Evidence That Can Be Used in a Personal Injury Car Accident Claim

Posted on January 18, 2022 by admin

Serious car accidents generate serious damages and losses for wrongfully injured victims. Factors like hospital bills, medical expenses, and missed work can leave a car accident survivor drowning in out-of-pocket costs and payment responsibilities. Managing post-accident debt or financial struggles while physically and emotionally suffering and recovering from injuries makes the legal process even more stressful and confusing for car accident victims.

Sadly, car accident victims must fight for their rights to being fully compensated by the at-fault driver’s insurance company, especially since insurance companies always fight to pay out as little as possible. In order to do so, they will have to prove their losses by providing evidence to support their claim.

Continue reading to learn some examples of evidence that can be used in a personal injury car accident claim, plus how to ensure your case is successful.

Car Accident Law Firm Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Evidence for Car Accidents

When it comes to recovering a settlement for your damages and losses after being injured in a car accident that was not your fault, it is important to understand that you, the claimant, hold the burden of proof. This means you are responsible for proving the extent of your damages and losses, including your medical bills, related medical expenses, missed paychecks at work, and so forth.

Although some of these are evidence in and of themselves, there are other types of evidence you will need to gather and have available for your Indiana car accident lawyer in order to prove your personal injuries and recover a settlement that is appropriate for your claim. It is vital to hire a skilled and qualified personal injury law firm to represent your case. They will have the knowledge and resources to gather all available kinds of evidence relevant to your case and recover the full and fair settlement you deserve for your damages and losses.

Approved Forms of Car Accident Evidence

Personal injury evidence that works well to support a victim’s claim are tangible, certified, quantifiable, and official. These can be things like records, documents, videos, photos, witness statements, interrogatories, depositions, and more.

Police Reports

In a recent blog, we discussed the importance of always making a police report after car accident. A police report is one of the most useful types of personal injury evidence because it is written objectively by a trusted and qualified authority. It helps to prove fault in a car accident, plus confirm other details of an accident that are pertinent to an injured victim’s personal injury claim. Police reports and car accident reports are important records to have in a personal injury case, regardless of which side you are on.

Medical Records and Payment Receipts

Along with police and car accident reports, more critically important types of personal injury evidence to organize and gather for your case are medical records and medical payment receipts. Not only do you need to prove that your injuries are legitimate, and you’ve been taking the responsible actions to have your injuries treated by certified medical professionals, but you also want to demonstrate that you been paying out-of-pocket for your medical expenses and hospital bills. Your medical payment receipts will be a quantifiable catalog of evidence that you can apply to your case to prove your damages.

Videos and Photographs

Scene of the accident evidence is also important in a personal injury car accident case. Videos and photographs of the surrounding road and landscaping, street signs, property damages, vehicular damage, physical and visible injuries, and anything else related can be useful for proving an injured victim’s car accident claim. Another type of video evidence commonly used in personal injury car accident cases is surveillance video. Local gas stations, retail stores, shopping centers, and office buildings that are equipped with 24 hour surveillance can catch accidents in live action.

Injury and Property Damage Documentation

As just described, documentation of the scene of the accident is important evidence to have a personal injury car accident case. Injury documentation can include pictures and videos of your physical injuries or related struggles, as well as your medical records and hospital bills. Property damage documentation will include police report, pictures of vehicular damage, and appraisals for repair or replacement of the damaged vehicle.

Eyewitness Testimonies

Another type of personal injury car accident evidence is eyewitness testimony. Therefore, it’s important to gather contact information from onlookers who saw your car accident. This includes their name, address, phone number, email address, and if willing, even their place of employment. Witnesses can provide testimony to support your damages and losses following a wrongful car accident. Expert witnesses, like accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, physicians, and similar professionals, may also be asked for their testimonies. Your lawyer will determine if expert witnesses are necessary for your claim.

