Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention and Document Everything
The first and most critical step after any accident is to get medical care right away, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately. Seeing a doctor creates an official medical record that links your injuries directly to the accident—crucial evidence for your case.
During this phase, document everything: take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and any property damage. Keep all medical bills, prescriptions, and records of treatments. Write down what happened while the details are fresh in your mind. This documentation becomes the foundation of your claim and helps establish the extent of your damages.
Step 2: Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer in Indiana
Within days of your accident, reach out to a trusted personal injury lawyer in Indiana like Susannah Hall-Justice at Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC. With over 25 years of experience representing injured clients across Indiana, Susannah offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless she wins your case.
During your initial consultation, Susannah will personally evaluate the strength of your case, explain Indiana’s personal injury laws (including the state’s modified comparative fault rule), and outline your legal options. She’ll also explain the statute of limitations—in Indiana, you typically have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, but it can be as little as 180 days in some situations. Licensed in both Indiana and Illinois, Susannah brings a broad scope of representation to even the toughest cases. Her team handles all communication with insurance companies from day one, protecting you from saying anything that could harm your claim. With her 4.9-star client rating and perfect 10.0 Avvo rating, you can trust you’re getting experienced, dedicated representation that puts your best interests first.
Step 3: Investigation and Building Your Case
Once you’ve retained Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC, Susannah and her team will begin a thorough investigation to build the strongest possible case. This includes gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage or photographs. As a respected member of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association Board of Governors and former president of both the Tippecanoe County and Carroll County Bar Associations, Susannah has the professional connections and resources to work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and economists when needed.
This step also involves determining all potentially liable parties and identifying all applicable insurance policies. Your lawyer will document both economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). Susannah’s extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death cases means she knows exactly what evidence is needed to maximize your compensation. The more comprehensive the evidence, the stronger your negotiating position.
Step 4: Negotiation and Settlement Discussions
Armed with solid evidence, Susannah will draft a detailed demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company outlining your injuries, the defendant’s liability, and the compensation you deserve. This typically begins a negotiation process where insurance adjusters may make counteroffers.
Your attorney will handle all negotiations, pushing back against lowball offers and tactics insurers commonly use to minimize payouts. Susannah understands the true value of your case and won’t settle for less than what you deserve. As an educator who has presented at Indiana Trial Lawyers Association seminars on personal injury settlements and wrongful death law, she brings proven strategies to every negotiation. Many personal injury cases in Indiana are resolved during this phase without going to trial. If a fair settlement can be reached that compensates you for your medical expenses, lost income, future care needs, and pain and suffering, your case can be resolved relatively quickly—often within several months.
Step 5: Filing a Lawsuit and Going to Trial (If Necessary)
If negotiations fail to produce a fair settlement, your personal injury lawyer may file a lawsuit in the appropriate Indiana court before the statute of limitations expires. This initiates the litigation process, which includes discovery (where both sides exchange evidence and information), depositions, and possibly mediation attempts.
While most cases still settle before trial, Susannah prepares every case as if it’s going to court. She’s been a strong voice in Indiana courtrooms for over 25 years, and if a trial becomes necessary, she will present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue your case with the skill and confidence that comes from extensive experience. Indiana juries will consider all evidence and determine both liability and damages. Throughout this process, which can take more than a year, Susannah keeps you informed and prepared every step of the way. What sets her apart is her personal approach—she doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions and works directly with you from start to finish. Even during litigation, settlement opportunities may arise, and she’ll advise you on the best course of action to maximize your recovery.
