Facts About Liability and Public Transportation Accidents

Posted on October 6, 2020 by admin

Public transportation is a reliable and necessary part of society. But if you are hurt on a bus, train, or other form of transient category, you should seek professional legal advice. If someone is injured while using public transportation, who is at-fault for their damages? There can be several outcomes when determining who is liable for accidents such as these.

Continue reading to understand all the possible parties that might be liable, under law, for injuries sustained to public transportation customers.

Indiana Public Transportation Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Public Transportation Traffic Accidents

Public transportation is a wonderful asset for thousands of Americans all across the country. Buses, trains, subways, limousines, metros, taxi cabs, and more are just a few examples of the various common carriers we have to choose from when it comes to public transport. As customers and clients, we generally trust that these choices are safe and reliable, but sometimes unexpected common carrier accidents happen.

Commercial Bus Accidents

When it comes to public transportation, buses are one of the most popular. Tickets are inexpensive, and some buses are complementary to individuals in the community. School buses are also widely used for public school transportation. With the rising popularity of public buses, more and more are on the roads every day. As a result, the number of bus accidents continue to increase each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 300 bus accidents happen every year, some of which resulting in injuries to the passengers.

Bus crashes, and other public transport cases, are complicated to litigate. Determining the at-fault party is a bus crash can be tricky because it may be more than one person. Fortunately, Indiana bus accident laws do protect innocent victims. It is extremely beneficial to have an attorney with the professional litigation skills and trial experience of highly qualified Indianapolis accident attorneys to effectively pursue a bus accident injury lawsuit or claim. If you or someone you loved has recently been injured in a public transient accident, like buses or taxis, contact a local personal injury lawyer to learn your rights.

Possible At-Fault Parties in a Common Carrier Accident:

⇢ The Driver of the Bus or Taxi
⇢ Management Companies
⇢ Other Negligent Drivers
⇢ Government Entities (If Public)
⇢ Equipment Manufacturers
⇢ City Traffic Management (If Defective Light or Sign)

Common Causes of Public Transient Accidents:

⇢ Drunk Driving
⇢ Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
⇢ Defective Stop Light or Traffic Sign
⇢ Driver Inattention
⇢ Reckless or Careless Driving
⇢ Poor Equipment Maintenance
⇢ Defective Equipment

Addressing Other Negligent Vehicles on the Road

Traffic accidents, public or not, happen very quickly, and usually result in serious injuries and damages to innocent bystanders and drivers. If a person is injured using public transient systems as a result of another’s carelessness or negligence, they are entitled to legal compensation for their pain, suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and more.

Start Your Indianapolis Personal Injury Claim Today

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to get your Indiana personal injury claim started on the right path. Licensed accident attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are ready to pursue your case and obtain a full and fair settlement for your losses. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win compensation for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your complimentary consultation with a seasoned personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, IN today. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

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

Is it Better to Settle an Accident Claim Out of Court in Indiana?

Posted on October 2, 2020 by admin

There is a reason why most personal injury lawsuits are settled before ever having to go to trial. In fact, there is more than one reason why. Not only are trials very expensive, they can be extremely stressful and even more unpredictable in terms of liability and damages. Also, trials are not private, and they can sometimes last for years. In most cases, especially for minor accidents and injuries, settling out of court is quicker, cheaper, and less risky.

However, this does not mean that all injury claims are better settled out of court. Sometimes, depending on the circumstances, a trial is the better, or necessary, route to take. It is important to discuss the recommended strategy for your personal injury claim with an experienced accident lawyer who can provide experience based knowledge for what’s best for your case.

Continue reading to learn more about the advantages to settling an accident claim out of court, as well as, how to get started on your personal injury claim.

Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Going to Court is Never the Cheaper Course of Action

Trials are expensive. And although your personal injury lawyer probably works on a contingency-fee basis, it is still something that can still hold back your final settlement after you receive your compensation. In most contingency-fee arrangements, the attorney receives 33% of any pre-trial settlement and then 40% of any compensation awarded once the trial begins. The client then receives the remainder after any expenses and subrogation or lien claims are paid. Not all contingency arrangements are done this way although the vast majority are; it differs among law firms. By avoiding court, the plaintiff can avoid paying high expenses in having to pay expert witnesses when going to court.