Interrogatories and Depositions

Personal injury witness testimony does not always stop at eyewitnesses and reconstruction specialists. In some car accident cases, lawyers will use interrogatories to get information, truthful information under oath, from the other driver in the accident. This is considered a type of witness testimony used as evidence in a personal injury car accident case. Depositions are another form of out-of-court testimony approved as reliable evidence in an accident case. They are given under oath, plus recorded by a court transcriber.

Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer in Indiana

Keep in mind that every personal injury case is different, and not all forms of car accident evidence will be approved as proof of a claimant’s damages. Again, this is why it’s important to have a seasoned Indiana car accident lawyer working your case; they know exactly how to identify the best types of personal injury evidence for a victim’s claim and apply it to the best of their benefit.

Are you an injured victim of a wrongful car accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-risk, no-fee personal injury consultation with a skilled car accident attorney and discuss your rights to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver. We represent clients all throughout the state, and there is no need to travel. We can hold consults over the phone or via online video conference.

Local Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700 — Schedule a Free Consultation!

Examples of Vicarious Liability in a Personal Injury Claim

Posted on January 11, 2022 by admin

In simplest terms, vicarious liability is when one party is held legally accountable for another party’s negligent or unlawful actions.

Although the first party is legally responsible, the law holds the secondary party accountable as well. Vicarious liability, also referred to as principle’s liability or imputed negligence, comes to play in situations where a person or corporation is supposed to be responsible for another person or thing but acts negligently instead.

Continue reading for more examples of this type of legal liability, plus who to contact in Indiana for skilled car accident or personal injury representation that will protect your rights to being fully compensated.

Vicarious Liability

To best understand how vicarious obligation works, it is good to review some generic cases in which it would come into play. For example, if an employer retains a staff of employees that act negligently while working for the company (i.e. sexual harassment, discrimination, driving a company vehicle, etc.), the employer can be held accountable for the resulting damages in a court of law.

Victims of this negligent behavior can file a lawsuit to pursue compensation for pain, suffering, and more from the employer, as well as the individual guilty employees. Employers in this situation are considered responsible because they have the duty to prevent and be aware of negligence in the workplace. By law, they should have stopped or prevented harmful behavior on the job. In addition, employers are generally liable under law for any negligent acts performed by their employees anywhere while they are in the course and scope of their employment.

Car Accident Vicarious Liability and Negligent Entrustment

Driving another person’s car can also involve vicarious liability. A child that drives and wrecks their parent’s vehicle, causing serious injury or death to another driver, may put their parents in legal tribulation. Parents, or guardians, have the responsibility to properly instruct their adolescent how to drive safely, and only loan their vehicle during appropriate times. So, if a parent entrusts their minor to drive their vehicle, and an accident occurs, the parent (or person) who signed the minor’s driving application, is held responsible for the damages. In such cases, the insurance carrier for the parents would also be involved.

The law deems a parent or guardian, also known as an entruster, negligent if they allow their teen to drive a vehicle in their name knowing that their child is reckless, untrustworthy, inadequate at driving, or unlicensed. If a child falls under any of these descriptions, and subsequently causes a serious accident, the guardians or guardians can be held accountable for the damages under the principle of negligent entrustment.

Are you looking for skilled personal injury law firm to represent you in your negligence case in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also represent injured victims all across the state.

Who is Liable After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Posted on January 7, 2022 by admin

There are many reasons why ridesharing has become such a popular asset within our communities. Last week, New Year’s Eve celebrations increased Uber and Lyft requests significantly because responsible drinkers wanted to avoid intoxicated driving and subsequent penalties like DUIs or drunk driving accidents. In addition to opting for a sober ride, people use Uber and Lyft services to avoid rental car costs when visiting a new city, to avoid the hassle of airport parking, and more.

Overall, ridesharing services have proven to be highly advantageous and cost-effective. In fact, Uber currently has more than 160,000 active drivers. But, with the increase of popularity in Uber and Lyft services, there has also been an increase in car accidents.

