Understanding the Legal Consequences for Distracted Drivers

Posted on March 13, 2023 by admin

Distracted driving is a major cause of car accidents, and it’s becoming an increasingly serious problem. Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed due to drivers who weren’t paying attention to the road. In response, many states have enacted distracted driving laws that make it illegal for motorists to use their cell phones while behind the wheel. But do you know what your legal rights and responsibilities are when it comes to texting and driving? Are there any specific consequences if you get caught? And if someone else causes an accident because they were distracted, what should you do as a car accident lawyer?

In this blog post, we’ll explore these questions in more detail so that you can better understand the legal consequences of operating a vehicle while distracted or preoccupied. We’ll also look at how car accident lawyers can help protect your rights after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.

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Examples of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has become a serious hazard on the roads because it distracts drivers from paying attention to the task at hand – driving safely. Examples of inattentive driving may include conducting personal grooming, attending to children and animals in the car, using mobile devices for texting or talking, applying makeup, looking down while reaching for anything and rummaging through your purse or briefcase. Additionally, eating while driving and changing your music can also be considered distracted driving. Drivers should remember that distracted driving endangers not only their life, but the lives of other passengers and drivers on the road. In many cases, operating a motor vehicle while fatigued or upset can also be considered inattentive driving.

What You Need to Know About Driving While Preoccupied

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that distracted driving is illegal in many states. Most laws prohibit the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle, including talking on the phone, texting, or using social media apps. Violating these laws can result in hefty fines and even jail time if you’re convicted. In some cases, drivers may also lose their licenses for a period of time after being caught engaging in distracted driving.

Distracted Driving Car Accidents

But what happens if someone else causes an accident due to distracted driving? In this case, auto accident lawyers can help investigate the facts of the crash and determine who was at fault for causing the collision. If it turns out that another driver was distracted when they caused your accident, car accident lawyers can pursue compensation on your behalf. In some cases, car accident attorneys may be able to negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company or file a lawsuit if necessary.

Distracted Driving is a Serious Risk

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that distracted driving is illegal and can have serious consequences for both drivers involved in an accident. If you’re ever injured by another driver who was distracted, contact car accident lawyers immediately so they can protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Understanding the legal consequences of distracted driving will help ensure that you stay safe on the road and avoid any costly mistakes related to this dangerous behavior.

Conclusion

Distracted driving poses significant risks to motorists and must be avoided at all costs. If you’re injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, car accident lawyers can help protect your rights and pursue compensation on your behalf. Make sure to always stay informed of the distracted driving laws in your state and understand the legal consequences that could come with breaking them. Doing so will allow you to remain safe while on the road and maintain your legal rights if something goes wrong.

Were you injured in a car accident or as a pedestrian due to another person driving while distracted? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury consultation. We can meet with you over the phone, via computer, or in-person at our Indianapolis personal injury law office. Our car accident injury attorneys represent clients throughout the state, as well as Indiana residents injured in other states and even residents of other states who are injured in Indiana.

What You Need to Know Before Filing an Injury Claim for a Car Accident

Posted on February 10, 2023 by admin

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, then you should be considering filing an injury claim. This is an important step to take if you want to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damages and other expenses related to the accident. But before doing so, it’s important that you understand what an injury claim entails and how best to go about filing one.

Here, we will discuss the key things that you need to know before filing an injury claim for a car accident. We will cover topics such as gathering evidence, seeking legal advice from a car accident lawyer, understanding insurance coverage, and more. By taking these steps into consideration ahead of time, you can ensure that your case is as strong as possible when it comes time to file your injury claim.

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

Car Accident Victims Deserve Justice

After auto accident victims suffer physical, emotional, and financial losses due to the negligence or carelessness of another driver, they deserve financial justice. And they can do this by filing a car accident claim with help from an experienced personal injury lawyer. By holding the responsible party and their insurance carrier accountable for their insured’s actions, car accident victims can often benefit from the settlement achieved through a car accident claim and receive monetary compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Victims have the legal right to demand that an at-fault driver and their insurance carrier take responsibility for the negligence of the at-fault driver. By hiring a seasoned personal injury attorney, car accident victims can rest assured that their case is being represented diligently. Preparing a solid case before filing a personal injury claim for a car accident is imperative. Becoming aware of all essential details beforehand can provide you with peace of mind and give your case its best chance for success.

