Who Do I Sue After Being Injured By a Semi-Truck?

Posted on November 30, 2021 by admin

Big truck accidents are far too common. Not only do they happen quickly, they also tend to result in severe property damages and bodily injuries. If you have been seriously injured in a car accident because of a negligent semi-truck driver or trucking company, protect your rights to a full and fair financial recovery by speaking with a large truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis as soon as possible. They can help you understand truck accident liability and determine the best approach to recovering the maximum settlement for your damages.

Continue reading to learn some facts about truck accidents, including who is usually liable and how to get started on your Indiana injury claim.

Semi Truck Accident Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Truck Accident Liability in Indiana

In most cases of motor vehicle collisions caused by large trucks, such as semis and Landolls, the trucking company is liable for the injured victim’s damages and losses. Most large truck drivers and operators are employees who work for a trucking company, but some are independent contractors known as owner operators. Either way, if a truck driver is negligent and their negligence causes a car crash that harms the driver and/or passengers, the trucker and their employer will be held legally responsible. In any event, any settlement or verdict would be paid by the defendant’s insurance carrier.

Thanks to a doctrine known as respondeat superior, all employers are accountable for their employee’s negligence. So, if a negligent truck driver causes a serious accident, the trucking company they work for would be sued, and the trucking company’s insurance plan would pay the settlement to the victim or victims.

But what about owner operators; you ask? Well, thanks to Federal regulations, all trucking companies are responsible for their employee’s negligent acts, even if they are contracted out. So, if an independent trucker is hired to carry and transport a load for a trucking company, the trucking company would be liable in the case of a negligence act or accident.

Warning to All Truck Accident Victims

If you or your loved one was recently injured in a car crash that was caused by a negligent or careless trucker, it is critical to understand that the trucking company’s insurance carrier is not your friend. Their primary role is to pay as little as possible to accident survivors.

For this reason, it is vital to hire a seasoned personal injury lawyer to represent your trucking company accident claim in Indiana. Act now, however, before evidence is lost to support your claim, or time runs out to file.

Not sure which personal injury law firm to trust with your financial recovery in Indiana? Skip the search and go straight to the esteemed and trusted professionals and associate legal teams at the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.! Contact us at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned truck accident lawyer, today. No need to travel, as we can hold meetings over the phone or via online video conferencing if needed.

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

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Cost?

Posted on November 23, 2021 by admin

If you have been shopping around for a personal injury lawyer in Indiana, you have probably come across advertisements like, “You Don’t Pay Unless We Win”, or “No Fees if We Don’t Recover for You.” These statements are referring to the law firm’s attorney representation contract, or contingency-fee agreement.

As a recent victim or survivor who was wrongly injured in an accident, it is important to know the difference between personal injury fees and legal costs, including how contingency-fee pricing models work and how much you can expect to pay out of pocket for your impending or potential lawsuit.

Continue reading to learn more about contingency-fee agreements and the additional costs expected in a personal injury lawsuit, as well as who you can trust to obtain the maximum settlement for your Indiana accident case.

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Facts About Law Firm Contingency-Fees

Under a contingency-fee contract, both the lawyer and the client are agreeing upon an arrangement. Basically, a personal injury lawyer is agreeing to represent a client without asking for any money or payment upfront, and the client is agreeing to pay the lawyer a certain percentage of their settlement or judgment they receive from their claim.

Generally, the most common percentage used is 1/3 of the total settlement. But the actual percentage varies among firms and can also depend on when the settlement is recovered. Some law firms even use a sliding scale that increases in percentage as the case progresses. Here is an example:

► 33.33% Fee for claims settled out of court.
► 36% Fee for claims that settle before trial.
► 40% Fee for claims settled at trial by jury.

Although some attorneys charge 50% Fee in certain cases, Craven, Hoover and Blazek, P.C. does not. The part of a contingency agreement that is “contingent” or conditional, is whether or not the lawyer recovers a settlement for the client (either via settlement or court trial). If no settlement is awarded, the client does not have to pay because there is no settlement to pay from.

