How to Pursue a Motorcycle Personal Injury Claim in Indiana

Posted on August 2, 2019 by admin

Motorcycles are a popular means of transportation and recreation for millions of people all over the world, and for many reasons. They are open and easy to maneuver, giving riders a unique and singular experience on the road compared to driving a conventional car or truck. However, the best aspects of owning and operating a motorcycle are also the greatest risk factors. Riders are at a much higher risk of accidents and serious injuries because they are so open and vulnerable on the road. These risk factors are heightened further by negligent or reckless drivers.

As a motorcycle enthusiast, it is important to know how to protect yourself on the road; but even the safest drivers are subject to the negligence of others. If you were seriously injured on a motorcycle, whether as a driver or passenger, it is wise to learn what you need to know about pursuing a legal claim against the party (or parties) that caused your accident, as you could be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses.

Continue reading to learn how to get started on a motorcycle personal injury claim in Indiana.

Indianapolis Motorcycle Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Motorcycle Injury Insurance Claims

When it comes to motorcycle accidents, Indiana is an “at-fault” state. This means that motorcycle injury victims should file claims with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier, rather than their own. However, opposing insurance companies will generally be very conservative with their settlement offers or will make no offer, which is why the most important priority for your motorcycle accident claim is to retain proper legal representation.

Contact a licensed Indiana personal injury lawyer who focuses on motorcycle and motor vehicle accident claims. They have the knowledge and resources to ensure you receive a full and fair settlement to cover hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Working With Your Lawyer

You will set an appointment to meet with your personal injury attorney for an initial consultation. This time will be used to discuss your claim in detail. Upon further meetings and discussions, you and your lawyer will ultimately work toward developing a strong and impactful case to prove fault and show evidence of all of your losses and damages. From there, your lawyer will implement all the necessary strategies and manage all negotiations to recover a full and fair settlement for you.

Determining Fault

For motorcycle accidents, the degree of fault is taken into consideration when deciding how much compensation will be awarded to the victim. This is called “comparative fault”. In Indiana, a motorist must be 50% or less at-fault to be awarded any compensation for their damages and losses. See our blog, “What is Comparative Fault Analysis in a Personal Injury Case?” to understand these legal concepts more.

Get Started on Your Indiana Motorcycle Accident Claim Here

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

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Should I Settle My Auto Accident Claim Out of Court?

Posted on July 22, 2019 by admin

When a person is involved in an auto accident caused by an at-fault driver, they are entitled to make an insurance claim and receive a settlement. In many cases, an insurance settlement is often the most reasonable choice, unless the offer is too low. An attorney will try to settle out of court for a client, but if a fair agreement cannot be made with the defendant’s insurance company, then the case is usually taken to court and presented to a judge or jury for a judgment. There are several options for pursing a motor vehicle accident claim, and even more to know about them all.

Continue reading to learn the difference between settling an auto accident claim in and out of court, as well as, what do to as an injured victim of a recent car accident in Indiana.

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Car Insurance Settlement Outcomes

Just like all other cases, insurance claim settlements vary in outcome. If you sustained only minor injuries, and only required a few doctor visits and check-ups, then obviously, you case would be valued by and resolved for less than if you sustained moderate or major damages. Damages include hospital bills, medical expenses, medications, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage and possibly other damages.

With regard to property damages, most insurance companies will pay to cover the repairs initially because the insurance company is attempting to keep you happy long enough so that you do not obtain an attorney. If you do not obtain an attorney quickly however, evidence vital to the case can be lost forever so it is vital to contact an attorney immediately after you obtain your first medical care.

The insurance company may even advise you that they are “accepting responsibility” for the their insured causing the collision. While the insurance company may say this to you, in practice, this is usually not the case. In Indiana, the fact that a defendant driver has insurance is usually not admissible in court and anything an insurance company employee told you is also not admissible. Some judges in Indiana routinely keep out even the mere mention of the fact that a driver who caused a collision has insurance.

Insurance companies in clear cut cases of liability usually want to settle as soon as possible, but quick settlements can be a mistake. This is because once a person signs and accepts the offer and releases the defendant from further liability, the case is immediately closed and cannot be brought back up ever again. If more injuries are discovered after settlement, which can occur and is called “delayed onset” or other damages appear after the settlement has closed, the defendant and their insurance company will no longer bear any responsibility. This is why it is important to hire a licensed Indiana car accident attorney to represent you.