Top Considerations for Filing an Auto Accident Claim

Evidence

The first step when filing an injury claim for a car accident is to gather evidence. This means taking pictures and videos at the scene of the accident, obtaining police reports, and collecting contact information from any witnesses who may have seen the accident happen. All of this evidence can be extremely helpful in establishing liability and helping to prove your motor vehicle accident case.

Car Accident Lawyer

You should seek legal advice from a car accident lawyer immediately. This can help to ensure that your injury claim is filed correctly and on time, as well as helping you understand the process of filing an injury claim and what type of compensation you may be eligible for. A qualified car accident attorney will also be able to advise you on how best to negotiate with insurance companies and ensure that you get the maximum compensation possible. An experienced car accident attorney will also help to ensure that the evidence needed to prove your case is obtained.

Insurance

Finally, it’s important to understand your insurance coverage and the insurance coverage of the at-fault party and make sure that you and the at-fault party are fully covered for any medical bills and other expenses related to the auto accident. The more prepared you are with this information when filing an injury claim, the better chance you have of receiving a fair amount of compensation. Your accident attorney will obtain this information for you.

Get Support for Your Injury Claim

By taking the time to understand and consider these key topics, you can ensure that your injury claim is as strong as possible when it comes time to file. By doing so, you may be able to receive the compensation you deserve for any medical bills or other expenses due to a car accident. If you have any further questions about filing an injury claim, it’s best to contact an Indiana auto accident attorney immediately who can provide you with the legal advice and support you need.

Knowing your rights and how to defend them is essential if you have been injured because of another driver’s negligence. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation for your car accident injury lawsuit in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The 5 Most Common Personal Injury Cases in the United States

Posted on January 24, 2023 by admin

When you think of personal injury cases, the first thing that comes to mind is likely car accidents. And while car accidents are certainly a common type of personal injury case, they’re far from the only one. In fact, there are a number of different types of personal injury cases, each with their own unique set of circumstances and causes, as well as applicable laws.

Here we’ll take a look at five of the most common personal injury cases in the United States.

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Top 5 Accident Cases in the U.S.

There are many types of personal injury cases, but some are more common than others. The five personal injury cases that occur most frequently in the United States are car accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, medical malpractice, and wrongful death.

Car Accidents

When it comes to personal injury cases, car accidents are one of the most common. In the United States, there are around 6 million car accidents each year, and out of those, around 3 million result in injuries. There are a number of things that can cause a car accident, from driver negligence to hazardous road conditions. Some of the most common injuries that occur in car accidents include head injuries, neck injuries, back injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Once you have been treated for your injuries, you want to talk to an Indiana personal injury lawyer about your case. A qualified car accident attorney in Indianapolis can help you file a claim or lawsuit against the person or company responsible for your accident and can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

Slip, trip, and fall accidents are the most common personal injury cases in the United States. These accidents can occur anywhere, from a grocery store to a neighbor’s home. If you have been injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You may also be eligible for compensation for your personal injury, so contact an experienced Indianapolis slip and fall attorney who can help you with your case. With their help, you may be able to receive the compensation that you deserve for your personal injury.

Dog Bites

Dog bite accident cases are also one of the most common personal injury cases in the United States. In Indiana, dog bite law is governed by the state’s negligence laws. A dog owner can be liable for injuries their dog causes if they were not exercising reasonable care to prevent the injury and/or if their dog had bitten someone else before, among other reasons. This includes keeping the dog restrained or leashed when in public, and properly securing the dog’s enclosure. If you have been injured in a dog bite accident, it is important to speak with a seasoned Indianapolis dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will be able to help you file a claim and negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is one of the most common personal injury cases in the United States. It can happen when a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional provides substandard care that results in harm to the patient. Patients who have been injured as a result of medical malpractice may be able to file a lawsuit to recover damages. Some of the most common types of medical malpractice cases include:

