Indiana’s Minimum Liability Limits for Auto Accidents

Posted on June 29, 2021 by admin

After being injured in a car accident in Indiana, one of the most common questions heard by personal injury lawyers is the question of whether or not there auto insurance policy to cover their medical bills and other related accident expenses. If you are a recent victim of an auto accident, it is important that you understand your rights to pursuing legal action against the party who is responsible for your damages and losses, including such costs and more.

Continue reading to learn the minimum liability limits in Indiana for auto accidents, and how to get started on personal injury car accident claim so that you may recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Indianapolis IN Auto Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Insurance Policy Coverage for Auto Accidents

Insurance companies are required by law to offer certain coverages for injuries and damages sustained by people. However, sometimes there is not enough insurance coverage to cover the full damages and losses suffered by an auto accident victim, including future damages like ongoing physical therapy, future pain and suffering or loss of ability to earn an income. Most often, car accident victims assume their costs will be covered, but then later discover there are major coverage gaps in their policy or the defendant’s insurance policy.

These days, cheap state-minimum insurance is common and/or the defendant may have no auto insurance at all. With the help of a seasoned Indianapolis Indiana accident lawyer, car accident survivors can obtain the full and fair compensation they deserve for their medical bills, hospital bills, lost wages, pain-and-suffering, and much more.

Minimum Liability Limits in Indiana

Bodily Injury –
Minimum $25,000 Per Person/$50,000 Per Accident
If the defendant is insured, this is the minimum coverage most defendants in Indiana have.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Here in Indiana, all registered drivers can purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. In the case of a car accident, you can collect your damages from your own insurance policy if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. Because state-minimum insurance is usually so inadequate or even non-existent, everyone should purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage through their own insurance carrier.

For example, let’s say a person is rear-ended in a collision and incurs $40,000 in medical bills, $5,000 in lost wage and obviously, pain and suffering. The defendant may only have $25,000 and the injured person collects that amount from the defendant’s insurance carrier. If the injured person has $100,000 in underinsured coverage, they can collect up to an additional $75,000 from their own insurance carrier in settlement of their injuries and damages sustained in the wreck.

It is vital that you retain a skilled car accident injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana.

If you were recently injured in a car accident, semi collision or slip and fall where you were significantly injured, it is important that you act fast before the statute of limitations runs out on your case, or evidence is lost that would support your claim. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned Indianapolis IN car accident attorney, today. We represent injured persons throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

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

Why Choose Us for Your Indiana Car Accident Personal Injury Claim

Posted on June 4, 2021 by admin

If you were wrongly hurt, you deserve justice. It is vital that you act fast by speaking to a licensed and experienced personal injury lawyer who concentrates on motor vehicle accident claims and lawsuits. It is important to do this in order to avoid losing critical evidence and exceeding the statutes of limitations for your claim. Who can you trust to successfully represent your Indiana car accident personal injury claim and obtain the maximum settlement or verdict for your damages? The answer is simple:

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

Continue below to learn more about getting started on your financial recovery with the help of our esteemed car accident attorneys in Indiana.

Indianapolis IN Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Indianapolis IN Car Accident Lawyers Who Will Fight For Your Right to Fair Compensation

Although based out of Indianapolis, our personal injury lawyers represent claimants all throughout the state of Indiana. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and determine your eligibility for pursing legal action against the at-fault party who caused the car accident. In fact, there are never any out-of-pocket fees for our services.

Our Indiana accident law firm was founded on the belief that wrongly injured victims and personal injury survivors deserve justice in the form of compensation. For that reason, we make it simple for injured victims to become our clients. Not only do we provide free case evaluations, but we also never charge any upfront lawyer fees. You do not pay us unless and until we recover a settlement or verdict from the at-fault party’s insurance company for you.

