Were You Injured Because Someone Ran a Red Light?

Whether on foot or in a vehicle, being injured by a negligent driver who ran a red light can entitle you to certain compensation. Continue reading to learn more about red light car accidents, and what you can do if you have suffered damages and losses as a result of someone’s reckless or negligent driving.

Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700
Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Red and Yellow Traffic Lights

Here in Indiana, there are laws that strictly prohibit drivers from running red lights. When approaching a red light, drivers are obligated under law to make a complete stop. If turning right at a red light, a driver must make a complete stop, and yield to oncoming traffic with caution before making the turn.

However, this turn is illegal if there are signs that say “no turn on red.” If a red light is flashing, drivers are obligated to make a complete stop, and then proceed as if the light were a stop sign. As for a solid yellow light, Indiana allows drivers to enter into an intersection so long as the light is still yellow, but drivers may not do so after the light turns red.

When it comes to protecting pedestrians, Indiana law states, “(…) vehicular traffic facing a steady circular red or red arrow signal shall stop at a clearly marked stop line.  However, if there is no clearly marked stop line, vehicular traffic shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.  If there is no crosswalk, vehicular traffic shall stop before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown.” See IC § 9-21-3-7 for precise details regarding traffic laws and red lights in Indiana.

Penalties for Running a Red Light

As for a person’s driving record, running a red light can render a traffic offense fine up to $100 for those caught on an automatic camera. For those who are pulled over and ticketed, fines can reach and exceed $100, and also add 6 points to a drivers’ license. Penalties for running a red light drastically increase if the action causes an accident that leaves a person physically injured.

In this case, not only can a driver face state penalties, such as fines and points on their license, they can also face civil penalties if a victim wishes to make a personal injury claim against them. A common legal concept known as negligence per se can be applied to such cases of red light car accidents and injuries.

Negligence Per Se Car Accident Claims

Negligence per se are “cause of action” claims that propose a person acted negligently and caused harm to another by violating a law that is enacted to protect people for a specific reason. Traffic light laws are a perfect example of laws set in place to protect the public. If a person were to ignore a red light, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and as a result, they cause an accident that harms another person, they can be held liable for all damages and losses under negligence per se laws because their negligence can be conclusively established. In worse case scenarios, if an accident causes a fatality, a driver can also possibly face criminal charges, such as vehicular manslaughter.

Where to Get Legal Advice for Car Accident Victims

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

Personal Injury Law Firm Indiana
Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Can You Sue a Jail for the Death of an Inmate?

Over the summer, a mother lost her son to an untreated case of appendicitis in an Oklahoma jail. Was it the jail’s fault? Did she sue the jail for negligence? Continue reading to find out.

Indianapolis Wrongful Death Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Wrongful Death Lawyers 317-881-2700

An Inmate Dies From Appendicitis

In an Oklahoma prison this past May, a 21 year old inmate by the name of Joshua England lost his life as a result of a burst appendix; and with only 90 days left on his 348-day sentence. It all started when he began experiencing severe stomach aches. Concerned and suffering, he visited the jail’s infirmary 5 days a week or more to find relief, but the jail’s medical staff failed to find anything wrong with him at each visit.

His symptoms continued to worsen, eventually (and quickly) evolving into more serious and tell-tale symptoms, including shortness of breath, rectal bleeding, and blood in his vomit. These are all signs of acute appendicitis. He even wrote letters to the medical staff with statements like, “”My stomach hurts so bad”, and “It’s hard to breath (sic) and sleep. I can’t eat that makes the pain worse.”

Antibiotics can easily treat patients so long as the appendicitis is caught in the early stages. But once an appendix bursts, emergency surgery is required, or death is imminent. Since the medical staff at the jail continued to ignore his suffering, only offering him Pepto-Bismol, laxatives, and ibuprofen as treatment, his appendix finally burst, causing him to die while experiencing horrifying abdominal pain.

Lawsuits for Such Cases

In the case of Joshua England, his mother did bring about a lawsuit asserting that the jail staff failed to acknowledge his need for serious medical treatment. However, the lawsuit also alleged that cameras were brought into the jail clinic to document his refusal of treatment. It said he also signed a waiver to make his refusal official. The result of the case is unknown, as the lawsuit is still pending.

☛ Read more about the actual case on Oklahoma’s News 4.

Questions About Indiana Wrongful Death Claims?