As for defendants, there is no contingency-fee basis. In almost all cases, the defendant’s insurance company must hire a lawyer who gets paid by the hour or the defendant’s attorney is an employee of the insurance company.

Trials Can Be Stressful and Cumbersome

Not just the trial itself, but the weeks leading up to the trial can also be very stressful for a person and their loved ones. Both the plaintiff and the defendant can be subjected to invasive examinations and cross-examinations, and in a public arena.

Trial Outcomes Cannot Always Be Well Predicted

Although today’s legal system is set up in a way that takes surprises out of the trial process, they can still pose a long list of potential unexpected occurrences that influence the final outcome of a settlement. For instance, key evidence may be excluded from trial by the judge, new testimony can come out on the witness stand, key witnesses may sound unreliable or not show up at trial, and more.

Aside from all these potential unpredictable possibilities, the amount of compensation recovered is up to the jury. This means a plaintiff can be awarded much more or much less than the parties expected. Out of court, the plaintiff party and the defendant party have control over the negotiation of recompense.

What to Do as an Accident Victim in Indiana

If you or someone you loved has been hurt in a serious accident as a result of negligence by a company, person, or entity, you may be entitled to legal compensation. Get started on a path to justice and full and fair compensation, right now. Call an experienced Indianapolis personal injury law firm to speak to a legal representative about your recent injury or accident.

Indianapolis Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys Who Won’t Back Down to the Insurance Companies

Call the law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim in Indiana. We are seasoned personal injury attorneys who want nothing more than to recover the full and fair compensation for accident victims across Indiana. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 and get started as soon as today.

How to Maximize Your Personal Injury Verdict After an Indiana Boating Accident

Posted on September 29, 2020 by admin

With the exception of this week’s forecast, recent weather has been very permitting for outdoor activity, which is why so many boaters are still enjoying the lake life around Indiana. But not all boat days end in sun tans and good memories; some boating days end in severe injury. If you were just injured in a boating accident in Indiana, it is vital that you seek professional legal counsel right away. An accomplished personal injury law firm with a team of attorneys who specialize in Indiana boat accidents is the right hire to represent your injury claim.

But who can you trust to deliver such results? The answer is The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indiana Bicycle Accident Lawyers — Indiana Boating Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. for Boating Accident Claims in Indiana

Boating accidents are typically very serious, as they tend to involve extremely vulnerable and exposed victims, heavy motorized boats, high speeds, and deep waters. This combination can be deadly in the case of a boat collision, or being hit or runover by a vessel. Boating accident victims in the past have suffered a vast range of severe injuries, such as orthopedic fractures and breaks, traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s), spinal cord injuries, serious burns, lacerations, amputations, and even wrongful deaths and drowning.

Due to the severe injuries suffered by boating accident victims, the cost of medical care is typically much higher than an average personal injury case, which in turn means that the amount of damages for the victim and their immediate families also tend to be higher. Hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages from missing work, property damages, pain and suffering, and more, are all examples of possible damages you can collect as an Indiana boating accident victim.

Common causes of boat accidents include, but are not limited to:

🛥 BUI’s (Boating Under the Influence)
🛥 Inattention
🛥 Distracted Driving
🛥 Inexperienced Driving
🛥 Speeding
🛥 Ignoring Wake Zones
🛥 X-Large Wakes
🛥 Turning Too Sharply
🛥 Recklessness
🛥 Dangerous Weather
🛥 Failure to Wear Life Jackets
🛥 Negligent Boat Maintenance

Getting Started Doesn’t Cost You a Thing

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation to learn your eligibility to pursue legal action against a wrongful party in a boating accident. We never collect lawyer fees upfront, nor do we charge hourly, require retainers, or surprise you with hidden fees. Our Indiana personal injury attorneys work on contingency, which means that you do not owe us a dime unless we recover a settlement or judgment for you! You can get started on your path toward financial recovery and justice, without paying a single penny. Initial consultations are not only free, we can perform them over the phone, via online conference, at your home or in person at our Indianapolis personal injury law office.