1. Failure to Diagnose or Misdiagnosis
2. Improper Treatment or Surgery
3. Prescription Errors
4. Birth Injuries
5. Wrongful Death

Medical malpractice cases can be complex and require a knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer in Indianapolis to help prove negligence on the part of the healthcare provider. An experienced attorney will be able to assess your case, build a strong legal strategy, and work to obtain the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death is a type of personal injury case that arises when a person dies as a result of the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or company. Wrongful death cases can be extremely complex, and it is important to have an experienced attorney representing you. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a licensed Indianapolis wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. They can help you understand the process and provide you with options for recovering compensation for your loss. Wrongful death cases can sometimes be difficult to prove, so it is important that all the facts are thoroughly investigated and documented. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to review the evidence, document a strong case, and pursue justice on behalf of your family.

Conclusion

No matter the situation, personal injury cases should not be taken lightly and it’s important to seek the help of an experienced attorney if you have been wrongfully injured in a personal accident case. An attorney can provide you with guidance and work hard to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entire process.

Are you looking for a trusted civil lawyer in Indiana who can give you the best advice regarding your accident case? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation with a highly experienced accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the state, as well as Indiana residents injured in other states and residents of other states injured here in Indiana.

Top Causes of Large Truck Accidents in the United States

Posted on November 11, 2022 by admin

As anyone who has driven on a highway knows, large trucks can be dangerous. Trucks like big rigs, semi-trucks, boom trucks, delivery trucks, box trucks, semi-trailers, and similar commercial vehicles are often involved in serious accidents that can cause injuries and deaths. But just how common are large truck accidents in the United States? According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were nearly 4,000 fatal large truck accidents in the U.S. in 2018. This is a slight decrease from the previous year, but it is still a significant number.

There are several factors that can contribute to large truck accidents, such as driver fatigue, distracted driving, and improper maintenance of the vehicle. When these accidents do occur, they can be devastating not only for the people involved, but also for their families. If you or someone you know has been involved in a large truck accident, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced Indiana truck accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.

In the meantime, continue below to learn more about the leading causes of big truck accidents in the United States, plus how to get started on your personal injury claim today.

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National Trucking Regulations

As the trucking industry continues to grow, so do the regulations that commercial truck drivers must follow. Whether a new truck driver or an experienced one, it’s important for all truck drivers to stay up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for setting and enforcing the regulations that truckers and their employers must follow. Some of the most important regulations that large truck operators must adhere to include hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and driver qualification requirements. Not following the regulations can result in serious penalties, including fines and suspension of their commercial driver’s license.

Commercial truck violations are one of the leading causes of accidents on our nation’s roads. Unfortunately, these accidents often result in serious injuries or death. As we pointed out earlier, commercial trucks are subject to strict regulations, and when these regulations are violated, it can result in a dangerous situation for other motorists.

Some of the most common commercial truck violations that can lead to accidents include:

▶ Speeding: Commercial trucks are often required to travel at lower speeds than passenger vehicles. When a truck driver exceeds the posted speed limit, it can put other motorists at severe risk given how long it takes for heavy vehicles to stop.

▶ Improper Lane Changes: Large trucks require a significant amount of space to safely change lanes. When a truck driver makes an improper lane change, it can result in a sideswipe accident or even a head-on collision.

▶ Following Too Closely: Commercial trucks need a greater distance to stop than passenger vehicles. When a truck driver tailgates another vehicle, it increases the risk of a rear-end collision.

If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck in Indiana, it is vital to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers will often try to minimize their liability in these accidents. An experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer will fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

What Causes Trucking Accidents?

If you or someone you love has been injured in trucking accident, it is important to understand the potential causes of these accidents. Most large truck accidents are caused by human error. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the leading causes of large truck accidents are:

▶ Driver Fatigue
▶ Speeding
▶ Reckless Driving
▶ Impaired Driving
▶ Distracted Driving

All of these factors can be attributed to human error. Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure from their employers to meet deadlines and may feel that they have to push the limits and sometimes go beyond the limits in order to do so. This can lead to dangerous decisions being made behind the wheel. Big trucks are much more likely to be involved in an accident than smaller vehicles. This is due to their size and weight, which can make them difficult to control. When two large trucks collide, the results can be catastrophic.

