Why You Need to Consult With an Indianapolis Car Wreck Attorney ASAP

Posted on July 30, 2020 by admin

In the case that a car accident was not your fault, and you wound up suffering serious injuries, it is important to consult with the seasoned Indianapolis car wreck attorney as soon as possible. Continue reading to learn your rights after being seriously injured in a car accident that was not your fault, why you need to seek professional legal counsel as soon as possible, and how to get started on your claim today.

Your Rights to Compensation After a Car Accident

After being injured in a car accident, you are entitled to certain rights to make a claim for compensation. If a car accident were your fault, you would likely be filing a claim with your own auto insurance, as well as your own health insurance carrier. However, if the car accident was someone else’s fault, and you suffered serious injuries that resulted in specific losses and damages, you are entitled to make a claim against the at fault party’s insurance carrier. In this case, you would need to hire a skilled personal injury lawyer to represent your claim. They have the knowledge, skills, and professional resources to navigate your case in a way that ensures you obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve.

You can recover compensation for proven economic and non-economic losses and damages, such as hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages from time off work, prolonged physical therapy, permanent disability or disfigurement, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and much more depending on your particular case. See our blog, “Types of Damages Awarded for Victims of Injury” to learn more about recoverable personal injury damages and losses.

You Need a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer if…

You should always hire a skilled personal injury attorney.

Here’s Why:

Once the at fault party calls their insurance carrier to advise them of the incident, the insurance carrier immediately begins their investigation of the case and it immediately assigns an adjuster to obtain facts and evidence which will support their insured’s version of the incident. In cases where their insured potentially causes severe injuries to another person, the in-house and sometimes out-of-house attorney will become immediately involved. It is vital to your case to have your own attorney so they can seek and obtain the evidence necessary to bring your claim and help you recover a full and fair settlement for your injuries.

A defendant’s insurance carrier owes an injured party no duties. It also owes no duty to treat the injured party fairly and to reach a fair settlement with an injured party. In fact, a defendant’s insurance carrier’s duty is to it’s shareholders to make them money, which is why, if they attempt to settle a case at all, they attempt to settle the case for as little money as possible. A defendant’s insurance carrier has a monetary interest in settling a claim for as little money as possible and to not settle the case at all if they can because that would mean the insurance carrier would pay nothing.

The bottom line is you should always hire a skilled personal injury attorney so you have someone looking out for your best interests and your best interests alone. The at-fault party already has an adjuster and attorney looking out for theirs.

Why Time is of the Essence

Every state has a set time limit in which an injured person can bring about a claim, or file a lawsuit in civil court, against another party. This is known as statutes of limitations. Here in Indiana, the standard statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years. If a personal injury victim fails to pursue a claim within this time period, they lose their opportunity to do so, forever. See our blog, “Can a Personal Injury Statute of Limitations Be Extended?” to learn more about such limitations and what you can do if you miss the deadline.

Moreover, evidence needs to be obtained quickly as it will disappear with the passage of time and memories of what happened become faded with time. For example, photos of the vehicles should be taken immediately. Why? Because if the vehicles are totaled they may get demolished in a wrecking yard once the property damage claim has been resolved. Moreover, if the vehicles are not totaled and are fixed, you will not have evidence of the impact and dames to the vehicles involved.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH AN EXPERIENCED INDIANA ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Call the legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 if you have recently suffered a personal injury in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis car accident injury attorneys are happy to answer your questions about personal injury claims, lawsuits, and more. Initial consultations are free of charge, and we never collect lawyer fees unless they recover for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation, today.

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

How to Win a Car Accident Lawsuit

Posted on June 12, 2020 by admin

A motor vehicle accident can happen in a second. One moment someone is driving down the road peaceably, and the next minute they find themselves in the midst of a motor vehicle collision. Because there are so many factors involved in proving a personal injury case, it is important to consult a personal injury attorney for professional legal counsel.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about how to win a car accident lawsuit if you are injured through the fault of another.

Indiana Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Receiving Compensation Through a Settlement

Violating road signs, ignoring traffic signals, zipping through stop lights, not paying attention, speeding, driving under the influence, and several other types of reckless or negligent driving behaviors are common causes of automotive collisions that result in injuries. If a victim was injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, they will most likely be eligible to pursue compensation for their damages. In order to recover compensation for pain, suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and various other standard damages, a victim holds the burden of proving their case. A skilled personal injury lawyer will retain the proper resources, knowledge, and skills to effectively prove a case against the negligent party.

