Category Archives: Car Accident Lawsuits

Can I Sue Lyft or Uber for Getting into a Car Accident?

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Do you know what kind of liability comes into play when you use a Lyft or Uber or similar ride-sharing app? What are your rights after being injured in a car accident while riding in a Lyft or Uber? Continue reading to learn more about car accident liability and ride-sharing companies, including what to do if you were recently hurt in a Lyft or Uber accident.

Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700
Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Ride Sharing Car Accidents and Claims

It is important to know your rights and responsibilities in the case that you are injured in a ridesharing accident. The best place to start is to speak with a licensed personal injury attorney who focuses on car accident claims, like Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. They can offer you accurate information and professional advice. If you were recently injured in a rideshare accident, be sure to speak with an attorney as soon as possible, before the statutes of limitations runs out for making a claim and critical evidence is lost. You could be entitled to certain compensation for your damages and losses, such as hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Liability Facts

The first question that most people have in regard to Lyft and Uber car accidents is about liability. Is the driver responsible for damages and losses suffered by their passenger or is the actual company or corporation accountable or are they both? Is it possible for a passenger to be held liable for their own injuries suffered in a ride sharing accident? Although there are laws surrounding such liability, each case is unique, therefore, the answers to these particular questions are not always clear and concise.

In the case that a ride-share driver acts negligently and causes a car accident that results in their passengers being injured, the liability will likely fall onto the driver themselves. Since it is the driver’s personal vehicle, and they are using it to transport passengers for money, they are obligated to have proper insurance coverage for themselves and passengers. If a passenger is injured in a Lyft or Uber ride in particular, they are covered by Lyft’s and Uber’s liability coverage that is set at 1 million dollars. So, although the Lyft or Uber driver is likely liable for a victim’s damages and losses, passengers also have the right to make a claim against Lyft or Uber.  

Ride-sharing accident claims can become quite complex in a short amount of time since both passengers and drivers have certain rights. For this reason, it is vital to retain professional legal representation from a trusted personal injury law firm. We can help navigate your claim and determine the best course of action for your particular case.

Indiana Car Accident Claim Lawyers Who Can Help

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn more about making a personal injury car accident claim in Indianapolis, Indiana after being hurt in a Lyft or Uber ride. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 and get started as soon as today.

Personal Injury Law Firm Indiana
Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Facts About Indiana Bus Accident Law

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

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indiana Laws Regarding Car Accident Compensation

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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 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 Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. 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.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Most Common Injuries Caused By a Rear-End Car Accident

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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.

Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700
Rear End Car Accident Lawyer 317-881-2700

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, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. 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.

Personal Injury Law Firm Indiana
Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Top 5 Ways to Avoid a Serious Car Accident

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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.

Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700
Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

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

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Basics of Indiana Personal Injury Laws

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When someone is injured in an accident through the fault of another person or entity, you would think they would naturally expect to be compensated for their damages and losses that result from the accident. However, many accident victims are hesitant to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit, or even hire an attorney at all.

Many are under the impression that they will heal quickly, while others feel a false sense of confidence that the defendant’s insurance company will treat them fairly. As a result, these kinds of victims fail to make a personal injury claim within their state’s statute of limitations, or at all for that matter, and consequently miss out on their rights to compensation.

This unfortunate situation mostly occurs due to lack of knowledge about the rules, deadlines and trusting a defendant’s insurance company.  To be clear, a defendant’s insurance carrier does not owe any duties to a person injured through the conduct of their insured.  They are a business, interested in making money like all businesses. 

For these reasons, is vital for all personal injury victims to be properly informed of their legal rights to recovering compensation for their damages and losses following a serious injury or accident. The best course of action is to immediately consult with an experienced accident attorney who can give you the information you need regarding your unique case.

In the meantime, review some of the basic terms, statutes, and processes of Indiana personal injury laws for a better understanding of what to expect at your initial consultation with your lawyer.

Indiana Personal Injury Law Firm
Indiana Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Personal Injury, Defined

A personal injury occurs when an innocent victim suffers damages and losses as a result of someone else’s negligence. A person, group, company, or organization can all be at-fault parties in a personal injury case. If found liable, at-fault parties are ordered to pay compensation for the victim’s damages and losses, such as hospital bills, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.

The at-fault parties insurance carriers then pay the verdicts against their insureds. Keep in mind that an injury can be physical, mental, or emotional. Common examples of personal injury cases include car accidents, medical malpractice, slip and falls, dog bites, workplace accidents, trucking accidents and wrongful deaths.