When a wrongful death occurs, there are several scenarios and variables that influence the validity of a lawsuit. It is important to discuss your potential case with a seasoned accident and injury attorney who can provide personalized guidance unique to your loss. Furthermore, it is important to take action now, as there are statutes of limitations that restricts the amount time person has to file a personal injury claim against the negligent party.

Indiana Wrongful Death Lawyers

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and learn more about wrongful death cases in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned accident attorneys are ready, willing and able to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your consultation with an experienced Indianapolis wrongful death lawyer, today.  We represent the families of persons killed as a result of someone else’s negligence throughout the State of Indiana.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

How to Move Forward With a Company Vehicle Accident Claim

Were you recently injured in a car accident while driving your company-appointed vehicle? If so, it is imperative that you discuss your case with a seasoned car accident attorney who can help you get on track to a full and fair financial recovery. After all, you are likely concerned about paying for your hospital bills and medical expenses, as well as, losing money out of your paycheck while in recovery. You might also be worried about your own liability for vehicular damages.

In this confusing time, your best course of action as a victim of a company car accident is to sit down with a legal professional to learn what you need to know about the potential workers’ compensation and car accident claims.

Continue reading for advice on moving forward with a company vehicle accident claim in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Car Accident/Workers' Compensation Attorneys
Indiana Car Accident/Workers’ Compensation Attorneys 317-881-2700

At the Scene of the Accident

When you were at the scene of the accident, hopefully you exchanged all necessary insurance and contact information with all other drivers involved, and took pictures or video of the accident site. This information will likely be used as evidence to support your claim for compensation when it comes time to negotiate a settlement. If you received medical attention at the scene of the accident, this record can also be used to argue your case. Always, always, always call the police and wait at the scene for the police to show up and write a report.

After the Accident Scene

If your injuries were not evident at first, but are now beginning to appear, you are experiencing an onset of injury, which is common among car accident victims. See our blog, “Did I Forfeit My Right to Compensation By Saying I Wasn’t Injured at the Time of the Accident?” to learn more about these types of claims. In this case, be sure to see a doctor immediately. Have them diagnose your injuries and treat them accordingly. And be sure to follow all doctors’ instructions during your recovery.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

After being injured in a company car accident, your only priority should be to heal. That is why you need a licensed and experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation and car accident cases. They will handle all aspects of your claim, and ensure you obtain a full and fair settlement. All you have to do is rest and recover from your injuries. Be sure to hire a lawyer before discussing any details of the car accident with anyone.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury attorney who can determine the best strategies for your 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.  We represent injured persons throughout Indiana.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Who is Liable When a Driver Hits a Pedestrian?

In most cases of pedestrian car accidents, the ultimate cause is negligence. Common acts of negligence in such cases include reckless driving, intoxicated driving, underage driving, failing to keep a proper lookout and speeding. On the other end of the spectrum, a pedestrian can also be negligent in some motor vehicle accident situations.

Continue reading to learn who is liable when a driver hits a pedestrian, as well as additional frequently asked legal questions about such incidents and injuries.

Indianapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Indianapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Below, please review some frequently asked legal questions about driver-pedestrian car accidents in Indiana. If you have not yet spoken with an Indiana personal injury lawyer about filing a claim against the at-fault party, be sure to do so immediately. There are time limits on making accident claims in Indiana, so do not hesitate to learn about your rights to recovering full and fair compensation for your losses.

Who is Held Responsible in a Car and Pedestrian Accident?

The state of Indiana uses a comparative negligence analysis to determine who is liable for an accident, and by how much. See our blog, “What is Comparative Fault Analysis in a Personal Injury Case?” to learn more about this legal principle and how it works. Essentially, whichever party is less than 51% at-fault for the accident is the party who can potentially recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Liability in pedestrian car accident cases vary depending on the unique facts and circumstances of each case, so in order to know where you stand, you must speak with a licensed Indiana car accident lawyer for personalized guidance.

Can a Pedestrian Sue a Driver for Hitting Them?

As discussed in the last question, Indiana is a comparative fault state, which means that if a driver is 51% at-fault or more for a pedestrian accident, they are likely to be the liable party. For instance, if you cross a major intersection outside of an established crosswalk, and a driver hits you as they were speeding under the influence of alcohol, you may still be able to file a claim with the driver’s insurance carrier and recover certain damages. In an opposite example, if a pedestrian is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and wanders out into the middle of traffic, they would likely not recover damages in the case of a car accident.

Who Pays the Verdict or Settlement?

In nearly all situations, when a plaintiff/pedestrian receives a settlement or verdict from an at-fault driver, it is the at-fault driver’s insurance company that pays the verdict or settlement amount.  In Indiana, there is a judge made rule that seeks to keep the jury from hearing this fact and keeps the jury from hearing that the at-fault driver had auto insurance at all.

Can a Driver Be Arrested and Charged for Hitting a Pedestrian?

There are many situations in which a driver might face criminal charges if they hit a pedestrian. Circumstances that might render these legal repercussions include fatalities, intoxicated driving, high driving, etc…

How Do I Make a Personal Injury Claim as an Injured Pedestrian?

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with our licensed Indianapolis accident injury attorneys who can determine the best strategies for your pedestrian accident claim. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement for you! Call our personal injury law firm to get started on your pedestrian car accident claim, today.  We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana.

Personal Injury Law Firm Indiana
Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Common Slip and Fall Code Violations

Here in Indiana, all entities and persons are legally required to construct and maintain their properties at a certain level of safety. This means that any place that welcomes the general public, such as office buildings, grocery stores, movie theaters, hotels, public parks, and malls, must take the proper actions, inactions, and precautions to ensure there are not any dangerous conditions on their premises. This legal principle is known as premise liability, and it is what you will want to learn more about in the case that you or someone you love is injured as a result of a municipal code violation.

Code violations are serious, as you have probably heard stories about accidents that happen when something is not “up to code” or within legal standards. One type of accident that tends to occur more often as a result of code violations are slip, trip, and fall accidents. Continue reading to review some of the most common slip and fall code violations seen in personal injury cases, as well as, what to do if you’ve been injured as a result of inadequate building codes in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Premise Liability Attorneys 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Premise Liability Attorneys 317-881-2700

Indiana Building Code Violations

⚖ Here in Indiana, you can peruse a comprehensive list of building codes by downloading the Indiana Amendments of IBC 13 document.

Common Slip and Fall Code Violations

There are several types of code violations; thousands in fact. But when it comes to slip, trip, and fall accidents, some of the most common violations behind them include:

✒ Missing or broken hand rails on stairs and slopes;
✒ Crumbled, warped, or rotted stairs;
✒ Unleveled curbs;
✒ Insufficient lighting (stairs, sidewalks, streets, etc.);
✒ No security for slick surfaces (slip-resistant mats, wet floors signs, etc.);
✒ Broken or missing downspouts that cause pooled water or ice patches;
✒ Insufficient or incorrect maintenance of elevators and escalators;
✒ Unmarked construction zones;
✒ Unmanaged ice and snow accumulations;
✒ Torn or ripped carpeting;
✒ Grease or chemical spills;

Premise Liability

A premise liability, slip and fall case will depend on several factors. But one of the most influential will be whether or not the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard that caused the accident, and whether or not the hazard was something that should have been reasonably foreseen to cause injury to a person.

For example, a landlord for an apartment building is informed that the lighting in the stairwell has gone out. The landlord fails to replace the light bulbs within a reasonable amount of time, and as a result, an elderly tenant trips and falls down them on their way to their apartment unit, and suffers serious injuries. In this case, the landlord would likely be held responsible for all damages and losses resulting from the tenant’s accident and subsequent injuries. This includes hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

How to Get Legal Help For Your Slip and Fall Claim

If you or someone you loved was recently injured in a slip and fall accident, contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 before the Indiana statute of limitations runs out for your claim. Our Indianapolis slip and fall lawyers work hard to recover full and fair compensation for all injury victims. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed and experienced premise liability attorney who can help you recover financially from a slip and fall accident.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

What Kind of Evidence Should I Collect After a Car Accident?

After being involved in a car or truck accident, there are many important steps to take in order to protect yourself from the negligent party and their insurance carrier denying liability. The first and most important step is to contact the police and emergency services and obtain medical attention.

From there, if physically possible, it is wise to collect a fundamental amount of evidence from all parties involved to ensure you are well-prepared for an impending insurance or personal injury claim. The evidence will be used by both parties’ insurance companies to determine which company should be responsible for paying the other party’s vehicle damages and personal injury damages. 

