Can I Sue a Drunk Driver That Seriously Hurt Me in an Accident?

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a continuous epidemic in our country. And although we cannot control other’s behaviors, and prevent them from driving after drinking or partaking in narcotics, we can, however, make our own good choices when it comes to responsible driving.

When a person is injured in a drunk driving accident, most often the results are either fatal or serious. In the case that a person is hit by a drunk driver and injured as a result of their negligence, there is a strong opportunity to pursue a lawsuit against them for the damages you incurred from the accident. There are a few stipulations and concerns that go along with this type of lawsuit, so continue reading and learn what can happen and what should happen after being involved or injured in a drunk driving accident or collision.

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Drunk Driving Lawsuit

A person that is injured unintentionally, or intentionally, has the legal right to file a claim against the negligent party that caused them harm. In the case of a drunk driving collision, several outcomes can occur. Fatalities are unfortunately the most common in America. More people every year are dying as a result of dangerous motor vehicle accidents. If a person is killed by a drunk driver, their family can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.

If a person is seriously injured as a result of an intoxicated driver, they can file a claim and pursue compensation for their damages and losses. Most of the time, a drunk driver is not necessarily the one sued, it is their insurance company that pays out the final settlements. But if a drunk driver is uninsured, then the case must be taken to court and settled in trial. If the person does not have the finances to pay remuneration to the injured party, then they may have their wages garnished or even face jail time.

Where to Get Professional Help

It is important to retain professional legal counsel from a licensed Indianapolis car accident lawyer for proper personal injury representation. They have the proper licensing, education, training, knowledge, and resources to effectively coordinate an aggressive personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver and their insurance company.

Personal injury attorneys and law firms generally offer free initial consultations to accident victims. With no obligation to pay, the victim and their family can discuss their case with a licensed accident attorney to determine their eligibility to legal recompense. Most personal injury law firms provide their service on a contingency-fee basis, meaning they do not collect lawyer fees unless they recover a settlement for the client.

Call Our Seasoned Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers RIGHT NOW

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned car accident lawyers are eager to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we recover for you.

How to Fill Out a Report for a Car Accident

After being involved in a motor vehicle collision, whether minor or serious, both parties are required by law to report the accident, either to the police, their insurance company, the DMV, or a combination of the three. An official report can be made at the scene of the accident with the responding police officers, but it is also common for drivers to file their own motor vehicle accident report with one or more of the above-mentioned parties, especially when people are injured as a result of someone’s negligence or disregard.

Although an official car accident report can be made at the scene of the accident with the responding police officers, it is common for drivers to also file their own report when injuries are sustained in serious accidents. These reports are critical to an accident claim, so in the case that either wish to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for damages and losses, it is important for both the at-fault and the injured parties to fill out them out correctly. The key is to gather as much detailed information as possible so that you can use clear and precise language to describe the incident in as much detail as possible.

Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for filling out a car accident report, and who you can trust with your car accident personal injury claim.

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

After Being Involved in a Car Accident:

IF SOMEONE IS HURT, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FIRST.

Once medical personnel and law enforcement arrive and injuries are stabilized, it is safe to move forward with exchanging information and filing a report.

Here’s how to start:

Exchange insurance and drivers’ license information with the other driver. Regardless who is at-fault, both parties need to swap personal information. Write down all the data in their drivers’ license and car insurance cards, including the phone number to their insurance provider. If the other driver does not have insurance, you need to call the police and have them come to the scene. If there are passengers in their vehicle, ask them for their contact information as well in case you need to use them for witness testimony later on. Do this for any bystanders that witnessed the accident as well.

Take down the driver’s vehicle information. Write down the licensing state, license tag number, make, model, year, color, and the VIN (vehicle identification number). Be sure to note whether it is a car, truck, sedan, van, motorcycle, or sports utility vehicle. Next, write down the damage that has occurred to the other driver’s vehicle. Be specific and use as much detail as possible. Note any existing damages that were not a result of the accident as well.

Gather evidence of the scene. Use your camera phone to record the scene of the accident. Take as many pictures as you can of the other people involved, cars, the damage, debris on the road, weather conditions, road conditions, lighting, surrounding traffic signals and signs, traffic lights, and more. Record anything that has to do with the accident using multiple angles. It is important to take pictures of the other driver and their passengers in case they seem fine at the scene, but then try to claim injuries later on. Take pictures of your own injuries, if any, as well. If you do not have a camera, just write everything down in detail. In fact, it is also wise to make out a sketch of the scene, detailing the location and the surroundings.

Take down the numbers of first-responder vehicles and the technicians. Write down names, numbers, badge numbers, and vehicle numbers of the EMT’s, ambulances, and fire trucks. You can also take the squad car and badge number of the responding officers. This information may be pertinent in the process of an injury or insurance claim.

