When someone’s been injured, whether it’s a dog bite, a car collision, or a slip and fall, one of the most common reactions we hear is:
“I don’t want to ruin someone’s life by suing them.”
Or
“Let’s just go after the person responsible!”
But here’s the truth: In almost every case, you’re not going after the person. You’re making a claim against their insurance.
Let’s break that down…
Why Insurance Matters More Than the Person
Here’s the thing most people don’t realize—trying to financially recover directly from the person who caused the injury seldom works.
Even if you were to win a lawsuit and get a judgment, most frequently that person either doesn’t have personal assets that will cover your injury, or they can often just file for bankruptcy if the verdict against them is large enough. And when they do that your judgment usually disappears. That means you’re left with nothing after going through a long, stressful process.
That’s why personal injury claims are really about finding insurance coverage for the incident – homeowners’ insurance, car insurance, business liability insurance… whatever applies to the situation.
Think about a car collision. If another driver hits you, it’s not about bankrupting them; it’s about getting their auto insurance to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Because, after all, that’s exactly why we all carry insurance–to cover our injuries when bad things happen.
How the Process Actually Works
Working with a lawyer doesn’t have to be intimidating—we guide you through every step and handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on getting well. Here’s what it looks like:
Step 1: Investigation
Your lawyer gathers the facts: police reports, witness statements, photos, and your medical records to understand exactly what happened and how you were affected.
Step 2: Notifying the Insurance Company
Once the evidence is ready, your lawyer contacts the insurance company and presents your claim. This opens the door to settlement discussions.
Step 3: Negotiation
Most cases settle here, without ever entering a courtroom. Your lawyer negotiates for fair compensation while you focus on healing.
Step 4: Filing a Lawsuit (If Needed)
If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, a lawsuit may be filed. Even then, many cases resolve before trial through mediation or further negotiation.
Why Having a Lawyer Helps
Our job is simple: take the stress off your shoulders. We find the applicable coverage, deal with the insurance company, and make sure you’re treated fairly.
By focusing on the insurance, we remove the personal tension from the situation. You can still have a good relationship with your neighbor, friend, or family member if they were involved. And you can focus on healing instead of worrying about negotiations and paperwork.
Need Legal Advice?
Johnson Jensen is here for you when you’re ready. Call 317.785.7574 or fill out our online form here: https://johnsonjensen.com/contact.