Motor Vehicle Accident Cases We Handle:

► Car Accidents
► Truck Accidents
► Commercial Truck Accidents
►Common Carrier Accidents (Public buses, trains, planes, etc.)
► Company Vehicle Accidents
► Motorcycle Accidents
► Boating Accidents
► Pedestrian Accidents
► Drunk Driving Accidents
► Wrongful Deaths

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries We Represent:

▷ Orthopedic Injuries
▷ Soft Tissues Injuries
▷ Whiplash
▷ Head Injuries
▷ Brain Injuries
▷ Compound Fractures
▷ Tissue De-Gloving
▷ Amputations
▷ Ruptured Organs
▷ Internal Bleeding
▷ Coma
▷ Wrongful Death
▷ And More

Get Started on Your Indiana Car Accident Claim ASAP

Each attorney at The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. has more than 25 years of experience representing car and motor vehicle accident cases in Indiana. If you or someone you love recently suffered injuries from a motor vehicle accident caused by negligence of another person, you may be entitled to compensation. We can obtain a settlement or verdict for your damages and losses, such as medical bills, hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Again, you must act fast before evidence is lost and your time to file a claim expires.

Are you ready to get started on your car accident injury claim? Co n tact us as soon as possible to schedule your free consultation with a qualified Indiana car accident injury lawyer. We can speak via phone, video conference, or in-person at our Indianapolis personal injury law office.

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Are Bicyclists Considered Drivers if They Ride on the Street?

Posted on May 18, 2021 by admin

Are people on bikes considered drivers or pedestrians if they are riding in the street rather than on the sidewalk? When attributing fault for an accident, does this distinction matter? And is it legal for them to block traffic? If you were recently injured by a negligent cyclist as a driver or pedestrian, you will want to know this information and more.

Continue below to learn what most state laws say about bicyclists’ rights on the road, as well as what you should do if you were injured in a related personal injury accident that was not your fault.

Indianapolis IN Bicycle Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Understanding a Bicyclist’s Rights on the Street

If a bicyclist was riding recklessly, whether in the street or through a crossing, and they caused you to have a car accident, it is complicated to know whether or not they will be considered a driver or pedestrian when it comes time to assign liability. It is important to speak with a licensed personal injury lawyer who can explain the laws surrounding such situations, and how they are applied in the case of an accident claim. The truth is that cyclists’ rules and rights are positioned in a cloudy area of the law. Most states leave it up to their local municipalities to make and uphold such laws, which tend to further muddle the distinction between a cyclist being a pedestrian or driver.

However, even with the freedom of creating their own laws for bike riders, most jurisdictions remain in agreeance with the Uniform Vehicle Code, which states that those operating bicycles on the street are subject to the same traffic rules and responsibilities as those operating motor vehicles, and therefore, are considered drivers themselves, except where the law says otherwise.

Bicycles are Typically Viewed as Vehicles

The universally-accepted principal among most municipalities is that a bicycle is a type of a vehicle, so anyone operating a bicycle on the street is considered a driver. Some states actually mandate that bicycles have license plates if they are to be ridden on the road, while others require helmets or even a registration. In all states, it is illegal for anyone to ride a bicycle on the freeway or interstate, unless there is no other alternative route.

Cyclists Must Stay Right and Ride in the Same Direction as Traffic

Most states have provisions in their statutes that decree how far to the right a bicyclist should be when riding on the road. Although many people misread the statute and assume that it says riders should stay as far right as possible, it really says to say as far right as practicable. Furthermore, bike riders are required in most states to ride in the same direction as traffic, with a few exceptions, such as cross-traffic turns or to avoid a hazard.

Injured By a Negligent Bike Rider?

Bicyclists are not often considered pedestrians in the case of an accident that results in a personal injury. They do not usually have the right-away on crosswalks like those on foot do, and they can be held liable in the case that their carelessness causes a car accident, or some other type of serious accident. If you or your loved one recently suffered serious injuries after being involved in a car accident caused by a irresponsible cyclist, get in touch with an Indiana car accident injury lawyer right away.

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a certified and skilled personal injury lawyer if you were injured in a car accident caused by a bike rider in Indiana. We are well-versed in Indiana bicyclist liability laws, and can ensure your rights to being compensated are fully-protected, and most importantly, upheld. Our Indianapolis car accident attorneys will obtain the maximum settlement or verdict for your personal injury claim, regardless of the size or scope of your accident.