Attorney Fees Versus Expenses

Lawyer costs and lawyer fees are separate from one another. “Fees” are the payments made to lawyers for their services, which they only receive if they recover a settlement or win a trial. “Costs” on the other hand, are the expenses incurred throughout the legal process for the purpose of keeping the case going. These include document preparation costs, filing fees, court costs, expert witness imbursements, and more. It all depends on the length and complexity of the claim.

How to Cover All Legal Fees Without Feeling Any Financial Impact

So long as you hire a seasoned and skilled Indianapolis personal injury law firm to represent your case, you will not have to worry about being negatively financially impacted after winning your personal injury lawsuit. A skilled personal injury attorney will ensure that you receive the maximum settlement or verdict for your case. If you hire the right legal team, you should have more than enough compensation to pay your attorney fees and resulting legal costs, plus have a substantial amount of compensation left over. Hiring the right attorney will allow you to obtain a full and fair settlement or verdict.

The bottom line is you will always be better off hiring an experienced attorney than not hiring one.

Are you looking for skilled personal injury attorney to represent your recent accident case in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to meet with a seasoned Indianapolis Indiana accident attorney you can trust to recover the settlement you deserve. We represent victims all throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

Local Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700 — Schedule a Free Consultation!

Can I Receive Personal Injury Compensation Without Filing a Lawsuit?

Posted on November 19, 2021 by admin

In many personal injury cases, surviving victims will file a lawsuit to obtain compensation for their resulting damages. There are many reasons for filing a lawsuit soon after a person is injured as a result of negligent conduct of another. There are time limits set to make your injury claim or you lose your right to. Filing a lawsuit also allows the attorney for the injured party to obtain evidence that they would not be able to obtain without filing a lawsuit.

However, suing is not the only legal recourse for recovering a personal injury settlement after a wrongful accident. Continue reading to learn three alternatives to suing for compensation after being injured in an accident that was not your fault.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Claim Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawsuits

There are many reasons why a personal injury victim or survivor might wish to avoid a lawsuit. Perhaps they want to evade additional fees and expenses incurred in the legal process; or maybe they just don’t want to experience any level of legal contention or confrontation.

Regardless of why you are interested in the possible alternatives to suing for compensation after a wrongful accident, the most important focus should be choosing the approach that has the best chance of success for your specific case. In order to do this, you must consult with a seasoned Indiana personal injury lawyer.

Alternatives to Suing for Personal Injury Compensation

► Filing a Claim

In cases of accidents with injuries, you may have the option to file a formal claim within the company or store responsible for your damages. They may have a claim-and-compensation procedure that is standard within their business model. You would simply fill out a form filing the claim and requesting compensation. You should not do this without consulting an attorney and it is best to have the attorney do this on your behalf in any event.

For wrongful accidents that happen within government buildings, it is standard to file a government tort claim within the applicable agency. If the government agency denies your claim for compensation, you could then pursue legal action by filing a lawsuit. To pursue a claim against a governmental agency, you must first file a tort claims notice in Indiana and there are very strict guidelines for what the tort claims notice must say and when it must be filed by so you should hire an attorney to do this.

Injuries that happen at work or on the clock while performing work-related duties are filed under a workers’ compensation claim. If the workers’ compensation claim is denied or inadequate, injured workers could take legal action by filing an Application for Adjustment of Claim with the Indiana Worker’s Compensation Board. Again, you should obtain an attorney as soon as possible after the injury occurs.

► Request Compensation Through Your Own Insurance Carrier

You may have the option to contact your own insurance carrier and request compensation for things like medical expenses, hospital bills, and subsequent expenses that you are paying for out-of-pocket because of your accident if you had what is called medical payments coverage. Since the legal process of filing a lawsuit and receiving a settlement can take months or even years, it is quicker to get your medical bills paid by filing a claim with your own insurance company. This will also keep your own medical providers from seeking payment for your medical services from you.

