What are Interrogatories in a Car Accident Claim?

Posted on July 30, 2018 by admin

If you were recently injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you will likely be making a personal injury claim against the negligent party. In some cases, these kinds of claims must go to trial. If they do, you will become familiar with a term known as “interrogatories”, which will be a vital factor to your overall injury case.

Continue reading to learn more about interrogatories, including how it may affect your car accident lawsuit.

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

The Discovery Phase

When a car accident lawsuit is set into motion, a complaint and answer are filed with the court. Once this occurs, the discovery phase can begin. During this phase, both the plaintiff party (you) and the defendant party (the party being sued) will exchange information about the facts of the accident. There are two main methods the court system uses to obtain this type of information: depositions and interrogatories.

Depositions are formal, recorded interviews under oath used to learn what a person knows pertaining to the case in question, and as evidence for later use during the trial. Either parties in a lawsuit can have anyone provide a deposition 20 days after a lawsuit is filed.

Interrogatories are a little different, but are used for much of the same purpose. Rather than a formal interview in person, interrogatories are a set of written questions that each party sends to the other. Each party must fill out the entire list in writing, under oath, and within a limited period of time (usually between 20 and 40 days depending on the state).

Although they are not always phrased in the form of questions, interrogatories always pertain to specific factors surrounding the case, such as reckless driving, distracted driving, and intoxicated driving. Since it is common for both parties to have different versions of what happened in an accident, they are designed specifically to get both sides of the story so that each party can prepare their case before trial.

What to Expect on the Form

The number of questions and requests on an interrogatory form is generally limited to 25 or so; however, it is possible for a court to approve more questions. Here are some examples of what you might see on an interrogatory form:

✏ State the make, model, year, and current registrant of the vehicle you were in at the time of the accident.

✏ State the company, address, and policy number of the insurance for the vehicle that was involved in the accident.

✏ State the exact location and time of the car accident.

✏ State where you were traveling to and from when the car accident occurred.

✏ List the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.

✏ In your own words, how did the accident occur?

✏ How fast were you driving when the accident occurred?

✏ In the 24 hours prior to the accident, did you consume any alcohol? If so, which kind and how much?

✏ Were you on any medications when the accident occurred? If so, state the name, dosage, and prescribing doctor of the medication.

✏ As a driver, how many car accidents have you been involved in over the past 10 years? List the dates, nature of accident, and legal outcome for each one.

✏ List all of the traffic violations you have been cited for in the last 10 years.

✏ List all of the physical evidence or documents you know of regarding the accident, including photographs, sketches, diagrams, and reports.

Where to Get Started

Contact a licensed and experienced Indianapolis car accident attorney to make a personal injury claim. They have the knowledge and resources to navigate your case in a way that recovers the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a car accident by a negligent driver.

Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for help with car accident injury claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Here at our personal injury law firm, we are eager to help injured victims recover the full and fair compensation they deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Contact us to get started in your financial recovery, today.

The Do’s and Don’ts for Personal Injury Plaintiffs

Posted on April 10, 2018 by admin

When a person acts negligently or behaves in a way that causes another person injury, the insurance carrier for the at-fault driver or negligent actor can be held liable for the victim’s losses and damages, such as hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. For those who are at-fault and those who are not at-fault for an accident resulting in injuries to others, it is important to follow the proper procedures in order to avoid making matters worse or potentially breaking the law.

Continue reading to learn what to do and what not to do if you cause an accident that harms another person or if you are the person who was harmed.

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

It can be very scary being involved in a serious accident, especially if that accident involves injury. The stress of a collision can understandably cause a person to use poor judgement or make brash decisions following an accident, but it is important to remain calm and keep your composure. Learning what you should and shouldn’t do in the case that you are involved in a serious accident can better prepare you for what to expect and how to handle the situation without panicking.

If You are Involved in an Accident…

DO:

Call the Police – Law enforcement and emergency personnel should be contacted immediately following an accident. If a witness, bystander, or other party has not done so, call the police yourself. They will arrive on scene to provide medical care and collect statements from all witnesses and involved parties. It is vital to have a police report on file to solidify the facts of the accident so no one can change their stories later on.

Be Cooperative – Always be entirely honest and cooperative with all police officers and emergency personnel. Stay out of their way at the scene of the crime, and remain polite and courteous when discussing the accident. Listen to their instructions and take them very seriously. If you are belligerent in any way, law enforcement can arrest and detain you for disorderly conduct and more.