Statute of Limitations

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. Here in Indiana, the standard stature 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.

Additional Time Limits

If a personal injury victim is bringing about a claim against a municipal party, such as a city or county, they have only 180 days to file a tort claims notice.  A timely “filed” tort claims notice is required before a lawsuit and claim may be filed against a city or county. If an injured victim is pursuing a personal injury claim against a state government agency, the tort claims notice filing period extends to 270 days from the date of the accident. See our blog, “Can a Personal Injury Statute of Limitations Be Extended?” to learn more.  Again, because of the significant time limitations, you should immediately hire an attorney after your injury.

Comparative Fault Rule

Indiana uses the comparative fault rule, which divides the amount of fault among each person involved in an accident. In the situation that an injured victim is partly at-fault for the accident and their subsequent injuries, the law might apply the comparative fault legal principle and assign a percentage of liability to the injured victim. For example, if a pedestrian ignores pedestrian traffic signals, and is then hit by a driver who is intoxicated, both could be found to be at-fault. See our blog, “Who is Liable When a Driver Hits a Pedestrian?” to learn more.

Car Accident Claims

When it comes to car accident claims, Indiana is an “at-fault” state, which means injured car accident victims are allotted certain legal recourse to collect compensation for their damages. They may file a claim with their personal insurance carrier, file a claim with the other driver’s insurance carrier (known as a “third-party claim”), or file a lawsuit to seek damages. See our blog, “Auto Insurance Terms You Need to Know as a Car Accident Victim” to learn more.

How to Get Started on a Personal Injury Claim

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are motivated to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a serious accident. We represent injured people throughout the State of Indiana.  Best of all, we only collect lawyer fees if we obtain a settlement for you!

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Were You Injured Because Someone Ran a Red Light?

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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.

Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700
Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

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.

Where to Get Legal Advice for Car Accident Victims

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. 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.

Personal Injury Law Firm Indiana
Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

How to Move Forward With a Company Vehicle Accident Claim

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Were you recently injured in a car accident while driving your company-appointed vehicle? If so, it is imperative that you discuss your case with a seasoned car accident attorney who can help you get on track to a full and fair financial recovery. After all, you are likely concerned about paying for your hospital bills and medical expenses, as well as, losing money out of your paycheck while in recovery. You might also be worried about your own liability for vehicular damages.

In this confusing time, your best course of action as a victim of a company car accident is to sit down with a legal professional to learn what you need to know about the potential workers’ compensation and car accident claims.

Continue reading for advice on moving forward with a company vehicle accident claim in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Car Accident/Workers' Compensation Attorneys
Indiana Car Accident/Workers’ Compensation Attorneys 317-881-2700

At the Scene of the Accident

When you were at the scene of the accident, hopefully you exchanged all necessary insurance and contact information with all other drivers involved, and took pictures or video of the accident site. This information will likely be used as evidence to support your claim for compensation when it comes time to negotiate a settlement. If you received medical attention at the scene of the accident, this record can also be used to argue your case. Always, always, always call the police and wait at the scene for the police to show up and write a report.

After the Accident Scene

If your injuries were not evident at first, but are now beginning to appear, you are experiencing an onset of injury, which is common among car accident victims. See our blog, “Did I Forfeit My Right to Compensation By Saying I Wasn’t Injured at the Time of the Accident?” to learn more about these types of claims. In this case, be sure to see a doctor immediately. Have them diagnose your injuries and treat them accordingly. And be sure to follow all doctors’ instructions during your recovery.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

After being injured in a company car accident, your only priority should be to heal. That is why you need a licensed and experienced personal injury attorney who focuses on workers’ compensation and car accident cases. They will handle all aspects of your claim, and ensure you obtain a full and fair settlement. All you have to do is rest and recover from your injuries. Be sure to hire a lawyer before discussing any details of the car accident with anyone.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury attorney who can determine the best strategies for your 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.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

What Kind of Evidence Should I Collect After a Car Accident?

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After being involved in a car or truck accident, there are many important steps to take in order to protect yourself from the negligent party and their insurance carrier denying liability. The first and most important step is to contact the police and emergency services and obtain medical attention.

From there, if physically possible, it is wise to collect a fundamental amount of evidence from all parties involved to ensure you are well-prepared for an impending insurance or personal injury claim. The evidence will be used by both parties’ insurance companies to determine which company should be responsible for paying the other party’s vehicle damages and personal injury damages. 