Your insurance company may provide you with compensation and then when you obtain a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company, you would reimburse your own company. You should always hire an Indiana personal injury attorney to ensure that you are fully compensated for your damages and losses following a wrongful accident.

► Your Attorney Can Send A Demand Letter

Another alternative to filing a lawsuit is to simply advise the defendant’s insurance company that you will be filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement cannot be reached. It is best to hire a personal injury lawyer to write your demand letter and represent you even if you are not filing a lawsuit. Negotiations and compensation mediation can be complex even without a judge and jury, so it is imperative to have adept legal representation to ensure you receive the full and fair settlement you deserve for your damages and losses.

Are you looking for personal injury lawyer to represent you in a current accident case? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial case evaluation for your personal injury claim in Indianapolis, India n a. We represent injured persons and the loved ones following the wrongful death of a relative throughout the State of Indiana.

The Link Between Gross Negligence and Punitive Damages

Posted on October 29, 2021 by admin

Punitive damages in a personal injury case are fairly uncommon since they are generally awarded in trials involving egregious or reprehensible behavior. In fact, such damages are awarded solely for the purpose of punishing the defendant responsible for the accident and to deter other persons from performing similar acts. Under the realm of punitive damages, you may come across the term gross negligence, which is an element to proving punitive damages.

Continue reading to learn more about gross negligence and punitive damages in a personal injury case, including how to get more information regarding your eligibility for pursuing legal action against an outrageously negligent person who caused you or your loved one harm in an accident.

Negligence Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700

General Damages in a Personal Injury Case

A wrongfully injured victim can recover qualifying general damages, also called compensatory damages, in a personal injury case. Such damages include calculable expenses such as hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages for missing work, and even the cost of fuel driving to and from doctors’ appointments or treatments. They may also recover non-economic damages for mental anguish, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and similar non-expenditure consequences of being wrongfully injured in an accident.

Punitive Damages

When a defendant in a personal injury case has done something particularly egregious, the victim of the accident may be awarded punitive damages. Although the injured victim benefits from the compensation, punitive damages are awarded for the purpose of punishing the defendant for their inexcusable or reprehensible behavior that caused the accident and to deter other persons from performing similar acts .

Gross Negligence

In most states, in order to be awarded punitive damages, the defendant must have behaved maliciously, deceitfully, intentionally, or with extreme recklessness, disregard, or indifference. This type of behavior is generally referred to as gross negligence in personal injury cases. To be awarded punitive damages, an injured victim’s personal injury lawyer would have to prove gross negligence. Gross negligent behavior can be an act, or even a failure to act.

Example of Gross Negligence

To better understand gross negligence cases, here is an example of a potential accident that would call for punitive damages:

A building inspector identifies a railing hazard on the 3^rd floor apartment balcony and gives the landlord a report that suggests repairing it immediately. Knowing that the balcony railing is loose and requires replacement, the landlord rents the apartment to a family without making the repair. As a result, the 3 year old child falls off the balcony and dies. The landlord could be said to have acted with extreme negligence and disregard to their tenant’s safety. The bereaved could file suit against the landlord seeking general damages and punitive damages in a wrongful death case.

Are you looking for skilled personal injury law firm to represent you in your gross negligence case in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent injured victims and loved ones of persons who have dies as a result of the negligence of another person or corporation throughout the state of Indiana.

What You Need to Know About Pelvic Injury Accident Claims

Posted on October 26, 2021 by admin

The hip is a joint that connects our upper leg bones to our pelvis, giving us mobility. Our hip and pelvic bones are constantly at work for us, even when we are sleeping. Whether managing your everyday responsibilities or relaxing after they’re done, your hips are always playing a role in what you are doing with your body. They are a major component to your body’s overall stability, comfort, and physical capabilities. This explains why injuries to these areas tend to be very troublesome and extremely painful.

Continue reading to learn more about pelvic and hip injuries, including the common types of pelvic injuries and how to bring about a personal injury claim after suffering a wrongful accident in Indiana.

Pelvic Injury Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

The Most Common Types of Pelvic Injuries

Although most common in elderly patients, young to middle-aged adults and children can also be at risk for pelvic and hip injuries if they are involved in a serious accident. The most common types of accidents that cause severe pelvis and hip injuries include motor vehicle accidents, slips, falls, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, workplace accidents, and bicycle accidents.

There are several types of hip and pelvic injuries, all of which are generally accompanied by muscle bruising and ligament sprains as well. They are all extremely painful and can restrict a person’s mobility for months on end depending on the severity of the damage. Here are some of the most common hip and pelvic injuries seen because of negligent accidents and it should be noted that these injuries can be permanent:

Dislocations

Hip dislocations occur when an impact causes the ball-shaped head of the femur bone to come out of the cup-shaped acetabulum set in the pelvis. They are a very common injury among slip and fall victims, and victims of traffic accidents. It is horribly painful and renders a victim immobile instantly. It can also cause nerve damage, resulting in numbness and/or pain of the leg, foot, and ankle.

Hip Sprains

Hip sprains are serious muscle tears in the ligaments that support the hip joint. They occur when the ligaments are stretched past their limit and tear. This type of injury is tremendously painful and can also result in bruising and swelling of the hip and pelvic area. It can take several weeks to months to heal, during which mobility is mostly restricted. Slip, trip, and fall accidents are common causes of hip sprains, but they also occur regularly in vehicle accidents and workplace accidents.

Pelvic Fractures

Pelvic fractures are among the most serious hip and pelvis injuries a person can sustain. This is because they have the potential to seriously change a person’s life forever. Some pelvic fractures come with life-long consequences, or permanent complications. If the injuries are not permanent, they are still extraordinarily painful and are accompanied with months, or even years, of rehabilitation and healing. Painful physical therapy, loss of mobility, long-term medical care, and more are just a few circumstances a patient will face after fracturing their hip. Since the reproductive organs are in this area, more serious pelvis fractures can sometimes cause infertility, impotence, and sterility.

Hip Bursitis

One of the most common causes for hip pain, hip Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between muscle tissues by providing a gliding surface. Although most cases can be treated at home with proper care and pain medication, they are very painful and can takes weeks or months to heal completely.

An Indianapolis Accident Law Firm Can Help Pelvic Injury Victims

When a person is injured in such an accident as a result of another person’s carelessness, they are likely eligible for legal compensation. At this time, it would be in their best interest to hire an experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer for help with filing a hip injury claim against a wrongful party. A seasoned accident attorney will document an impactful case to profile the type of injuries their client suffered, and how it has negatively affected their overall health and quality of life. This will be the foundation of determining the amount of compensation that should be paid to the victim for their losses and damages.

Did you recently suffer a wrongful pelvic or hip injury because of a serious accident? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-risk, no-fee personal injury consultation with a skilled Indianapolis IN hip injury lawyer you can trust.

We represent clients all throughout the state, as well as Indiana residents injured while visiting other states. We represent injured victims and loved ones of persons who have died as a result of the negligence of another person or corporation throughout the state of Indiana.

What You Need to Know About Finding a Burn Injury Lawyer in Indiana

Posted on October 19, 2021 by admin

When you think of burn injuries, you might imagine accidentally touching the frying pan or taking a sip of your coffee before has time to cool down a bit; but the spectrum of burn injuries is tragically much wider than that. Severe burn accidents and injuries happen more often than you think, and the statistics prove it. According to the American Burn Association (ABA), more than 450,000 serious burn injuries requiring medical treatment occur every year to people of all ages, including children.

Severe burn accidents can leave victims with extensive medical expenses, hospital bills, prolonged treatment, ongoing physical therapies, permanent and partial disfigurement, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental anguish, and much more. When wrongly injured in a burn accident, it is critical to your future to hire a seasoned burn injury lawyer in Indiana.

Continue reading learn what you need to know about obtaining a burn injury lawyer in Indiana, and how to get started with a free case evaluation today.

Burn Injury Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Burn Injury Lawyers You Can Trust

Whether fire, explosion, industrial workplace accident, or defective smoke alarm, it is vital to retain the services and assistance of a skilled Indianapolis burn injury lawyer to represent you in your personal injury or fire accident case.

Here at Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C., our Indiana accident attorneys are well-versed and experienced in burn injury accident lawsuits and can document and present a case that entitles you to the maximum settlement for your damages and losses. We can obtain a settlement to recover compensation for medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, loss of companionship, and much more.

Most Common Types of Burn Accidents:

▶ Fire Accidents
▶ Firework Accidents
▶ Campfire Accidents
▶ Gasoline Fires
▶ Car Accidents
▶ Motorcycle Accidents
▶ Severe Road Rash
▶ Scalding Water Injuries
▶ Electrocutions
▶ Chemical Burns
▶ Industrial Fires
▶ Defective Candles
▶ Defective Heating Pads/Blankets
▶ Defective Children’s Toys
▶ Defective Products

Top Burn Accident Attorneys in Indiana

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. is motivated, prepared, and fully equipped to prove your burn accident personal injury case in Indiana. From start to finish, we handle all aspects of our client’s claim and if necessary, lawsuit, so our clients may focus solely on rest, treatment and recovery.

Our Indianapolis IN burn injury attorneys gather all relevant and necessary information pertaining to the accident and injury, as well as interview and record witness statements, communicate with the opposing counsel, negotiate with insurance companies, prove your case in trial, and more.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. is the respected and reputable Indiana personal injury law firm you can trust to recover the full and fair settlement or verdict you deserve after being wrongfully injured in a burn accident in Indiana. We offer free initial case valuations and work on contingency, which means we only get paid if you do.

Are you ready to put your Indiana personal injury claim into motion? Contact us at 317-881-2700 to schedule an initial free consultation with a skilled Indianapolis burn injury lawyer you can trust. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana and can conduct meetings over the phone, via Zoom or in person at our Indianapolis office location. Call today so important evidence may be obtained before it is lost.

You Should Also Read:

Your Legal Rights After Being Seriously Burned With Hot Wax at a Salon
Can I Make An Injury Claim For My Hair Stylist Burning My Scalp?
Can I Sue if I Was Burned By a Malfunctioning Firework?

Avoid These Mistakes If You Want to Win Your Personal Injury Case

Posted on October 15, 2021 by admin

Although personal injury lawyers are mostly responsible for navigating an accident claim, it is important for the client or injured victim to also do their due diligence and protect themselves from possibly losing their case. If you are preparing to hire an accident lawyer for your personal injury claim, continue reading to learn which mistakes you need to avoid if you want a successful outcome to your case.

Injury Claim Lawyer Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700

Common Errors Made by Accident Claimants That You Need to Avoid

Not Hiring a Lawyer and Representing Themselves

If you are preparing to make a personal injury claim after being wrongfully injured in an accident, your priority should be to hire a skilled and seasoned personal injury law firm in Indianapolis. We have the knowledge, resources, experience, and tenacity to recover the proper settlement for your damages and losses. Without the help of a well-versed and experienced accident attorney, you significantly risk the outcome of your case.

In fact, the very first error made by personal injury claimants is not hiring an accident lawyer and representing themselves instead. Many claimants who make this mistake end up settling for much less than what their case is truly worth. Just because the opposing party and insurance company is offering you ten thousand dollars as a settlement doesn’t mean that’s how much you deserve. Often, a case is worth more than triple what the insurance company initially offers.

Posting on Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube, and Instagram are open to the public, including anyone trying to reduce the value of your personal injury claim. Claimants often make the mistake of posting pictures and videos on their social media pages that can be misconstrued or twisted into being contradictory to their claim.

Insurance companies and opposing party investigative teams will use a claimant’s public profile activities to devalue their claim. If you were just in an accident and you are preparing to bring about a claim against the wrongful party, be sure to stay off all social media until you have spoken with your lawyer. For example, you post a family picture with you smiling in it a few weeks after your automobile collision where you were injured. A defense attorney would say: “Look, she’s not even hurt, she is smiling.”

Not Being Credible and Consistent

All claimants in an accident or injury case will have their personal history and character choices scrutinized. Opposing parties and insurance companies fervently search for gaps and alleged inconsistencies in order to prove incredibility, and thus, reduce the value of the claim. For this reason, it is vital that you remain honest and consistent with your story throughout the personal injury case.

Failing to Gather Any Evidence

Regardless of the type of personal injury suit you are about to make, it is critical to the outcome of your case to have some form of evidence supporting your claim for compensation. Pictures and videos of the accident scene, as well as witness statements, medical records, police reports, and more are vital pieces of evidence that should be collected and preserved prior to the commencement of the accident claim process.

Are you looking for a reputable law firm to represent you in your accident claim in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned Indianapolis IN personal injury lawyer you can trust. Act fast, before time runs out on your claim or evidence supporting your claim is lost. We represent injured people and the families for love ones lost due to the negligence of others throughout the State of Indiana.

You Might Also Read:

Deponent Tips for Personal Injury Depositions
How to Prepare for Your Personal Injury Consultation
Common Types of Expert Witnesses in an Accident Lawsuit

A Brief Overview of Indiana Pedestrian Laws

Posted on September 27, 2021 by admin

When it comes to pedestrians and crosswalks, who has the right of way? Here in Indiana, the law is quite clear. Continue below to review some basic facts about Indiana pedestrian laws and what to do if you are wrongly injured in a pedestrian accident in Indiana.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Indiana 317-881-2700

Laws Surrounding Pedestrian Accidents in Indiana

It the case of traffic laws and regulations, it is important to protect and preserve the rights of pedestrians because they are the most vulnerable and at risk. Unlike drivers who are protected behind the metal and rubber structures of their vehicles, pedestrians are on foot, and therefore openly exposed.

For this reason, pedestrian accidents tend to result in serious injuries and fatalities all across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 6,000 pedestrians lost their lives in negligent car accidents in 2018. In Indiana that same year, 115 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents.

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian traffic accidents include:

🚸 Failing to Yield
🚸 Running a Red Light
🚸 Running a Stop Sign
🚸 Distracted Driving
🚸 Intoxicated Driving
🚸 Impaired Driving
🚸 Failure to Stop at a Crosswalk
🚸 Speeding
🚸 Failing to Keep a Proper Lookout

Indiana Drivers Must Yield to Pedestrians Within Crosswalks

Indiana law gives requires all drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians at designated crosswalks. Blind pedestrians, which are distinguishable by the use of a cane or walking stick, have the right of way in all cases, whether they use a marked crosswalk or not.

If a pedestrian walks into the road without using a marked crossing point, and a vehicle stops for them, other vehicles approaching are not legally permitted to go around the stopped vehicle because this puts the pedestrian in danger.

Pedestrians Have to Obey Laws Too

When it comes to crosswalks and designated crossing paths and routes, pedestrians essentially have the right of way, so long as they are obeying the law. You see, not only do drivers have laws and regulations they must follow for the purpose of pedestrian protection, but pedestrians themselves must also adhere to all state and local traffic laws, including crosswalk and bridge crossing traffic signals.

As a lawful pedestrian, you would obey “Follow” and “Not Follow” traffic signals on the road, while also refraining from using non-designated crossings and disturbing the flow of traffic. If a pedestrian chooses to cross the road without using a crosswalk, they must yield to traffic. In some jurisdictions, not using a marked crosswalk is considered a minor infraction informally known as J-walking.

When Pedestrians Must Yield

Pedestrians must yield for all authorized emergency vehicles, like ambulances and fire trucks. As for sidewalks, a pedestrian is required by Indiana law to use one if there is one available and practical. If there are not sidewalks, a pedestrian may walk on the very outer edge of the road. If walking along a highway, a pedestrian must walk as far right onto the shoulder as possible.

Pedestrian Accidents and Injury Claims

If a pedestrian is injured in an accident by a negligent driver, they are entitled to pursue legal action against them. A wrongfully injured pedestrian may be able to recover compensation for their damages and losses, such as medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages for missing work, pain-and-suffering, and more. It is vital for Indiana pedestrian accident victims to contact an experienced Indiana personal injury attorney to represent their case. It is important to act fast before all evidence is lost to support your claim or time runs out on the scheduled statute of limitati ons.

Are you ready to begin your pedestrian accident claim in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation with a seasoned Indianapolis civil litigator you can trust. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

Are Bicyclists Considered Drivers if They Ride on the Street?
A Courtesy Wave Can Hold Drivers Liable for Pedestrian Injuries
Who is Liable When a Driver Hits a Pedestrian?

What are the Indiana Civil Statute of Limitations?

Posted on September 14, 2021 by admin

Whether you are a victim of libel, slander, or injury, it is in your best interest to learn how much time you have to bring about a claim against the at-fault party who caused your damages. This time period is known as statute of limitations, and here in the Hoosier state, they can differ depending on the type of accident or injury.

For now, continue reading to review the common Indiana civil statute of limitations, and learn where to get the most trusted legal advice for your personal injury claim in Indianapolis.

Civil Statute of Limitation Laws in Indiana

Victims of personal injuries or torts, including next of kin and immediate family members who have lost a loved one because of a wrongful death accident, must file their personal injury claim or civil action against an at-fault party within a set period of time. This deadline is known as the Indiana statute of limitations.

For most personal injury cases, the Indiana statute of limitations is two years. In fact, most states have a similar statute of limitations for most civil actions and tort cases. But for other types of accidents and injuries in Indiana, the statute of limitations could be as high as 20 years or as low as six months.

Here are some of the most common types of civil action cases, as well as their statute of limitations:

► Injury to a Person – 2 Years
► Libel/Slander – 2 Years
► Professional Malpractice – 2 Years
► Fraud – 6 Years
► Trespassing – 2 Years
► Harm to Personal Property – 2 Years
► Collection of Debt on Account – 2 Years
► Collection of Rent – 6 Years
► Contracts – 10 Years Written, 6 Years Oral, 2 Years Employment Agreements, 6 Years Payment of Money

A Possible Exception Could Be the Discovery Rule

Many states have some form of a “discovery rule” exception to their statute of limitations, which extends the filing deadline for making a personal injury claim under very specific circumstances. This discovery rule extension is generally granted when a personal injury victim did not know about their injuries until after the statute of limitations expired, who was responsible for the accident until after the statute of limitations ran out, or that the suspected liable party’s actions may have caused their injuries until after the statute of limitations expired. This is common in medical malpractice cases.

Governmental Defendants

If the defendant is a governmental agency your time limitations for making a claim are significantly reduced. A Tort Claim Notice has to be sent to the possible governmental defendant in less that 6 months in some circumstances.

Why You Need to File a Claim ASAP

Because Indiana does have statute of limitation laws for civil actions and personal injury claims, it is important to act fast on your claim. The clock begins to take as soon as your accident takes place, so be sure to contact Indiana personal injury law firm as soon as you have been medically stabilized. They can take on all elements and aspects of your personal injury case from that point and ensure that you obtain the maximum settlement or verdict for your claim.

Not sure which personal injury law firm in Indiana trust for the best representation? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a seasoned Indianapolis IN accident attorney you can trust. We represent clients all throughout Indiana, and offer free initial case evaluations over the phone, via online video, or in person.

You Should Also Read:

Is There Still Time to File My Indiana Personal Injury Claim?
Can a Personal Injury Statute of Limitations Be Extended?
Qualities to Look For When Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney

What to Do After Being Injured in an Industrial Accident in Indiana

Posted on September 10, 2021 by admin

In cities across the country, we graciously express thanks to our industrial workers for laying the foundation of our local economies. The industrial labor industry, although essential in many ways, is a dangerous one for those employed within its various trades and productions. As an injured industrial worker in Indiana, it is vital that you learn your rights regarding the collection of compensation for your damages and losses incurred because of your industrial accident.

Continue reading to learn what to do after being injured in an industrial accident Indiana so that you may protect your rights and preserve your quality of life.

Industrial Accident Workplace Injury Lawyers Indiana 317-881-2700

Help for Victims of Indiana Industrial Accidents

Whether you work on the engineering, manufacturing, or business side of the industrial industry, accidents can happen all around you. From slips, trips, and falls to amputations, orthopedic injuries, burn injuries, and more, the scope of possible industrial accidents are wide-ranging.

Regardless of how you are injured in your industrial accident, if your accident occurred as a result of another’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to a settlement for your damages and losses.

Common damages losses that victims typically suffer after an industrial accident in Indiana include hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages for missing work, pain-and-suffering, mental anguish, permanent disfigurement, permanent disability, loss of companionship, and even wrongful death.

Industrial Accidents Commonly Involve:

▷ Factories
▷ Construction Sites
▷ Warehouses
▷ Drilling Rigs
▷ Mines
▷ Processing Plants
▷ Refineries
▷ Grain Mills
▷ Paper Mills

How to Obtain a Successful Outcome to Your Workers’ Compensation Claim and/or Third Party Claim

When a person is injured while working, they obviously would have a worker compensation claim that they can make through their employer’s worker compensation insurance carrier. Worker compensation claims have set limits on what amount of money an injured person may recover however. In a worker compensation claim, an injured person also cannot recover damages for pain and suffering. In addition, in a worker compensation claim, the worker does not need to prove anyone was negligent. They need only prove they were injured in the course and scope of their employment.

When a person is injured while working, they may also have a third party claim in addition to the worker compensation claim they can make. A third party claim exists when the injury to the worker occurs as the result of negligence of a person who is not also a direct co-employee of the injured worker. For example, if two companies are working at a job site and while working putting together scaffolding a worker from one company is injured by an employee of another company who backs up a forklift into the person putting the scaffolding together, the forklift operator’s employer could be held liable for all damages, including pain and suffering damages that are not compensable in the worker compensation claim. Any judgement against the forklift operator’s employer would be paid by their liability insurance carrier.

The most effective tool you can equip yourself with when pursuing legal action against a wrongful party that caused your injuries is an Indiana workplace injury lawyer. They retain the proper resources, knowledge, and experience to navigate your personal injury case from start to finish, ensuring that you obtain the maximum settlement or verdict for your Indiana industrial accident claim.

Industrial Accident Claim Representation in Indiana

Here at the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C., we have represented numerous clients catastrophically injured on the job throughout the state of Indiana. Not only can we help victims obtain financial relief in the form of a verdict or settlement, but we can also support clients in obtaining proper medical treatment and counseling.

We fight for our clients’ rights to compensation for past, current, and future losses, including loss of ability to work performed the same work duties before the accident occurred, as well as partial, temporary, and total disability benefits. Choose our Indiana industrial accident lawyers for superior and aggressive-when-needed personal injury representation for your workers’ compensation claim.

We also fight for clients’ rights to compensation for pain and suffering and all other damages if there is a third party claim in addition to a worker compensation claim that can be made.

Are you ready to learn your best options for obtaining compensation after being catastrophically injured in an industrial accident? Contact us at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation with an Indiana workers’ compensation lawyer soon. Act fast, before time runs out on your claim and significant evidence is lost.

You Should Also Read:

Who is Liable for Independent Contractor Commercial Construction Injuries?
Where to Learn About Employers’ Responsibilities and Workers’ Rights
Can I File a Third Party Claim On Top of a Workers’ Compensation Claim?