Give and Take Information – Especially for motor vehicle accidents, if possible, be sure to exchange information with all parties involved, as well as, any witnesses that saw the accident take place. If you or the other person are too injured to do so, law enforcement generally handles it. Important information includes name, address, phone number, license plate numbers, email address, and insurance information. Part of this step includes picture-taking as well. It is very important to take as many pictures of the scene and damages as possible. Use your cell phone or an emergency disposable camera in your car. If you do not have either, ask another person to send you the pictures they take, or buy a disposable camera at a nearby gas station or convenient store.

Notify Your Insurance – Immediately following an accident, you must contact the insurance company to notify them of the accident and injuries. If you do not contact your insurance company as soon as possible, your claim can get denied.

Retain an Attorney – It is important to protect and secure your rights. Hiring an attorney will provide this security. The sooner you retain legal counsel, the easier it will be to get through the process.

BUT NEVER…

Leave the Scene of the Accident – You must wait for the police to arrive to allow you to leave.

Move Your Car – If it is a car accident, do not move your vehicle to the shoulder or side of the road, or anywhere at all. It must remain in the exact place the accident left it in order for the police to obtain evidence and facts regarding the event.

Discard or Conceal Evidence – This is against the law. If it is relevant to the accident or resulting injuries, it must be saved.

Talk About the Accident – Unless you are talking to YOUR attorney, you should never discuss the accident with anyone until the entire case is over. This includes the other party’s legal team and all insurance adjusters.

If You Were Injured in an Accident…

Contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer right away to learn your rights. They are able to quickly determine if you are entitled to compensation for injuries and damages following a serious accident. If you are, they have the experience, knowledge, and resources to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after experiencing a traumatic injury or accident as a result of another person’s negligence.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 when you need an experienced Indianapolis personal injury law firm you can trust. Their personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless they prevail for you! Get professional representation after being injured in an accident in Indianapolis, IN.

Who is Liable if an Adolescent Causes a Car Accident?

Posted on March 28, 2018 by admin

Car Accident Claims for Minors 317-881-2700

In almost all automotive accident cases, the main objective of both parties is to prove who is responsible for the resulting damages. Avoiding liability and recovering compensation depends on which parties acted negligently to cause the accident, and to what degree. This means, a party involved in the accident will be proven at-fault and held liable for any economic damages and losses suffered by the injured party.

Although this is standard procedure under law, there are circumstances in which a person who was not present or driving the vehicle can be sued and held liable for a motor vehicle accident. This is referred to as “vicarious liability”, or “imputed negligence”, and it plays a major role in situations where minors cause serious car accidents that involve injury to one or more parties.

Vicarious Liability

Even if a person was not driving their vehicle, or even present at all during the accident, there is still a possibility that they could be sued for damages in a car wreck. This is mostly common among parents who lend their vehicles to their children, or have their children’s vehicles in their name. If a minor causes a car collision that results in another person’s injury or death, the parents of that minor can be held liable for all damages under vicarious liability law. There are a few separate ways in which this can occur.

Negligent Entrustment

The law may perceive a parent, also referred to as an “entruster”, as negligent if they allow their teenager to drive a vehicle in their name knowing that their child is reckless, untrustworthy, inadequate at driving, or unlicensed. If a child falls under any of these descriptions, and subsequently causes a serious accident, the guardians can be held accountable for the damages.

They can be sued for high amounts of compensation to cover automotive repair costs, hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, prolonged therapy, lifelong disabilities, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and much more. There is virtually no limit to which a victim can sue a negligent parent after their teenager causes them serious injury from a motor vehicle accident.

Family Purpose Doctrine

In the case that a member of the family borrows another family member’s vehicle, with or without permission, and then causes an accident, the car owner can be held liable for the damages incurred. This holds true regardless if consent was granted or not. In other states, whoever signs for a minor’s Drivers’ License is the authority that can be held accountable if a minor causes serious injury to another person while driving.

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for motor vehicle accident claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. If you or a loved one was recently injured in a car accident caused by a minor, call our licensed personal injury attorneys right away. There is a statute of limitations in Indiana that regulates the amount of time a victim has to legally pursue compensation for a serious injury. When you need strong and successful legal representation following a serious car accident, we are the trusted personal injury lawyers to trust. Schedule a free initial consultation, today!

Can I Sue a Drunk Driver That Seriously Hurt Me in an Accident?

Posted on February 27, 2018 by admin

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a continuous epidemic in our country. And although we cannot control other’s behaviors, and prevent them from driving after drinking or partaking in narcotics, we can, however, make our own good choices when it comes to responsible driving.

