to:
- Medical care costs
- Ongoing or future care costs
- Property damages
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Pain and suffering damages
In addition, we regularly negotiate liens on our client’s behalf at no additional charge. This includes not only liens but super liens with ERISA plans, Medicare, and others. If we can do this in your case, it will put that money directly back into your wallet.
By trusting someone who handles this type of case every day with your Indiana school bus accident case, you can greatly reduce your own stress and anxiety. We will take care of the legal side of things while you focus on healing or supporting your loved one as they heal.
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Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney About Your School Bus Accident Case
At Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., we offer free case reviews. You never have any obligation to sign up with us, but we hope you will give us the opportunity to discuss your case with you. There are benefits to having a legal team who has spent more than three decades fighting for personal injury accident victims.
Please do not file a school bus accident claim without an attorney. Let us help you navigate the claims process. In Indianapolis or elsewhere in Indiana, call (317) 720-3229 today for your complimentary case evaluation with a member of our school bus accident team.
Call or text 317-636-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