When a passenger is injured in rideshare car accident, who is liable for their damages and losses? Injured passengers in rideshare car accidents can suffer hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages from time off work, pain-and-suffering, prolonged physical therapy, disability, and much more. Who is responsible for compensating an injured rideshare passenger for these compensatory losses?

Continue reading to learn more about Uber and Lyft car accident insurance coverage, accident claims, and compensation recovery following a wrongful rideshare accident.

Rideshare Accident Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700

Rideshare Car Accident Liability

Because of the Uber and Lyft business models, there can be multiple insurance parties liable after a rideshare accident. At-fault parties may include the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, a third-party driver, or even a government agency.

Rideshare companies attempt to evade liability for accidents by classifying drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. Fortunately, many courts are not motivated to protect rideshare companies from car accident liability. Still, in most cases, it is the rideshare driver who is deemed liable after a wrongful or negligent car accident.

Uber and Lyft Auto Insurance Coverage

Rideshare companies, including Lyft and Uber, make it mandatory for their drivers to maintain their own personal auto insurance liability coverage that meets the state minimum requirement. In addition to requiring their drivers to have their own personal liability insurance coverage at the state minimum, Uber provides a $1 million commercial insurance policy to cover drivers and passengers in motor vehicle collisions. But this coverage only applies if the accident occurs while the Uber app is active and turned on.

Although rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft require their drivers to maintain the state-mandated minimum car insurance coverage, it is possible for a rideshare driver to have insufficient coverage, and therefore, not be able to compensate victims for their damages and losses. Furthermore, many private insurance companies are unwilling to pay out victims for their damages and losses that occur as a result of a rideshare accident. For this reason, the most common liable party in rideshare car accident is the commercial insurance policy coverage.

Additional Scenarios That Might Change Liability Coverage in a Rideshare Car Accident

In the case that a rideshare driver is on duty but has no customers in their car, then causes an accident that harms someone, it is generally their own personal car insurance policy that will pay out damages to an injured victim. Companies like Uber may offer a small portion of contingent coverage, but only up to $50,000 per injured person, and up to $100,000 total per accident.

If a rideshare driver has their app on, has accepted a ride, and is on their way to go pick up a passenger (or already has a passenger in the vehicle), then a car accident occurs, the rideshare company’s full insurance coverage policy may apply.

The legalities surrounding liability and injury claims are complex, making it critical to consult an Indiana accident attorney for expert legal advice after being wrongly injured in a rideshare accident.

Are you looking for personal injury law firm in Indiana that can help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after suffering damages caused by an Uber or Lyft rideshare car accident? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-risk, no-fee personal injury consultation with an experienced car accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also represent injured persons throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

Information You May Be Required to Give in a Personal Injury Deposition

Posted on December 31, 2021 by admin

Personal injury depositions can feel intimidating, to say the least. But with responsible planning, you can face your personal injury deposition with poise and confidence. Always consult with your trusted attorney for deposition advice and guidance. They have the knowledge and resources to ensure you are ready for whatever questions you might be asked.

In fact, continue below to learn some common topics discussed in personal injury depositions to better prepare for the interview process. By knowing what information might be expected of you, you can ease your anxiety and put your best foot forward.

Deposition Accident Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Depositions

Putting in the groundwork for being deposed involves reviewing the common questions asked during a deposition and preparing your answers accordingly. Not only should you practice and review your answers for your personal injury deposition, but you should also review your answers to any accident reports filed, medical bills, recorded statements, interrogatories, adjuster interviews, and any other legal documents or filings you made with the court.

Common Deposition Questions for Accident Cases

There are various topics that might be discussed at a personal injury deposition. Common questions tend to range from general data like background information and contact information to more specific questions, such as one regarding your accident and injuries.

