Category Archives: Auto Accident Injury

What To Do After Being Hurt in a Public Bus Accident

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Below you will find a recommended course of action to take directly after being involved in a public bus accident. It is important to follow these steps so that you may protect yourself and your rights to medical coverage and compensation.

Indianapolis Bus Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Bus Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Bus accidents are not like your average fender bender. Such accidents pose a much higher risk of injury to all parties involved. Compared to your standard motor vehicle, buses are a lot bigger and have larger fuel quantities, making them highly dangerous munitions in a collision scenario. Furthermore, they carry more passengers, which means the probability of casualties and injuries are higher.

Regardless of fault or party, it is important to use the proper course of action directly after being involved in a bus accident. Whether you were a passenger on the bus or in another vehicle, these steps apply to everyone. If you have questions about these steps, it is best to consult a trusted Indianapolis personal injury lawyer who concentrates on motor vehicle accident claims. You can also consult your car insurance carrier to confirm or review your current medical coverage benefits.

What To Do After a Bus Collision:

❶ Get Away From the Scene of the Accident

The very first thing you should do moments after a bus accident is get to a safe place away from the collision. If you are mobile, exit the bus or vehicle as soon as you can do so safely. If you are not mobile, jump to step two. Otherwise, once you exit the bus or vehicle, get yourself away from the accident scene. As mentioned, buses contain a whole lot of fuel, which can explode if ignited by a spark or fire.

❷ Get Medical Attention

Once you are at a safe distance from the accident scene, it is important to get yourself medical care right away whether you think you are injured or not. This is a critical step because it is common for injuries to not show up right away, or for victims to be in shock and not realize they are injured. Call 911 and request an ambulance or EMT’s to respond. They will arrive within minutes to assess your condition and spot treat any injuries or wounds. If you are seriously injured, they will transport you to the nearest emergency room for further treatment.

❸ Contact the Authorities and Obtain Witness Testimonies and Contact Information

Contact the local police department to report the accident. It is important to file a report so that you have records of the accident. Witness testimonies are also important because they can protect you from being accused or questioned about the circumstances of the accident and your subsequent injuries. A law enforcement officer is likely to take down some witness statements as well, but it is strongly recommended to get your own for a more in depth record. Be sure to ask for witness contact information in case you need them to verify their statements later on.

❹ Collect Evidence and Retain All Records

Aside from a police report and witness testimonies, it is important to collect as much evidence to support any potential claims you might make in the future. Types of evidence includes photos and videos of the bus, the involved vehicles, injured passengers, traffic lights, stop signs, skid marks, and anything else that could have possibly contributed to the accident. Retain all related records as well, including bills, statements, physical therapy sessions, doctor appointments, and more. Be sure to keep all of these records and evidence in a safe place; do not throw them away because you do not know when you might need them.

❺ Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm

If you were injured in a bus accident, you are likely eligible for remuneration from the bus company’s (or bus driver’s) insurance carrier. After you have completed all of the above-mentioned steps, move forward by hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer to file an accident claim. You could potentially recover compensation to help pay for your medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, and more. They have the knowledge and resources to make sure you do not miss out on being compensated by all possibly liable parties, such as the bus driver, the bus company, the bus manufacturer, or even the city.

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

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you were recently injured in a bus accident in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can speak with a seasoned Indianapolis car accident lawyer about recovering compensation for your losses and damages. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your claim, and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Get started on your bus accident injury claim by scheduling your appointment, today.

Safety Tips for Railroad Tracks and Crossings

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Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Advance Warning Sign for Railways

Although the Departments of Transportation provide us with several kinds of railroad signs and warnings, highway-rail incidents at public and private crossings still occur all too often. According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), there were 265 fatalities at these locations in 2016 alone. Furthermore, the FRA estimates that more than 75% of all railway accidents in 2016 primarily came from 15 states, and Indiana was 6th on the list.

Railroad safety is not only important at public and private crossings, it is also critical to use proper precaution around train tracks. Continue reading to learn more about highway-rail grade crossings, as well as critical safety tips that will keep you protected from serious accidents and injuries. Be sure to share these tips with your loved ones!

The Most Common Railway Warning Signs

There are several types of devices, signs, and signals the U.S. DOT uses to keep drivers and pedestrians safe around train tracks and crossings. The five most common include bright yellow advanced warning signs, crossbuck signs, crossbuck signs with signals, gates with flashing red lights, and pavement markings. As a driver, it is highly likely you have seen these signs before.

Advanced Warning Signs – These signs are yellow and have the double “R’s” and a big black “x” on them. They are generally the first sign that appears when you are approaching a highway-rail grade crossing. You must slow down and pay close attention so that you are prepared to stop.