Out-of-Court Settlements

In order to receive the compensation that will fully and fairly cover all related expenses, pain and suffering, medical and property damage, you should take your claim to a lawyer so they can obtain the necessary evidence and conduct a proper investigation to present your case to the at-fault driver’s insurance company or other opposing party.

Contact a licensed personal injury lawyer who concentrates on car accident injury claims if you were recently injured in a car accident that was not your fault. A seasoned car accident attorney has the proper knowledge, resources, and experience needed to recover a full and fair settlement you and your family deserves.

Trusted Legal Advice for Your Indiana Car Accident Claim

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for trusted car accident personal injury representation in Indianapolis, Indiana and throughout the State of Indiana. Our seasoned car accident attorneys work hard to ensure our clients’ rights to full and fair compensation. We offer free initial consultations to review your case with you; and we never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you!

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover and Blazek Can Help Truck Accident Victims in Indiana

Posted on July 19, 2019 by admin

If you or someone you love is a recent victim of a trucking accident in Indiana, it is important to learn your rights to being properly compensated for your resulting damages and losses. Financial obligations like hospital bills, medical expenses, and similar bills are adding up, so be sure to reach out to one of our Indiana personal injury truck accident lawyers as soon as possible after the collision, before the Indiana statute of limitations runs out for your case.

Continue reading to learn what we can do for you, and how to get started.

Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Truck Accidents and Injuries

According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI), a large truck is defined as any vehicle that is:

⚙ Single 2 Axle, 6 Tires
⚙ Single 3 or More Axles
⚙ Truck/Trailer that is Not a Semi
⚙ Tractor with Cab Only and No Trailer
⚙ Tractor/One Semi-Trailer
⚙ Tractor/Double Trailer
⚙ Tractor/Triple Trailer

Truck accidents tend to be more serious than other automotive accidents because they involve larger and heavier vehicles, and usually generate more momentum and forces involved. Furthermore, some large trucks carry dangerous or hazardous cargoes, such as flammable materials, chemicals, fuel, and more. Consequently, vehicles like semis, delivery trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles are capable of doing more harm and damage than a passenger car.

According to the most recent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) statistics, between 2014 and 2016, more than 12,000 victims lost their lives to large truck accidents in our country, and just over 2,000 of those victims were drivers or occupants of large trucks. Common injuries resulting from large truck accidents include orthopedic injuries, fractures, concussions, brain injuries, paralysis, quadriplegia, comas, spinal cord injuries, back and neck injuries, shoulder injuries, head injuries, wrongful death, and more.

What to Do for Your Truck Accident Claim

Here at the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C., our Indiana personal injury lawyers have handled numerous truck accident cases involving semis, dump trucks, bus and large truck collisions throughout the entire state roads and highway system. We retain a comprehensive understanding of all state and federal trucking regulations, and strategically apply our expansive knowledge to prove our client’s truck accident case in court and recover the full and fair settlement our clients deserve.

How to Get Started

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury truck accident claim in Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are ready, willing and able to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a large truck accident in Indiana. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we recover for you.

Helpful Legal Information for Knee Injury Victims in Indiana

Posted on July 15, 2019 by admin

Knee injuries are serious medical matters as is, but when they occur as a result of another’s negligence, they can also turn into serious legal matters. If you are a victim of a recent negligent knee injury, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain suffering, and other damages and losses that resulted from your accident. Your first step is to have your case evaluated by a skilled Indiana personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights and determine the best course of action for your claim.

Continue reading to learn more about knee injury claims, including how to get started as soon as today.

Indianapolis Knee Injury Lawyer 317-881-2700

Common Types of Knee Injuries

Knees are one of the most important parts of our body, and unfortunately, they are also quite vulnerable to injury. The severity of knees injuries rests on a vast scope, from minor strains and swelling, to ligament tears, orthopedic fractures, and much more. You will know the scope of your knee injury as a victim because of the amount of pain, money loss, medical attention, inconvenience, and decreased quality of life you experience as a result of your injuries.

Some of the most common types of serious knee injuries include the following:

❖ Arthritis
❖ Blunt Force Impacts
❖ Broken Knee
❖ Cartilage Injuries
❖ Dislocated Knees
❖ Fractured Patella
❖ Knee Fractures
❖ Meniscus Tears
❖ Muscle Tears
❖ Ripped Tendons
❖ PCL Tears (Posterior Cruciate Ligament)
❖ Severe Knee Trauma
❖ Synovitis (Inflammation)
❖ Tibial Plateau Fractures
❖ Torn Knee Ligaments

Recovering From a Knee Injury

Knee injuries are medically treated in a number of ways depending on the extent of damage. Some common treatments for knee injuries include surgery, bed rest, physical therapy, and more. The recovery time also differs among victims, however, most knee injuries typically require long-term rehabilitation. This period of time can greatly affect a victim’s life, especially when it comes to finances. Not only do knee injuries result in hospital bills and medical expenses, they also lead to time off work, which lowers the monthly expected income family’s rely on for mortgage, groceries, fuel, and more.

Starting Your Knee Injury Claim

Because of the potential physical, emotional, and financial impact a serious knee injury can have on a victim’s life, it is vital to retain professional legal representation to protect your rights to being compensated for your losses. The negligent party that caused your knee injury accident, whether a person, manufacturer, or business, may be liable for your damages and losses due to legal principles like premise liability, medical malpractice, negligence, comparative fault, and more. An experienced personal injury lawyer is the helping hand you need to get back you on your feet after a knee injury.

Indianapolis Knee Injury Lawyers Who Can Help

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a licensed knee injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We understand the serious nature of knee injuries, which is why we work hard to recover the full and fair amount of compensation you truly deserve. Call our office today to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your knee injury case that occurred anywhere in Indiana.

When Will My Car Accident Claim Settle?

Posted on July 12, 2019 by admin

If you are waiting for a pending car accident injury claim to come to a settlement, the good news is you will not likely have to wait long. Most car accident claims settle without ever going to trial, however, there are infinite factors that can influence the total amount of time it takes to reach a full and fair settlement. Continue reading to learn some of the most common factors that might affect the timeline for your car accident claim.

Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Common Factors That Affect a Settlement

Although reaching a car accident settlement can be affected by many factors, the most common include whether or not you hire a lawyer, the severity or scope of your injuries, who was at-fault for the accident, the laws surrounding car accident liability in your state, and the court’s schedule.

Legal Representation – If you choose to represent yourself, you can expect the timeline for your car accident claim to take much longer. You simply do not retain the same knowledge, resources, and professional connections that lawyers have, all of which expedite several steps to the car accident claim process.

Extent of Damages – The severity of your injuries and how long you need to obtain treatments, along with the scope of your total damages and losses, will greatly affect the amount of time it takes to reach a settlement since such cases typically require more concentrated investigation and the discovery of facts essential to proving the case.

Liability – If it is clear and undisputed that the other driver is at-fault for the accident, you can expect the claim process to be much quicker since their insurance company should want to settle as soon as possible, depending again upon how badly you are injured, how long you need to obtain treatments and whether or not you are permanently injured. If you live in a state where you might be deemed partially at-fault, a principal known as “comparative negligence”, your percentage of fault will determine your eligibility for compensation.

Court Schedules – If your case does have to go to trial, the court’s hearing schedule can cause conflicts in your settlement timeline. Courts can get backed up, so they are prone to cancelling or postponing scheduled trials, or not having availability to schedule hearings for months.

Reaching a Car Accident Settlement

The process of car accident claims and settlements are quite straightforward here in Indiana. You can expect the process to start with you obtaining medical care and eventually and hopefully, physically and emotionally getting back to where you were before the collision or fall.

Next a detailed demand letter is drafted and sent to the defendant’s insurance carrier along with all supporting documents, photographs, and more, which basically presents your case to the insurance company.

From the demand letter, negotiations will follow, and perhaps even mediation. See our blog, “Questions and Answers About Personal Injury Negotiations” to learn more about this part of the car accident claim process. After negotiations are complete, the remainder of the process generally involves drafting an agreement, and drawing a check and settlement papers.

Where to Get Trusted Car Accident Claim Advice

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn the best course of action after being negligently injured in a car, trucking, malpractice or fall accident in Indiana. Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are seasoned accident attorneys that can fight to recover compensation for your losses. We represent injured persons in Indiana regardless of how the injury occurred, so long as the person was injured as a result of the negligence or “failure to use reasonable care” of another person or entity. We also offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win a settlement. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your free consultation with an Indianapolis car accident lawyer, today.

Personal Injury Accidents That May Also Have Criminal Penalties

Posted on July 8, 2019 by admin

Criminal law involves crimes prosecuted by the state or federal government, rather than a private party or person. Criminal violations, like felonies and misdemeanors, are subjected to state and federal punishment; therefore, guilty individuals face jail time, probation, governmental fines, and in extreme cases, the capital punishment.

In contrast to criminal law, civil law is the area of the American legal system that manages disputes or wrong-doings between private parties and prosecuted by private parties most usually. A common example of such cases involve personal injuries. If someone is wrongfully injured by another person demonstrating negligence or malicious intent, they can ask the court or jury to decide who is at-fault and if the negligent party should pay remuneration to the injured person.

When it comes to tort law, or personal injury law, some accidents can render both civil and criminal consequences for the at-fault party. Continue reading to learn some examples of when an individual may also face state or federal charges for carelessly causing an accident that results in someone’s injury or harm.

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Civil and Criminal Lawsuits

Although murder is a crime against a person, the crime itself goes against state and federal law, therefore making it a criminal case, in addition to a civil one. These cases usually go to a jury trial where defendants are prosecuted by the state. In criminal litigation, defendants are allowed to appoint their own attorney, or have one appointed to them by the state if they cannot afford to pay for one themselves. In the case of murder or homicide, the family of the victim may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim in civil court, and collect compensation for their loss, whether a child, spouse, or relative.

Additional Examples:

Car Accidents – If a person is driving recklessly or illegally, such as underage or intoxicated, and they seriously injure or kill another person as a result, the victim or their family can seek compensation for their losses and damages in civil court. Furthermore, the state may choose to press charges against the driver for criminal offenses, including operate a vehicle under the influence and causing bodily injury.

Negligent Supervision – If someone is guilty of negligent supervision, they may face both civil and criminal penalties if their actions are deemed criminal, such as in the case of child abuse, child negligence, manslaughter, nursing home abuse, and more.

Sexual Harassment at Work – If a person is being sexually harassed at work, they may be able to pursue a claim if the situation was ignored or not properly addressed by management. Furthermore, the wrongful party could face criminal penalties if the sexual harassment was criminal in nature, such as rape, sexual misconduct, voyeurism, and more.

Medical Malpractice – If a doctor or clinic negligently causes injury or death to a patient, they could be sued in civil court by the victim or their family, as well as, be charged criminally if their offense was intentional, egregious, or falls under manslaughter.

The circumstances among each case of personal injury victims vary greatly, especially when it comes to penalizing an at-fault party criminally. Always discuss your questions and concerns with a seasoned Indiana personal injury lawyer you can trust. They will be able to provide the best advice on which course of action you and your family should take after suffering the consequences of a serious injury.

Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700, and located in Indianapolis, Indiana, if you or a loved one was recently hurt in a serious accident in Indiana. Our personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations to sit down and assess your case. If we feel that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, we begin working on your case immediately, without charging a dime. If we do not prevail for you, you will not owe our law firm any payment. We are the strong voice and immediate action you need for your personal injury lawsuit.

How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Take?

Posted on May 7, 2019 by admin

After being hurt in a car accident, it is normal to have a lot of questions, especially when it comes to making a claim for compensation. One of the most common inquiries asked by car accident victims has to do with the amount of time it takes to settle a motor vehicle accident claim. This comes as no surprise considering victims need to cover the cost of their damages and losses, like hospital bills and lost wages from work.

If you were injured in a car accident and require assistance with a claim, talk to a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyer who specifies in car accident cases. They will guide you down the road to financial recovery. In the meantime, continue reading to learn what to expect from your pending or potential car accident claim, including how long it might take to recover a settlement.

Car Accident Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Car Accident Case Time Table

There are infinite factors that influence how long it takes to settle a car accident claim, making such time tables challenging to predict, as they vary greatly from case to case. While some car accident cases are clear-cut when it comes to economic recovery, others are not, and require more litigation, and thus, more time. You can expect a standard, clear-cut car accident case to take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year, while more complex cases can take double, or event triple that amount of time. In some cases, no settlement is ever reached.

Top Factors That Influence Case Timing:

Extent of Injuries
Level of Damages Requested
Type/Size of Insurance Company
Internal Claims Process of Insurance Company
Unclear Liability
Inadequate Evidence
Aptitude of Legal Representation

Talk to a Lawyer Right Away

If you want to learn more about your rights to compensation or making a claim after being injured in a car accident, your best course of action right now would be to consult with a seasoned personal injury lawyer who concentrates on car accident claims. They can evaluate your case and provide the proper counsel for your claim. Because of all the factors that come into play in a car accident case, you will be in good hands with

Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. are experienced Indianapolis car accident attorneys ready to help car accident victims and clients learn more about their rights following a serious accident. By acting fast and calling our Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm, you can avoid encountering delays or problems from waiting too long to file suit. Contact us today at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed car accident attorney in Indiana.

See a Doctor if You Experience These 6 Delayed Car Accident Symptoms

Posted on May 3, 2019 by admin

After being involved in a car accident that was not your fault, it is important to see a doctor immediately to confirm, treat, and record any subsequent injuries. However, car accident injuries are tricky since they can show up right away, days later, or both. In the case that you experience any delayed injuries or symptoms after a car accident, it is vital that you go back to the doctor for more medical care. Some delayed car accident symptoms can be indications of something much more serious.

Continue reading to learn the top 6 delayed car accident symptoms that should always be taken seriously.

Headache

Headaches are a common symptom of various circumstances. From allergies and the common cold, to loud noises, stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep, headaches are generally nothing to be too concerned about. However, experiencing debilitating or ongoing headaches after a car accident is something to pay attention to. It could be a sign of whiplash, concussion, blood clots, or even brain damage. See a doctor right away if this happens to you.

Neck/Shoulder Pain

Neck and shoulder pain is another common delayed car accident symptom that should always be taken seriously. Although it is normal to feel a little sore after a car accident, even a minor one, experiencing persistent or worsening neck and shoulder pain could be a sign of whiplash or spinal injuries. Call your doctor and set an appointment if your neck and shoulders are very painful.

Back Pain

Similar to the neck and shoulder area, the muscles in the back can experience some major trauma in a car accident. A little soreness or stiffness in the back could be perfectly normal, and not much to worry about; but if back pain becomes worse or debilitating after a car accident, it could indicate whiplash, spinal injuries, or injured ligaments.

Abdominal Pain

You would not necessarily connect abdominal pain and car accident injuries together, but it happens to be a common delayed symptom. If you feel pain in your abdomen after a car accident, it could possibly mean that you have internal bleeding. Immediately go to the hospital if this happens to you.

Numbness or Bruising

Numbness and bruising are also common delayed car accident symptoms that can indicate something more serious. If you are experiencing excessive or painful numbness, bruising, or discoloration in the skin, it could be caused by a herniated disk, spinal injury, and more. Make an appointment with your doctor if this happens to you.

Emotional Distress

Emotional distress after a car accident is more common in serious accidents. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, angry, or having trouble controlling your emotions, it could potentially be caused by a concussion, brain damage, or even PTSD. It is important to discuss these feelings with your doctor as soon as possible after being involved in a car accident.

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers Who Can Help

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make a car accident injury claim in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis car accident lawyers are ready and able to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you!

Vital Information for Bus Accident Victims

Posted on April 29, 2019 by admin

Victims of bus accidents, whether public or private, are protected to a certain extent in regards to the law. In fact, such protections surrounding bus accidents fall under common carrier law, as do all other forms of public transportation, including school buses, taxi cabs, subways, trolleys, cables cars, trains, boats, ferries, cruise ships, helicopters, airplanes, and even limousines in some states. If you or someone you love was recently involved in a bus accident, and has suffered serious injuries as a result, it is in your best interest to learn your rights to collecting compensation for your subsequent damages and losses.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about bus accidents, injuries, laws, and more.

Indianapolis Bus Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Common Carriers

As you might have caught on, a common carrier is considered any business that is licensed or authorized by a regulatory government body to transport people, services, or goods, and offers their services to the general public for a fee. And they can be a public or private entity. Common carrier laws are regulated on local, state, and federal levels, wherein the federal government regulates transportation of people, goods, and services across country borders, and local and state governments regulate interstate travel.