Indiana Truck Accident Victims Deserve Justice

If you have been involved in a large truck accident in Indianapolis, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer will be able to investigate the cause of the accident and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an experienced Indianapolis truck accident attorney, today. We offer free initial consultations over the phone, via video, or in person at our office. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start obtaining evidence critical to your case. We represent clients all throughout the state and Indiana residents injured in other states.

Possible Damages Awarded in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit

Posted on November 7, 2022 by admin

When it comes to motorcycle accidents, there is a lot of potential for serious injuries. And if those injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, then you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover damages. But what kind of damages might you be awarded in a motorcycle accident lawsuit?

Continue below to find out, plus information on how to set up a no-fee case evaluation with an experienced Indiana personal injury lawyer.

Call 317-881-2700 when you are looking for motorcycle accident lawyers in Indianapolis! — Call 317-881-2700 when you are looking for motorcycle accident lawyers in Indianapolis.

Motorcycle Accidents are Usually Very Serious

Motorcyclists are far more vulnerable than people in cars or trucks. They don’t have the same kind of protection, and they are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a traffic accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 4,976 motorcycle riders killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2015. This was an 8% increase from the year before.

Obtain an Attorney

Motorcycle wrecks and collisions will continue to happen. If you or someone you know has been hurt in an incident that involved a motorcyclist or motor vehicle, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Indianapolis can help you understand your rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve for your damages.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Damages

Generally speaking, there are two types of damages that may be awarded in a motorcycle injury lawsuit: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that have a specific monetary value, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify, but can include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the injured party, but rather to punish the wrongdoer and deter future bad behavior.

The amount of damages that may be awarded in a motorcycle collision lawsuit will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of the case. If you have been involved in an accident while riding on or operating a motorcycle in Indiana, it is important to speak with an experienced Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options right away.

Were you or someone you love wrongly injured on a motorcycle or motorbike in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer in Indianapolis, today. We can discuss your case over the phone, via computer, or in-person at our Indy law office. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

The Indiana Statute of Limitations For Car Accident Lawsuits

Posted on October 21, 2022 by admin

No one ever expects to be injured in a car accident. But unfortunately, auto accidents happen every day. And when they do, the injuries can be severe – even life-threatening. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, it’s important to know what to do next. This includes understanding the legal process and your rights, as well as getting the medical treatment you need.

It is important to act fast before the state’s statute of limitations eliminate your right to pursue legal action against the negligent party who caused your car accident and subsequent injuries. Once you obtain a verdict against the negligent party, that person’s insurance carrier would be contractually obligated to pay the verdict on their behalf, up to the defendant’s liability insurance limits.

Continue below to learn how long you have to file a car accident lawsuit in Indiana, plus who to trust for accurate and personalized legal advice.

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Facts About Statute of Limitations

The Statute of Limitations (SOL) is the time frame in which a car accident victim can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. The SOL varies from state to state but is generally two to four years after the date of the accident. If you have been in a car accident, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident attorney to determine the SOL in your state and whether you have a valid claim. If you do not file a lawsuit within the SOL, you will likely be barred from recovering any compensation for your injuries.

Indiana SOL for Auto Accidents

The Indiana statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is two years. This means that you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If you do not file your lawsuit within this time frame, you will be barred from doing so and will not be able to recover any compensation for your injuries.

There are some exceptions to this rule, however. If you were a minor at the time of the accident, you have until your 20th birthday to file a lawsuit. If your automobile collision involved state or county entities, you must quickly file what is called a tort claims notice first to be able to pursue your potential case so it is vitally important to contact an attorney right after your collision so no deadlines are missed and so valuable evidence may be obtained.

Talk to an Indianapolis Car Accident Attorney Right Away

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important that you speak with an experienced Indiana personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will be able to review your case and help you determine whether you have a valid claim. If you do have a claim, your attorney will work tirelessly to help you recover the full amount of compensation that you are entitled to.