However, as an injured victim, you can also take certain steps to help increase your chances of recovering a settlement and being fully compensated, such as:

☑ Contact 911 and Get Medical Care

If you are ever involved in a car collision that causes you injury, the first thing you or the person with you needs to do is contact emergency services immediately. The most important concern is your health and safety. Contact 911 or some other type of emergency medical dispatch service for immediate medical attention. Once you are medically stable, you can take the next vital steps, which include seeing a doctor for your injuries and hiring a lawyer to represent your claim. See our blog, “Tips for Documenting Your Injuries After a Car Accident” to learn how to assess your own car accident injuries.

☑ File a Car Accident Report With Police

It is very important to have a police report filed with the details of the car collision and the injuries you sustained. With a police report on file, judges and juries can use the details as proof of evidence in your case. See our blog, “Are Police Reports Important to an Auto Accident Claim?” to learn how police reports can impact your case.

☑ Hire a Licensed Personal Injury Law Firm

You should always hire proper legal counsel. It is imperative to hire legitimate and licensed personal injury attorney services in order to have your best chance at recovering remuneration for your damages following a car accident. Accident attorneys are trained and extensively educated in personal injury law. They have the legal resources and proficiency to effectively represent you in your case. Most law firms do not charge upfront fees for their services, and instead, collect their attorney fees once they win compensation for you. If they do not win compensation for you, you do not owe them any fees at all.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers You Can Count On

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover and Blazek P. C. at 317-881-2700 to secure your rights after a serious car accident injury in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned personal injury attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover and Keith Blazek retain extensive trial and litigation experience in accident law and handle both car accident and trucking cases. It is important to act fast after being injured in an accident because the sooner you act, the more likely your chances are of winning your claim and recovering compensation for your damages because evidence can be obtained before it is gone. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana today.

Are Police Reports Important to an Auto Accident Claim?

Posted on May 26, 2020 by admin

Usually, no one walks away from a car accident and says it was no big deal. They are serious matters that have the potential to cause severe injuries and even death. For these reasons and more, auto accidents are scary, and tend to leave injured victims feeling confused.

If you are in a car collision, whether as a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, one of the first steps you can take is also one of the most vital. After getting medical attention for yourself and others involved, be sure to contact law enforcement and make a report at the scene of the accident. In fact, it is required by law in most cases.

Personal Injury Car Accident Attorney 317-881-2700

Here in Indiana, the law requires individuals to immediately alert the local police department of a car accident in certain cases, including if:

It results in any form of bodily harm or death.
It causes over $1,000 in property damage.
City ordinance requires car accident reporting.
The insurance company requires car accident reporting.

Personal Injury Claims and Police Reports

Separate from your legal obligation to report a car accident to the nearest police station, it is in your best interest to do so for your own personal injury claim. You should always contact the police and have them come out and do a report as a general rule. There are some cases in which victims do not immediately feel or appear injured initially after an auto accident, but later on, sometimes hours, days, weeks and even months, develop serious symptoms and the injuries sustained during the collision begin manifesting themselves. This is known as an onset of symptoms, and is a common occurrence in car accidents. The amount of time an onset of injuries takes to appear varies from person to person.

Police are specially trained to investigate and evaluate the details of a car accident, and therefore, should accurately record a report that defines relevant details regarding the collision. A completed police report can protect your rights to recovering compensation in an insurance settlement or personal injury lawsuit for your losses by documenting evidence of the facts surrounding your case. Such reports usually provide a large amount of valuable information, such as:

Time, Date, and Location
Contact Information for All Parties Involved
Insurance Information for All Parties Involved
Statements from All Parties Involved
Witness Statements and Contact Information
Description of Injuries Reported at the Scene
The Officer’s Personal Account and Opinion of the Accident
A Diagram of the Accident Scene
Description of Road and Weather Conditions
Description of Vehicle and Property Damages
Pictures of Injuries, Damages, and Scene Surroundings
Description of Tickets Issued at the Scene By the Officer
And More

Because investigating police officers usually do not know the drivers involved, they are usually seen as unbiased witnesses to a car accident, and therefore, have no stake in the outcome of a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim, their reports of an accident are highly valuable and persuasive forms of evidence in a case. Police can be, and are often, used as witnesses in car accident injury cases. Contact a licensed Central Indiana car accident lawyer for help navigating your claim on a course toward a full and fair financial recovery.