General Background Information

The initial part of a personal injury deposition is used to cover general information from the person being deposed. Such questions will generally involve topics like employment, employment history, place of residence, residence history, marital status, number of dependents, previous legal matters, insurance claim history, criminal history, medical history, health status, and more.

Accident and Injury Information

A personal injury deposition will eventually switch gears and dive into more specific topics of discussion, namely focusing on the accident and injuries. While being deposed, you can expect questions about the details of the accident, including your involvement, the accident site, police reports, car accident reports, mental state, health condition, and so forth. In the case of a motor vehicle accident, they will want to know the condition of your car prior to and following the accident, as well as the conversions you had with the other parties involved at the scene.

You will also face questions regarding your injuries, including the extent of your injuries, your physical limitations as a result of being injured, how your injuries are affecting your daily life, which doctors you’ve seen, how many appointments you’ve had, who referred you to each doctor, the types of treatments you’ve received, the status of your medical bills, and similar questions.

Are you looking for qualified and trustworthy personal injury guidance in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation. Our seasoned attorneys can meet with you over the phone or computer, or in-person at our Indianapolis law office.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700 — Schedule a Free Consultation!

Do I Have to Make a Police Report After a Car Accident?

Posted on December 28, 2021 by admin

You Should Always Make a Police Report After a Car Accident

Many people assume that the first step to take after a car accident is to contact their insurance company. But depending on the details surrounding the accident, in most cases, the first call to make is to the local police. Filing a police report after a car accident is one of the most responsible protections you can take. Having such documents on record can better streamline the claim and settlement process.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about making a car accident report in Indiana, including who to contact if you were seriously injured by a negligent driver.

Indiana Laws and Procedures for Car Accident Reporting

In many cases, the law allows drivers to decide on their own if they want to contact the police after a car accident. In more serious cases, the law mandates that law enforcement is called to the scene. These laws and regulations vary among states. Here in Indiana, drivers are required by law to contact local law if certain conditions exist.

Indiana drivers involved in a car crash must call the police to report the accident if:

…the property damage is $1,000 or more.
…anyone dies or suffers an injury.
…the insurance carrier requires it in all cases.
…the other involved vehicle is unattended.
–Indiana Code § 9-26-1-1.1

Failing to make a police report after a car accident that meets these car crash reporting rules can possibly result in criminal penalties, as well as vehicle registration revocation, fines, and loss of driving privileges.

How to Make a Car Accident Report in Indiana

It is always best to report all car accidents to the police as this will allow you and your insurance carrier to obtain necessary documentation and information regarding both drivers. You should call 911. You can also contact the local police department or sheriff’s office in the municipality of your accident and sometimes they will have non-emergency numbers you can call to have an officer come out and make a report.

Following a police report, you would contact your insurance company to commence the claims process. Within 10 days’ time of the accident, you and the other driver or vehicle owner are required to have your respective insurance carriers electronically file a Certificate of Compliance with the Indiana BMV, which verifies that both parties have state minimum insurance coverage. Failure to do this can result in your driver’s license being suspended for a time.

The Importance of Making a Police Report After a Car Accident

Making a police report at the scene of a car accident is important for many reasons, whether the law mandates it for your particular incident or not. This is especially true for car accidents that result in bodily injury. For starters, your injuries may not manifest until later. These are known as late-appearing car accident injuries or an onset of symptoms. Delayed onset of symptoms is very common.

Additionally, your property damages might be more severe than you expected them to be, or worse, the other party involved could make false claims against you in an effort to evade liability for the accident. This is especially frustrating when you are not at fault in causing the car accident. Police reports can protect you from such complexities that can occur during the car accident claim process.