Learn More About Your Claim From a Trusted Indianapolis Accident Lawyer

Our esteemed Indiana personal injury attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek will work hard so you can recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a serious boat accident. Not only do we represent injured people throughout the State of Indiana, we never collect lawyer fees unless we obtain a settlement or judgment for you. Contact us today at 317-881-2700 to get your case in motion.

How to Interview a Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted on September 25, 2020 by admin

After being injured in an accident that was not your fault, you have a right to claim your damages through a personal injury claim. In order to get the maximum settlement or verdict for your case, it is vital to retain the services of a licensed accident attorney; but not just any accident attorney, as there are thousands to choose from just in Indiana alone. You must choose an experienced and qualified lawyer to represent you in your personal injury claim. How do you know you have found the right accident lawyer to work with? You will have to meet or speak with them, and decide for yourself if they are a good fit.

Continue below to learn what you should be asking personal injury lawyers when you are interviewing them as a potential legal representative your Indiana accident claim.

Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Questions to Ask Your Accident Attorney

Have You Represented Cases in Civil Court?

All personal injury lawyers have seen the court room during their career, but you want to choose a lawyer who is familiar with the civil courthouses throughout the State you are filing your claim in. Our law firm has represented injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

Have You Represented Cases Like Mine Before?

Choose a personal injury lawyer who is well-versed in the particular type of injury or accident you have suffered. For instance, if you were seriously injured in a car accident, you will want to find a personal injury lawyer who concentrates on car accident claims and has represented such cases before with successful outcomes. Our law firm has represented thousands of injured persons successfully throughout the State of Indiana.

Do You Take a Lot of Cases to Court?

Most personal injury lawyers can settle the cases they work on out of court, without ever going to trial. However, they should always be ready and willing to take the case to a jury if the insurance company won’t deliver a fair settlement offer. Ask your potential accident attorney how often their cases go to court to gain an idea of their hands-on trial experience.

Do Other Lawyers Work on Your Cases Too?

Some personal injury lawyers work as a team within a law firm. Not only is it quite common for more than one lawyer to handle a personal injury case, it is an advantage to have multiple astute minds working on a client’s financial recovery. Furthermore, it is easier to get in touch with a legal professional during the claim process when you have questions.

How Much Do You Charge in Lawyer Fees?

Most personal injury law firms work on contingency, which means clients do not owe any fees unless the lawyers obtain a settlement or verdict for them. There are no upfront lawyer fees, hourly billing, or retainers. So, you should ask your potential lawyer if they too work on contingency, and if so, how much they deduct from your settlement for attorney fees if they are successful with your case.

How Soon Can You Start on My Claim?

Personal injury lawyers know that claims are limited in time with the state’s statute of limitations. So, most often, they will get started on your case the same day, or at least very soon after you agree to hire them.

How to Get Started on Your Indianapolis Personal Injury 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 serious injuries or damages at the hands of another. 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.

What to Do if You are in a Company Car Accident

Posted on September 22, 2020 by admin

Nothing interrupts a workday worse than wrecking the company vehicle. And when injuries are serious, it can interrupt the quality of your life as well. For this reason, it is important to be prepared. Knowing how to handle a car accident in your work vehicle will be helpful to your claim and recovery. Continue reading for tips on what to do if you are ever involved in one.

Indiana Car Accident and Workers' Compensation Lawyers — Indiana Car Accident and Workers’ Compensation Lawyers 317-881-2700

Tips for Driving a Company Vehicle

If you are frequently commuting back and forth in a company car all day long, it is important to be prepared for a car accident. With so much driving, the likelihood of being involved in a collision of some sort increases drastically. To prepare, keep a camera in your vehicle, along with your insurance information, pen, paper, and of course, your drivers’ license. These items will make your post-accident timeline much smoother, and will also allow you to record any evidence you need to support your insurance and/or injury claim. Evidence includes witness statements, witness contact information, other driver’s insurance and contact information, pictures of damages and the scene of the accident, and more.

Steps to Follow After a Company Car Accident

As soon as you are involved in a car accident in your company-issued vehicle, the first step is to seek medical attention right away. Once you are stable, you can continue on. If you are transported directly to a hospital for serious injuries, ask a police officer to help collect the information you need beforehand (if you can). If not, don’t worry about it; an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you gather all the evidence needed to support your case if need be.

If you are stable, then your next step is to check on the other people involved in the accident to see if they are okay. If they require medical treatment, step back and allow them to receive it. If they are stable, then you want to exchange insurance and contact information with them. It is also recommended to take a photo of their insurance card, license plate, and drivers’ license to ensure accuracy in case of clerical errors.

Next, use your phone or camera to take pictures and video of the scene of the accident, the vehicular damages, the road signs, stop lights, or other objects you think contributed to the accident. Also take pictures of any physical injuries you have on your body. Once you have visual evidence, look around to see if there were any witnesses to the accident. Ask them for their contact information if you need their statements during the claims process.

The last step is to hire an experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney to help negotiate your car accident settlement in the case that you were seriously injured. They can help you recover the full and fair compensation you need to come back from your losses and damages, including hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages from time off work, pain, suffering, and more.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek Helps Injured Indiana Car Accident Victims

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned injury lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, handle car accident injury claims and workers’ compensation claims, and have represented thousands of injured persons in Indiana. Our personal injury law firm offers free initial consultations to evaluate your eligibility to pursue legal action and collect compensation for your damages. Best of all, we never collect attorney fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict for you!

Common Signs and Symptoms of Nursing Home Elder Abuse

Posted on September 18, 2020 by admin

If your loved one is currently living in a nursing home, or will be entering one soon, it is important to you that they are being cared for to the best of the staff’s abilities. Unfortunately, the industry’s employment turnover rate is high, and it is difficult for many establishments to retain a sufficient staff of fully-qualified caregivers. For these reasons, it is common for seniors to experience different levels of abuse and neglect. So how do you know your loved one is in good hands? There are various signs of nursing home abuse and neglect that you can look out for if you suspect any maltreatment is taking place.

Continue reading to learn more about elder abuse and neglect, including common signs exhibited by patients, as well as, which steps to take if you are concerned about the standard of care at your loved one’s Indiana care facility.

Indianapolis Elderly Abuse Lawyers 317-881-2700

What is Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

It is important to understand that the circumstances surrounding neglect can vary greatly, especially since it can happen both intentionally and unintentionally. Sometimes, a staff member is unaware of the level of care a patient requires because they are insufficiently trained, and as a result, neglect to meet the patient’s nursing needs, resulting in harm to the patient. In other cases, a staff member might be in denial about a patient’s true needs, or simply refuse to provide certain levels of treatment because they think it’s unnecessary. In egregious cases, staff deliberately abuse elderly patients, verbally, mentally, emotionally, or physically. Yet, regardless of intention, it is 100% immoral, unethical, unacceptable, and against the law.

Common Types of Elder Neglect

➤ Emotional – This type of disregard for a patient can occur in many forms, such as being yelled at or ignored or left alone for long periods of time. Verbal and mental abuse are also common examples of emotional neglect.

➤ Basic Needs – When a patient’s basic needs are not being met, whether intentional or unintentional, it can be described as basic needs neglect. Basic needs include things like food, water, bathroom, and being kept in a safe environment.

➤ Medical – Medical neglect can occur when a patient’s medical needs are not being met. This includes medical treatments, medications, or general attention and supervision.

➤ Personal Hygiene – Personal hygiene neglect can be another form of basic needs neglect. It can occur when a patient is denied the proper bathing, grooming, clothing changes, and other standard hygienic practices.

Possible Signs of Elder Neglect

The signs of elder abuse and neglect can be very obvious, entirely undetectable, or somewhere in between. It is important to pay close attention to your loved one in order to evaluate their quality of life and the level of care they are being given. Possible signs of elder abuse or neglect include poor hygiene, weight loss, mood changes, unexplained or mysterious injuries, decreased muscle strength, stiffness or lack of mobility, unsanitary conditions in the home, reduced interest in activities or companionship, anxiety, depression, and other drastic physical or emotional changes.

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of elder abuse or nursing home neglect, it is important to discuss your concerns with a licensed Indiana personal injury lawyer right away. They can help you understand your legal options and recommend the best course of action for protecting your loved one.

Indianapolis Indiana Elder Abuse Lawyers Who Can Help Your Loved One

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a personal injury lawyer about making a nursing home neglect claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are extensively experienced and well-versed in Indiana elder abuse law, and can stand up to the insurance company and demand the maximum offer for your loved one’s damages. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and determine if you are entitled to remuneration for your family’s damages. As an added convenience for our clients, we never collect lawyer fees unless we obtain a settlement or verdict.

FAQS About Having to Go Back to Work After a Workplace Injury

Posted on September 4, 2020 by admin

Suffering a serious injury on the job is stressful enough. So, the process of transitioning back into the workplace should be a smooth and comfortable one. Unfortunately, many injured workers have difficulty returning to work, especially those who are forced to come back, or those who have been away for a long period of time. As an injured worker receiving workers’ compensation benefits, you too may be mandated to return to work. Hopefully, your employer has a respectful and reasonable return to work policy in place for such situations, or at least willing to improvise one as they go. Either way, it is important to get your facts straight to ensure your rights and your benefits are protected.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about having to return to work after being injured in an on-the-job accident.

Medical Improvement

During the workers’ compensation process, you are routinely seeing your doctor to monitor and record your recovery. At some point in time, your doctor will sign off on your work abilities, confirming that you have reached maximum medical improvement. This might happen sooner than you anticipate, leaving you full of doubts, along with an obligation to comply or risk losing your workers’ compensation benefits.

Here are some of the most common questions injured workers ask about returning to work after suffering a workplace injury:

▶ How Long Will I Be Off Work After a Workplace Injury?

Some injured workers are okayed to return, but under certain restrictions, while others are ordered to wait to return to work until they make further progress. In this latter case, workers are generally not signed off to work again until they have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), which means they have recovered as much as they are going to with medical care. Others are medically approved to return to work before they reach this point. When this happens, they are usually transitioned back into the workplace under certain limitations, such as a modified schedule or lighter duties.

▶ Am I Forced to Return to Work After Being Okayed by a Doctor?

If you are signed off by the doctor to go back to work, you must go back to work, otherwise, you could lose your workers’ compensation benefits. Once you receive your return to work date, be sure to notify your employer as soon as you receive this notice. Also ensure that you carefully examine the documents to learn the exact parameters of your return. Both your workers’ compensation representative and your employer should have copies of your doctor’s orders, especially if it includes any restrictions. You do have a right to have an independent medical examination performed if you disagree with the return to work decision made by the doctor chosen by the worker compensation carrier.

▶ How Does a Doctor Decide if I Am Okay to Return to Work?

As mentioned, every routine visit to your doctor serves as a record in time, monitoring the progress of your recovery, and gauging your capacity to return to your normal work duties. As this process unfolds, your doctor will decide when you can go back to work, and at what scope. Your doctor will do this by performing an evaluation, and then using the data to assign a workers’ compensation disability rating if you have an on-going disability. You have a right to request for an Independent Medical Exam (IME) to gain a second opinion on your ability to come back to work.

▶ How Do I Learn More About My Workers’ Compensation Rights in Indiana?

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney who concentrates on Indiana workplace injury claims. Seasoned attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are equipped to recover the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve after being seriously injured at work. Recover for damages and losses, including medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, and more. We represent injured workers all throughout the State of Indiana, so get started with a free consultation, today.

How to Get Help With Your Minor Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) Claim

Posted on September 1, 2020 by admin

Although it might sound like a contradiction to call any form of brain injury minor, there is in fact a spectrum of severity among brain injury sufferers. In fact, many medical professionals refer to a standard scale to gauge the acuteness of a brain injury. If a brain injury results in certain lasting medical conditions, whether short or long term, it might be diagnosed as a minor traumatic brain injury, or MTBI.