Who to Trust With Your Indiana Car Accident Claim

Contact the esteemed legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 for help making a car accident injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned personal injury attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, focus on car accident claims, and are well-versed in Indiana personal injury law. We offer free initial consultations, we represent clients all over the State of Indiana and never charge lawyer fees unless we win your case. Schedule an appointment, and get started as soon as today.

Can I Sue Both Company and Driver After Being Hurt in a Truck Accident?

Posted on December 23, 2019 by admin

The consequences of car accidents range on a very broad spectrum, from minor all the way to fatal. But when it comes to truck accidents, the damages tend to be even more extensive given that trucks are larger, heavier, and therefore more lethal than a standard sedan or compact car. Often times, it is the trucking company that would be held liable for an accident caused by one of their drivers; however, there are some cases in which a separate claim can be brought against a negligent trucker driver too.

Continue reading to learn more about the possibility of suing both trucking company and driver after being injured in a serious trucking accident in Indiana.

Indiana Truck Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Trucking Company Employees vs. Independent Contractors

Most often, the trucking company is responsible for any damages caused by an employed driver while they were on the clock. However, some trucking accident claims can prove to be a bit trickier since not all truck drivers are employed by the trucking company. Some trucking companies outsource truck drivers who own their own truck and operate as independent contractors. In the case that a driver was injured by an independent trucking contractor, appointing liability can pose its challenges due to certain independent contracting laws. For this reason, it is vital to have a seasoned truck accident attorney representing your claim, from start to finish.

Although the negligent actions of employees of a trucking company are the trucking company’s responsibility, independent trucking contractors are responsible for themselves. This means that the trucking company that hired an independent trucker will generally not be held legally liable if the trucker causes an accident that harms another person. In fact, it is quite common for trucking companies and their insurance carrier to point the finger totally on the independent truck driver. On the other hand, if the trucking company lease a truck or placard to a truck driver, they could be found legally liable for the driver’s actions while on the clock.

Another important factor that courts will consider is whether or not the truck driver of a trucking company was acting within their scope of employment. For instance, if an employed truck driver of a trucking company causes an accident while on the clock performing work duties, the company can be held liable for the accident. However, the trucking company might be able to evade liability if the employee acted outside their scope of employment by causing an accident while running a personal errand, potentially. The company could argue that because the employee was acting outside of their scope of employment, they are not accountable.

What You Should Do After a Truck Accident

If you were just injured in a serious car accident as a result of a negligent trucker, you are likely entitled to collecting compensation for your subsequent damages and losses. See our blog, “FAQS About Commercial Truck Accident Claims” to learn more about your options for legal recompense. Contact a licensed truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis for help navigating your personal injury claim, today.

Indiana Truck Accident Attorneys

Call Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis truck accident attorney who can determine the best strategies for your case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today. We represent injured persons throughout Indiana and are located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Facts About Indiana Bus Accident Law

Posted on December 3, 2019 by admin

Since all buses operate as a business that provide transportation services to the general public, all regulations governing bus accidents fall under an area of law known as common carrier law. A common carrier can be defined as any public or private business (or individual) that transports people, goods, or services in exchange for a fee. This includes taxi cabs, limousines, trains, trolleys, ferries, cruise ships, airplanes, and of course, buses. According to the Interstate Commerce Act, common carriers have a higher legal responsibility, or duty of care, which means they have more liability in the case of an accident. In fact, common carrier accidents come with a special set of rules in comparison to standard motor vehicle accidents.

Continue reading to learn more pertinent facts surrounding state and federal bus accident law, as well as, where to get professional and personalized advice after being negligently injured on a common carrier.

Indianapolis Bus Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Common Carrier Laws

Depending on where common carriers are traveling, they are governed on a local, state, and federal level. The federal government regulates common carriers that provide transportation to passengers or goods across state lines under the Interstate Commerce Act. Local and state governments regulate transportation services that take place within state lines.