Crossbuck Signs – These are the white signs in the shape of a big “X”, with the words “Railroad” on one side and “Crossing” on the other. For crossings with multiple tracks, they are generally accompanied with a smaller sign below indicating the number of tracks to anticipate. When you see this sign, you must yield if a train is on the way, on all tracks.

Crossbuck Signs With Signals – These signs look just like crossbuck signs, but are also accompanied with mechanical signals and lights to indicate an approaching train. When these signs are flashing, you must come to a stop and wait for the train to pass.

Gates With Flashing Red Lights – You often see these red and white mechanical gates that raise and lower for crossing traffic. If you approach railways gates that are lowering and flashing, you must stop and wait for the train to pass. Afterwards, you cannot proceed until the gates have finished lifting.

Pavement Markings – Pavement markings like “RXR’s” and “stop lines” are common to see when you are approaching a railway crossing. You must stay behind the stop line and pause to look for an oncoming train. If the tracks are clear, you can proceed. If there is not a stop line present, you must stop at least 15 feet from the closest rail.

Critical Railroad Safety Tips

⛒ Always look both ways before crossing a railroad track, whether on foot, on a bike, or in a car.

⛒ When crossing a track in a manual transmission vehicle, do not change gears mid-track.

⛒ If you must cross a track on foot, you must be sure there is enough clearance on the other side before crossing. In many cases, trains overlap tracks by 3 or 4 feet, and sometimes more.

⛒ Never park or linger on train tracks. If an engineer sees you, they cannot stop in time at 55 miles an hour. It would take at least a mile for the train to come to a complete stop.

⛒ If your car stops on tracks, immediately exit your vehicle and wait at least 15 feet from the train tracks for roadside assistance or the police. You may also call the emergency notification number posted near the crossing. Do not call a non-professional (friend, family, etc.) for help; this is not safe.

⛒ If you see a train approaching, do not try to outrun it with your car or bike. Although trains look like they are faraway, they are much closer and faster than they appear.

⛒ If you are seriously hurt as a result of someone else’s train track negligence, contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to recover compensation for your losses and damages.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys You Can Trust

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 personal injury lawyers are eager to recover the complete and just compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we recover for you. Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today.

The Basics Behind Whiplash Personal Injury Claims

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Whiplash Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Whiplash Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Car accidents injure more than 50 million people each year! With this number in mind, it is astonishing to also know that more than 75 percent of these victims suffer a common medical condition called whiplash. In fact, it is one of the most common personal injury sustained after a motor vehicle accident. Suffering from whiplash is an uncomfortable, painful, and traumatic experience that can result in life-long orthopedic complications, limitations, and prolonged rehabilitation. It can cause immediate pain, or show up days later.

The severity of damage is unique to every accident and situation. All people, including children, can suffer whiplash injuries. Continue reading to learn more about whiplash and personal injury claims if you or a loved one was recently injured in a car accident.

Whiplash Injuries

The term “whiplash” is a non-medical term that refers to injuries sustained to the neck following a sudden or forced jolt. This is often the result of the head suddenly being forced sideways, forwards, or backwards. Although the medical communities cannot find an exact cause of whiplash, when a person is involved in an impact while riding or driving in a car, you can visibly see the neck whip back and forth. This causes people aches, pains, discomfort, throbbing, and more in their neck, back, and shoulders.

Whiplash Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Whiplash Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

The pain and discomfort may not show up right away, and can come days later. It can last for a few days, or even weeks and months. And sometimes, more serious collisions can cause prolonged pain and complications. This area of the human body are very complex, making whiplash a tricky injury to treat, medically. Most physicians suggest hot and cold presses, over-the-counter pain medications, and rest. These remedies can reduce any muscle swelling and relieve minor aches and pains. For more serious whiplash injuries, a person might need to see a doctor or physical therapist.

For serious whiplash injuries that were sustained as a result of another driver’s negligence, it is strongly suggested to consult a personal injury lawyer to discuss filing a claim. A person hit by another driver and then seriously injured with whiplash may be entitled to compensation for their damages. With effective and proficient legal counsel, a person can collect remuneration to cover medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, time off work, pain and suffering, prolonged rehabilitation, and much more. Be sure to choose a licensed and reputable law firm that has the proper resources to represent you and your case.

Whiplash Injury Lawyers in Indianapolis

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim for whiplash in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned accident attorneys offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless they recover a settlement for you! Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a consultation with a licensed personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, today.

Which Driver is Liable for a Rear End Accident in Indiana?

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When a driver collides into the back of the vehicle in front of them, they are almost always at-fault for the damages caused to both the vehicle and the people inside. However, there are exceptions to this rule since Indiana is a comparative fault state. This means that the fault of each driver is considered when assigning liability for a car accident. Continue reading to learn more about comparative negligence and rear end accidents in Indiana.