After being involved in a car accident in Indiana, not only is it encouraged to call the police to the scene so the officer can do his own police report, but it is also recommended to make your own car crash accident “report”. Do this by collecting the following information:

❒ Full Contact Information (Drivers and Passengers)
❒ Drivers’ License Number
❒ Car Insurance Details
❒ License Plate Number
❒ Photos of the Scene
❒ Photos of Registrations, Insurance Cards and Drivers Licenses
❒ Photos of Property Damage (both parties)
❒ Witness Contact Information
❒ Office Names and Badge Numbers

What To Do After Being Injured in a Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault

If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another driver, you could be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses. Damages and losses may include hospital bills, medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, prolonged physical therapy, disability, pain-and-suffering, and much more. It is important to consult with the season Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to determine if your case is worthy of pursuing legal action against the other party involved in your car accident.

Have you been seriously and wrongly injured in a car crash in Indiana? You deserve aggressive legal representation to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your damages. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned Indianapolis car accident attorney, today. We represent injured persons throughout the state of Indiana.

Facts About Electrocution and Electric Shock Accident Lawsuits

Posted on December 23, 2021 by admin

Electrocution and electric shock accidents are very serious, and unfortunately, more common than you think. According to the National Institutes of Health, virtually 1,000 victims lose their life to an electricity accident every year in the United States.

For the sake of better understanding this blog, note that electrocution accidents are those that result in death due to electric shock, while electric shock accidents are electricity accidents that do not result in death, but can result in a long list of severe bodily injuries and personal losses.

If you or someone you love is a recent victim of an electrocution or electric shock accident, continue reading to learn the facts you need to know about pursuing legal action against the negligent party responsible.

Electricity Accident Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Electricity Accidents

Electrocution accidents cause death when the electrical current coursing through the body is sufficient to stop the heart. An electricity accident victim who suffers a smaller current may be recovered using a defibrillator. Smaller currents of electricity can trigger an irregular contraction of the cardiac muscle, known as fibrillation. Larger electrical currents typically result in death, but sometimes they result in permanent injuries, such as burns and neurological and cellular damage.

The severity of an electric shock or electrocution accident depends on various factors, including the amount of voltage, the type of current, the type of circuit, how long the patient was in contact with the electrical current, the path the electrical current traveled through the body, how quickly the patient receives medical treatment, any underlying medical conditions, and more.

Common Injuries Sustained in an Electric Shock Accident

Electric shock accidents typically result in serious bodily injuries, primarily severe burns, but also:

◾ Cardiac Arrest
◾ Respiratory Arrest
◾ Spinal Cord Injuries
◾ Orthopedic Fractures
◾ Kidney Damages
◾ Peripheral Nerve Damage
◾ Cataracts
◾ Nerve And Tissue Damage
◾ Ruptured Eardrums
◾ Seizures
◾ Confusion
◾ Amnesia
◾ Loss Of Consciousness
◾ Psychological Suffering
◾ And More

Suing for a Wrongful Electricity Accident

If you or someone you love was wrongly injured in electricity accident in Indiana, whether a wrongful death caused by electrocution or serious injuries caused by an electric shock accident, it is important to consult with a seasoned personal injury attorney right away. You can be entitled to a settlement or verdict for your hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, prolonged medical treatment, pain-and-suffering, loss of consortium, permanent disfigurement, permanent disability, and much more.

Are you searching for a trusted Indiana personal injury law firm to represent your electricity accident case? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial case evaluation with a skilled civil litigator and discuss your electric shock or electrocution accident claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Act now before time runs out on your claim or evidence is lost to support your claim.

Can I File a Lawsuit if I Am Injured on Public Stairs Without Railing?

Posted on December 20, 2021 by admin

Fall accidents on public stairwells occur more than you think. According to a recent study published by the National Library of Medic ine, it is estimated that 1 million victims suffer injuries each year in the United States because of defective or negligently-maintained staircases. Such accidents take place on stairs in public spaces, multi-housing complexes, commercial buildings, and more.

If you are a recent stairwell accident victim that was injured due to a missing or defective handrailing, continue reading to learn what you need to know about your rights to pursing legal action against the responsible party and what types of damages you might recover.