The law places the highest degree of care on common carriers. If a common carrier fails to uphold their legal duty of care, and as a result, someone is injured, their actions (or non-actions) would be considered negligent. In this case, special rules for compensation would apply, especially if the victims were ill, disabled, or children. Common examples of common carrier negligence include fatigued driving, intoxicated driving, lack of proper vehicular maintenance, inadequate driver training, and speeding or similar kinds of reckless driving.

Bus Accident Victims

Anyone injured in a common carrier bus accident has a right to make a claim against the negligent party, but will require the assistance of a personal injury lawyer to obtain the best settlement outcome possible. However, many common carriers are government agencies, which means strict rules apply in terms of statutes of limitations and other limitations. It is strongly encouraged to seek professional legal advice regarding your bus accident claim as soon as possible.

Indianapolis Bus Accident Lawyers You Can Trust

Call The legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to learn the best course of action after being negligently injured on a bus or similar common carrier in Indiana. Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are seasoned accident attorneys that can fight to recover full and fair compensation for your losses. We also offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your free consultation, today.

Indiana Laws Regarding Car Accident Compensation

Posted on November 18, 2019 by admin

As a car accident victim, you are not expected to have a full understanding of the law, and therefore, your rights to being compensated for your damages. However, it is wise to take the initiative to acquire the proper legal resources and learn what you can regarding your recent accident and subsequent losses. You may be entitled to compensation under Indiana law as a car accident victim, or as an immediate family member of a car accident victim.

Continue reading to learn the basic Indiana laws surrounding car accidents and compensation, as well as, who to trust for superior personal injury legal guidance near you.

Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Indiana Car Accident Compensation

Statutes of Limitations

In every state, there are laws that govern how much time a victim has to make a claim against another party. This is known as statutes of limitations, and they are a vital aspect to your potential legal claim. See our blog, “Can a Personal Injury Statute of Limitations Be Extended?” to learn the importance behind taking action in time.

As for car accidents, victims generally have 2 years from the date of the incident to make a claim for compensation against a standard party. If making a claim against a city, county or state defendant, victims have substantially less time to file what is called a “Tort Claims Notice”, which must be filed in a timely fashion or the victim cannot later file a lawsuit against that particular defendant. The shortest time period to file a Tort Claims Notice is 180 days so you should obtain an attorney as soon as possible.

Awarded Damages

Here in Indiana, the law gives victims the opportunity to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, and more. Non-economic damages include pain, suffering, permanent disfigurement, mental anguish, and loss of consortium, and more.

Where to Get Legal Advice for Car Accident Victims

Call The legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury car accident claim in Indianapolis, 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 car accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we recover for you. We represent seriously injured people throughout the State of Indiana.

Most Common Injuries Caused By a Rear-End Car Accident

Posted on October 28, 2019 by admin

Car accident victims can experience a wide range of injuries, but certain kinds of motor vehicle accidents tend to render the same or similar types of injuries. This seems to be the case with rear-end car accidents, which are one of the most common types of car accidents in the country. Continue reading to learn what some of the most common types of rear-end car accident injuries, and what you can do to ensure you receive the full and fair settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Car Accident Injuries

Although airbags, anti-lock brake systems, rear-view cameras, blind spot detection, and other motor vehicle safety systems are always being improved in the automotive design and manufacturing industry, they are not always enough to fully protect drivers and passengers from all car accident injuries. Injuries from car accidents range from minor, such as minor stiffness and body aches, to catastrophic, such as paraplegia and death.

Rear-End Car Accidents

When one car collides into the back bumper of another car, this is known as a rear-end car accident. These accidents often happen when a vehicle is tailing another, or driving too close and because the following driver is simply not paying attention. It also frequently occurs in situations in stop-and-go traffic and traffic jams, at stop lights and stop signs, and left-turn intersections. In such cases, the drivers and passengers inside the struck vehicle are the ones who tend to experience more serious injuries.

Front seat passengers are prone to blunt force impact on the steering wheel, dashboard, windows, and windshield. These impacts can cause injuries to the face, chest, neck, knees, and more. Passengers in the backseat of a vehicle that is rear-ended can also face a long list of injuries as a result of sudden forward and backward thrusting, and impact to the headrests, windows, front seats, or other objects inside a vehicle.