Car Accident Lawyer 317-881-2700

Car Accident Lawyer 317-881-2700

Auto Accident Liability

The reason why comparative negligence law is important is because liability in a car accident is not always clear cut. For instance, if a driver has to pull over on the side of the road but does not do so properly, and as a result, they are hit from behind by a passing vehicle, they would likely share part of the blame, as well as, the costs to cover the damages.

On the other hand, the driver in the front can sometimes be responsible for a rear end accident, relieving the rear driver of any liability. An example of this would be if a driver accidently puts their car in reverse and hits the gas, subsequently colliding into the vehicle behind them. Although traffic laws clearly state that every driver should maintain a safe distance from one another, there are times when this example happens. Other times, the rear driver may share a small part of liability for being too close to the vehicle in front of them.

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700


The laws surrounding comparative negligence and comparative fault are complex, and vary from case to case depending on a wide number of factors. For this reason, it is important to hire an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to represent your accident claim after being rear-ended in a car collision. They have the knowledge, experience, and resources to effectively navigate your claim and recover the full compensation you deserve.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a car accident injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are seasoned personal injury attorneys who work around the clock to ensure our clients receive the full and fair compensation they deserve after suffering injuries in a car accident. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and never collects lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your consultation, today.

Black Ice Traffic Collision: Who’s At Fault?

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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

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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.

Scene-of-the-Accident Tips for Minor to Moderate Personal Injuries

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Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

If you or a loved one was recently hurt in a personal injury accident, it is vital to take the right steps directly after the incident to ensure and secure your rights down the line. For very serious accidents and injuries (brain injuries, concussions, spinal cord injuries, etc.), the most important step you can take is to receive immediate medical care. Once you are stable, the process can continue. Continue reading to learn what to do after being involved in a person injury accident, and how to get started recovering your expenses.

What to Do After a Personal Injury Accident

Be sure to always have a camera on you at all times. A disposable camera should always be kept in the glove compartment of your vehicle, and many people these days have cameras on their wireless phones. Capturing the injury on camera right after it occurs is a crucial step toward defending yourself in a personal injury case. Whether it’s a motor vehicle accident or a slip, trip, and fall, take as many pictures as you can of the environment, accident location, the injured area of the body (if applicable), and anything else that may have contributed to the incident. If you are unable to take pictures, ask the person with you to take them, or if alone, a friendly bystander. You will also want to ask about any surveillance cameras and videos so you can request a copy of your incident if it was recorded.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

The next step is to gather as much information from witnesses and persons involved. Get the names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers of all the people that saw the accident occur, and of the people who were involved. This can include a store manager, bystanders, customers, passengers in a car, and any other witnesses. Having proof of your story through the statements of witnesses will strengthen a case. You will need even more information from every person involved in the accident. Be sure to collect standard contact information, as well as drivers’ license numbers and insurance information.

When all pertinent information is collected, it is time to contact the police. Communicate all the necessary information and timeline of the accident. Be sure to tell them of any pain or discomfort you are experiencing. They will assist you with getting medical attention.

The final step to take after being wrongly injured is to contact a licensed accident attorney to file a personal injury claim in your city or county. A personal injury lawyer can recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after experiencing a traumatic injury or accident as a result of another person’s negligence.

File a Personal Injury Claim in Indianapolis

Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers 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. Licensed accident attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are eager to win your case and obtain a full and fair settlement for your losses. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win compensation for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your complimentary consultation with a seasoned personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, IN today.

Discussing Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

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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.

Bicyclists and Drivers: Who’s At Fault in the Case of an Accident?

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Bicycle Accident Claims 317-881-2700

Bicycle Accident Claims 317-881-2700

Many bike lanes have been added to several busy streets and roadways throughout the state. While many drivers are not happy about it, avid cyclists are very pleased. It’s been a common debate/initiative between riders and the city to improve bike routes on major roads to support safer commutes. But did giving cyclists their bike lanes improve their security while riding on the road? Or did it just cause drivers more anxiety trying to safely navigate around them, especially during rush-hour times?

Regardless of the answers to these questions, there is a bigger question on our minds. That question asks about liability in the case that a driver hits a cyclist who is in a designated bike lane, and why. Continue reading to explore this topic, and learn what circumstances might hold both parties accountable for these kinds of accidents and injuries.

Bike Lane Accidents and Injuries

It is important to point out bikers’ rights on the road to get a foundation of understanding when comprehending liability in the case of an accident involving motor vehicles. First, all cyclists have legal rights on the road, so long as they are obeying all traffic signals and road rules. If there are designated bike lanes in which a biker is using responsibly, and a negligent driver hits them, the biker would have legal rights to pursue a lawsuit against the driver for their damages.

