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.

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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.

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.

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.

FAQS About Car Crash Personal Injury Lawyers

Posted on October 8, 2021 by admin

After being injured in a car crash in Indianapolis, you are likely wondering how to get started with the process of hiring an Indiana personal injury lawyer. After all, the thought of paying out of pocket for all your past, current, and future damages can be a scary one. Fortunately, there are plenty of qualified resources to rely on for answers to your auto accident personal injury questions.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about car crash personal injury lawyers in Indiana, and even learn how to get started on a case evaluation soon.

Car Crash Accident Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Personal Injuries

Do I Need to Hire an Indianapolis Car Accident Attorney?

Regardless of how minor the insurance adjuster for the at-fault party claims your car accident injuries or damages might be, it is vital to retain professional legal representation from an experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in motor vehicle accidents.

Many car accident victims make the mistake of believing they can represent themselves in a car crash personal injury claim; only later to discover that their case was worth much more than what they eventually settled for. A skilled and seasoned car crash attorney in Indianapolis will use every resource in their power to obtain the maximum settlement or verdict for you.

Can Wrongful Death Car Crash Victims File an Accident Claim in Indiana?

If you are a spouse or next of kin who has just suffered the wrongful death of a loved one, an Indiana auto accident lawyer will protect your rights to compensation for all of the resulting damages and losses incurred to the family, including medical expenses, hospital bills, loss of social security benefits, loss of income, loss of consortium, pain, suffering, and more.

What Will a Car Accident Attorney Do?

Not only will a car accident attorney in Indiana support you through your recovery process from start to finish, they will also navigate all elements and aspects of your personal injury claim. This includes recovering and scrutinizing all gathered evidence surrounding your case, interviewing any eyewitnesses or involved parties, documenting all testimonies, obtaining photographs, videos and other evidence, conferring with your medical professionals in regard to your injuries and recovery process, and if necessary, obtaining the services of an accident reconstruction specialist to assist in proving the fault of the other driver if necessary.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Crash Lawyer in Indianapolis?

Personal injury law firms in Indianapolis may differ in terms of their payment arrangement and business model, but most work on contingency. This means that clients do not pay any upfront lawyer fees or costs. In fact, clients do not pay at all unless their personal injury lawyers recover a settlement or verdict for them.

Once a settlement or verdict is obtained, then clients will pay the lawyers a previously agreed upon percentage of their compensation from the defendant’s insurance company. Furthermore, we offer free initial case evaluations to determine your eligibility for pursuing legal action against an at-fault party.

Where Can I Find the Best Car Crash Personal Injury Law Firm in Indianapolis?

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. is ready to fight for your rights in an Indiana personal injury car accident case. We begin with a thorough review and assessment of the circumstances surrounding your auto accident so that we can document a strong case against the negligent party or involved third parties.

If we cannot get insurance companies or opposing parties to settle out of court and provide you the compensation you deserve and are owed, we take the lawsuit to court. Our Indianapolis Indiana car accident attorneys offer free case evaluations and do not collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict for you so there is no reason not to contact us today.

Are you ready to get started on your auto accident personal injury claim? Contact us directly at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed Indianapolis Indiana personal injury lawyer, today. We represent injured victims all throughout the state of Indiana.

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Information About Being Injured By a Driver Who Ran a Red Light

Posted on September 21, 2021 by admin

Some of the scariest car accidents that result in serious injuries or fatalities are those that occur as a result of driver negligence and red lights. In fact, a comprehensive study performed by AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals that over 900 people were killed in car accidents in 2017 because drivers failed to stop at a red light. This statistic represents a 28% increase in red light accidents and fatalities since 2012.

Unfortunately, running red light car accidents are a common personal injury claim here in Indiana. If you are a recent Indiana car accident victim due to a negligent driver who ran a red light, continue reading to learn what you need to know about pursuing legal action against them for the purpose of obtaining compensation for your damages and losses.

Red Light Car Accident Lawyer Indianapolis 317-881-2700

Understanding Negligence in a Red Light Running Car Accident Case

In all states, running a red light is illegal no matter how you look at it. If you are caught by law enforcement, you will likely be cited a ticket and pay a fine. However, if you run a red light and the result leaves another driver or pedestrian injured, there could be additional legal implications. You see, not only is running a red light a criminal offense, but it can also be a civil lawsuit because of a common legal principle known as negligence per se.

Because a driver is breaking a general traffic law or regulation, they are deemed negligent per se because such laws are set for the purpose of promoting safety and protecting people from injuries. Some states use negligence per se as proof that a driver violated a law, ordinance, or regulation, thus deciding the case entirely. Other states may use negligence per se as a piece of evidence showing that the defendant acted negligently.

An Indiana Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover Financially

In Indiana, the law recognizes negligence per se as evidence against an at-fault party in all types of personal injury cases. To understand your rights to pursuing legal action against an at fault driver who caused your injuries in a serious car accident, it is important to speak to a licensed Indianapolis personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Act fast before the statute of limitations runs out on your case, or evidence is lost that would support your claim.

