A Thorough Guide to Making a Car Accident Injury Claim

After a car accident, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. You may have suffered physical injuries as well as emotional trauma from the incident, and you may not understand the legal process of making an injury claim. Fortunately, there are experienced car accident lawyers who can help guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all the steps necessary for making a successful auto accident injury claim so that you get fair compensation for your losses. We’ll cover everything from understanding how defendant’s insurance companies work to finding an experienced car accident lawyer who will fight on your behalf in court if needed. With this information in hand, you can make sure that justice is served following a serious motor vehicle accident that was not your fault. Continue below to get started.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Car Accident Injury Attorney in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Car Accident Injury Attorney in Indianapolis Indiana

What To Do After a Car Accident

Being involved in an auto accident can be a terrifying experience, especially if you suffer injuries and trauma. Moreover, if the accident was caused by a negligent driver, it’s important to know what to do immediately after to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.

The first step is to call 911 and get the authorities there as fast as possible. When police and medics arrive, seek medical attention on the spot if needed. Many car accident victims experience an “on-set of injury”, which means their pain and suffering appears days, weeks or even months after the car accident. After you are cleared to leave the scene, you will need to also seek immediate treatment at a qualified medical clinic of your choosing and retain all documentation you acquire in the process.

Next, be sure to document the accident scene. Start by making a police report. Then, begin taking photos and videos of any damage to your vehicle if you are capable of doing so. You can also ask someone to help you with this step. Also take pictures of the other driver’s vehicle and any injuries you sustained. Exchange insurance information with the other driver and gather the contact information of any witnesses. You also need to contact your insurance company to report the accident.

Finally, contact a personal injury law firm as soon as possible after your wreck to learn about filing a car accident injury claim and so they can help ensure all relevant evidence is obtained. They can help you assert your rights to being compensated for your damages and losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, pain, suffering, and more.

How to Move Forward with a Car Accident Injury Claim

Learn Your Insurance Coverage

The first step in making a car accident injury claim is to understand how insurance companies work. Different states have different laws regarding auto insurance, and the specifics of your policy will determine what kind of coverage you have access to when filing an injury claim. There are several types of coverage which may be applicable: liability, medical payments, property damages, uninsured, underinsured, etc…

Make sure that you understand your policy before filing a claim, so that you can get the maximum compensation possible from your insurer and to do that you should hire a personal injury attorney immediately and the attorney can explain the applicable policy to you. 

Hire a Car Accident Attorney

This is a critical step in the claim process, so don’t hold back on researching the best accident law firms available to you. Look for reputable auto accident attorneys with experience handling such cases, and who can negotiate skillfully with insurance companies to help get you the settlement that you deserve.

File Suit Against the At-Fault Party if Necessary

Once you’ve found an experienced car accident attorney, it’s important to be prepared before making a personal injury claim. Your attorney will need all of your medical records, including any expenses and bills related to your injuries, as well as documentation of any wages lost due to being unable to work. It’s also important that you provide detailed accounts of what happened, including photos if possible and witness statements from anyone who saw the accident unfold. The more information you can provide, the stronger your case will be. Your attorney will help with the accumulation of this evidence.

Be Patient and Trust Your Legal Team

Finally, it’s important to remember that making an injury claim after an auto accident is a long process that requires patience and perseverance.  Personal injury cases should not be settled until you are fully healed from your injuries or until your doctors are advising you no further medical care will be of substantial benefit to your condition. In the end, it takes time. Your civil lawyer will be there to guide you every step of the way and help ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve for your losses. With this comprehensive guide in hand, you’ll have all the information necessary to make sure justice is served following a serious car accident.

Get started on your auto accident injury claim with the right team of professionals on your side. Contact Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our services come at no expense and zero risk to you since we operate on a contingency-fee basis. This means that we only receive payment if we succeed in securing a settlement or winning an award for you.

Related Posts:

How Can an Attorney Help with My Car Accident Injury Claim?
The Indiana Statute of Limitations For Car Accident Lawsuits
Most Common Auto Accident Injuries and What Causes Them

Shocking Facts About Alcohol-Impaired Driving and Accidents

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 29 people become fatal victims of alcohol-impaired driving in the United States, EVERYDAY. This statistic should startle you, as it is incredibly tragic and 100% preventable. More alarmingly, it adds up to an average of 1 death every 50 minutes.

Drunk driving is a terrible and life-threatening crisis in our country, and continues to take the lives of innocent men, women, and children, every single day. Perhaps learning the truth about alcohol-impaired driving will help spread the word to never drink and drive, and ultimately, save lives.

