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.

You Should Also Like:

Can I Sue Lyft or Uber for Getting into a Car Accident?
How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Take?
See a Doctor if You Experience These 6 Delayed Car Accident Symptoms

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

How to Make Your Own Bicycle Safety Kit

Posted on July 27, 2020 by admin

With all the recent events of the year, people are spending more time outdoors. One of the most popular and budget-wise outdoor activities for people of all ages is bike riding. Although one of the oldest pastimes in America, bike riding has taken on many modern and innovative features today, which can pose new safety threats and risks. You see, bike riders are especially vulnerable on the roads, and often times, become victims of serious accidents and injuries. From conventional bipedal models and tandem seaters, to electric bicycles, motorbikes, scooters, and more, regardless of the type you and your family rides, be sure you know how to stay safe as much as you can. A great way to ensure you are practicing bike safety is to carry a bicycle safety kit.

Continue reading to learn how to make your very own bicycle safety kit, and what to do if you are seriously injured in a bicycle accident.

Indiana Bicycle Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

What to Put in a Bicycle Safety Kit

Bicycle safety kits come in many forms, and can be customized to meet your exact needs. Such kits may be available in a local cyclist store or sports shop, but it is cost-effective and fun to curate your own! You can assemble your own by choosing the general safety items and then adding in any additional items you think you might need. Not sure where to get started? Here are some recommended supplies and gear to include in a general bicycle safety kit for adults and children:

🚲 Helmet – Wearing a helmet is biking safety 101, regardless of your age. It is the first piece of safety gear to consider, and in many states, it is the law to wear one. Be sure to choose a quality helmet that is the proper size and fit.

🚲 Reflectors – Having reflectors is not only important for nighttime biking, it is also a good idea to have reflectors on hazy, foggy, or cloudy days. Reflectors can be worn as sashes and vests, or they can be attached to your bike on the front and back. They can be solar-powered or battery-powered, and they come in all different shapes, sizes, watts, and fits.

🚲 Tools – There are various tools you can add to your kit to ensure safer, easier biking in the case of an incident. The collection of bicycle tools you choose to add to your kit will largely depend on your level of biking ability, and the type of biking you’ll be doing. Standard tools include a tire puncture repair kit, tire pump, and a pocket-sized tool kit, while more advanced tools may include a spoke wrench, screwdriver, and chain tools.

🚲 Water – Biking exerts energy and burns calories, so it is important to stay hydrated. Always carry a bottle or thermos of water with you when you ride.

🚲 First Aid Kit – Perhaps one of the most important components of a bicycle safety kit is a first aid kit. Such kits come prepackaged and can be purchased at your local pharmacy or department store. You can also make your own first aid kit, and include items such as bandages, alcohol wipes, antiseptic spray, antibiotic ointment, gauze, elastic bandage, adjustable arm sling, cotton balls, and eye drops.

If Involved in a Serious Bicycle Accident

If you or a loved one is seriously injured in a bike riding accident, your first priorities are to seek immediate medical attention and to make a police report. Keep in mind that an onset of injuries could occur later. If your bike accident happened due to another person’s negligence, your next step after medical treatment is to hire a licensed personal injury lawyer. We will seek to recover full and fair compensation for your damages and losses on your behalf. Just be sure to act fast before the statutes of limitations runs out and evidence can be lost if not accumulated quickly.

How to Get Started on Your Indianapolis Bicycle Accident Claim

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer who can help you gain control of your life and who will take some of the stress off of you after suffering a serious bicycle injury or loss. We offer free initial consultations and never collect fees attorney fees unless we recover for you. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

Can I Sue Someone and Collect from Their Insurance Carrier if They Injured Me in a Bike Accident?

Posted on May 22, 2020 by admin

There have been numerous bikers who have been successful in lawsuits against negligent drivers and collecting the judgment against the negligent driver’s insurance company. However, the specific details and circumstances surrounding your particular bike accident claim will determine whether or not you have grounds to sue and a valid claim.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about bike accidents, including your rights to compensation.

Personal Injury Bike Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Information for Bike Accident Victims

When a bike accident victim has a valid claim, they can hire a personal injury attorney to represent their best interests in recovering compensation for their damages. Such lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, which means clients do not pay anything out of pocket for their services. In a contingency fee arrangement, a client only pays their lawyer for their services if they recover a settlement or judgment. See our blog, “What are Contingency Fees?” to learn more about this common accident law firm payment arrangement.

Your Rights as a Bike Rider

Just like pedestrians, cyclists also have rights on most roads. In the eyes of the law, so long as bikers are adhering to all local, state, and federal laws pertaining to road and traffic, their rights must be respected by all others, both drivers and pedestrians. In the case of your recent bike accident, if you were on a road that permits cycling and bicycle traffic, and a driver acted negligently, the law will most likely deem the driver at-fault for the accident. Accordingly, you would be on track for a successful bike accident claim if you were obeying all rules of the road leading up to your accident.

Common examples of driver negligence that can cause bike accidents include speeding, swerving, changing lanes without signaling or looking, drunk driving, drugged driving, texting, distracted or inattentive driving and fatigued driving. Other scenarios that strengthen a bike accident victim’s case would be if the driver were playing music too loud, using the phone, driving with multiple passengers and similar distracting actions. Also, having tinted or obstructed windows on a car can make a victim’s claim stronger.

As a biking accident victim, your best chance at recovering the full and fair compensation is to contact a seasoned personal injury attorney who is well-versed in bike accident claims. They have the knowledge, skills, and resources to obtain a settlement you deserve for your damages and losses.

How to Get Started on a Bike Accident Claim in Indiana

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for trusted bike accident personal injury representation in Indianapolis, Indiana and throughout the State of Indiana. Our seasoned bicycle accident attorneys work hard to ensure our clients’ rights to full and fair compensation. We offer free initial consultations to review your case with you, and we never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you!

How Do I Sue a Store for My Injuries?

Posted on December 18, 2019 by admin

After being injured or suffering an accident at a retail store, it is important to learn your rights to compensation and legal protection, regardless of the extent of your damages and losses. Continue reading for a basic review on what you need to know about retail store lawsuits and personal injury claims, including and how to get started on your personal injury claim.

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700

A Store’s Liability

Retail stores, like all public and private properties, have a duty of reasonable care to keep their environments free of hazards and unsafe conditions. In the case where a retail store neglects to uphold their legal standard of care, and as a result a person is injured on their premises, they could be held legally liable for the victim’s damages and losses and their insurance carrier would be responsible for paying any judgment or settlement on behalf of the retail store.

Under tort law, this legal principle is known as premise liability. The type or extent of liability a retail store can be subjected to really depends on broad spectrum of factors, especially whether or not the victim was invited onto the property, licensed to enter the property, or trespassed onto the property. The law classifies customers and guests as invitees, whether paying or not, therefore under law, all customers are entitled to protection under a reasonable care standard from harm while on the store property.

A property’s “premise” is defined as inside and outside of a property, including sidewalks, parking lots, and gates, staircases, parking garages, and more. Where the lines are drawn is fact sensitive. Cases of premise liability can involve various types of accidents and injuries. The most common accidents are slip, trip, and fall accidents. Other common types of premise liability accidents include structural hazards, orthopedic injuries, burn injuries, violence and assault, food poisoning, animal attacks, pedestrian accidents, swimming pool accidents, and more.

Retail Store Accident Claims

If you were injured on the property of a retail store as a result of their negligence, you are entitled to certain legal rights, including compensation for your hospital bills, medical expenses, time lost at work, pain, suffering, and much more if caused as a result of the store’s failure to use reasonable care. Your first step to getting your accident claim started is to contact a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis for an initial consultation.

During your initial consultation, you will discuss several points of your claim with an experienced attorney who can guide you on the best track toward financial recovery. Since first consultations are free, you do not have to worry about paying anything out of pocket to learn more about your legal rights. See our blog, “What to Bring to a Personal Injury Consultation” for details on how to prepare for your first meeting with an accident lawyer.

Top-Rated Accident Attorneys at Your Service

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make a personal injury claim in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis personal injury attorneys maintain a concentrated focus on accident law, and retain extensive trial and litigation experience with a written track record of success. Not only do we offer free initial consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement or judgment for you. Get started by scheduling your consultation, today.

Top 5 Ways to Avoid a Serious Car Accident

Posted on October 11, 2019 by admin

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

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

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

Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Five Tips to Prevent Car Accidents

❶ Adhere to All Traffic Laws and Regulations

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

❷ Drive Sober and Clear-Headed

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

❸ Do Not Text and Drive

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

❹ Never Follow Too Close

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

❺ Use Caution With Left Turns

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

Hurt in a Car Accident?

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

Were You Injured Because Someone Ran a Red Light?

Posted on September 27, 2019 by admin

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

Red and Yellow Traffic Lights

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

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

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

Penalties for Running a Red Light

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

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

Negligence Per Se Car Accident Claims

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

Where to Get Legal Advice for Car Accident Victims

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

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

Who is Liable When a Driver Hits a Pedestrian?

Posted on September 16, 2019 by admin

In most cases of pedestrian car accidents, the ultimate cause is negligence. Common acts of negligence in such cases include reckless driving, intoxicated driving, underage driving, failing to keep a proper lookout and speeding. On the other end of the spectrum, a pedestrian can also be negligent in some motor vehicle accident situations.

Continue reading to learn who is liable when a driver hits a pedestrian, as well as additional frequently asked legal questions about such incidents and injuries.

Indianapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Below, please review some frequently asked legal questions about driver-pedestrian car accidents in Indiana. If you have not yet spoken with an Indiana personal injury lawyer about filing a claim against the at-fault party, be sure to do so immediately. There are time limits on making accident claims in Indiana, so do not hesitate to learn about your rights to recovering full and fair compensation for your losses.

Who is Held Responsible in a Car and Pedestrian Accident?

The state of Indiana uses a comparative negligence analysis to determine who is liable for an accident, and by how much. See our blog, “What is Comparative Fault Analysis in a Personal Injury Case?” to learn more about this legal principle and how it works. Essentially, whichever party is less than 51% at-fault for the accident is the party who can potentially recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Liability in pedestrian car accident cases vary depending on the unique facts and circumstances of each case, so in order to know where you stand, you must speak with a licensed Indiana car accident lawyer for personalized guidance.

Can a Pedestrian Sue a Driver for Hitting Them?

As discussed in the last question, Indiana is a comparative fault state, which means that if a driver is 51% at-fault or more for a pedestrian accident, they are likely to be the liable party. For instance, if you cross a major intersection outside of an established crosswalk, and a driver hits you as they were speeding under the influence of alcohol, you may still be able to file a claim with the driver’s insurance carrier and recover certain damages. In an opposite example, if a pedestrian is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and wanders out into the middle of traffic, they would likely not recover damages in the case of a car accident.

Who Pays the Verdict or Settlement?

In nearly all situations, when a plaintiff/pedestrian receives a settlement or verdict from an at-fault driver, it is the at-fault driver’s insurance company that pays the verdict or settlement amount. In Indiana, there is a judge made rule that seeks to keep the jury from hearing this fact and keeps the jury from hearing that the at-fault driver had auto insurance at all.

Can a Driver Be Arrested and Charged for Hitting a Pedestrian?

There are many situations in which a driver might face criminal charges if they hit a pedestrian. Circumstances that might render these legal repercussions include fatalities, intoxicated driving, high driving, etc…

How Do I Make a Personal Injury Claim as an Injured Pedestrian?

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with our licensed Indianapolis accident injury attorneys who can determine the best strategies for your pedestrian accident claim. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement for you! Call our personal injury law firm to get started on your pedestrian car accident claim, today. We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana.

Types of Legal Liability for Driving Another’s Vehicle

Posted on August 12, 2019 by admin

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

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

Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Children and Family Members

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

The Family Purpose Doctrine

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

Negligent Entrustment

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

Vicarious Liability

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

Company Vehicles and Others Outside of Family

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

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

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

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

Were You Injured in a Car Accident?

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

Safety Tips for Railroad Tracks and Crossings

Posted on January 16, 2018 by admin

Advance Warning Sign for Railways

Although the Departments of Transportation provide us with several kinds of railroad signs and warnings, highway-rail incidents at public and private crossings still occur all too often. According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), there were 265 fatalities at these locations in 2016 alone. Furthermore, the FRA estimates that more than 75% of all railway accidents in 2016 primarily came from 15 states, and Indiana was 6th on the list.

Railroad safety is not only important at public and private crossings, it is also critical to use proper precaution around train tracks. Continue reading to learn more about highway-rail grade crossings, as well as critical safety tips that will keep you protected from serious accidents and injuries. Be sure to share these tips with your loved ones!

The Most Common Railway Warning Signs

There are several types of devices, signs, and signals the U.S. DOT uses to keep drivers and pedestrians safe around train tracks and crossings. The five most common include bright yellow advanced warning signs, crossbuck signs, crossbuck signs with signals, gates with flashing red lights, and pavement markings. As a driver, it is highly likely you have seen these signs before.

Advanced Warning Signs – These signs are yellow and have the double “R’s” and a big black “x” on them. They are generally the first sign that appears when you are approaching a highway-rail grade crossing. You must slow down and pay close attention so that you are prepared to stop.

Crossbuck Signs – These are the white signs in the shape of a big “X”, with the words “Railroad” on one side and “Crossing” on the other. For crossings with multiple tracks, they are generally accompanied with a smaller sign below indicating the number of tracks to anticipate. When you see this sign, you must yield if a train is on the way, on all tracks.

Crossbuck Signs With Signals – These signs look just like crossbuck signs, but are also accompanied with mechanical signals and lights to indicate an approaching train. When these signs are flashing, you must come to a stop and wait for the train to pass.

Gates With Flashing Red Lights – You often see these red and white mechanical gates that raise and lower for crossing traffic. If you approach railways gates that are lowering and flashing, you must stop and wait for the train to pass. Afterwards, you cannot proceed until the gates have finished lifting.

Pavement Markings – Pavement markings like “RXR’s” and “stop lines” are common to see when you are approaching a railway crossing. You must stay behind the stop line and pause to look for an oncoming train. If the tracks are clear, you can proceed. If there is not a stop line present, you must stop at least 15 feet from the closest rail.

Critical Railroad Safety Tips

⛒ Always look both ways before crossing a railroad track, whether on foot, on a bike, or in a car.

⛒ When crossing a track in a manual transmission vehicle, do not change gears mid-track.

⛒ If you must cross a track on foot, you must be sure there is enough clearance on the other side before crossing. In many cases, trains overlap tracks by 3 or 4 feet, and sometimes more.

⛒ Never park or linger on train tracks. If an engineer sees you, they cannot stop in time at 55 miles an hour. It would take at least a mile for the train to come to a complete stop.

⛒ If your car stops on tracks, immediately exit your vehicle and wait at least 15 feet from the train tracks for roadside assistance or the police. You may also call the emergency notification number posted near the crossing. Do not call a non-professional (friend, family, etc.) for help; this is not safe.

⛒ If you see a train approaching, do not try to outrun it with your car or bike. Although trains look like they are faraway, they are much closer and faster than they appear.

⛒ If you are seriously hurt as a result of someone else’s train track negligence, contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to recover compensation for your losses and damages.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys You Can Trust

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 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 get started on your financial recovery, today.

Learn About Bicycle Accident Injuries and Lawsuits

Posted on October 9, 2017 by admin

Bicycle Accident Claims 317-881-2700

It is likely for bicyclists to recover compensation for injuries sustained as a result of another person or entity’s negligence. Winning bicycle accident injury cases is a possible feat; however, it requires highly acute and professional legal counsel. It is important to hire an accomplished personal injury attorney in order to win a bicycle injury lawsuit. They can either negotiate a settlement, or take it to court for trial.

The specific circumstances of the accident, the actions of the individuals involved, and the injuries sustained determine a victim’s eligibility for compensation and their likelihood of winning their case. Continue reading to learn more about bike accident injury claims, and who to talk to for answers you can trust.

Bicycling Rules and Rights

Bicyclists are protected by local and state law, and have rights on the road just like drivers and pedestrians. Not all roads allow bikers and pedestrians, but on roads that do, everyone is expected to obey the rules of the road and each other. This includes bikers, walkers, joggers, and drivers alike. Negligent accidents happen to bicyclists when drivers are distracted, careless, or under the influence. Driver carelessness is one of the main causes for bicycle accident injuries in America. People injured on a bicycle by a negligent driver has a good chance of winning a case against them for their injuries and damages. Again, it is vital to hire a respected personal injury lawyer for professional legal guidance and counsel.

There are several circumstances that involve or cause bicycle accidents. For example, if park administrators fail to post signs for speed limits, or assign proper bicycle paths, they can be held accountable for injuries sustained by a biker for those specific causes. If a person is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and injures a bike rider, their Breathalyzer and sobriety tests can be used as irrefutable evidence against them in a court of law.

Although bicycle riders are often injured by negligent drivers, there are cases in which the biker themselves is responsible for their injuries or accidents. For example, if a person is riding their bicycle in the dark without proper reflective lighting or apparel, they may not have a strong case against a driver that hits or injures them. It can be pointed out by opposing counsel that the biker was not using responsible judgment by riding their bike at night without appropriate gear. If the biker was under the influence themselves at the time of the accident, it can also be used against their case in a court of law. So long as the bike rider was obeying all the rules of the road and all traffic laws, they will most likely not be considered a negligent party in an accident injury case.

Bicycle Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for details about bicycle accident injury claims and pedestrian accidents in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free initial consultations to assess your case and determine if you are eligible for compensation for your damages.