Take notes of what happens after the accident. Keep detailed records of what took place after the accident. This includes how the cars were cleared and transported, how much damage was done to the vehicle, the extent of automotive repairs and costs, as well as, the progress of your injuries and medical needs. Retain all personal notes, medical charts, invoices, and more.

Hurt in a Car Accident?

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for seasoned car accident injury lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are eager to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a car accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to learn your rights after a car accident, today.

Which Type of Smoke Detector Should I Buy to Protect Against House Fires?

Winter is a prime season for house fires. It is important to install quality smoke detectors inside your home, and even more important to test them periodically so that you know they are still doing their job. If you are on the market for new smoke detectors, you will soon discover there are hundreds of products to choose from. The two most common smoke detectors are ionization smoke alarms and photoelectric smoke alarms. Continue reading to learn more about each type of smoke detector and how to choose the right one for your home.

Indianapolis Burn Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Burn Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Modern Day Smoke Alarm Technologies

When you begin your search for smoke detector alarms, you will notice that the majority of available devices are either ionization smoke detector alarms or photoelectric smoke alarms. Both are widely-accepted systems for detecting smoke and fire, however, they are also difference in significant ways, which could sway your decision one way or another. The most significant difference between the two systems is the type of fire they detect. Below are some examples.

Ionization Smoke Alarms These devices are designed with a small amount of radioactive material placed between two electrically-charged plates. In turn, this ionizes the space between the two plates, thus causing an electrical current to flow between them. The device is alerted of a fire when smoke passes into its inner chambers, causing an interruption of ion flow. This reduced ion flow sets the alarm off.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms In contrast to ionization devices, photoelectric alarms are designed to use light and sensory technology to detect house fires. A sensor inside the device is pointed at an inner light module. As smoke enters the chamber of the device, the inner light is interrupted and scattered, which sets off the alarm.

Research and testing suggests that ionization alarms are faster at detecting smoke produced by fire flames, while photoelectric alarms are better at detecting smoldering fires, such as unattended cigarettes or a burning roast in the oven. Although most homes in the United States have ionization smoke detector systems, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends having BOTH systems installed for maximum safety and protection. You can find these devices online, or at any local home improvement store.

House Fire Injuries and Claims

If you or a loved one were injured as a result of a house fire, whether from a defective smoke alarm or someone else’s negligence, it is vital that you speak to a licensed personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. You could be entitled to certain compensation to cover your damages and losses, including medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages at work, pain, suffering, and more.

Indianapolis Burn Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis burn injury lawyer who can determine the best strategies for your house fire case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today.

Can Hospitals Vaccinate Babies Without Permission?

Medical Malpractice Lawyers 317-881-2700

Medical Malpractice Lawyers 317-881-2700

If a hospital provides needed vaccinations on a newborn without parental consent, can they be sued or held accountable under law? This is a common questions among mothers and parents all across the country. It is important to know that most newborns, at the time of birth, are customarily administered a Hepatitis B vaccination, a vitamin K injection, and ointment application on the eyes. However, these routine procedures can be turned down by parents before the birth of a child.

For this kind of refusal to take place, parents must sign all necessary waivers and submit them to the hosting hospital before giving birth. Although it does not always happen, medical academies continue to encourage hospitals to ask for immunization permission from the parents.

Birth Plans and Immunizations

To avoid having your child administered vaccinations that you don’t want, it is important to set this up ahead of time in your birth plan. It is best to collect all the necessary data and documents needed to waive immunizations and vitamin injections at the time of your delivery date. These documents should be handed into the appropriate hospital departments in the time-frame suggested. This also applies to parents planning a home-birth. Making multiple copies of any signed documents and keeping them on your person is also helpful and recommended.

Since it can sometimes be an issue for seasoned doctor to change their routine course of action following a delivery, it is important to thoroughly discuss these plans and waivers with your obstetrician and their teams of nurses. Also, present the waivers to the doctors and nurses right after you are emitted to double-check that everyone is on the same page. You can also request for your baby to stay in the room with you at all times. And be sure to watch them carefully once your baby is born. Sometimes medical professionals forget. When or if this happens, you may have a legal claim on your hands.

If waived treatments are administered to a newborn, there could be legal repercussions and penalties for the hospital. If this happens to you, contact one of our seasoned Indianapolis medical malpractice lawyers as soon as possible to set up a consultation and learn your rights.

Indianapolis Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are happy to answer your questions about medical malpractice claims, lawsuits, and more. Initial consultations are free of charge, and we never collect lawyer fees unless they recover for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation, today.