Common Car Accident Injuries

One of the most common rear-end car accident injuries is whiplash, which results from a person being thrust forward and thrown backward upon impact of the rear-ending vehicle. See our blog, “What You Should Know About Whiplash Personal Injury Claims” to learn more about the onset of injuries concerning whiplash. Another common injury from rear-end accidents are dermal burns. Airbags are triggered to deploy upon a rear-end impact, thus causing front-seat passengers to experience burns from the airbag propellant.

Additional Injuries Common With Rear-Ending Accidents:

☑ Airbag Burns
☑ Lethargy/Fatigue
☑ Stiffness and pain in Neck, Back, and Shoulders
☑ Body Aches and Pains
☑ Headaches and Migraines
☑ Orthopedic Injuries
☑ Spinal Injuries
☑ Concussions
☑ Head Injuries
☑ Brain Injuries

Onset of Injuries

Not everyone experiences symptoms of injuries immediately following a car accident. Sometimes symptoms do not appear for days, weeks, or months later. This is a medical phenomenon known as on-set of injury. See our blog, “Do Not Assume That You are Not Hurt After an Accident” to learn more. It is helpful to contact a personal injury lawyer to learn your rights to recovering damages after suffering losses following a car accident. They have the knowledge and experience to give you personalized advice for your unique case.

Were You Injured in a Rear-End Car Accident in Indiana?

Call Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis car accident attorney who can determine the best strategies for your case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today. We represent injured persons throughout Indiana.

Facts About Traumatic Brain Injuries and Accident Claims

Posted on October 14, 2019 by admin

Traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI, can have devastating and permanent effects on a victim, and their immediate families. If you were recently injured in an accident that involved injury to your head, neck, spine, or brain, it is vital that you seek medical attention right away, followed by experienced legal guidance. You could be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses, such as hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, and much more.

Continue reading to learn some basic facts regarding traumatic brain injuries, as well as, the recommended legal recourse for anyone who has been wrongly, negligently, or willfully injured by another party.

Indiana Brain Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Trauma to the Brain

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is damaged as a result of sudden, impact to the head or sudden changes in velocity to a person’s head where the brain can hit the inside of the skull. When the brain is injured in this way, it can lead to irreversible physical damage, as well as mental and emotional damages. The onset of TBI symptoms can appear immediately, or develop slowly overtime. Common signs and symptoms of traumatic brain damage includes severe headaches, migraines, seizures, vomiting, blurry vision, memory loss, sensitivity to light, paralysis and changes in personality.

TBI Statistics

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 50 percent of traumatic brain injuries result from car accidents. One common car accident injury that has been linked to traumatic brain damage is whiplash. Whiplash is the result of a sudden distortion of the neck, usually following some sort of impact. In the case of a car accident, the impact of a vehicle colliding into another vehicle is an event that could result in whiplash, and ultimately, a TBI. Construction site accidents, slip and falls, and deliberate assaults are other potential causes of a TBI.

Traumatic Brain Injury Claims

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of a TBI, seek medical care immediately. Your health and safety are your number one priority. If you or someone you love was injured as a result of another’s negligence, your next priority should be to protect your rights to compensation for your subsequent damages and losses. To do so, contact a seasoned personal injury attorney to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case and the best course of action for your claim. While recovering medically from a TBI, a personal injury lawyer can represent your interests to ensure you are paid the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Indiana Brain Injury Lawyers

Call The legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to discuss your potential Indiana brain injury claim with a licensed accident attorney you can trust. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and never collects lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement or judgment for you. Get started on your path to financial recovery with a simple phone call to our Indianapolis brain injury lawyers, today. We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana.

Top 5 Ways to Avoid a Serious Car Accident

Posted on October 11, 2019 by admin

Road safety is something that should be practiced and appreciated all year long. Now that summer is coming to a close, Hoosiers will soon be facing more inclement weather conditions, such as fog, wind, rain, snow, and ice. For this reason, now is the perfect time to review some of the most important road safety tips to better help you and those you love avoid serious car accidents.

Motor vehicle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries and damages, especially when they involve infants, young children, and elderly individuals. As we all know, some car accidents can even be fatal, which is why it is so important to remember driver and road safety at all times when operating a vehicle. Not only will this help protect yourself, it will also better protect passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers on the road.

Continue reading to learn the top 5 ways you and your loved ones can achieve this level of safety and assurance while driving.

Five Tips to Prevent Car Accidents

❶ Adhere to All Traffic Laws and Regulations

Not only should you obey all traffic rules, it is important to also adhere to all driving laws, including wearing seat-belts, maintaining an active and good-standing drivers’ license, license plates, automotive insurance, car lights and maintenance, tags, and more.

❷ Drive Sober and Clear-Headed

One of the most critical parts of road safety is to always drive sober. Never operate a vehicle after consuming drugs or alcohol; this includes OTC medications that can make you drowsy. In fact, an equally important rule is to never drive when sleepy. Fatigued driving is a top cause of serious car accidents, so be sure you are always rested and clear-headed before getting behind the wheel.

❸ Do Not Text and Drive

Never, under any circumstances, use your phone for texting while also operating a vehicle. Do not read emails nor text messages, and never attempt to text or send messages. Texting and driving is one of the current top causes for serious and fatal car accidents in the country. When you take your eyes off the road, even for a second, YOU ARE DRIVING BLIND. And the truth is, you do not have the right to drive a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds without looking. Please educate other drivers about this vital safety rule.

❹ Never Follow Too Close

When operating a vehicle, always keep the appropriate distance between the car in front of you. One of the most common causes of rear end accidents, is following too closely. If the driver in front of you has to suddenly brake, you need enough time to notice and react, safely.

❺ Use Caution With Left Turns

Turning left, whether at an intersection or onto a street, can be dangerous if someone is not paying attention. Even if you have the right-away, be sure to always use extra caution when making a left turn. You never know when another driver decides to run a yellow or red light. Furthermore, be sure to only make a left turn if you are clear to do so.

Hurt in a Car Accident?

Call The legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 for help filing a car accident injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned accident lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, can help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after suffering a serious injury in a car accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. We represent serious injured and wrongful death clients throughout the State of Indiana. Schedule your consultation before the statutes of limitations runs out on your claim.

Were You Injured Because Someone Ran a Red Light?

Posted on September 27, 2019 by admin

Whether on foot or in a vehicle, being injured by a negligent driver who ran a red light can entitle you to certain compensation. Continue reading to learn more about red light car accidents, and what you can do if you have suffered damages and losses as a result of someone’s reckless or negligent driving.

Red and Yellow Traffic Lights

Here in Indiana, there are laws that strictly prohibit drivers from running red lights. When approaching a red light, drivers are obligated under law to make a complete stop. If turning right at a red light, a driver must make a complete stop, and yield to oncoming traffic with caution before making the turn.

However, this turn is illegal if there are signs that say “no turn on red.” If a red light is flashing, drivers are obligated to make a complete stop, and then proceed as if the light were a stop sign. As for a solid yellow light, Indiana allows drivers to enter into an intersection so long as the light is still yellow, but drivers may not do so after the light turns red.

When it comes to protecting pedestrians, Indiana law states, “(…) vehicular traffic facing a steady circular red or red arrow signal shall stop at a clearly marked stop line. However, if there is no clearly marked stop line, vehicular traffic shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no crosswalk, vehicular traffic shall stop before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown.” See IC § 9-21-3-7 for precise details regarding traffic laws and red lights in Indiana.

Penalties for Running a Red Light

As for a person’s driving record, running a red light can render a traffic offense fine up to $100 for those caught on an automatic camera. For those who are pulled over and ticketed, fines can reach and exceed $100, and also add 6 points to a drivers’ license. Penalties for running a red light drastically increase if the action causes an accident that leaves a person physically injured.

In this case, not only can a driver face state penalties, such as fines and points on their license, they can also face civil penalties if a victim wishes to make a personal injury claim against them. A common legal concept known as negligence per se can be applied to such cases of red light car accidents and injuries.

Negligence Per Se Car Accident Claims

Negligence per se are “cause of action” claims that propose a person acted negligently and caused harm to another by violating a law that is enacted to protect people for a specific reason. Traffic light laws are a perfect example of laws set in place to protect the public. If a person were to ignore a red light, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and as a result, they cause an accident that harms another person, they can be held liable for all damages and losses under negligence per se laws because their negligence can be conclusively established. In worse case scenarios, if an accident causes a fatality, a driver can also possibly face criminal charges, such as vehicular manslaughter.