When a person is injured in a drunk driving accident, most often the results are either fatal or serious. In the case that a person is hit by a drunk driver and injured as a result of their negligence, there is a strong opportunity to pursue a lawsuit against them for the damages you incurred from the accident. There are a few stipulations and concerns that go along with this type of lawsuit, so continue reading and learn what can happen and what should happen after being involved or injured in a drunk driving accident or collision.

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Drunk Driving Lawsuit

A person that is injured unintentionally, or intentionally, has the legal right to file a claim against the negligent party that caused them harm. In the case of a drunk driving collision, several outcomes can occur. Fatalities are unfortunately the most common in America. More people every year are dying as a result of dangerous motor vehicle accidents. If a person is killed by a drunk driver, their family can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.

If a person is seriously injured as a result of an intoxicated driver, they can file a claim and pursue compensation for their damages and losses. Most of the time, a drunk driver is not necessarily the one sued, it is their insurance company that pays out the final settlements. But if a drunk driver is uninsured, then the case must be taken to court and settled in trial. If the person does not have the finances to pay remuneration to the injured party, then they may have their wages garnished or even face jail time.

Where to Get Professional Help

It is important to retain professional legal counsel from a licensed Indianapolis car accident lawyer for proper personal injury representation. They have the proper licensing, education, training, knowledge, and resources to effectively coordinate an aggressive personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver and their insurance company.

Personal injury attorneys and law firms generally offer free initial consultations to accident victims. With no obligation to pay, the victim and their family can discuss their case with a licensed accident attorney to determine their eligibility to legal recompense. Most personal injury law firms provide their service on a contingency-fee basis, meaning they do not collect lawyer fees unless they recover a settlement for the client.

Call Our Seasoned Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers RIGHT NOW

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned car accident lawyers are eager to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we recover for you.

How to Fill Out a Report for a Car Accident

Posted on February 19, 2018 by admin

After being involved in a motor vehicle collision, whether minor or serious, both parties are required by law to report the accident, either to the police, their insurance company, the DMV, or a combination of the three. An official report can be made at the scene of the accident with the responding police officers, but it is also common for drivers to file their own motor vehicle accident report with one or more of the above-mentioned parties, especially when people are injured as a result of someone’s negligence or disregard.

Although an official car accident report can be made at the scene of the accident with the responding police officers, it is common for drivers to also file their own report when injuries are sustained in serious accidents. These reports are critical to an accident claim, so in the case that either wish to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for damages and losses, it is important for both the at-fault and the injured parties to fill out them out correctly. The key is to gather as much detailed information as possible so that you can use clear and precise language to describe the incident in as much detail as possible.

Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for filling out a car accident report, and who you can trust with your car accident personal injury claim.

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

After Being Involved in a Car Accident:

IF SOMEONE IS HURT, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FIRST.

Once medical personnel and law enforcement arrive and injuries are stabilized, it is safe to move forward with exchanging information and filing a report.

Here’s how to start:

Exchange insurance and drivers’ license information with the other driver. Regardless who is at-fault, both parties need to swap personal information. Write down all the data in their drivers’ license and car insurance cards, including the phone number to their insurance provider. If the other driver does not have insurance, you need to call the police and have them come to the scene. If there are passengers in their vehicle, ask them for their contact information as well in case you need to use them for witness testimony later on. Do this for any bystanders that witnessed the accident as well.

Take down the driver’s vehicle information. Write down the licensing state, license tag number, make, model, year, color, and the VIN (vehicle identification number). Be sure to note whether it is a car, truck, sedan, van, motorcycle, or sports utility vehicle. Next, write down the damage that has occurred to the other driver’s vehicle. Be specific and use as much detail as possible. Note any existing damages that were not a result of the accident as well.

Gather evidence of the scene. Use your camera phone to record the scene of the accident. Take as many pictures as you can of the other people involved, cars, the damage, debris on the road, weather conditions, road conditions, lighting, surrounding traffic signals and signs, traffic lights, and more. Record anything that has to do with the accident using multiple angles. It is important to take pictures of the other driver and their passengers in case they seem fine at the scene, but then try to claim injuries later on. Take pictures of your own injuries, if any, as well. If you do not have a camera, just write everything down in detail. In fact, it is also wise to make out a sketch of the scene, detailing the location and the surroundings.

Take down the numbers of first-responder vehicles and the technicians. Write down names, numbers, badge numbers, and vehicle numbers of the EMT’s, ambulances, and fire trucks. You can also take the squad car and badge number of the responding officers. This information may be pertinent in the process of an injury or insurance claim.

Take notes of what happens after the accident. Keep detailed records of what took place after the accident. This includes how the cars were cleared and transported, how much damage was done to the vehicle, the extent of automotive repairs and costs, as well as, the progress of your injuries and medical needs. Retain all personal notes, medical charts, invoices, and more.

Hurt in a Car Accident?

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for seasoned car accident injury lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are eager to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a car accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to learn your rights after a car accident, today.

Eye-Opening Drunk Driving Facts and Statistics

Posted on January 22, 2018 by admin

Drunk driving is a dangerous behavior. When a person drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they are essentially operating a 5,000 pound missile. Vehicles can quickly turn into weapons when operated by someone who is intoxicated.

So the next time you consider driving after having a few drinks, you need to remember the drunk driving and motor vehicle accident facts listed below. If you were hurt by a drunk or negligent driver, contact our Indianapolis personal injury lawyers for help recovering the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Don’t Wait to Learn From Your Mistake. Never Drive Drunk AGAIN.

According the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), these are the most recent statistics and facts regarding intoxicated driving accidents and fatalities:

⇛ In the United States, 28 people die in an alcohol/impaired driving accident, EVERYDAY. That equates to 1 death every hour.

⇛ In 2015, 29% of all motor vehicle crashes that resulted in fatalities were caused by drunk driving. That means that than 10,000 people died that year in an alcohol-impaired car crash.

⇛ In 2015, there were 1,100,132 traffic deaths among minors. From these traffic fatalities, 209 were alcohol-related.

⇛ More than 1 million drivers were arrested in 2015 for impaired driving.

⇛ Separate from alcohol, 16% of all motor vehicle accidents are caused by legal and illegal drugs.

Individuals More at Risk of Impaired Driving Accidents

⇛ It is suggested that younger individuals (under 24 years old) are more likely to be involved in a serious motor vehicle accident as a result of intoxicated driving.

⇛ In 2015, 8% of the drunk drivers involved in a fatal crash were between the ages of 21 and 24 years old. 27% were between the ages of 25 and 34, and 23% were between the ages of 35 and 44.

⇛ Drug users are 25% more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident compared to non-drug users.

⇛ In 2015, 27% of all motorcycle accident fatalities were alcohol impaired related.

⇛ The highest percentage of deaths (37%) among motorcyclist accidents are between the ages of 35 and 39.

⇛ Drunk drivers involved in fatal car crashes are more than 4 times as likely to have a prior conviction for DUI compared to drivers involved in fatal car crashes with no alcohol in their system.

Source

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a licensed car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We never collect attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for you, and we also offer free initial consultations. Get started on your physical, emotional, and financial recovery today!

Advice on Driving Safe in Winter Weather

Posted on December 19, 2017 by admin

Harsh winter weather can be both intimidating and dangerous at the same time. Now that we are sure snow and ice will be on the roads soon, it is important to review some safe winter driving tips. This is especially important for new drivers and adolescents. A little knowledge can save lives and prevent accidents on the road. As a seasoned driver, you should know how to drive safely in hazardous weather, and what to do in the case of winter roadside emergencies. Continue reading for helpful and imperative winter driving safety tips and more.

Car Accident Attorney 317-881-2700

Tips for Winter Driving

As for daily driving, it is important to make sure you do not drive when tired or sleepy. If you are not capable of being one hundred percent alert behind the wheel of a car, especially one with passengers in tow, then you are not in a position to drive responsibly. Before starting your vehicle, be sure your gas tank is at least halfway full in order to avoid your gas lines from freezing up. Also be sure to check your tires and see if they are fully inflated. Low-inflation tires are a big concern on the road, as are over-inflated tires. When tires are too low, traction is lost and can lead to car accidents and collisions; while over-inflated tires can pop on the road, causing vehicles to potentially spin out of control and collide into objects or oncoming traffic.

Other areas to think about before driving in poor weather is the vehicle’s brake lights, headlights, and fluids. All of these parts and components need to be serviced and up-to-date in order for a vehicle to operate safely in any condition. Check your brake lights and be sure they are functional before pulling out of the driveway. Hazard lights should also be checked in the case of a roadside emergency. If snow is falling hard, other cars might have trouble seeing a vehicle on the side of the road unless their flashers are on and bright. In these same cases, it is actually not recommended to use parking brakes or cruise control for reasons regarding driver and passenger safety.

The most important part of safe driving, whether in snow or sunshine, is to always wear a seat-belt. Seat belts are designed to prevent driver or passenger ejection in the case of a collision. Not only is it important to wear a seat-belt for this reason, it is also important because they are designed to work in conjunction with a vehicle’s airbag system. When a car is involved in a collision, the crash sensors within the vehicle relay a message to the airbags to deploy; but these airbags can only service their purpose properly is the driver or passenger is wearing their safety restraints.

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers

If you do experience a car accident or collision, be sure to seek medical attention right away. If you were seriously injured, contact a local persona injury law firm to learn your rights to full and fair compensation for your losses.

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned car accident lawyers are eager to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we recover for you.

Which Mistakes Cause the Most Car Accidents?

Posted on December 11, 2017 by admin

Driving a car is a big responsibility. And once you turn the ignition, you are taking on a risk. This is because you cannot trust the other drivers around, so accidents can happen at any given moment in time. Most car accidents are caused by some form of distracted driving, and since you cannot control what others around you do, it is critical to stay alert and focused when operating a motor vehicle. This even includes motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, and bikes. For this reason, it is important to always pay attention and drive defensively on the road. Accidents can happen for a number of reasons, but the most common causes of car accidents all have to do with irresponsible driving. Continue reading to see what they are!

Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer 317-881-2700

Distracted Driving

The “umbrella” cause for car accidents is general distracted driving. This includes any behaviors or stimuli that can cause a person to lose focus of the road and their surroundings. Behaviors like texting, talking on the phone, smoking, searching for items, digging in purses, changing the radio station, and even sight-seeing are all examples of distracted driving. Stimuli that commonly distracts drivers include passengers, ride-along pets, emergency vehicle lights, loud music, and children. Some of these behaviors and stimuli should be avoided at all costs, like texting and driving. Most of the others mentioned can always be put off until you come to a stop. You may not be able to control other drivers, but you have the power to control your own driving!

Drunk Driving

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal for a reason. It is one of the most dangerous behaviors a driver can partake in, and one of the most common reasons for car accident fatalities in the United States. According to a recent MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) poll, an average of 28 people die EVERYDAY from drunk driving accidents. Not only can you get in a heap of legal trouble, you can potentially harm or kill another innocent person. And what if that person is a child? Drinking and driving is never worth it, for this reason and more. Call a cab or designate a sober driver. It is also important to never get into a car with a drunk driver. Your life is not worth the risk!

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding can fall into the category of irresponsible driving. A vast number of car accidents involve speeding. According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), nearly 14,000 fatalities a year are caused by speeding. No matter how “good” of a driver you claim to be, driving at high speeds makes it impossible to be entirely alert and safely react to obstacles in the road. So next time you are in a hurry, remember that driving faster will never get you there in time. It will only risk your life and the lives of others on the road.

Aggressive or Angry Driving

Colloquially referred to as “road rage”, aggressive or angry driving is a common cause of traffic accidents in the United States. Drivers who experience intense anger towards traffic, road workers, or other drivers, and choose to release that anger with aggressive driving, can risk causing a serious accident involving other vehicles. It is recommended to avoid intense anger behind the wheel by listening to music or audiobooks. It can help a person to remain calm and reduce their anxiety until they reach their destination.

Fatigued Driving

Whether coming home late from work, or nearing the end of an all-day road trip, fatigued driving is a common occurrence among drivers, and a common cause for car accidents. The NHTSA reports that an average of 100,000 collisions are caused by sleepy driving, over 1,500 of which are fatal. It is critical to be fully-energized and alert when operating a motor vehicle. Feeling the slightest bit drowsy can be a dangerous condition to drive in. Not only can you hurt yourself, you can hurt innocent strangers around you.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a distracted driver, it is vital to contact an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer to protect your future and your rights. Hurry to file your car accident injury claim before the statutes of limitations runs out in your state!

Indianapolis Car Accident Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for seasoned car accident injury lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are eager to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a car accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to learn your rights after a car accident, today.

Am I Liable for a Car Accident if Someone Else was Driving My Vehicle

Posted on November 13, 2017 by admin

It’s important to know whether or not you are covered under your automotive insurance policy if another person wrecks your car while driving. However; what about liability? Can you be sued if someone else was driving your vehicle and caused and accident that resulted in another person’s injury or death? Knowing the difference between liability and accountability in a driver-vehicle owner accident case can protect you from making a mistake down the road. Let’s take a closer look at this subject and discuss the various aspects of driver-car owner liability and the law.