Continue reading to learn what kind of evidence you need to collect after a car accident.

Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys
Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Car Crash Evidence to Collect

Once you receive medical care from on-scene emergency personnel, you should gather up as much evidence as you can from all drivers and passengers involved in the accident, as well as, potential witnesses. If you are not physically capable of doing so, you can ask a police officer to assist you, or delegate the task to someone else at the accident site. If these options are not available to you, an attorney can possibly provide assistance. 

The investigating officer will also obtain some of this information so it is always vital to call 911 after being involved in a collision and always wait for an officer to arrive at the scene to write the report.

✒ Driver’s Information
❊The first piece of evidence you should collect is the at-fault driver’s information.

✒ Full Name

✒ Contact Information

✒ Drivers’ License Number

✒ Insurance Information

✒ Vehicle Information

✒ CDL Number (if a truck driver)

✒ Company Name (if a commercial vehicle)

✒ Cargo Being Transported (if a commercial truck)

✒ Photographs
❊ Using your phone or a camera, take as many pictures of the accident site as you can.

✒ Vehicle Damages (all vehicles involved)

✒ Nearby Street Lights, Signs & Intersections

✒ Personal Injuries

✒ Insurance Cards

✒ Other Involved Drivers

✒ Witnesses
❊ Witness statements and testimonies are key in any type of accident claim. Do not be shy or scared to ask onlookers for their contact information, as their statements might be needed to prove the facts of your case later on. Witnesses can be other drivers, pedestrians, store clerks, onlookers, and anyone else that happened to see the accident happen.

Indiana Car Accident Attorneys

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, & Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make a car accident claim in Indianapolis, Indiana and throughout Indiana. Our seasoned car accident attorneys are prepared to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in an accident that was not your fault. Not only do we offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement for you.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Types of Legal Liability for Driving Another’s Vehicle

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Whether you loan out your vehicle to another person, or you drive a vehicle other than your own, there are several types of legal liability that might be at play. The scope of such liability differs among states, and from case to case, however, there are always laws surrounding the operation of a vehicle in one way or another.

Continue reading to learn which types of legal liability you should be aware of when it comes to operating another’s car.

Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Children and Family Members

It is very common for parents and guardians to allow teens to operate the family car. Common legal principles that surround loaning the family car to a child or relative include the family purpose doctrine, negligent entrustment, and vicarious liability. The set of laws that apply depend on whether or not the driver of your vehicle is your child or family member.

The Family Purpose Doctrine

If a family member drives your car, whether they were given permission or not, the family purpose doctrine might be relevant in your state. Under United States common law, this doctrine is a statute that holds the owner of a motor vehicle accountable for any damages that results to others when a family member operates their vehicle. This doctrine applies regardless if the owner gave the family member permission or not.

Negligent Entrustment

Negligent entrustment is a legal liability that might come into play when a child operates your vehicle. As a parent or guardian, also called the “entruster”, the law might deem you negligent and responsible for any damages that result to others if you permit your child to operate the family car with the knowledge that they are unlicensed, inexperienced, reckless, inadequate at driving, or unreliable.

Vicarious Liability

In the case that you were not driving your vehicle, and/or present at the time of the accident, there is a possibility that the law could deem you liable for damages in a car accident. This legal principle is mostly applied in cases in which parents or guardians lend their vehicles to their children, or have their children’s vehicles in their name. For instance, if your teenager or child causes a car accident that causes damages to others, you may be held liable for damages.

Company Vehicles and Others Outside of Family

Aside from children and family, it is a common occurrence to allow others to operate a vehicle that you own. This is such the case for employees who drive a company car, or for individuals who loan their cars to friends or co-workers. The types of liability that might apply to these situations are negligent entrustment and vicarious liability.

When you are operating a company vehicle while performing work-related duties, and an accident ensures that results in damages to others, employers are generally liable under law. In such cases, vicarious liability law would typically apply.

If you allow an employee to operate your vehicle, which is not a company vehicle, but rather, your own private vehicle, the principles of negligent entrustment might also be applied if they cause an accident that results in damages to others.

In the case that you allow another person that is not a family member to operate your vehicle, such as a friend or coworker, negligent entrustment is the type of liability that might be applied if an accident that results in damages to others occurs.

Were You Injured in a Car Accident?

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. 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.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700