Stairwell Accident Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700

Stairwell Building Codes for Indiana

Each state has their own set of building codes and ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) requirements. Public spaces, businesses, and commercial buildings are mandated by law to adhere to all building and construction standards listed in such codes, and at all times.

Here in Indiana, there is a specific set of regulations for interior and exterior public stairwells that have more than 2 risers. These regulations and building codes are highly complex and comprehensive, so here are some primary points:

► Maximum Height of Each Riser – 8 ¼ Inches
► Minimum Height of Each Riser – 4 Inches
► Minimum Length of Each Step – 9 Inches

*All stair tread must be even and uniform.
*Maximum riser must not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8^th inch

Handrails have their own set of building codes and standards. For Indiana, stair railing must adhere to several requirements, such as:

▷ Railing cannot have any gaps and must be continuous.
▷ Handrails are mandated by law for stairwells with more than 3 risers.
▷ Rails must be a minimum of 34 inches and maximum of 38 inches from the tread.
▷ At least 1 ½ inches of space is required between the wall and the handrail.
▷ Railing must be free of sharp edges or corners.

Suing for Injuries Caused By Defective Stairwell Handrails

If you were seriously injured on public stairs because they were not up to code according to Indiana law, you are entitled to pursing compensation for your damages and losses through a slip and fall accident claim or premises liability lawsuit. Consult with a licensed Indianapolis IN personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, before all evidence is lost to support your claim, or time runs out on your case.

You may be able to recover a settlement or verdict for damages like hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent injuries and similar costs and losses. Just be sure to choose the right Indiana personal injury law firm to represent your case. They will be your best chance at recovering the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve as a victim of an Indiana stairwell accident.

Not sure how to get started with a personal injury premises liability claim in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation with a seasoned Indianapolis civil litigator regarding your stairwell slip and fall accident. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana.

These Children’s Toys Made the Most Dangerous List for 2021

Posted on December 17, 2021 by admin

The holidays are fast approaching, and you probably have most of your Christmas shopping done already. But if you are taking on the role of Santa this year to a bunch of beloved kiddos, be sure to avoid toys that have been suggested to be hazardous or defective by World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.). These toys can cause serious injury or death to children of all ages, including infants and teens.

Continue below to review W.A.T.C.H.’s list for the most dangerous children’s toys of 2021, plus what to do if your child is injured by a defective toy or product in Indiana.

Child Injury Lawyer Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700

W.A.T.C.H.’s List of the Most Hazardous Children’s Toys For 2021

No one wants to be responsible for providing a child with a toy that ultimately injures or maims them. It is important to strongly consider which toys and products you purchase for children by considering their age, as well as the consumer reviews on safety and operation. Common injuries that result from hazardous children’s toys include blunt force trauma, electrocutions, choking, chemical burns, and suffocation.

The World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) is a well-revered, long-standing organization that works in depth to identify dangerous or hazardous children’s toys. According to their comprehensive studies, a child is treated every three minutes in an emergency room for toy-related injuries.

Last year, we provided a blog on the most dangerous children’s toys of 2020, so be sure to review these toys as well, as they may still be on the market and on the shelves at your local department stores and on-line. As a result of this dangerous toy list, nine children lost their lives, while nearly 200,000 others were injured, some seriously.

This year, W.A.T.C.H. suggest that these are the top 10 most dangerous children’s toys to avoid:

➀ Bright Starts Tummy Time Prop & Play – Risk of suffocation
➁ Hape Learn To Play Drum – Risk of choking
➂ Hover-1 My First Hoverboard – Risk of head injuries and orthopedic injuries
➃ Nerf Hyper Rush-40 Blaster – Risk of eye and face injuries
➄ Perfectly Cute My Lil’ Baby Feed & Go Set – Risk of choking
➅ Radio Flyer Spin ‘N Saucer – Risk of impact injuries
➆ Rollers Light-Up Heel Skates – Risk of blunt impact injuries
➇ Snake Eyes G.I. Joe Origins Ninja Strike Sickles – Risk of blunt force impact and eye injuries
➈ Squeakee Minis Poppy the Bunny – Risk of battery ingestion
➉ Walmart My Life As Shopping Basket – Risk of choking
*These are in no particular order.