Car Accident Lawyer 317-881-2700

Motor Vehicle Accident Liability

Sadly, there are thousands of motor vehicle accidents on the road every day. At the scenes of these car collisions, the principle intention of law enforcement and insurers is to determine who is at fault. In order to configure liability and compensation, everyone is eager to know who caused the accident and which party is ultimately responsible for the damages. In most cases, the person who acted negligently, and whose reckless driving caused them to wreck, veer, or collide with other vehicles, is the accountable and liable party. This is standard procedure and general knowledge in regards to car accidents and collisions, including pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents. If you are driving and cause an accident, it is lawful for you to be held accountable for the damages to all involved vehicles and parties.

But What If YOU Weren’t Driving Your Car?

What if you lent your vehicle to a friend or relative and THEY caused a serious accident on the road? Who is liable for the accident? You as the car owner? Or your friend that was driving?

These are a lot of questions, but that’s the reality when it comes to driver-vehicle owner liability. There are many laws and obligations drivers and car owners are unaware of, which can cost them down the road if they never ask these important questions. It is a fact that you CAN be held liable under certain circumstances in the case that someone else is driving your vehicle and wrecks it, even if you are not in the car at all and they are legally licensed to drive.

Vicarious Liability

This idea is supported under the Vicarious Liability law; a secondary liability doctrine explaining that an owner of a vehicle that has chosen to loan their vehicle to another person, who then commits negligence, is vicariously liable for the damages. This can also be referred to as principle’s liability or imputed negligence. The owner of a vehicle is the chief principle, while anyone who drives it for them is their “agent”, making them the “principle” party and responsible for all damages caused by any person driving their vehicle. Learn more about this topic in our article, “What is Vicarious Liability?”

If a parent entrusts their minor to driver their vehicle, and an accident occurs, the parent or person who signed the minor’s driving application, is held responsible for the damages. The term “negligent entrustment” refers to a situation in which a parent or guardian allows their minor to drive their vehicle, even though they have full knowledge that the minor is reckless, inexperienced, or unlicensed to drive.

The Family Purpose Doctrine holds the owner of the vehicle, usually the parent or guardian, accountable for any damages caused by another driving their vehicle, with or without permission. This doctrine varies state to state, but uses the underlying principle of vicarious liability. The same principles applies to employer-employee relationships and scenarios. It is important to know where you are protected when it comes to liability and the law. When a person is held liable, an opposing party can sue them for compensation, for an accident they didn’t even cause.

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers

It can certainly be difficult comprehending the law and all areas of law can be confusing. This is why it is highly recommended to contact an Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer for answers to your legal questions. A licensed personal injury lawyer is the professional that can clearly define and explain vicarious liability, motor vehicle accidents and liability, compensation for damages, and more.

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a licensed car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We never collect attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for you, and we also offer free initial consultations. Get started on your physical, emotional, and financial recovery today!

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. After a Car Accident

Posted on September 18, 2017 by admin

If you are injured in a car accident, our seasoned personal injury lawyers will work around the clock to ensure your settlement coverage is fair. Although we aim to settle out of court, we are full-prepared to take your case to court if the insurance company doesn’t offer a full and fair settlement.

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. is a personal injury law firm that concentrates on car accident injury claims. After being injured in a car accident, it is important to protect yourself with immediate medical care, as well as, legal assistance. Insurance companies are only interested in paying out the smallest amount of compensation, and will look for any way to blame the accident on you.

When you are hurt in a car accident, bills pile up and wages go lost. Time of work, hospital bills, medical expenses, car repair costs, and more can add a great deal of emotional stress, and can even slow your recovery. Our personal injury lawyers work hard to ensure your insurance company, or the opposing party’s insurance, pays out a settlement that fully covers your losses and more.

There are Never Any Upfront Lawyer Fees

We offer free initial consultations, so there is never any out of pocket obligation to discuss your case with a licensed accident attorney. Furthermore, our law firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means that we only collect our lawyer fees if we recover a settlement for you. You do not pay us a single dime, up front! This puts your mind at ease, and gives you confidence knowing that we don’t get paid unless you do. O

ur scheduling process is very flexible, and we can sit down with you any time during the regular business week, during regular business hours. Call Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, and speak with a friendly and professional legal representative who can give you all the information you need to get started with our claim.

Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys You Can Trust

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a car accident injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are eager to recover the complete and just compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we recover for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a time with a licensed Indianapolis car accident attorney, today.