Are you ready to get the settlement you deserve after being injured by a negligent driver in Indiana? 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 clients throughout Indiana, including Indiana residents injured in other states.

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Top 5 Tips for Safe Driving in Indianapolis

Posted on August 27, 2021 by admin

The number of drivers who are seriously injured or killed in car accidents each year is astonishing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 3000 people were killed in a distracted driving car accident in 2019 alone, while more than 400,000 drivers and passengers were seriously injured because of distracted driving. What’s even more disconcerting is, with good intention and practice, distracted driving can be easily prevented. Therefore, no one should ever have to become a victim of a distracted driving car accident.

In fact, continue reading to learn the top five tips for safe driving in Indianapolis so that you can avoid becoming a distracted driver yourself and potentially harming another person in a car accident. Be sure to spread these tips among your friends and family to protect them as well.

Indianapolis IN Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

How to Avoid Distracted Driving

Know the Weather

Whether you are heading off to work or preparing for a long-distance road trip, the weather is something you always want to pay attention to when you plan on driving. Inclement weather conditions can increase the degree of hazard you experience on the road while driving, and if you add any type of distraction on top of that, it can pose a higher risk of being involved in a car accident.

If you know it’s going to rain, be sure your windshield wipers and tire tread are in good condition. If you know it’s going to snow, be sure to give yourself some extra time to clear off your windshield and warm your car up before taking off. If you know it’s going to be very hot, bring a windshield shade cover or choose a shaded parking spot for the day.

When the weather report predicts rainy, icy, or wet conditions, plan to leave earlier to give yourself some extra time; this way you won’t feel rushed on the road and tempted to speed or drive recklessly and because everyone on the road should be driving slower you will need more time to get to your destination safely.

Never Drive Under the Influence

Whether it’s alcohol, prescription drugs, controlled drugs, over-the-counter medication, or illicit drugs, never under any circumstances should you operate a vehicle when you are under their influence. Not only is it illegal, but it is very dangerous. Even something as unassuming and innocent as cough syrup can make you drowsy, which can cause you to lose focus while driving. Fatigued driving is one of the most dangerous types of distracted driving. In fact, that’s your next safe driving tip.

Get Plenty of Rest

It is important that you are well rested before operating a motor vehicle. Never drive when you are sleepy or drowsy because this can cause you to quickly lose focus on the road and other drivers around you. Even if you feel like you can stay awake, there is always a chance of slipping behind the wheel. Avoid taking prescription medications or over-the-counter medications that cause drowsiness before driving. Always check the label of your medications to be sure.

Avoid Distracting Behaviors While Driving

There are many things you might be doing behind the wheel of your car that you don’t realize are distracting. Examples include texting, taking phone calls, changing the radio station, entering coordinates into your GPS system, eating, putting on makeup, rummaging through your purse, taking your eyes off the road to reach for a food or beverage, checking for items in the backseat, and more. All of these behaviors are considered distracted driving, which is incredibly unsafe. So, when you are driving, stick to driving and only driving. Wait for a stoplight to perform any of these behaviors or pull over safely first. Here in Indiana, texting and driving is now illegal and you will be cited for an expensive ticket if you are seen by a police officer.

Do Not Drive Recklessly

One of the most effective best practices for safe driving is to simply follow all traffic rules and regulations. First, avoid reckless driving. This means drive the speed limit, obey all traffic signs, use your turn signals, give yourself plenty of room between vehicles, and so forth. Also, it is important to stay current on all of your automotive maintenance to ensure that your vehicle is in optimal condition for safe driving. By following these rules, you can avoid unsafe and distracted driving.

Were you injured or a loved one wrongly injured or killed in a car accident recently? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to meet with a seasoned Indiana car accident injury lawyer who can fight for your right to full and fair compensation. We can consult over phone, video, or in person at our Indianapolis law office. We represent injured persons and their loved ones throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

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

Why Should Employees Injured in Work-Related Car Accidents Hire a Lawyer?

Posted on August 10, 2021 by admin

In last week’s blog, we discussed some of the most frequently asked questions about work-related car accidents, including various facts about workers’ compensation benefits, third-party claims, and hiring a car accident lawyer to represent injured people in such cases. In today’s blog, continue reading to learn how a skilled and specialized personal injury lawyer can protect wrongfully injured car accident victims by recovering the full and fair compensation they deserve for their damages and losses.

Company Car Accident Lawyers Indianapolis 317-881-2700

Work-Related Car Accident Injuries and Claims

There are several reasons why an injured employee who is hurt and work-related car accident should hire personal injury lawyer. Here are some scenarios to demonstrate the importance of retaining proper legal representation after being injured in a car accident while performing work-related duties:

Employers or their insurance carriers may try to establish that an employee’s car accident wasn’t work-related and attempt to reject their workers’ compensation claim. If this were to happen, an employee would need a skilled litigator to fight for their rights to compensation by proving their case.