If you are a recent victim of a negligent accident that caused you to suffer a minor traumatic brain injury, you need to consult with a legal team right away, well before the statute of limitations runs out on your claim. As a victim of an accident that was not your fault, nonetheless one that resulted in harm to your brain, you are entitled to full and fair compensation for your losses and damages.

Continue reading to learn how to get help with your minor traumatic brain injury, starting with a free consultation with a seasoned accident attorney.

Indiana Brain Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Minor Traumatic Brain Injuries

To be diagnosed with a minor traumatic brain injury MTBI, a brain injury victim must exhibit one or more of the following medical conditions must arise after their accident:

⇛ General Confusion and/or Disorientation

⇛ Amnesia Surrounding the Time of the Accident

⇛ Neurological or Neuropsychological Complications

⇛ Scoring 13 or More on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

*Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) – A common scoring system used to define the level of consciousness in a traumatic brain injury patient.

Additional Symptoms of a MTBI:

⇒ Intermittent Dizziness
⇒ Short Term Memory Loss
⇒ Headaches
⇒ Blurred Vision
⇒ Temporary/Partial Blindness
⇒ Poor Concentration
⇒ Agitation/Irritability
⇒ Depression
⇒ Changes in Appetite
⇒ Changes in General Demeanor or Character

Brain Injuries and Newborns

It is possible for infants to suffer traumatic brain injury at birth. Common defects and disorders that arise from birthing injuries include Cerebral Palsy (CP), Erb Palsy (Often misspelled Erb’s), coma, paralysis, and consequent death.

How to Get Started on Your Brain Injury Claim

Regardless of where your minor traumatic brain injury scores, a brain injury is serious, and can have lasting negative effects on a victim’s life, and even their immediate family. And although remuneration can’t entirely dissolve the experience of physically, emotionally, and financially suffering, it can help you and your family get back to a way of life that was as close to the life you had before. Talk to a licensed personal injury lawyer to learn more about making a brain injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indianapolis Accident Attorneys Who Will Win Your Brain Injury Claim

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make a personal injury or minor traumatic brain injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana or anywhere throughout the State of Indiana. Our accomplished personal injury attorneys want to see you and your family prevail in and outside of the courtroom. This is why we use every resource in our power to ensure you receive the proper and on-going medical care and attention you need following a traumatic brain injury case, including neuropsychological and psychological testing outside of MRI’s and cat scans. 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.

Can I Sue a Driver for Hitting Me Because They Were Using Their Cell Phone?

Posted on August 25, 2020 by admin

If you refer to the recent Indiana motor vehicle accident records maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), you will learn that, in 2018 alone, nearly half a million car accident victims suffered serious injuries as a result of distracted driving. In that same year, nearly 3,000 actually lost their lives due to distracted driving. Fortunately, Indiana’s government continues to make strides in improving and preserving the standard of protection for drivers and pedestrians alike.

One example is a new law that was passed just last month making it illegal to use or hold a cell phone while driving. If you were recently injured in a car accident because the other driver was using their cell phone, or otherwise distracted, that driver can be deemed negligent in the eyes of the law. In turn, this could make you eligible for a legal settlement or court verdict.

Continue reading to learn more about distracted driving accidents and injuries, including what you need to do as a recent victim to get your claim started, and what Indiana’s law says about using your phone while driving.

Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700 — Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm – Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

It is Against the Law to Use Your Phone and Drive

Here in Indiana, July 1^st, 2020 served as the day in which using or even holding your cell phone while driving, was decreed illegal. That means it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle, while at the same time, using or holding a mobile phone. However, it is perfectly legal to use voice command or hands-free phone technology, or to use a phone to call 911 for a valid emergency. You can read the full contents of this law is under Indiana Code § 9-21-8-59, which includes this relevant excerpt:

“(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), a person may not hold or use a telecommunications device while operating a moving motor vehicle. (b) A telecommunications device may be used in conjunction with hands free or voice operated technology. (c) A telecommunications device may be used or held to call 911 to report a bona fide emergency.”