Continue reading to learn what kind of evidence you need to collect after a car accident.

Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys
Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Car Crash Evidence to Collect

Once you receive medical care from on-scene emergency personnel, you should gather up as much evidence as you can from all drivers and passengers involved in the accident, as well as, potential witnesses. If you are not physically capable of doing so, you can ask a police officer to assist you, or delegate the task to someone else at the accident site. If these options are not available to you, an attorney can possibly provide assistance. 

The investigating officer will also obtain some of this information so it is always vital to call 911 after being involved in a collision and always wait for an officer to arrive at the scene to write the report.

✒ Driver’s Information
The first piece of evidence you should collect is the at-fault driver’s information.

✒ Full Name

✒ Contact Information

✒ Drivers’ License Number

✒ Insurance Information

✒ Vehicle Information

✒ CDL Number (if a truck driver)

✒ Company Name (if a commercial vehicle)

✒ Cargo Being Transported (if a commercial truck)

✒ Photographs
Using your phone or a camera, take as many pictures of the accident site as you can.

✒ Vehicle Damages (all vehicles involved)

✒ Nearby Street Lights, Signs & Intersections

✒ Personal Injuries

✒ Insurance Cards

✒ Other Involved Drivers

✒ Witnesses
Witness statements and testimonies are key in any type of accident claim. Do not be shy or scared to ask onlookers for their contact information, as their statements might be needed to prove the facts of your case later on. Witnesses can be other drivers, pedestrians, store clerks, onlookers, and anyone else that happened to see the accident happen.

Indiana Car Accident Attorneys

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, & Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make a car accident claim in Indianapolis, Indiana and throughout Indiana. Our seasoned car accident attorneys are prepared to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in an accident that was not your fault. Not only do we offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement for you.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

What Type of Doctor Do I See After a Personal Injury?

Being injured in a serious accident is a shocking time in a person’s life. So naturally, injured victims are often overwhelmed with fears, anxieties, questions, and uncertainties. This confusion is quite normal, but can be mollified with the help of a seasoned personal injury lawyer. They can help you understand which course of action is best for your situation, including recovering compensation for your resulting damages. The very first step to take after being injured in an accident is to obtain medical attention for your injuries.

But many victims are not sure which type of doctor to see. Should they visit the emergency room and see an ER doctor? What if their injuries appear days later? Who do they see then? These are important questions to ask yourself as a victim of a personal injury accident.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about finding and receiving medical care after sustaining serious injuries as a result of another’s negligence.

Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700
Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700

Medical Care for Personal Injuries

There are various fields of medicine, and therefore, various kinds of doctors. Some doctors specialize in certain areas of the medical field, while others practice generally. The type of doctor you need to see after sustaining injuries in a serious accident will depend on a few factors, including when your accident takes place, where it takes place, and when your injuries are apparent to you.

Instant Injury

In emergency situations in which an injury occurs instantly, such as broken bones, 3rd degree burns, or serious lacerations, it is common to go to the emergency room and be seen by a licensed ER doctor and their medical team. You would likely be transported by ambulance, or have someone drive you to the emergency room at the nearest hospital.

Onset of Injury

In the case that you experience an onset of injuries, meaning your injuries are not apparent right away, but appear and worsen days, weeks, or months later, you must see a doctor on your own. If the injury is serious, go to the emergency room. But if you are not sure of the extent of severity, you can start by contacting your primary care physician, or family doctor.

A general practice doctor can give you an initial medical assessment consisting of some basic checks like blood pressure, temperature, mobility, blood work, and even x-rays. From there, they can refer you to a specialist to address your injuries more specifically, such as back injuries, head injuries, and orthopedic injuries. These doctors will likely order more tests, such as MRIs, CAT scans, and more. Afterwards, you will need to obtain follow-up care, which your specialist or PCP will arrange for you. You may even be referred to mental health services from a licensed counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

Have more questions about the onset of injuries? See our blog, “Do Not Assume That You are Not Hurt After an Accident” to learn more. If you are still unsure about which doctor you should see regarding your injuries, it is helpful to contact a personal injury lawyer to assist you. They have the knowledge and experience to give you personalized advice for your unique case.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers Who Can Help

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for help filing a negligent action claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned accident lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, can help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after suffering a serious injury. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Schedule your consultation before the statutes of limitations runs out on your claim.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700