Are you ready to get in touch with an Indianapolis car accident lawyer to schedule a no-fee consultation? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation with a seasoned car accident lawyer in Indianapolis. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

The General Steps of a Car Accident Injury Trial

Posted on September 26, 2022 by admin

In the vast majority of cases of car accident lawsuits, both parties usually avoid trial by settling the case with the assistance from their respective attorneys. This happens when the claimant party, or injured victim, agrees to a settlement offered by the opposing party’s insurance carrier. However, if both parties cannot come to a settlement agreement, the case will go to trial. Trials are serious matters, which is why it is vital to always have private personal injury representation as a wrongfully injured victim in Indiana. They can navigate your car accident case every step of the way.

For a better understanding of what this might involve, continue below to review the general steps of car accident injury trial.

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Car Accident Liability Disputes

In the case of a car accident liability dispute, a claimant has two options for resolution: they can settle with the insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit. Settling with the insurance company would involve out-of-court settlement negotiations that would take place between the claimant party (injured victim and their legal team) and the insurance carrier.

If the insurance carrier offers a full and fair settlement for the injured victim’s damages and losses, the injured victim might agree to the settlement, and the case can be completed and closed. If the injured victim and their legal team reject the settlement offer by the insurance carrier, they can bring the case to court. At trial, a car accident injury dispute will be heard and decided normally by a jury and rarely by a judge.

Car accident injury cases tend to go to trial because they are high-value, or because they involve complicated factors surrounding liability and causation. It is important to have an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer working your case for the best possible chance at recovering the maximum settlement for your damages and losses.

What To Expect at a Car Accident Injury Trial

Your personal injury car accident lawyer will handle every aspect of your case, from start to finish. On your behalf, they will attend every hearing and pretrial meeting representing your best interests. The general phases of a car accident injury trial include discovery, mediation, jury selection, opening statements, presentation of evidence, closing arguments, jury deliberation, and verdict delivery.

Discovery Phase

The discovery phase is a type of pretrial meeting that takes place between the legal team of the claimant party (injured victim) and the legal team of the plaintiff party (insurance company). During this phase, the lawyers will exchange information relevant to the case by means of depositions, interrogatories, or other requests for evidence.

Jury Selection

Following the discovery phase, both the plaintiff and claimant legal teams will interview a panel of potential jurors by asking them several questions. They will need six qualified jurors and one alternate in Indiana.

Opening Statements

Once the trial begins, both sides will make opening statements to the court and jury. These statements outline what the lawyer intends on proving throughout the proceedings.

Presentation of Evidence

During this stage of a car accident injury trial, both legal teams for each side will present the evidence they have that proves their case. Such evidence might include documents, records, witness testimonies, expert testimonies, photographs, videos, receipts, and relevant evaluations.

Closing Arguments

Towards the end of the trial, after all evidence has been presented and argued, the claimant’s lawyer and the plaintiff’s lawyer will make closing arguments. These are similar to opening statements in that they summarize all facts and testimony presented and proved throughout the trial.

Jury Deliberations

During this phase of a car accident trial, the jury will deliberate and ultimately decide whether the claimant met their burden of proof or not.

Verdict

After the jury and judge decide that the claimant party did meet their burden of proof and therefore the opposing party’s liability in the case, they will be award financial compensation. If the judge and jury decide that the claimant party failed at meeting this burden, the case will be closed, and they would receive no compensation.

Are you ready to discuss the legal options you have surrounding your recent and wrongful car accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial case evaluation for your car accident injury lawsuit in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent injured persons and the loved ones following the wrongful death of a relative throughout the State of Indiana. We also represent Hoosiers who were injured and the Estates of persons wrongly killed in other states.