Protection for Children Injured by Defective or Dangerous Toys

As United States citizens, we have certain legal protections against hazardous or unsafe products. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) set such requirements for manufacturers, which mandate them to follow strict health and safety standards. So, when consumers are seriously injured or killed by a hazardous product, certain legal entitlement may ensue.

If your child was injured by a dangerous or defective toy, your first step is to get them immediate medical treatment. Then, as soon as possible, contact an experienced Indianapolis Indiana personal injury law firm for help pursuing legal action against the negligent manufacturer or retailer. A seasoned civil litigator will navigate your child injury product defect claim from start to finish, recovering the maximum settlement for your child’s damages and losses.

Are you looking for a qualified personal injury law firm to help you with your child injury case in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation and discuss the best course of action for your child injury product liability claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve clients all throughout Indiana.

Can I Still Sue the Other Driver if My Car Accident Injuries Were Not Apparent at the Scene?

Posted on December 14, 2021 by admin

Injuries commonly appear directly after being involved in a serious car accident. But there is another common medical term known as delayed onset of injury, in which vehicle accident injuries present themselves through pain and problems days, weeks or even later following a collision or fall. If you were involved in a car accident that was not your fault and now you are experiencing pain and problems due to your injuries, it is important to know how to protect yourself, both physically and legally.

Continue reading to learn more about later appearing vehicle accident injuries, including what to do if you have an onset of injuries, pain and problems following a car accident in Indiana.

Car Crash Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Common Causes of an Onset of Injury After a Car Accident

When humans are faced with distressing physical or emotional challenges, our bodies can become shocked or stimulated, which can actually help us manage the traumatic situation. Take professional athletes for instance; they often get injured during a big game but will continue to play anyway. This is usually explained by a triggered biological response of adrenaline and endorphin production, which helps mitigate pain, and even fear.

Just like professional athletes who get injured on the track or field, our bodies are significantly stimulated after a traumatic car accident, which can lead to physical shock and block pain. This biological response is a common reason why car accident survivors often do not feel injured directly after an accident, but rather, later that day, days later, weeks later or even longer.

Injuries That Can Appear After a Car Accident

After being in a car accident, your body will become exited or stimulated, and generate higher levels of adrenaline and endorphins. This biological response can make you feel like you are not hurt. But once the triggered stimulation wears off, which can be a matter of hours, days, weeks, or even longer, your body can begin to feel the effects of the injury. Do not assume that you are not hurt after a car accident.

The most common types of later-appearing car accident injuries are ligament, tendon, spinal and muscle and tissue related injuries. Head injuries like concussions are also known to arise after a car accident. When it comes to car accident head injuries, the signs to look out for include cloudy thinking, foggy or blurred vision, slurred speech, memory loss, sensitivity to light or sound, inability to focus, headaches, nausea, dizziness, lethargy, loss of focus and concentration and irregular sleep patterns.

It is vital to see a doctor as soon as you begin to experience any degree of symptoms from injuries following a car accident. While most people wait to see if their symptoms will resolve on their own with time, rest and over-the-counter medications and heat and ice treatments at home, it is always better to be seen by a trained doctor as soon as possible to get good advice and to make sure you are doing everything you can to get better as soon as possible. Not only is medical treatment important for protecting your health and well-being, but it also provides evidence to support your personal injury car accident claim. Insurance adjusters for at-fault defendants want to see medical records.