Ready to get started on your financial recovery after a bicycle accident in Indiana? Contact us soon to schedule a free case evaluation, which can be held via phone, video conference, or in-person at our Indianapolis law office. Act fast to preserve your rights, before the statute of limitations runs out on your claim.

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Steps to Take After Being Injured in a Ride Share Accident

Posted on May 11, 2021 by admin

Ride-sharing services are becoming more and more popular, so much so, they are essentially ingrained into our daily commuting options. But regardless of whether you choose Uber or Lfyt, both driver and the company as a whole has a responsibility to get you to your desired location, safely. So, when paying passengers are injured in a rideshare car accident, they deserve to be compensated. In order to ensure you are fully compensated for your damages and losses after suffering injuries in a ride share accident, it is important to know what to do.

Continue reading to learn the steps you should take after being injured in a ride share accident in Indiana, and who to trust for superior personal injury representation.

Ride Share Indianapolis Accident Attorney 317-881-2700

Post-Crash Car Accident Guide

The steps you take after being injured in a rideshare car accident will have a significant influence on the outcome of your claim if you intend on filing one. If you are severely injured and must be rushed to the hospital, you can resume your duties once you are stable enough. Your loved ones can also help you gather any information or evidence needed for your car accident claim.

Here’s What to Do if You are in a Ride Share Car Accident:

Make a Police Report

Even if the rideshare driver contacts the police, or any witnesses or involved parties, go ahead and contact law enforcement yourself and make your own police report. This police report will be used a key evidence to prove your claim, so do not skip this step. You can make a police report after an accident too, once you are stable in the hospital or at home, but the sooner the better. At the scene of the accident is the best time to make the police report, so do so if possible.

Don’t Say Anything

Do not say you are fine or okay after a rideshare car accident. These kinds of statements can be used against you later on when processing your claim. Furthermore, remain silent when in the company of the ride-share driver and any onlookers and witnesses. Do not speak to anyone involved in the accident as well, nor their insurance companies. Never speak to opposing insurance adjusters!

Accept Medical Treatment

Along with police, the EMT’s or paramedics will arrive to offer medical treatment or transportation to the hospital for emergency medical care. Allow EMT’s to examine you and treat you on the spot. If you are badly injured, take a ride in the ambulance to the emergency room, or have a loved one meet you at the scene and take you to the hospital. Even if you do not think you are injured, receive medical care to document your experience.

Gather Evidence

At the scene of the car accident, it is vital that you do your best to collect as much evidence as you can, including photos and videos of the cars and surrounding area, as well as witness statements and contact information. If you are too badly wounded to collect this information, have a loved one or police officer help you.

Schedule an Appointment With Your Doctor

After receiving medical care at the scene or at the hospital, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor to follow up and document the progression or regression of your injuries. This record is important for your claim in order to prove your damages.

Contact a Personal Injury Car Accident Lawyer

Aside from medical treatment, the most important step to take after being injured in an Uber or Lyft accident is to hire a skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer to help you with your car accident claim. They can investigate and gather evidence for you, and ensure you obtain the maximum settlement or verdict for your damages. You may be compensated for medical bills, lost wages, and much more.

Are you a ride share accident survivor? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free consultation with a passionate car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also offer Spanish speaking car accident lawyer assistance.

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Defensive Driving Tips to Keep You Accident Free

Posted on May 6, 2021 by admin

There isn’t enough knowledge you can have when it comes to safe driving. The more you know, the safer you are, which means the safer others are around you as well. Continue below to review some of the most important defensive driving tips that will keep you and your passengers accident-free, and safe on the road. See the bottom of this blog for information about learning how to file a claim after being injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault.

Indianapolis IN Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

How to be a Defensive Driver

You can always improve your skills as a safe driver on the road. One way to do this is to ensure you are always defensively driving. What is a defensive driver? Defensive driving is the practice in which drivers operate their vehicles with optimal safety and cautious driving techniques. A defensive driver follows all traffic rules and regulations, and also stays current on all factory scheduled maintenance for their vehicle. When your car is well cared for, it performs its best, which means it’s a safe vehicle to drive. As for your own driving, summon your drivers’ education knowledge, and then combine it with some new driving techniques to help you be a safer driver that avoids causing or being involved in accidents on the road.