Bus Accidents and Liability

Under common carrier law, bus companies have a responsibility to maintain the safety of their passengers. In fact, common carriers have a higher-than-normal duty of care since they offer their services to the general public and charge a fee for them. They must maintain the highest level of caution possible to ensure their passengers and cargoes are safe at all times while in their care. And if a common carrier, a bus company for instance, fails to maintain this level of care, their failure can be considered negligence, which is the number one element of a personal injury case.

Bus Accident Injury Claims

There are several possibilities of a bus company demonstrating negligence. Driver negligent can include speeding, fatigued driving, intoxicated driving, disobeying traffic signals, drug use, and so forth. Company negligence can include a wide range of circumstances, such as improper or negligent bus maintenance and repair, insufficient handicap equipment, unsafe environments, inadequate training, and more. Failure to prevent or address these issues and those similar can cost a bus company a lawsuit if a passenger is injured as a result. They can be held responsible for a victim’s damages and losses that resulting from the bus accident and subsequent injuries.

Government Regulated Common Carriers

Suing the government for losses resulting from a public transportation accident can be quite complex. It is very challenging to sue a government entity because they are subject to a separate set of laws, limitations, and restrictions. But that does not mean it is impossible to recover compensation after being seriously injured in a bus accident. All you need is a licensed personal injury lawyer with extensive trial and litigation experience. They have the knowledge, skills, and resources to protect your rights and obtain the fair compensation you deserve.

Indiana Bus Accident Lawyers Who Can Help

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a licensed bus accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek have extensive trial and litigation experience, and can recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a bus accident. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation and have your case evaluated by a knowledgeable bus accident attorney you can trust.

Top Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Indiana

Posted on March 15, 2019 by admin

Motor vehicle accidents are all too common throughout the country, and happen for a large number of reasons. Sometimes, nature interferes and there is not much drivers can do to protect themselves from an accident or collision. But mostly, car accidents occur as a result of some degree of carelessness, whether at the fault of the driver, or someone else. According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), nearly 1.25 million people are killed in road crashes every year, which averages out to 3,287 deaths per day, and an additional 20 to 50 million are seriously injured or disabled.

Annual Car Accident Statistics

Here in Indiana, the statistics for annual car accidents are not much different. According to statistics gathered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the total number of motor vehicle accidents have increased by 10% since 2005, with a 44% increase in motorcycle accidents.

What can we do to reduce the number of road crashes in our state? To start, we can commit to safer driving habits, and increase our awareness on the road for other reckless drivers. Continue reading to learn what the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) says are the top causes for motor vehicle accidents in Indiana, as well as, what to do if you are negligently injured by a careless driver.

Top Causes of Car Accidents Include,
but are not limited to:

Impaired Driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a controlled substance is considered impaired driving under Indiana state law. According to the NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 22% of all traffic-related fatalities were caused by impaired drivers.

Reckless Driving – Reckless driving is a common cause for motor vehicle accidents, and includes any form of driving that is dangerous or irresponsible. The most common examples of reckless driving that has led to car accidents in Indiana are speeding, failing to yield, tailgating, unsafe passing, changing lanes without looking, ignoring road signs, and driving the wrong way on a one-way road.

Distracted Driving – Distracted driving causes several car accidents each year in Indiana. The Traffic Safety Division reports that recently, nearly 500 traffic accidents were caused by cell phone distractions. Examples that cause accidents include texting, eating, reaching for kids or items in the back seat, reading, cell phone talking, and pets.

Fatigued Driving – Fatigued and drowsy driving are similar to both distracted driving and impaired driving since it takes a driver’s focus away from the road. According to the Traffic Safety Division, fatigued driving recently caused over 1,600 accidents.

Backing Up – Unsafely backing up is another common cause for serious car accidents, especially among pedestrians and children. Although newer model vehicles have technologies such as cameras and alarms, which help drivers see behind them, these accidents can still occur when drivers do not use the proper precautions when reversing their vehicles.

Additional Causes:

➝ Automobile Manufacturer Defects

➝ Pedestrian Negligence

➝ Defective Stoplights

➝ Unsafe Road Conditions

➝ Missing or Obstructed Road Signs

Recover Compensation After a Car Accident Injury

If you were injured in a car accident as a result of another’s careless, please contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed car accident attorney who can help. You may be entitled to compensation for your related losses and damages, such as medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages from work, pain and suffering, and much more. We never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement for you. Get started today by scheduling your free consultation.