Can I Make a Claim for an Injury Sustained at a Beauty Salon?

Posted on April 16, 2018 by admin

Men, women, and even kids enjoy a visit to their local beauty salon. Whether or a haircut, color, eyebrow trim, manicure, massage, or some other beauty service, it is the responsibility of the salon to ensure you are in safe hands. So what happens if you are injured at a beauty salon? Who is liable? Who pays for your medical expenses and lost wages? After seeking immediate medical attention following a beauty salon accident, the best course of action to take is to contact a local Indianapolis personal injury law firm to discuss liability and your rights to remuneration.

Continue reading to learn more about beauty salon liability, injury claims, and lawsuits.

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Beauty Salon Accidents

If you think about it, a beauty salon can be a dangerous place. From the chemicals and electrical equipment, to the sharp steel used to cut, shape, and trim, there are thousands of accidents waiting to happen at your local salon. Fortunately, most salons are very professional and highly trained at protecting clients and staff from harm, which is why the beauty salon injury rate is quite low every year.

However, beauty salon accidents do occur from time to time when carelessness comes into play. The scope of injury that can occur in a beauty salon ranges from slightly embarrassing to deadly.

Common accidents that result in injuries to salon patrons include:

Burns – Burns are one of the most common salon injuries. They can occur from improper color or chemical treatments, curling irons, blow dryers, waxes, ointments, and anything else than can irritate or burnt the skin. Burns are usually minor and can be self-treated, however, more serious burns can result in prolonged treatments, scarring, permanent hair loss, skin graft surgeries, permanent disfigurement, and mental anguish.

Neck and Back Injuries – Neck and back injuries are also common in massage parlors and hair salons. The reclining position used to wash hair in the salon sink can cause strain or stress to the neck, while improper massage practices can injure the muscles in the neck or back.

Lacerations – Another common injury that occurs at beauty salons are cuts, scrapes, and similar skin wounds. These can occur from negligent hair cutting, waxing, eyebrow trimming, nose and beard trimming, and certain laser treatments.

Slip, Trip and Falls – Slip, trip, and fall accidents are also common at beauty salons. All sorts of equipment are plugged into the walls, leaving electrical cords exposed in some circumstances. Also, floors are often covered in hair debris, and the areas around sinks can get splashed with water from shampooing service. When these obstructions are not dealt with in an efficient and reasonable fashion, it can cause a person to fall and incur serious muscle and orthopedic injuries.

Beauty Salon Negligence

If a serious injury occurs to a beauty salon client, they may have a negligence claim against the salon. The salon could be held liable for the client’s losses and damages incurred as a result of the injuries sustained in their salon. These may include compensatory damages such as lost wages, hospital bills, and medical expenses, or other forms of losses, like pain, suffering, permanent disfigurement, reduced quality of life, mental anguish, and more.

There are several aspects involved in proving a negligence claim against a beauty salon; however, the chief factors include showing evidence that:

☑ The salon had a duty of care to protect their clients from such injury.

☑ The salon did not act according to reasonable standards to prevent such injuries.

☑ The client was injured as a direct result of the salon’s failure to act according to reasonable standards to prevent such injuries.

Making a Claim for a Beauty Salon Injury

If you or a loved one was injured in a beauty salon, it is strongly encouraged to consult with a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyer for information about your potential claim. The actual liable party depends on several factors, and sometimes, it may not even be the beauty salon. For instance, if you were injured by a malfunctioning electrical appliance, like a curling iron, it is likely that the manufacturer is liable, rather than the beauty salon or an individual technician. Be sure to talk to a licensed attorney to learn exactly where you stand with your beauty salon injury claim.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers Who Can Help

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury 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.

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

Posted on April 10, 2018 by admin

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

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

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

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

If You are Involved in an Accident…

DO:

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

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

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

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

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

BUT NEVER…

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

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

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

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

If You Were Injured in an Accident…

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

Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

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

How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Accident Lawyer?

Posted on April 4, 2018 by admin

It is always best to hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you or your family in an accident case, however, many people are hesitant to do so out of fear that they charge too much for their services. If you want to know how much an accident lawyer charges for their services, continue reading and review the several types of pay rates and price tiers that are common among law firms and independent attorneys.