Top Tips for Defensive Driving

☑ DO NOT DRIVE DISTRACTED

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of negligent car accidents, especially those that involve serious bodily harm or injury. Examples of distracted driving include driving when tired or fatigued, driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances that impair you, texting, eating, putting on makeup, sending emails, managing children in the backseat, rummaging through your purse, and anything else that requires you to take your eyes off the road for more than a second.

☑ NEVER TEXT AND DRIVE

As one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, it is important to never send text messages on your mobile phone while operating a vehicle. Instead, opt for hands-free technology that allows you to have both hands on your steering wheel and your eyes on the road while still maintaining a conversation. Equally important, only prompt phone calls when you are at a red stoplight, pulled over on the side of the road, or parked.

☑ KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN OTHER CARS

If you recall your drivers’ education knowledge, you will remember that your instructor taught you to keep at least one car length’s distance between the car in front of you. Another way to think of this is by maintaining 3 to 4 seconds worth of space between the vehicle in front of you. This will give you plenty of time to brake in the case of a sudden stop or emergency.

☑ ALWAYS GO THE SPEED LIMIT

A defensive driver always follows the speed limit, and never goes over it under any circumstances. There is a reason why municipalities set speed limits on all roads, streets, and interstates. Not only are they for safety, but they allow vehicles to travel most efficiently with optimal safety. By maintaining the speed limit, you are being a safe driver.

☑ LEARN YOUR BLIND SPOTS AND SIGNAL

Almost every car has a blind spot where two, and it is your responsibility as a driver to learn these blind spots and keep an eye on them whenever you are switching lanes are making turns. Equally important, always be sure to use your turn signals to let other drivers and even pedestrians know what direction you’re traveling.

Are you recently injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. to speak with a seasoned attorney about your Indianapolis Indiana car accident injury. We serve clients all throughout the state, and require no initial or upfront lawyer fees.

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Common Types of Expert Witnesses in an Accident Lawsuit

Posted on March 9, 2021 by admin

Continue below to learn which kinds of expert witnesses you might outsource for your personal injury lawsuit.

Indiana Personal Injury Accident Lawsuit Attorneys 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Expert Witness Testimonies

When it comes to predicting the outcome of a client’s accident lawsuit, it all depends on what can be proven. As an injured victim, you and your team of personal injury lawyers are the plaintiff party, which means your side holds the burden of proving your damages, even if the case is obvious. Not only must you prove your past, current, and future damages, but as the plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit, you must also prove that your accident and subsequent injuries were a proximate result of the defendant’s negligence or carelessness. The plaintiff must prove their case on a more likely than not standard.

One effective strategy that accident lawyers rely on to prove their client’s damages is expert witness testimony. By calling on certified professionals and specialists, an accident attorney can strengthen their case by supporting their arguments with cold hard facts and empirical evidence given by qualified and reputable witness testimonies. This step is an important part of most personal injury lawsuits.

Your Accident Lawyer Will Choose Your Expert Witnesses

As a recent victim of an accident that was not your fault, you may not know if your personal injury case will require expert witness testimony, nor are you expected to know which experts to choose if you do. Instead, trust your seasoned Indiana personal injury attorneys to navigate these aspects of your claim for you, and choose the proper expert witnesses to recover the full and fair settlement you deserve. The expert witnesses they choose for your case will depend on the type of accident and injuries you’ve suffered, as well as the various details surrounding the accident and negligence itself. They will also consider the potential arguments the defense will likely raise.

Expert Witnesses Often Used in Accident Lawsuits

► Medical Experts – Doctors, nurses, counselors, therapists, and similar medical professionals are often called upon in personal injury cases. They are used to confirm the validity of the injured victim’s diagnosis, explain the details and necessity of their treatment, and to help prove the extent of injury. They will give their professional opinions and diagnoses on the severity of the injuries, and whether or not they are temporary, long-term, or permanent. Sometimes, multiple medical experts are called to the stand to testify in personal injury lawsuits.