With this new law in effect, drivers who reach down to pick up a dropped phone, or choose to send emails or text messages while the car is moving, can be easily found negligent in their actions. Therefore, anyone who suffers injuries in a car accident that resulted from a driver using or holding their phone is likely entitled to certain compensation for their damages and losses because that driver blatantly broke the law.

Other Forms of Distracted Driving

Drivers can become distracted in a multitude of ways; not just by using a phone. If you were seriously injured by a distracted driver, it could be for many reasons. Common examples of distracted driving include reading maps or GPS, eating, handling children in the backseat, rifling through purses or briefcases, and changing music on the stereo.

How to Get started on a Car Accident Claim

Contact a licensed personal injury lawyer who concentrates on car accident injury claims if you were recently injured in a car accident that was not your fault. You see, insurance companies in clear cut cases of liability, such as using a phone while driving, sometimes try to settle as soon as possible. But accepting a quick settlement can be a massive mistake as a car accident victim.

This is because once a person signs and accepts the offer and releases the defendant from further liability, the case is immediately closed and cannot be brought back up ever again. If more injuries are discovered after settlement, which can occur and is called “delayed onset” or other damages appear or get worse after the settlement has closed, the defendant and their insurance company will no longer bear any responsibility. This is why it is important to hire a licensed Indiana car accident attorney to represent you.

Indianapolis Indiana Car Accident Lawyers Who Can Help

Call 317-881-2700 and speak with a seasoned personal injury attorney about your car accident injury in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek each have decades of car accident litigation and trial experience, and will work diligently to ensure you obtain the full and fair compensation for your damages. We offer free initial consultations to assess your case, and never collect attorney fees unless we recover a settlement for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your initial consultation, today.

How to Recover Damages From Your Wet Floor Slip and Fall Compensation Claim

Posted on August 20, 2020 by admin

A wet floor sign plays a vital role in the safety of both patrons and staff within a business. However, more needs to be done to protect others from slip and fall accidents. When such warnings and actions are not applied properly for this purpose, the property owner or proprietor can be held legally liable for any victim’s damages and losses that result from their injuries. If you were recently injured on a commercial property in a wet floor slip and fall accident, your next step is to retain skilled personal injury representation so that you can recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Continue reading to learn more about Indiana slip and fall accidents, including how to maximize your compensation and where to get started on your claim.

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700

Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

Losing one’s balance as a result of a wet floor can result in slipping and falling. When this happens as a result of a store or business owner’s negligence, the victim is likely entitled to economical reimbursement for their damages and losses. Damages and losses include out-of-pocket expenses accrued as a result of their injuries, like hospital and medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and more. So, what does negligence look like in a wet floor slip and fall scenario? Well, there are many ways a business can be negligent. One of the most common mistakes or inactions made is not displaying proper signage and warnings on rainy days, snowy days, mopping days, spills, leaks, or when the floors are otherwise wet. If this happens, a business is not taking the proper precautions they are obligated to under Indiana duty of care and negligence laws.

A Business’s Duty of Care

Negligence can be defined in many ways, but there are two fundamental factors that make evident its basic concept; these two factors are “duty of care” and “breaching” the duty of care. Every person in the United States has a legal responsibility, or duty of care, to prevent or avoid causing harm to another person, whether intentional or accidental. Stores and businesses have this same legal responsibility, and if they fail to uphold that responsibility, thus directly causing another person to be injured or killed, they have breached their duty of care.

Advice for Making a Slip and Fall Claim in Indiana

If you or a loved one recently suffered serious injuries as a result of a slip and fall accident on another person’s property, you have the option of filing a slip and fall claim. During this filing process, evidence will be requested to prove that the owner of the property should have known, or did know, about the hazard that caused the accident to occur. To do this, hire an Indianapolis personal injury attorney that has experience in slip and fall lawsuits. They will provide comprehensive representation for all aspects of your slip and fall lawsuit. They can obtain compensation for damages related to your accident and injuries.

Contact Our Indianapolis Indiana Slip and Fall Lawyers Today

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to get started on your slip and fall accident claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers have decades of experience working on slip and fall cases, and will use every resource in our firm’s power to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. Best of all, we offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we win a settlement for you. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana. Call 317-881-2700 to get started, today.