Claims For Later Appearing Car Accident Injuries and Symptoms

If a car accident survivor who was injured by a negligent driver experiences late-appearing symptoms and injuries, it is not too late to make a personal injury claim. There is still opportunity to pursue legal action and claim payments for your damages and losses. Car accident personal injury claims usually have a statute of limitations of 2 years, depending upon who the at-fault party is.

Claims against governmental entities, including but not limited to a City, County or State must be made in as little as 6 months so it is best to hire an attorney immediately following your auto collision so you can get good advice and not miss any deadlines, as well as to enable your attorney to obtain evidence before it disappears.

This means that from the date of the accident, in most cases, a wrongfully injured car accident victim has 24 months to file suit against the at-fault driver in order to eventually receive a payment on a settlement or judgment from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Settlements can cover damages like hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Are you a recent car accident survivor who has suffered damages because of a wrongfully caused motor vehicle collision in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with our car accident injury lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana.

Funeral Arrangement Check List For an Unexpected Loss

Posted on December 10, 2021 by admin

No one wants to be placed in the position of having to plan a funeral at a moment’s notice. It is an unfortunate and sensitive circumstance that families and friends endure when a cherished life ends. When it comes to pre-planning a funeral, having helpful resources can take a lot of the pressure and anxiety away.

For help and support, scroll down to review a basic check list for arranging a funeral at the last minute, as well as how to pursue legal action if you lost your loved one due to negligence in a wrongful death accident in Indiana.

Wrongful Death Attorney Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Guide to Planning a Loved One’s Funeral

Decide Between Burial or Cremation

Your first step is to decide on your loved one’s final resting place. This includes choosing between burial and cremation. From there, you will be faced with related decisions, such as casket or urn selection, burial plot or memorial location selection, and whether you want to use funeral home services. If you do not wish to use a funeral home, you can take this time to choose a cemetery or memorial location.

Choose a Funeral Home

After writing an obituary, you will need to choose a funeral home to facilitate the rest of the proceedings. Choose a funeral home that has years of experience and well established in their community. If budget is an issue, typically family and locally owned funeral homes are more economically priced and will give you a better over-all deal with the same focused and professional service.

Once you have chosen a funeral home or final resting place, all you have to do is assist the funeral directors in completing the planning process. You will need to choose a casket or urn, flower arrangements, burial location, and figure out a way to inform the rest of the family about the date and time of the funeral service. An accommodating funeral home will assist you with all these decisions and tasks.

Write an Obituary

Get together with family and close friends to collect personal information about the deceased. Typically, people like to include the name, date of birth, birthplace, and the names of the bereaved. This part is decided upon by the family and closest people to the person who has passed. You can make an obituary as original or general as you see fit. Other topics to discuss in an obituary are vocations, the persons’ character, accomplishments, and any other special descriptions. When complete, you will need to submit obituary to appropriate newspaper or publication. Your funeral director can do this step for you if you have chosen to work with one.

Extended Funeral Planning Checklist:

☑ Acquire any last requests relating to funeral arrangements left behind by the deceased.

☑ Choose the resting attire for the deceased (for caskets only).

☑ Select music and literature for service ceremony.

☑ Arrange funeral transportation if necessary (clergy car, limousine, funeral coach, etc.).

☑ Hire an officiator and pallbearers (if needed).

☑ Appoint someone to read the eulogy (or write one on your own).

Are You the Survivor of the Wrongful Death of a Loved One?

Losing a loved one is always a painful experience and loss. Losing a loved one due to another person’s lack of using reasonable care is exponentially more painful because your loss should not have happened. If your family has recently experienced a wrongful death, quickly hire a reputable and licensed Indiana wrongful death attorney to represent you. It is very important to outsource professional legal counsel following a wrongful death. Spouses and immediate next of kin may be entitled to a settlement for economic and noneconomic damages like medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, loss of love and care, loss of consortium, loss of social security benefits, and more.

Was your loved one wrongfully killed in an accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Indianapolis IN wrongful death lawyer you can trust. We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana.