Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Personal Injury Laws in Indiana

The Office of Disability Adjudication and Review ("ODAR") generally takes between nine (9) and thirteen (13) months to schedule a hearing after being requested.

The approval rate in the United States (all hearing offices) is currently 44%. However, we believe that hiring an attorney significantly increases those odds.

The Appeals Council is the highest level of appeal within the Social Security Administration. The Appeals Council accepts requests for review of unfavorable determinations issued by Administrative Law Judges. The Appeals Council also reviews favorable determinations issued by Administrative Law Judges on a random basis.

Yes. If your deceased spouse worked and paid into Social Security, you can make a claim for Disabled Widow's Benefits within seven (7) years of his/her passing. If you do not qualify for Disabled Widow's Benefits, you may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") if you meet the income/asset requirements.

The Disability Determination Bureau generally takes between one (1) and six (6) months to make a reconsideration determination.

The Appeals Council generally takes between six (6) and eighteen (18) months to act upon a request for review of an ALJ's decision.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed for people who are 65 of age and older OR people who are under 65 with certain disabilities. Eligibility for Medicare is the uniform in all states.

Medicaid is a federal health insurance program administered by the states using federal, state and local funds to provide medical coverage for people who meet its requirements. Eligibility for Medicaid changes from state to state. It is possible to qualifty for both Medicare and Medicaid. People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are known as "dual eligibles."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are about 18 times as likely as auto occupants to die in a motorcycle accident and about three times as likely to be injured.

The length of time a case takes depends on a number of things. A complex case, with several different parties, all with different claims, can take a lot longer to resolve than a relatively simple case, involving one injured party, and one party who caused the injury.

Many straightforward motorcycle cases are resolved in four to eight months. It is possible, but unusual for a case to take much more than one and a half years to resolve.

You may bring an action for your injuries even if you were not wearing a helmet, but not wearing a helmet may make a difference in the amount of damages you receive. If not wearing a helmet did not cause or aggravate your injuries (for example, if you were hurt in your legs, and wearing a helmet would not have made any difference in your injuries), it probably will not make a difference. The attorneys at Keller and Keller will gladly discuss any concerns with you regarding your motorcycle accident.

Motorcycle helmet laws vary from state to state. To wear a helmet or not wear one is a personal choice. If you are traveling out state, make sure to investigate the laws of the states you are traveling through so you will know you can be in compliance.

All DOT approved helmets will have a label on them indicating this approval.