Continue reading to learn more facts surrounding drunk driving motor vehicle accidents and fatalities, and then share your knowledge with those around you to support the initiative to stop alcohol-impaired driving.

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Shocking Drunk Driving Statistics for 2016

More than 10,000 people lost their lives to drunk driving. This total added up to 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.

Over 1 million drivers were arrested for intoxicated driving, including alcohol and illicit drugs. These 1 million drivers only made up 1% of the total amount of self-reported incidents of alcohol-impaired driving for 2016.

A total of 1,233 children, infants to 14 years old, lost their lives in traffic accidents, of which, 17% (214) were caused by alcohol-impaired driving.

A 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of high school students revealed that, within the past 30 days, 6% drove after consuming alcohol, while 17% rode with a driver that had been drinking alcohol.

Indiana Drunk Driving Statistics

Between the years of 2003 and 2012, a total of 2,210 people lost their lives to a drunk driving accident.

Nearly 1 in 3 fatal motor vehicle accidents in the United States involve drunk driving.

Drivers are deemed alcohol-impaired by law when they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more.

In 2012 poll taken among adults, 1.6% people admitted to driving after having too much to drink in the past 30 days.

Fortunately, the rate of drunk driving fatalities have gone down as a result of steadfast efforts. Indiana now allows sobriety checkpoints and more to reduce the temptation to drive under the influence.

Support the CDC

These facts are all derived from the CDC website, an incredible organization that works toward protecting and saving lives. They are also a great resource for all kinds of free information on health, safety, diseases, conditions, emergency preparedness, and much more. Please continue to be supportive of the CDC!

What We Can Do About Drunk Driving

Spreading the message of the deadly and life-long consequences that come from intoxicated driving is a great way to encourage the safe driving movement. Talk to your friends, family, and children about the importance of drug and alcohol-free driving, and foster an ongoing open discuss for questions and learning.

If You Were Injured By a Drink Driver, Get Legal Help

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you or a loved one was recently injured or killed in a drunk driving accident in Indiana. Our seasoned car accident lawyers will be aggressive with your claim, and do everything in our power to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after experiencing this tragedy. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we recover for you.

Advice on Driving Safe in Winter Weather

Harsh winter weather can be both intimidating and dangerous at the same time. Now that we are sure snow and ice will be on the roads soon, it is important to review some safe winter driving tips. This is especially important for new drivers and adolescents. A little knowledge can save lives and prevent accidents on the road. As a seasoned driver, you should know how to drive safely in hazardous weather, and what to do in the case of winter roadside emergencies. Continue reading for helpful and imperative winter driving safety tips and more.

Car Accident Attorney 317-881-2700

Car Accident Attorney 317-881-2700

Tips for Winter Driving

As for daily driving, it is important to make sure you do not drive when tired or sleepy. If you are not capable of being one hundred percent alert behind the wheel of a car, especially one with passengers in tow, then you are not in a position to drive responsibly. Before starting your vehicle, be sure your gas tank is at least halfway full in order to avoid your gas lines from freezing up. Also be sure to check your tires and see if they are fully inflated. Low-inflation tires are a big concern on the road, as are over-inflated tires. When tires are too low, traction is lost and can lead to car accidents and collisions; while over-inflated tires can pop on the road, causing vehicles to potentially spin out of control and collide into objects or oncoming traffic.

Other areas to think about before driving in poor weather is the vehicle’s brake lights, headlights, and fluids. All of these parts and components need to be serviced and up-to-date in order for a vehicle to operate safely in any condition. Check your brake lights and be sure they are functional before pulling out of the driveway. Hazard lights should also be checked in the case of a roadside emergency. If snow is falling hard, other cars might have trouble seeing a vehicle on the side of the road unless their flashers are on and bright. In these same cases, it is actually not recommended to use parking brakes or cruise control for reasons regarding driver and passenger safety.

The most important part of safe driving, whether in snow or sunshine, is to always wear a seat-belt. Seat belts are designed to prevent driver or passenger ejection in the case of a collision. Not only is it important to wear a seat-belt for this reason, it is also important because they are designed to work in conjunction with a vehicle’s airbag system. When a car is involved in a collision, the crash sensors within the vehicle relay a message to the airbags to deploy; but these airbags can only service their purpose properly is the driver or passenger is wearing their safety restraints.

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers

If you do experience a car accident or collision, be sure to seek medical attention right away. If you were seriously injured, contact a local persona injury law firm to learn your rights to full and fair compensation for your losses.

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

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

The Most Serious Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car Accident Injury Lawyers Indiana 317-881-2700

Car Accident Injury Lawyers Indiana 317-881-2700

Serious car accidents can lead to serious injuries; ones that place victims in the emergency room and even the mortuary. For this reason, driver, passenger, and automotive safety is critically important to protecting lives. When people are involved in traffic collisions, they can sustain a wide range of injuries, from superficial to severe. Superficial injuries generally recover within days with little-to-no medical treatment, such as minor bruises and airbag abrasions.

However, car accidents can result in serious injuries that require immediate emergency medical attention in order to prevent serious consequences and death. The most common types of serious car injuries range from serious to extremely severe, including whiplash, concussions, orthopedic injuries, and more. Continue reading to learn which car accident injuries are the most serious, and most common.

Severe Traffic Collision Injuries

Car Accident Injury Lawyers Indiana 317-881-2700

Car Accident Injury Lawyers Indiana 317-881-2700

The most serious of injuries sustained from car accidents can lead to death if ignored and untreated, while many others can lead to death regardless of all the medical efforts made. If your loved one was recently killed in a car accident as a result of anothers negligence, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to file a wrongful death claim before the statute of limitations runs out in your state. They can recover compensation to cover funeral expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, loss of companionship, and more.

Serious Car Accident Injuries:

Compound Fractures – When a broken bone breaks through the skin and causes severe bleeding. This injury comes with a high risk of infection since the bone is exposed.

Tissue De-Gloving – When a portion of the skin is removed or torn off from the underlying tissue. This is common in motorcycle accidents.

Amputations – De-gloving injuries and more can lead to amputations of injured or affected extremities. Common amputations include ears, fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms, and legs.

Concussion – When the brain comes into contact with the inside of the skull as a result of a heavy impact or blow to the head. Concussions range from minor to severe. But severe concussions can lead to brain damage, internal bleeding, comas, and even death.

Brain Damage – Closed-head trauma. Brain damage can range in severity, but can cause cognitive impairment, learning disabilities, paralysis, blindness, and more.

Ruptured Organs – When an organ endures a heavy impact that causes it to tear. Rupture organs lead to internal bleeding in most cases. The most common include lungs, kidneys, and spleens.

Internal Bleeding – Internal hemorrhaging is blood loss that causes the accumulation of blood collecting inside the body cavity.

Coma – A state of unconsciousness that lasts more than 6 hours. It mainly occurs as a result of a heavy blow or impact to the head that injures the cerebral cortex or reticular activating system in the brain stem.

Car Accident Injury Lawyer

If you or someone you love was recently involved in a traffic accident and suffered serious injuries, you need to start thinking about your rights. When you are faced with confusing paperwork, expensive hospital bills, and aggressive interrogation from insurance adjusters, you need a personal injury law firm to help provide proficient guidance and legal support. A car accident injury lawyer can be the ones to handle all aspects of your injury claim, and potentially recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after suffering serious injuries from a car accident that was not your fault.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys

Personal Injury Law Firm Indiana

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you need a car accident injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned personal injury lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are eager to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment with our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys, today.

Safe Driving Tips for Teenagers

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Drivers of all ages need to have knowledge of how to operate a vehicle safely. But when it comes to teenagers, it is important to instill the proper driving and traffic education while they are just starting out, so they will develop safe driving habits at a young age and use them for the rest of their driving careers. If you are parent or guardian to a licensed adolescent, be sure to educate them on the most important safe driving tips and keep them better protected from harm.

Continue reading to learn 5 safe driving tips that are imperative for teens to learn and remember.

Stay Alert

As a teen, it is so easy to get distracted no matter what you are doing. Unfortunately, driving is no different. Especially with the use of handheld devices, like cell phones and tablets, more and more people are leaning their attention away from the road when they shouldn’t be. For this reason, it is most important to always remain alert when you are behind the wheel of a vehicle. Place your cell phone, GPS system, makeup, mirror, and all other distractions aside while your car is in motion. This is not only important to prevent harming yourself, but also other drivers and pedestrians.

No Speeding

Of course kids want to go fast, but this is not okay when behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. It is important to teach your kids the importance of speed limits. A car that is moving too fast is more difficult to control, and will over-react to the smallest change in motion. Flipping, swerving, spin-outs, and more are all possible consequences of driving too fast and then trying to stop or change motion. Speeding is also a common reason for motor vehicle fatalities. Not only is speeding dangerous in general, it is even more hazardous on narrow roads or in rain, snow, ice, and at night.

Keep a Safe Distance

Kids are not only interested in going fast, they also want to get where they are going quickly. Rushing and speeding are different, and it is important to discuss this with your teen. Of course you should never speed, but you should never tailgate, drive to close, or roll through stops and turn-abouts either. Rushing like this will only get you to your destination a minute sooner, which is not worth the risk of causing an accident, or being ticketed by law enforcement.

Avoid Aggressive Drivers

Teenagers might not always recognize the danger in some situations, and aggressive drivers are one example. Explain to your teens that it is important to avoid aggressive drivers at all costs. This means vehicles that are swerving, honking, or harassing, as well as, vehicles that are driving too fast, attempting to illegally pass, or instigating a race. These are all dangerous scenarios that can cause a very serious car accident.

Avoid Intoxicated Driving

There is no excuse for driving under the influence. Not only can it jeopardize your life, it can put other lives in danger as well. Talk to your teen about driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol and prescription medications.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, contact a car accident lawyer right away. You could be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorney Indianapolis

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a car accident injury claim in Indianapolis, IN today. Attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are dedicated and determined to obtain the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve as an injured victim in a negligent accident. We offer free initial consultations, 24 hour phone services, and never charge attorney fees and less we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a consultation with a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN today.

Advice for Anyone Involved in a Massive Traffic Pile Up

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

When two drivers are involved in a minor traffic collision, such as a fender-bender, it is basically cut-and-dry on who’s at fault for the accident. But what about major traffic collisions that involve numerous parties? This is the case for traffic accident pile ups and victims. It can be quite complex and confusing deciding who is at fault in a massive pile up, and how to get properly compensated for losses and damages that result from such accidents.

If you or anyone you love was recently involved and injured in a multiple vehicle collision, it is strongly suggested to get in contact with an experienced car accident injury lawyer for professional guidance. Continue reading to learn some basic advice for car accident pile up collisions, and what you should do if ever involved in one.

At the Scene

As soon as you are involved in a multiple vehicle traffic accident, the first thing to do is to remain calm. Of course, this is easier “said than done”, however, trying to remain calm will help you make better decisions on the spot, and protect you and your passengers from further harm. If you are capable of moving, check for injuries to you and any passengers, and if necessary, move your vehicle out of the way, or leave the vehicle if it cannot be moved. Find a safe spot to wait for authorities to arrive for assistance.

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

If you or any member of your party is injured, contact emergency medical technicians right away. Receive medical attention on the spot, and if needed, be transported to the nearest hospital for additional medical treatment. If you and your party do not require medical care, still remain at the scene to cooperate with responding law enforcement. It is important to have the accident officially on record with police for insurance and injury claim purposes.

When speaking with law enforcement, it is important to not say too much since your statements are being recorded. Recorded statements can be used against you during the claims process. Instead, be polite but brief, and only give facts about your observations and experiences. Do not give information about your opinions or what you “think” might have happened.

Talking to a Lawyer

If you are injured during the pile up, it is vital to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine your eligibility for compensation. But even if you and your lawyer intend to pursue a claim, for the time being it is easier to stick with your own insurance carriers to cover medical care and property damages. If you are injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, you have the right to recover funds for your subsequent damages and losses. A licensed accident lawyer can facilitate this process for you, safely and securely. An injury lawyer will look at multiple facets of the accident to develop your case and pursue a full and fair recovery, including what started the accident, who were the responsible parties, who you collided into as a result, and who collided into your vehicle.

During massive traffic collisions like these, it is expected for law enforcement to be distracted by the primary priority of tending to injured people and preventing further injuries from occurring. Because of this, they are not likely going to investigate any deeper into your case. For this reason, it is wise to take it upon yourself to gather any physical evidence you can, if you are well enough to, for future claims. This means taking photos of license plates, the vehicle in front and behind you, all the physical damages to your vehicle, and any injuries to yourself and your party. Ask the other drivers involved for contact information in case you need witness statements or other information.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorney Indianapolis

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

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

Black Ice Traffic Collision: Who’s At Fault?

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

It seems like Mother Nature held off for as long as she could, but the snow and ice are finally here in Indiana. This means it is time to be on high-alert when driving in winter weather. Ice and snow are hazardous conditions to drive in, and require focus and patience for safe navigation. But sometimes, no matter how safe you are, accidents can’t be avoided. There is only so much a driver can do to protect themselves from causing or being involved in a collision, but in several cases, it’s out of their hands.

Black ice, blizzards, and heavy snow are frequently to blame for motor vehicle accidents. But in the case that an accident was caused by invisible ice or hazardous weather conditions, is the driver still liable for damages sustained to another driver? Continue reading to learn who is at fault in personal injury motor vehicle accident cases caused by winter weather.

You Can’t Blame the Weather

In the eyes of the law, drivers must uphold the responsibility to drive safely under any circumstances. This includes retaining the knowledge that ice and snow puts drivers at higher risk for causing or being involved in a traffic collision. For this reason, if someone causes a motor vehicle accident as a result of black ice, the law still holds them liable for subsequent damages and injuries.

It comes as a surprise to thousands of drivers each year that they are responsible for any traffic accidents in snow and winter weather. A person cannot evade liability for a car accident if it was hazardous conditions that caused them to wreck in the first place. The law expects drivers to know that snow and ice are more dangerous and should choose to not drive or drive more carefully in such conditions.

Car Accident Injury Claims

If you were recently a victim of injury as a result of a negligent car accident, you may be entitled to certain rights and compensation for your damages and losses. It is important to talk to a car accident lawyer right away, before the state’s Statute of Limitations runs out, losing your opportunity to collect remuneration forever.

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorney Indianapolis

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you recently sustained injuries in a motor vehicle accident in Indiana. Seasoned personal injury lawyers, Dan Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, have extensive trial and litigation experience in car accident injury cases and will work around the clock to recover for you. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case at no obligation. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule today.

Winter Driving Tips for Safe Holiday Traveling

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Winter weather can range in severity, from minor snow flurries to relentless ice storms, and more. No matter which end of the “severity spectrum” winter weather lands on, it can all be hazardous to us drivers if we are not careful. Before the big winter storms hit our communities this season, it is important to review some life-saving driving tips, especially for new or adolescent drivers. Continue reading to learn how to navigate safely on the road in poor weather conditions, and how to drive safer in snow, rain, harsh winds, and ice.

Safe Winter Driving

In addition to learning how to operate a vehicle safely in winter weather, it is important to also be familiar with safety rules for winter roadside emergencies. Many motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents occur when cars are pulled over on the side of the road for emergency repairs or breakdowns. In harsh weather, it can be difficult seeing people or cars on the side of the road until it’s too late. Roadside emergencies are all too common, so knowing how to handle these situations safely and responsibly can mean the difference between life and death. Here are important and effective tips for safe winter driving that can prevent accidents and injuries to drivers and pedestrians alike:

1. Always Wear Your Seat Belt
2. Allow Vehicles to Warm Up in an Open Area for At Least 10 Minutes
3. Reduce Speed in Adverse Weather (i.e. rain, snow, ice, winds, fog, etc.)
4. Remove All Ice and Snow From Windows and Windshields
5. Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly
6. Look and Steer in the Direction You Intend to Go
7. Use Lower Gears in Heavy Snow Fall
8. Keep 3 Times the Space Behind Other Vehicles
9. Apply Brakes Earlier and Gently to Prevent Loss of Traction
10. Use Parking Brake on Inclines

11. Never Stop Mid-Hill or Incline
12. Be Sure the Muffler is Not Clogged with Ice or Snow
13. Turn On Headlights for Daytime Driving
14. Remember that Bridges Freeze Quicker than Roadways
15. Never Drive When Fatigued
16. Be Sure Vehicle Has Ample Fuel to Avoid Frozen Gas Lines
17. Be Sure Vehicle Has All Necessary Fluids
18. Be Sure Tires are Fully Inflated
19. Do Not Use Cruise Control
20. Keep a Mobile Phone and Charger in Vehicle

21. Keep an Emergency Auto Kit in Car
22. Always Check Weather Reports Before Long-Distance Trips
23. Never Attempt to Walk in Severe Snow Storms or Weather
24. Always Remain in Vehicle Until Roadside Rescue Technicians Arrive
25. Do Not Over-Exert Yourself Attempting to Dig or Push Out of Snow
26. Turn Flashers On if Stuck or Pulled Over
27. Tie Something Brightly Colored to the Antenna to Signal Distress if Stuck in Snow
28. Contact a Roadside Assistance Service if Stuck in Snow
29. Just Stay Home If Possible!

Roadside and roadway accidents are bound to happen in poor winter weather conditions. If you or a loved one is injured by a negligent driver this winter, contact a personal injury lawyer to learn your rights. You may be legally entitled to compensation for your damages and losses.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorney Indianapolis

Personal Injury Attorneys Indianapolis 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a car accident injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned personal injury lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are eager to help injured victims recover full and fair compensation following a serious car accident. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and will not collect lawyer fees unless we win your settlement. Call 317-881-2700 and speak with an Indianapolis car accident attorney about your rights, today.

Who is Legally Responsible for Damages Caused by an Under-Aged Drivers?

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

The legal driving age is set for a reason. And there are certain qualifications that must be met before anyone, at any age, is offered a drivers’ license. Without an active drivers’ license, a person is not legally allowed to operate a vehicle under any circumstances. Now the age at which a person can legally apply and acquire a drivers’ license differs state to state. In Indiana, a teenager can legally begin drivers’ education courses and receive a probationary license at the age of 16 or older. A probationary license prohibits a person from driving alone. They must always have a licensed driver with them at all times while operating a vehicle. This type of license is not intended to let a person drive legally, without supervision of an actual licensed driver.

Once a person reaches the age of 17, they are eligible to take the state mandatory driving tests, written and field, and receive their drivers’ licensed if they pass both exams. No one under these ages, or without a valid license, can legally operate a vehicle. So what happens if an under-aged minor decides to take a car for a joy-ride, and then causes an accident that renders another person injured or worse? Continue reading to find out.

Under-Age and Un-Insured Motorist Accidents

When a minor that is under the legal driving age and without proper licensing causes a car accident that results in another person’s injury or death, it can be alarming to learn who is actually responsible for the injured party’s’ damages. The answer is the parents or legal guardians. An under-aged minor without a drivers’ license doesn’t have insurance, and it is usually the insurance company that pays out a settlement in the case of a car accident. The parents are the ones with liability insurance for their children, or at least they should, and these are ones who will get the brunt of the liability. Many insurance companies, however, may not pay for such an incident since the driver was neither legal nor of-age, which means the parents will have to personally pay remuneration for whoever was injured as a result of their minor’s driving escapade.

It is best to consult a licensed car accident lawyer in Indianapolis for accurate legal counsel and information pertaining to your personal case. They retain the proper resources, experience, and knowledge to answer all of your personal injury and liability insurance questions, any time.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for professional legal advice and counsel regarding car accident injury lawsuits in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorney, Daniel Craven, is available to answer your personal injury questions today! We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 and schedule an appointment with one of our licensed car accident lawyers in Indianapolis, IN today.

Discussing Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

In the past weeks, we have discussed several facets of personal medical insurance coverage and liabilities, including medical payments coverage, personal umbrella policies, and personal injury protection. We mentioned that Indiana is a tort state, so additional insurance policies like the aforesaid are not mandatory by law. Nonetheless, they are wise insurance policies to purchase. Continue reading to learn more about personal injury protection (PIP) and how it relates to auto accident insurance coverage.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana

PIP Insurance Coverage

Personal injury protection insurance is a type of medical payments coverage for drivers and passengers who are injured in a motor vehicle accident. Under this policy, all or a portion of medical expenses and hospital bills (driver and passengers) are paid for no matter who is to blame for an auto accident. No-fault accident states require this type of insurance coverage, but Indiana is not a no-fault state, it is a tort state. For this reason, Hoosiers are not obligated by law to obtain PIP coverage to legally operate a vehicle.

Although most Indiana car insurance policies have a degree of medical expense coverage, and some medical insurance policies cover auto accident injuries, many drivers can benefit from additional coverage by purchasing a PIP plan. If medical expenses exceed insurance coverage limits, a person must pay out-of-pocket for the remaining bill. With a PIP plan, these superlative expenses are covered for both the driver and their passengers.

Conclusion

PIP plans can vary in deductibles, pay limits, and coverage. Depending on the state you live in and the type of coverage you choose, your policies details may vary from another’s. Personal injury protection insurance can cover medical and hospital bills, disability benefits, lost wages, and in some cases, even death benefits. Call your medical insurance carrier to inquire more about PIP coverage options in your state.

Injured in an Auto Accident?

If you were recently injured in a motor vehicle accident that was no fault of your own, contact a car accident attorney for information about your legal rights. You may be entitled to certain compensation for your damages and losses.

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for information about car accident injury claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Personal injury attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are happy to answer your questions about filing a car accident injury claim in Indiana. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you.