► Mental Health Experts – Along with licensed medical professionals, often times a personal injury legal team will outsource expert witness testimony from mental health professionals, some of which are actually licensed doctors, such as psychiatrists. Other mental health experts used in such cases include psychologists, therapists, grief counselors, family counselors, and psychoanalysis experts.

► Accident Re-constructionists – Accident reconstruction specialists reconstruct the setting and circumstances of the accident to reveal certain facts, usually about who’s at fault. These expert witnesses are sometimes used on motor vehicle accident and pedestrian accident cases, as well as bicycle accident cases, workplace accidents, and slip and fall accidents.

► Industry and Occupational Experts – In some cases, a personal injury lawsuit will include witness testimony from certain industry or occupational experts. These professionals will testify regarding the safety standards surrounding the accident, as well as municipal factors, architecture, building codes, fire codes, OSHA, and more.

► Financial Experts – When it comes to proving the calculable losses suffered by the plaintiff party in a personal injury lawsuit, finance and economic experts are sometimes used. This is fairly common in accident cases that involve severe disability and extensive financial devastation, such as wrongful deaths and catastrophic accidents.

Do you need help with your personal injury case in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn your rights to being compensated for your damages and losses after being wrongfully injured. We represent the families in wrongful death cases and injured persons throughout the state of Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

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The Importance of Witness Statements After a Car Accident
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Common Distractions That Lead to Intersection Car Crashes

Posted on February 5, 2021 by admin

Were you just injured in a car collision that occurred at an intersection? Was the accident the fault of another driver? If so, you could be entitled to compensation for your damages. Let’s discuss what might have led to the other driver’s negligence, and what you should do to protect your rights and obtain the justice you deserve after being wrongfully injured in a car accident.

Continue below to learn about the most common distractions that lead to intersection car crashes, and where to get the legal facts and advice you can trust regarding the initiation of your personal injury claim.

Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Intersection Car Crashes Usually Involve a Form of Negligence

When cars collide at an intersection, whether a junction of traffic lights or stop signs, there is always some form of negligence involved; generally, on the part of a driver, since most intersection crashes involve one or more vehicles. However, it could also be due to another at-fault party, such as a J-walking pedestrian, a cyclist who fails to adhere to traffic laws, or even the local government who maybe neglected to repair a traffic light. For the sake of this blog, we will discuss the common distractions that cause drivers of vehicles to be involved in an intersection car accident.

Types of Distractions That Cause Intersection Collisions:

► Intoxication – Whether it be illicit drugs, alcohol, or a type of controlled substance, such as prescription pain medication, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of any can be a crime and is negligence. Intoxicated driving happens to also be one of the number one causes of car accident, including intersection crashes. Intoxicated drivers can fall asleep at the wheel, run red lights, increase their speed and lose control of their vehicles in and near an intersection, all of which are very dangerous actions.

► Cell Phones and GPS – Texting, reading, sending emails, and dialing numbers on a cell phone is a top cause of car accidents in the 21^st century. As for intersections, texting has caused many injurious, and even fatal crashes. This also includes GPS and navigational devices. Taking the eyes off the road at the wrong time, also while traveling through an intersection, can have grave consequences.

► Drowsiness – Drivers who are fatigued or drowsy, whether from lack of sleep, overload of sugar, a big lunch, or side affects of a medication, are very dangerous. Drowsy driving is incredibly hazardous, especially when traveling through a busy intersection. At night, this danger is even greater. Fatigued driving is a top cause of car accidents, which often take place at traffic light and stop sign intersections.

► Human Error – Another frequent cause of intersection car collisions is basic human error. Sometimes a driver gets confused and anxious about a traffic signal, which is common among new drivers and adolescents. Other times, a distracted driver might drift into the other lane, or even misjudge how long it will take them to come to a complete stop at the light. Sometimes the cause is blatant, intentional recklessness and sometimes it is a lack or reasonable care.

What You Need to Do as a Car Crash Victim in Indiana

If you were injured in a car accident, whether at an intersection or not, it is vital that you immediately seek medical treatment, and retain all documentation of your medical treatment. It is also vital to take photos and retrieve other forms of evidence regarding the details of your car accident, including video recordings, witness contact information, pictures of vehicle damage, pictures of the surrounding car accident scene, and more. You may have a loved one help you gather this type of car accident evidence. From there, be sure to follow all doctors’ orders and appear for all scheduled medical appointments. You will also need to immediately hire a car accident lawyer in Indiana to represent your claim. They can determine if you have a strong case, and then protect your rights to being fully compensated.

How to Get an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Indiana ASAP

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to get in touch with an experienced personal injury lawyer who concentrates on car accident injury cases in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we obtain a settlement or judgment for you. After a free initial case evaluation, our accident attorneys will determine if your case is worth pursuing, and if it is, we will begin working on it immediately. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

Who is At Fault in a 3 Way Car Accident?

Posted on December 28, 2020 by admin

When you are in a car crash, it is generally with just one other driver. In such cases, it is quite obvious who is to blame for the accident. But sometimes there are more than one car involved in a car accident, and when this happens, the blame can be shifted around depending on the facts of the wreck.

Since the very first legal matter dealt with is fault, it should be an important matter to you as a victim of a car accident. Continue reading to learn some facts about car accident liability, including who might be to blame in a 3-way car wreck.

Indiana Car Accident Trial Lawyers 317-881-2700

3 Driver Car Accidents

Even at low speeds, a two-driver car accident can be a jolting experiences for everyone involved, regardless of fault. But when you add a third vehicle to the situation, the severity of injury and damage can be higher. Additionally, the more cars involved, the more complex the case, so pinpointing the blame among multiple parties can take a little longer compared to a common two-car accident.

Determining Fault in a 3 Car Wreck

So, who is at fault in a 3-way car accident? How is such fault confirmed? Can more than one driver be to blame? Well, the answers to these questions depend on the unique details of each individual case, making them difficult to answer concretely. Yes, more than one car driver can be at-fault, in fact, all vehicle drivers can sometimes be a percentage at fault, or just one. It all depends.

For instance, one of the most common types of 3-way car accidents are 3 car fender benders, or a chain-reaction collision. If the first car in line is stopped in traffic, there would be no fault on that driver. The car behind that vehicle hits the stopped vehicle because he is reaching for a cup of coffee and not looking where he is going. That driver is at fault. Following the collision, the driver who was stopped gets pushed into the vehicle stopped in front of him. The driver of the vehicle in front of him would also not be at fault and the driver reaching for the cup of coffee would be at fault in causing both the other vehicles drivers’ damages.

What You Should Do as a Multi-Car Accident Victim

Your best course of action as an injured victim of a car accident that involved more than one other car is to speak with an Indianapolis car accident injury attorney as soon as possible. They will guide you through the process of dealing with the other parties, including their insurance companies. They can respond and provide evidence proving you are not at fault for the car accident, and ultimately, win you a settlement. Some insurance adjusters will try to argue that you are at fault in causing the collision, even though there really is not much or any real evidence to support the argument.

How to Protect Yourself After Being Injured in a 3 Car Accident in Indiana

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn more about making a car accident injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are fully-prepared to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we obtain a settlement for you. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

What You Need to Know About Car Accident Insurance and Injury Claims

Posted on November 17, 2020 by admin

When a car accident occurs, and a person is seriously injured by an at-fault driver, they may be entitled to file an insurance claim and receive a settlement. In most cases, even for property damage, an insurance settlement is often the most reasonable choice, unless the offer is simply unreasonable. In this case, an attorney might try to settle out of court for a client, but if an reasonable agreement cannot be made, then it’s usually taken to court and presented to a judge or jury for a verdict. There are several options for pursing a motor vehicle accident claim, as you can see, and more to know about each.

Continue reading to learn about filing an auto accident injury or insurance claim, and who to consult for accurate industry advice and counsel.

Car Accident Attorneys Indiana — Personal Injury Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Car Insurance Accident Claim Settlements

Just like all other cases, insurance claim settlements vary in outcome. There are a few considerations to be aware of before moving forward with an insurance auto accident claim. For example, if you sustained only minor injuries, and only required a few doctor visits and check-ups, then a simple insurance claim should cover your damages. Damages include hospital bills, medical expenses, pain and suffering, medication, and property damage.