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Understanding Lawyer Fees

Law firms collect their fees in a variety of ways. It can depend on the type of case, the lawyer’s experience and more. Common payment arrangements used by law firms and lawyers include hourly rates, flat rates, retainers, and contingent fees. Flat rate fees are generally arranged for basic and simple legal services, like divorces and wills. Hourly fees are the most common payment arrangement for lawyers, and vary in price depending on the lawyer’s experience. Hourly attorney rates can be anywhere from $50 to $1,000 per hour! However, these rates vary from firm to firm.

Contingent Fees and Retainers

Retainers are used for certain cases and charged upfront before services are rendered. As clients are billed, the amount is deducted from the retainer as the case proceeds. Contingent fees are only collected if a lawyer wins a settlement for their client. This means they work on a contingent fee basis. This is most common for personal injury lawyers and law firms like ours.

Most personal injury law firms, including ours, offer free initial consultations to discuss your accident and assess whether or not it’s a valid claim. If it is valid, they will accept the case and move forward with the legal process upon your request, without ever collecting lawyer fees unless they win your settlement. So most often, no upfront fees are necessary, but this is not the case for all firms.

Recovering a Settlement

Once a settlement is recovered, there are different methods and price tiers of payment collected by lawyers. How they choose to collect or charge their fees all depends on the firm or the lawyer themselves. A certain percentage is deducted from the settlement amount and paid to the personal injury attorney for their services. But if the client does not win their case, the lawyer collects nothing. Generally, accident lawyers collect one third of the settlement recovered; however, these percentages vary among firms.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We never collect attorney fees unless we win your settlement. We concentrate on various accident cases, including motor vehicle accidents, slip trip and fall accidents, dog bites, workers compensation, and much more. Call 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim, today.

Who is Liable if an Adolescent Causes a Car Accident?

Posted on March 28, 2018 by admin

Car Accident Claims for Minors 317-881-2700

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

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

Vicarious Liability

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

Negligent Entrustment

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

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

Family Purpose Doctrine

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

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

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

Our Law Firm Never Charges Lawyer Fees Unless We Recover a Settlement for You!

Posted on March 26, 2018 by admin

Do not allow personal injury lawyer costs to hold you back from getting the full and fair compensation you deserve. The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. will settle your case, or you owe nothing. Call us for a FREE consultation 317-881-2700.

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Here at Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C., we are your number one advocate after being wrongly injured. We are seasoned personal injury lawyers who work around the clock to ensure every detail of your case is investigated and managed. We use every resource in our power to recover sufficient compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages. Furthermore, statutes of limitations are honored here in Indiana, so we feel eager to remind anyone that has been involved in an accident to contact our personal injury law firm as soon as possible to discuss filing a claim.

A Contingency-Fee Basis That’s Convenient for You

It is normal to feel concerned and overwhelmed about the thought of having to pay for lawyer services, especially during a time when bills are adding up faster than you can blink. You may be worried that you cannot afford such services along with all your other financial obligations. Fortunately, you do not have to pay these concerns any attention when you have our personal injury law firm working on your claim. Our personal injury clients never have to worry about budgeting attorney costs. That is because they are never required to pay any lawyer service fees unless we recover a settlement for them.

So what does this mean for you? As a potential client of ours, you do not owe us a penny for lawyer services if do not collect a settlement for you!

Our licensed and skilled personal injury lawyers have extensive trial and litigation experience, and are seasoned in several areas of civil and tort law. We utilize our knowledge of the law and our hands-on litigation experience to help you get the full and fair compensation you deserve after being negligently injured in an accident.

We Have the Resources to Be Successful With Your Claim

If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident that was not your fault, we have the resources to protect your needs. Do you need medical coverage? Are you missing work and losing out on pay? All these concerns and more can be addressed by one of our highly experienced personal injury lawyers. We work hard to recover compensation that will be sufficient enough to cover all of your lost wages, medical expenses, hospital bills, prolonged therapy, and much more. At Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C., we promise to not collect any payment at all for our services unless we are triumphant in your case.

Experienced Accident Attorneys Working for You

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call our office today at 317-881-2700 and schedule a FREE initial consultation to discuss your Indianapolis personal injury claim. Seasoned attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are ready to listen to your case and determine the best strategy for pursing a claim. At your free initial consultation, you can have your case heard and evaluated without any payment obligations. Contact us to get started in your financial recovery, today.

What To Do After Being Hurt in a Public Bus Accident

Posted on March 13, 2018 by admin

Below you will find a recommended course of action to take directly after being involved in a public bus accident. It is important to follow these steps so that you may protect yourself and your rights to medical coverage and compensation.

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Bus accidents are not like your average fender bender. Such accidents pose a much higher risk of injury to all parties involved. Compared to your standard motor vehicle, buses are a lot bigger and have larger fuel quantities, making them highly dangerous munitions in a collision scenario. Furthermore, they carry more passengers, which means the probability of casualties and injuries are higher.

Regardless of fault or party, it is important to use the proper course of action directly after being involved in a bus accident. Whether you were a passenger on the bus or in another vehicle, these steps apply to everyone. If you have questions about these steps, it is best to consult a trusted Indianapolis personal injury lawyer who concentrates on motor vehicle accident claims. You can also consult your car insurance carrier to confirm or review your current medical coverage benefits.

What To Do After a Bus Collision:

❶ Get Away From the Scene of the Accident

The very first thing you should do moments after a bus accident is get to a safe place away from the collision. If you are mobile, exit the bus or vehicle as soon as you can do so safely. If you are not mobile, jump to step two. Otherwise, once you exit the bus or vehicle, get yourself away from the accident scene. As mentioned, buses contain a whole lot of fuel, which can explode if ignited by a spark or fire.

❷ Get Medical Attention

Once you are at a safe distance from the accident scene, it is important to get yourself medical care right away whether you think you are injured or not. This is a critical step because it is common for injuries to not show up right away, or for victims to be in shock and not realize they are injured. Call 911 and request an ambulance or EMT’s to respond. They will arrive within minutes to assess your condition and spot treat any injuries or wounds. If you are seriously injured, they will transport you to the nearest emergency room for further treatment.

❸ Contact the Authorities and Obtain Witness Testimonies and Contact Information

Contact the local police department to report the accident. It is important to file a report so that you have records of the accident. Witness testimonies are also important because they can protect you from being accused or questioned about the circumstances of the accident and your subsequent injuries. A law enforcement officer is likely to take down some witness statements as well, but it is strongly recommended to get your own for a more in depth record. Be sure to ask for witness contact information in case you need them to verify their statements later on.

❹ Collect Evidence and Retain All Records

Aside from a police report and witness testimonies, it is important to collect as much evidence to support any potential claims you might make in the future. Types of evidence includes photos and videos of the bus, the involved vehicles, injured passengers, traffic lights, stop signs, skid marks, and anything else that could have possibly contributed to the accident. Retain all related records as well, including bills, statements, physical therapy sessions, doctor appointments, and more. Be sure to keep all of these records and evidence in a safe place; do not throw them away because you do not know when you might need them.

❺ Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm

If you were injured in a bus accident, you are likely eligible for remuneration from the bus company’s (or bus driver’s) insurance carrier. After you have completed all of the above-mentioned steps, move forward by hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer to file an accident claim. You could potentially recover compensation to help pay for your medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, and more. They have the knowledge and resources to make sure you do not miss out on being compensated by all possibly liable parties, such as the bus driver, the bus company, the bus manufacturer, or even the city.

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

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you were recently injured in a bus accident in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can speak with a seasoned Indianapolis car accident lawyer about recovering compensation for your losses and damages. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your claim, and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Get started on your bus accident injury claim by scheduling your appointment, today.

Where to Get Legal Advice for Hotel Accident Injury Claims

Posted on March 6, 2018 by admin

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700

Whether five star or economy-class, all hotels are susceptible to lapses in safety requirements. If such safety errors take place, accidents can happen, which can cause injuries to both employees and guests alike. Furthermore, if negligence is founded on behalf of the hotel, victims may be eligible to collect compensation for their damages and losses incurred as a result of the accident.

This is made more possible with the help of a licensed personal injury law firm. Victims of hotel accidents are encouraged to take a closer look at their case and learn their rights to filing an injury claim against the negligent party. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about hotel accidents and injury claims, and more importantly, where to get started.

Hotel Risks

There are several components and amenities within a hotel that can lead to dangerous accidents and serious injuries. Staircases, steps, ramps, elevators, escalators, balconies, and swimming pools are just a few common structures found in hotels that are known for various types of accidents. In addition to structures, many hotels also serve food and beverages, which can also cause serious injury if prepared and served improperly. This is especially true in terms of food borne illnesses, alcohol poisoning, and dietary restrictions. In addition to these types of potential hazards, some hotels provide shuttle and transportation services that can result in a wide range of motor vehicle accidents if the proper protocols and practices aren’t taken.

Slip and Fall Accidents in Hotels

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700

The most common type of personal injury accident claim filed against hotels are slip and fall claims. When floors, foundations, and certain surroundings are negligently tended to, people are at risk of slipping, tripping, and falling. This includes liquids and spills, power cords, unstable balconies or bridges, poor lighting, broken furniture, crumbling pavement, unleveled flooring, torn or heaved carpeting, broken rails, and ground obstructions. Slip and fall accidents that stem from these types of safety errors can range from minor to very serious, and
even fatal in some cases.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pool accidents are another common personal injury claim against hotels. When improperly maintained and supervised, hotels can be liable for any accidents and subsequent injuries that take place as a result of their negligence. Accidental drowning accidents are the most serious cases, and victims of such negligence are encouraged to pursue a wrongful death claim. In terms of non-fatal injuries, the most common are slip and fall accidents, which usually cause injuries like broken bones, head injuries, and more. Near-drowning accidents are also common, which can still cause a surplus of injuries.

Where to Get Started With Your Hotel Accident Claim

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim for a hotel accident in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyers are eager to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a time with a licensed Indianapolis accident attorney, today.

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

Posted on February 27, 2018 by admin

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

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

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Drunk Driving Lawsuit

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

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

Where to Get Professional Help

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

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

Call Our Seasoned Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers RIGHT NOW

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

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

How to Fill Out a Report for a Car Accident

Posted on February 19, 2018 by admin

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

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

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

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

After Being Involved in a Car Accident:

IF SOMEONE IS HURT, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FIRST.

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

Here’s how to start:

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

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

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

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

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

Hurt in a Car Accident?

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

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

Which Type of Smoke Detector Should I Buy to Protect Against House Fires?

Posted on February 12, 2018 by admin

Winter is a prime season for house fires. It is important to install quality smoke detectors inside your home, and even more important to test them periodically so that you know they are still doing their job. If you are on the market for new smoke detectors, you will soon discover there are hundreds of products to choose from. The two most common smoke detectors are ionization smoke alarms and photoelectric smoke alarms. Continue reading to learn more about each type of smoke detector and how to choose the right one for your home.

Indianapolis Burn Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Modern Day Smoke Alarm Technologies

When you begin your search for smoke detector alarms, you will notice that the majority of available devices are either ionization smoke detector alarms or photoelectric smoke alarms. Both are widely-accepted systems for detecting smoke and fire, however, they are also difference in significant ways, which could sway your decision one way or another. The most significant difference between the two systems is the type of fire they detect. Below are some examples.

◔ Ionization Smoke Alarms – These devices are designed with a small amount of radioactive material placed between two electrically-charged plates. In turn, this ionizes the space between the two plates, thus causing an electrical current to flow between them. The device is alerted of a fire when smoke passes into its inner chambers, causing an interruption of ion flow. This reduced ion flow sets the alarm off.

◔ Photoelectric Smoke Alarms – In contrast to ionization devices, photoelectric alarms are designed to use light and sensory technology to detect house fires. A sensor inside the device is pointed at an inner light module. As smoke enters the chamber of the device, the inner light is interrupted and scattered, which sets off the alarm.

Research and testing suggests that ionization alarms are faster at detecting smoke produced by fire flames, while photoelectric alarms are better at detecting smoldering fires, such as unattended cigarettes or a burning roast in the oven. Although most homes in the United States have ionization smoke detector systems, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends having BOTH systems installed for maximum safety and protection. You can find these devices online, or at any local home improvement store.

House Fire Injuries and Claims

If you or a loved one were injured as a result of a house fire, whether from a defective smoke alarm or someone else’s negligence, it is vital that you speak to a licensed personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. You could be entitled to certain compensation to cover your damages and losses, including medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages at work, pain, suffering, and more.

Indianapolis Burn Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis burn injury lawyer who can determine the best strategies for your house fire 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.