Regardless of how careful they are, the odds are good that your clients will be in a car accident at some time in their life. These cases are difficult enough when everything goes "right." But what if you run into trouble - determining who was liable, dealing with the insurance adjuster, computing damages or handling some other key issue? With challenges like these, you need more than just a working familiarity with the claims process. You need to be thoroughly up to speed in every stage and every step.

Expand your knowledge of automobile claims and insurance coverage with this detailed review, and improve your track record for settling cases in favor of your client. Expertly figure out the scope of insurance coverage, determine what's covered - and what isn't - and get clients every dime they're owed. Obtain all the information regarding the facts of the case in discovery to avoid costly surprises later. Skillfully use mediation and alternative dispute resolution to arrive at a reasonable settlement out of court and end the claim without further costs to your client. Do the best job possible of presenting your case in trial to ensure your client comes out on top. Remember, automobile injury claims are won or lost on your ability to manage the claims process error-free.

1. Probe Complex Insurance Coverage Issues
2. Conduct Initial Investigations, Gather Evidence and Prepare Experts
3. Settle the Claim Without Going to Court
4. Know How to Walk the Ethical Line
5. Take the Case to Trial

1. PROBE COMPLEX INSURANCE COVERAGE ISSUES
   9:00 - 10:45, Richard K. Shoultz
   1. Common Concerns Related to Insurance Liability Provisions
   2. What is Liability Coverage?
   3. How Medical Payment Coverage Can Wreak Havoc in Your Case
   4. A Detailed Look at Personal Injury Protection Coverage
   5. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage - Rules You Must Know
   6. Little-Known Facts about Property Damage Coverage
   7. Playing the Stacking and Offsets Game
   8. Punitive Damages Coverage - What Your State Allows
   9. Statute of Limitations: Rules and Expectations
   10. Manage Your Liability Risk in Coverage Disputes
   11. Impact of Recent Legislation and Case Law on Your Claim
2. CONDUCT INITIAL INVESTIGATIONS, GATHER EVIDENCE AND PREPARE EXPERTS
   11:00 - 12:00, Kyle A. Lansberry
   1. The Adjuster's Role in Gathering All the Facts
   2. Methods of Accident Reconstruction
   3. Key Issues in Discovery - Pay Attention!
   4. How to More Easily Determine Who's Liable
   5. Factors to Consider When Computing Damages
   6. How the Vehicle May be Your Best Evidence
   7. Challenges Involved in Preparing Expert Witnesses for Trial
   8. How to Prepare Lay Witnesses That Don't Fall Apart in Trial
3. SETTLE THE CLAIM WITHOUT GOING TO COURT
   1:00 - 2:15, Kyle A. Lansberry
   1. How the Adjuster's Settlement Authority is Restricted
   2. What Works When Negotiating with Attorneys and Claimants
   3. Maneuver Your Way through Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
   4. Clear Up Confusion about Consent to Settle and Subrogation
   5. Lien Considerations to be Aware of
   6. Procedures for the Review of Settlement Documents
   7. The Consequences of Reneging on Settlement
4. KNOW HOW TO WALK THE ETHICAL LINE
   2:15 - 3:15, Ronald S. Todd
   1. Common Threats to the Attorney-Client Relationship
   2. Dealing Fairly with Conflicts Involving Multiple Defendants
   3. The Ethics of Disclosing Information Which Defeats Coverage
   4. How Issues of Legal Liability and Ethics Intersect
5. TAKE THE CASE TO TRIAL
   3:30 - 4:30, Ronald S. Todd
   1. What to Expect When Establishing Jurisdiction
   2. Choose Your Trial Methods: Jury or Non-Jury?
   3. Using Experts, Evidence and Exhibits in Court to Gain an Edge
   4. The Dangers in Using Law Enforcement as Expert Witnesses
   5. The Secrets to Delivering an Effective Direct Examination
   6. Prepare for the Unknown during the Cross-Examination
   7. A Checklist of Points to Include in Your Closing Argument

KYLE A. LANSBERRY is a partner in the Indianapolis law firm of Lewis Wagner, LLP, where he practices in insurance defense litigation, general tort defense litigation and environmental insurance coverage. He earned his B.S. degree from Ball State University and his J.D. degree from Indiana University. Mr. Lansberry has published numerous articles in both state and national publications on trial tactics and trial advocacy, as well as substantive tort law, and is a frequent lecturer on these topics. He is a member of the Indianapolis, Indiana State and American bar associations, and the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana. Mr. Lansberry also is an active member of the Defense Research Institute, serving on the Executive Committee for DRI's Trial Tactics Section.

RICHARD K. SHOULTZ is a partner with the Indianapolis law firm of Lewis Wagner, LLP, where his main areas of practice include insurance defense, insurance coverage and commercial litigation. He is a frequent speaker before various professional groups on the topic of insurance and litigation. Mr. Shoultz also is an author of several survey articles on insurance law appearing in the Indiana Law Review. He earned his B.A. degree from Hanover College and his J.D. degree from Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis. Mr. Shoultz is a member of the Indianapolis, Indiana State and American bar associations, as well as the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana and the Defense Research Institute.

RONALD S. TODD is a sole practitioner in Noblesville, Indiana, where he practices in the areas of criminal and civil litigation. He has lectured previously for National Business Institute, and he is a member of the Indianapolis and American (Litigation and Small Firm sections) bar associations, the Indiana State Bar Association (Litigation and Small Firm sections; Law Office Management, and Small Firm and Solo Conference committees), the American Association for Justice (Criminal Law, and Sole Practitioner and Small Firm sections), and the Indiana Trial Lawyer Association (sustaining member). Mr. Todd earned his B.A. degree from Miami University, his M.S.M. degree from Purdue University and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Notre Dame University.

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