Insurance companies sometimes want to settle as soon as possible, but quick settlements can be a mistake. This is because once a person signs and accepts the offer, the case is immediately closed and cannot be brought back up ever again. If more injury or costs come up after the settlement is closed, the insurance company is not obligated to cover those additional or prolonged expenses. This is why it is important to hire a skilled and experienced Indiana car accident injury attorney to facilitate your claim and make sure that you are fairly and fully compensated.

Out of Court Claim Settlements

In order to receive the compensation that will fully cover all related expenses, medical, pain and suffering and property damages, you should take your claim to a lawyer so they can document the evidence in the case to present it to the at-fault driver’s insurance company in an organized and professional manner. Moreover, experienced trial attorneys like those at Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. will be able to take your case to trial, should the insurance company not make a fair offer for your case.

Out of court settlements are best for all parties involved so long as the offer being made is full and fair. In addition, the expenses for expert witnesses and the time involved in taking a case to trial are diminished if the case does not proceed all the way through a trial, making it less expensive for the case to resolve, which ends up getting more money in a client’s pocket out of a settlement offer.

Your Trusted Personal Injury Car Accident Lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana

What to Do if Your Child Was Injured by a Polaris Vehicle in Indiana

Posted on October 27, 2020 by admin

Polaris vehicles have been gaining popularity among children and teenagers over the past several years. With their off-roading, side-by-side designs, it is no wonder that minors have taken so quickly to these recreational all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s). Taking notice, Polaris exclusively marketed certain models, specifically a youth sport side-by-side, to children, describing a thrilling and fun experience for ages 10 and up.

But unfortunately, there have been some serious accidents involving Polaris off-road vehicles; accidents that have resulted in severe injuries and fatalities to kids in particular. You would think that these children’s accidents were caused by operator negligence in some way, but that is not necessarily so. Some of these accidents were caused by a manufacturer defect in Polaris vehicles. As a response, certain models of Polaris have been officially recalled.

If your child was injured as a result of a recalled Polaris vehicle, your next step is to retain professional counsel, and learn your rights to pursuing legal action against the manufacturer. Continue reading to learn which models of Polaris vehicles have been recalled, what types of accident they are causing, and how to contact a personal injury law firm to get started on your Polaris lawsuit in Indiana.

Indiana Polaris Recall Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Polaris Vehicle Recalls

Polaris has manufactured numerous models of ATV’s and recreational vehicles. But between the years of 2008 and 2018, the company had to recall hundreds of thousands of off-road recreational vehicles because they were defective. Not only were they discovered to have crash hazards, they were also major fire hazards.

The 2015 and 2017 Youth RZR 170 were two of the primary models of Polaris vehicles to have these fire and crash manufacturer defects. A faulty fuel pump ring on the 2015 model caused leakage issues, which resulted in many fires and explosions. The 2017 model also caused fatal fires and explosions due to a cracked fuel tank, faulty wiring that was prone to overheating or short-circuiting. And these are not all. Many more youth-marketed models have been recalled for defects that caused serious collisions and crashes.

Not sure if your child has a recalled model? REVIEW THIS LIST OF POLARIS RECALLS

Polaris Accident Claims for Injured Children

Although Polaris equipped their youth vehicles with parental speed controls and safety kits, they were not comprehensive enough when it came to providing children full protection. For this reason, they could be found negligent, and any child who has suffered serious injuries as a result of a Polaris accident needs justice.

How to Make a Polaris Accident Claim in Indiana

If you or your child is a victim of a recalled Polaris accident in Indiana, contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 as soon as possible. Our seasoned personal injury attorneys handle both product liability and child injury lawsuits, and offer free case evaluations to hear your accident case. If you have a valid claim, we begin working on your case immediately without requiring any upfront lawyer fees. We have a zero pay guarantee, which means you pay us nothing until we recover a settlement or verdict for you. We serve clients in Indianapolis and throughout the state of Indiana.