In the case that an employee’s workers’ compensation claim is approved, the employer’s insurance company may try to reduce the benefits of the claim or change the benefits in a way that negatively impacts the employee. For instance, the employer’s insurance company can have the worker compensation doctor the insurance carrier chose issue an opinion that an employee has reached maximum medical improvement and require them to return to work before they are actually capable; or the doctor chosen by the worker compensation carrier may issue a lower permanent partial impairment rating than should be issued. It is very important to understand that in most work-related automobile collisions, it is the worker compensation carrier and not the patient who chooses who the treating doctor is.

Numerous work-related car accidents involve third parties who may also be held accountable for any damages and losses suffered by an injured employee. Third-party claims are not handled by an employee’s insurance company or employer. An employee would be responsible for hiring their own lawyer to pursue any third party claims and they absolutely should.

An experienced personal injury lawyer is an injured victim’s best chance at obtaining the most successful outcome possible in a car accident claim. Indiana civil litigators are well-versed in tort law and may be able to find other types of settlements to pursue outside of workers’ compensation.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer after being injured in a work-related car accident makes the entire legal process easier for victims. Lawyers will handle and navigate every element of your case so that you can focus solely on getting better.

Hire a Workers’ Compensation/Third-Party Liability Lawyer FAST

It is very common for injured workers to lose out on their possible benefits a because they do not hire an Indianapolis IN workers’ compensation lawyer fast enough. In order to have a successful recovery, employees who are injured in a work-related car accident must get their investigation started early; before evidence is lost that supports their claim. Not only can witnesses forget details and paperwork and get lost in the shuffle, but all states have a set period in which a wrongfully injured victim can pursue legal action against an at-fault party known as the statute of limitations.

Are you ready to speak with an expert workers’ compensation and third party liability lawyer who can begin investigating your claim right away? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free consultation with a skilled Indiana workplace injury lawyer as soon as possible. We represent injured victims throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

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Statute of Limitations for Common Personal Injury Claims
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FAQS About Work Related Car Accidents

Posted on August 6, 2021 by admin

In today’s workforce, many employees are required to drive as a part of their job-related duties. When an employee is involved in a car accident, whether in their personal car or in a company car, so long as they were performing work-related duties, workers’ compensation usually pays for all of their medical expenses and the majority of their lost wages from missing work. But after being in a car accident, injured victims suffer more damages than just medical expenses and lost wages. In such cases, they may be eligible to pursue in accident claim against third parties responsible for any damages resulting from their car accident injuries.

There’s a lot to know about work-related car accidents, workers’ compensation benefits, and third-party claims, but fortunately you don’t have to bother with any of this. As soon as you are capable, speak with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to learn the best course of action for your car or trucking accident claim in Indiana.

In the meantime, continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about work-related car and trucking accidents to get a better understanding of what type of legal process you may experience ahead of you.

Indianapolis Indiana Car Accident Lawyer 317-881-2700

What is Considered a Work-Related Car Accident?

A work-related car accident is when an employee who is performing work duties is involved in a car or trucking wreck or collision. The accident does not have to be with another vehicle; it can be just the employee. The most common types of work-related car accidents happen to those whose primary role is driving, such as delivery drivers, commercial truck drivers, bus drivers, and similar commuting-based vocations.

What are Some Other Types of Work-Related Car Accidents That May Be Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?

In addition to those whose primary role within the company is to drive, there are other types of work-related car accidents that can take place. Car accidents happen in an employer’s parking lot may be covered under workers compensation, as well as employees who are driving from one company location or job site to another for the purpose of a job shift change. Also, workers compensation may cover car accidents that occur to employees who are driving to or from a mandatory company meeting or event, such as a training program or conference.

What are Some Examples of Car Accidents That Would Not Be Considered Work-Related, and Therefore Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Not all car accidents are considered work-related even though they may appear to be. In such a case, employees would not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. For instance, if an employee is involved in a car accident on their way to work or on their way home from work, their accident would not be considered work-related. Although every case is fact sensitive so it should be investigated.

Another example would be if an employee was in a car accident after a company social event, like a holiday party or charity fundraiser. Since the event is not mandatory, and employees are not compensated for their attendance, a car accident that takes place before or after the event might not be considered work-related.

What Should I Do if I Am injured in a Work-Related Car Accident?

As soon as you are involved in a car accident, whether it is work-related or not, your priority should be medical treatment. Contact the police and the paramedics to ensure that you and anyone else involved in the accident are seen by EMTs. Next, you want to start documenting the scene of the accident. So, be sure that you have the police there to file a police report, get a copy of the police report, and continue to document any other pieces of evidence via video or photos.

Take pictures and videos of the cars involved in the car accident, the nearby intersection, the streetlights, the surrounding environmental terrain, and anything else that could be used as evidence to support your car accident claim. It is helpful to also ask onlookers or witnesses for their contact information in the case that they can provide witness testimony later.

✨ Stay tuned for next week’s blog in which we’ll discuss why injured employees need to hire a personal injury lawyer after being involved in a work-related car accident.

Are you looking for a skilled personal injury attorney who can help you with your car accident or workers compensation 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. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana.

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What To Do If You are Injured at Work
Difference Between Third Party Lawsuits and Worker’s Compensation Claims
FAQS About Having to Go Back to Work After a Workplace Injury