Possible Liable Parties in a Self-Driving Car Accident

Posted on September 23, 2022 by admin

Decades ago, self-driving cars were merely a fantasy often depicted in some of our favorite throwback movies and TV shows, like Total Recall, Timecop, Herbie, The Fifth Element, and Christine. Yet today, they are a real thing. You may have seen one or two autonomous vehicles powered by Siri or Google in your community or downtown technology district. You may have already ridden in one. But like virtually all new technological innovations, there are bound to be some stumbling blocks. After all, self-driving vehicles are still a brand-new means of transportation in society. So, how safe are self-driving cars? That is hard to say. What can be said is, self-driving car accidents do happen. And when they do, pinpointing the liable party can be tricky since there are multiple possibilities.

Continue below to review some of the more likely responsible parties in a self-driving motor vehicle accident, plus where to get trusted legal advice after being wrongfully injured by an autonomous car or negligent driver in Indiana.

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Autonomous Vehicle Accidents and Liability

When it comes to self-driving car accidents, the most common liable parties include the human operator, technology company, automaker, government, or a third party. It is possible for more than one of these parties to be responsible for any damages suffered by a passenger or driver of an autonomous vehicle.

The Operator of the Vehicle

Self-driving cars are not fully autonomous; they still require a human supervisor or operator. It is very possible for the operator of the autonomous vehicle to be responsible for a car accident. Whether driving or on autopilot, if an operator of a self-driving vehicle is reckless or negligent during the ride, and as a result an accident happens, it could be their fault.

The Technology Company or Vehicle Manufacturer

There is a company that made the actual vehicle, then there is the company that made the technology possible. If a self-driving car accident occurs because the technology company was negligent in some way. For instance, if they did not properly test the vehicle before releasing it or resolve a significant microchip defect in the autonomous technology, they could be held liable for an injured victim’s damages and more.

The automaker of the vehicle might be responsible for a self-driving car collision or accident if there is a defect in the car’s assembly, design, or advertising that directly caused the accident and subsequent damages.

Government Agency

In rare cases, a government agency can be liable for a self-driving vehicle accident. This might happen if an autonomous car accident occurs as a result of inadequate safety testing, safety rules, and fundamental regulations, or due to a serious roadway defect.

Third Parties

Third parties that might be responsible for a self-driving car accident include drunk drivers, reckless drivers, negligent commercial truck drivers, or a business that fails to maintain a safe parking lot.

No matter what kind of car accident you were wrongfully injured in, it is your right to be granted a full and fair settlement for your damages. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced car accident injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent all motor vehicle-related accident cases throughout the state of Indiana, including truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful deaths, and more.

What You Need to Know About Pedestrian Car Accident Injury Cases

Posted on September 20, 2022 by admin

Car and traffic accidents, like collisions, rearends, fender benders, side-swipes, and off-road wrecks, typically involve automobiles. Yet, there is another common type of victim that can exist in a motor vehicle accident: those on foot, or in the terms of traffic law, pedestrians. So, what are the lawful rights for a pedestrian who has been hit or injured by a driver? Depending on certain and specific criteria, a pedestrian may or may not have legal rights to a settlement for any damages or losses sustained as a result of their accident. Although a harsh possibility, anyone injured in a pedestrian car accident should consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to confirm their options for pursing legal action against a wrongful party.

Continue reading to learn more about pedestrian rights, including the potential legal opportunities for pedestrians injured in a car accident.

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Right of Way for Pedestrians and Drivers

The first aspect to consider in a car accident pedestrian injury case is fault. Was it the driver’s fault for hitting the pedestrian with their vehicle? Or was it the pedestrian’s fault that the driver hit them? Depending on the circumstances of the accident, it could go either way. In drivers’ education, they avidly teach pupils that pedestrians always have the right of way, and to always yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks, parking lots, and other designated areas decreed in the state’s vehicle code.

Drivers’ education curriculum also covers a driver’s legal responsibility to obey all traffic laws, traffic signals, traffic signs, and speed limits. If a pedestrian is struck by a driver who is violating any traffic laws, the driver is automatically to blame for the accident. However, not all pedestrian car accident injury cases so cut-and-dry. If an individual is walking in a non-pedestrian designated area, like the side of the interstate or through the middle of a major roadway, then they are likely to be apportioned the majority of the fault if struck by a vehicle.