Bicycle Accident Claims 317-881-2700

Bicycle Accident Claims 317-881-2700

In other cases, if a biker was the one who acted negligently by making themselves vulnerable to danger, or failing to obey traffic laws, they could be at-fault for any injuries sustained in a biker/car accident. For example, if a person on a bicycle is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and they swerve into the traffic lane outside of the bike lane, causing them to get hit, it would not be the driver’s fault because the driver was obeying the rules of the road and respected the boundaries of the bike lane. Because the biker was intoxicated, it would be found that they were negligent.

On the other hand, if a driver was behaving negligently behind the wheel, whether speeding, texting, eating, or under the influence, and a biker was responsibly navigating their own bike lane, the driver would be held accountable for any injuries sustained to the biker in the case of an accident.

There are several stipulations and exceptions to the rules of a personal injury claim. This is why it important to hire professional legal counsel for accurate information and assessments. They retain the proper resources and experience to litigate your case and recover full and fair compensation for your damages, whether in a settlement or
court case.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call 317-881-2700 and speak with a bicycle accident lawyer in Indianapolis about filing a personal injury claim against a negligent driver. Attorney Daniel Craven, has decades of litigation and trial experience, and will work fervently to recover the compensation you rightfully deserve. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case, and we never charge lawyer fees unless we recover for you in a settlement. Call 317-881-2700 for information about bicycle accident lawsuits in Indianapolis, IN today.

Is Sliding on Black Ice and Causing a Traffic Accident Considered Negligent and Grounds for a Lawsuit?

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Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Motor vehicle accidents can occur for countless reasons. Most traffic accidents are caused by drivers’ carelessness or defective road signals, while most others are the consequence of accidental circumstances. This time of year, many car collisions are a result of hazardous weather conditions, like rain, fog, lightening, snow, and ice. Wearing your seat belt and driving at a safe speed are two significant ways to prevent injury and accidents from happening; however, there are some motor vehicle accidents that cannot be avoided. Sometimes, these poor weather conditions cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, spin into other lanes, collide into embankments, hit curbs, and much more.

Black ice is a common culprit behind losing control of a vehicle in bad weather. It is a frequent hazard that causes accidents just like the ones mentioned above. But to what degree are you guilty if you slide on black ice, lose control of your vehicle, and collide into another driver? Is it pure accident or should you be held liable for the other drivers’ damages? Continue reading to learn more about liability in a traffic collision caused by black ice, or other severe weather conditions.

Motor Vehicle Accidents and Liability

If you were to slide on black ice while operating a motor vehicle, and subsequently collide into another vehicle, causing that driver and their passenger’s injury or damage, would you be liable? The short answer is maybe; but there is a much longer explanation. The most important factor to consider when determining who responsible in a car accident is whether or not a driver acted carelessly, or if they acted reasonably, even in dangerous weather conditions. Did a driver act in accordance to the standard of care expected by a reasonable person? Or were they driving recklessly?

For example, if a reasonable person was driving in poor weather conditions, like snow or ice, they would “reasonably” drive at a safe and cautious speed, rather than driving at the suggested legal speed limit because their visibility and control is limited. On the other hand, a reckless driver would continue to drive normally, in poor weather, at the suggested speed limit. If it were a sunny and dry day, then driving at the recommended speeds is, of course, reasonable; however, in dangerous weather conditions, a reasonable driver would slow down and drive more cautiously. This is a huge factor in determining liability in a motor vehicle accident lawsuit, whether natural elements were supposedly the cause or not.

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Another aspect to consider is the condition of the vehicle. If the owner of the car or truck did not reasonably care for their vehicle in order for it to drive safely and function properly, then they may be at-fault for a car accident that occurs in poor weather. For example, if a person has very old, bald, and worn out tires on their vehicle, and they lost control on ice or a wet spot, then poor weather is not the sole reason why an accident happened.

Had the driver reasonably serviced their tires, they may not have slid on the ice or slick spot to begin with because they would have had better traction and stability control. Other reasonable maintenance for a car would include functional windshield wiper blades, good brake pads and rotors, functional brake lights and head lights, and much more. These, and more, are additional concerns that an insurance adjuster might look at when determining liability in a car accident case. These types of lawsuits are often tricky and complex. There are several factors and variables that determine who is at-fault in a car accident.

If you are ever an innocent victim in a traffic accident that was caused by another person’s reckless driving, contact an Indianapolis car accident attorney right away. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages, such as lost wages, medical expenses, hospital bills, vehicular damages, pain, suffering, mental anguish, prolonged rehabilitation, and much more.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorney, Daniel Craven, is a licensed personal injury lawyer with several years of litigation and trial experience. He is happy to answer your questions about filing a car accident lawsuit, and assess your eligibility for recompense. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and never collects lawyer fees unless we win your settlement! Call 317-881-2700 for more information about recovering compensation following a motor vehicle
accident in Indianapolis, IN.