Personal Injury Compensation For Injured Pedestrians

If a pedestrian suffers injuries after being hit by a car because the driver was disobeying traffic laws, they are likely to be compensated by the driver’s insurance carrier. Injured pedestrians can collect compensation for their medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, pain-and-suffering, and more, depending on the severity of their injuries. If an at-fault driver is insured, a lawsuit can be filed against the at-fault driver and their insurance carrier pays and judgment or settlement.

If a driver is not insured, which is not usually the case, an injured victim can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them in civil court. If the driver does not retain any significant assets or finances to garnish, which is usually the case since the person did not even have auto insurance, the injured victim can make an uninsured motorist claim and attempt to collect their damages from their own insurance policy if they have uninsured motorist coverage. It is vital to all persons to purchase uninsured motorist coverage when they buy an auto policy so that they and anyone else in their vehicle is fully protected and collect for any personal injury damages.

It is possible for an injured pedestrian to walk away empty handed if there is no insurance coverages available or money to pay for their damages.

Are you an injured pedestrian looking for legal answers to your personal injury questions in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation with an Indianapolis pedestrian injury lawyer, today. We represent clients throughout the state, plus Indiana residents injured in other states and residents from other states injured in Indiana.

Recurrent Types of Commercial Trucker Safety Violations

Posted on September 13, 2022 by admin

Like any other driver on the road, commercial truck drivers are subject to being ticketed for traffic and safety violations. In more serious cases, commercial truckers are ordered to refrain from driving until such violations are addressed in accordance with local and state law.

It is important for law enforcement to hold industry truck drivers strictly accountable for violating safety protocols and regulations while operating a big rig or commercial truck because such trucks pose a higher level of threat to other vehicles, pedestrians, and properties; and not just due to their size, but also the quantity of momentum gained while operating at high speeds. Essentially, semi-trucks and similar commercial vehicles are like multi-ton missiles and tanks out on the road.

Continue below to learn more about the recurrent types of commercial trucker safety violations and better protect yourself from negligent trucker accidents.

Truck Accident Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Regulation in the United States:

Although it is fairly common for commercial truckers to violate important traffic and safety codes on the road, there are systems in place to abate and create awareness for trucking safety. For instance, the Indiana State Police has an entirely separate department that is solely responsible for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) law enforcement.

Additionally, the United States trucking industry in whole is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA performs routine inspections on all trucking companies and operators in the country, plus aggressively seeks grievances and criticism about truck safety issues in local communities and cities. They also maintain an active website that offers a National Consumer Complaint Database portal for submitting complaints about unsafe truck drivers in your area.

If you have observed unsafe commercial truckers in your community, you can report your concerns free of charge to the FMCSA database, or you may contact 911 if you see a reckless driver or unsafe truck on the road.

Common Commercial Trucker Safety Violations to Watch Out For

The most common causes for truck accidents involves driver-error. One of the most frequent mistakes trucking companies make is setting unrealistic or arduous deadlines, causing truck driver fatigue, speeding and other short-cuts. Another cause for truck driver accidents involves improper training. When a trucking company fails to properly train their truck drivers through a professional trucking course, it can lead to dangerous driver errors that jeopardize the safety of the drive themselves, as well as others around them. Inadequate truck inspections, unbalanced cargo, overloaded cargo, hazardous chemical leaks, and lack of safety maintenance are other common reasons why commercial truckers cause accidents.

More specifically, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial truckers and trucking companies in the United States are most often cited for the following types of safety violations:

◈ Speeding or Swerving Through Lanes
◈ Tailgating Behind Other Vehicles
◈ Changing Lanes Incorrectly or Unsafely
◈ Making Improper or Illegal Turns
◈ Failing to Yield to the Right of Way
◈ Violating Railroad Grade Crossings
◈ Disobeying Traffic Lights and Signs
◈ Reckless or Careless Driving
◈ Using a Handheld Phone While Driving
◈ Driving While Impaired

Were you or a loved one seriously injured in an accident caused by a negligent commercial truck driver in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free personal injury case evaluation to discuss your truck accident in Indianapolis, today. We represent clients all throughout the state of Indiana.