Defensive Driving Tips to Avoid Aggressive or Careless Drivers and Traffic Accidents

Posted on November 18, 2014 by admin

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Motor vehicle accidents are terrible occurrences; whether they are a simple fender-bender, or a serious traffic collision. They disrupt our daily lives, cause emotionally stress, put a heavy load of financial obligations on our shoulders, re-arrange our planned agendas, and in worse-case-scenarios, cause serious physical and mental injuries, trauma, and fatalities.

The best way to avoid being a victim of a traffic accident or car wreck, is to learn how to drive defensively and safely at all times. You cannot control what others do, or the decisions they make behind the wheel of a car, but you can control your own behaviors and habits while on the road. Practicing defensive and alert driving can better prepare you for negligent and reckless drivers around you.

Continue reading to learn how to navigate safely on the road with other vehicles, and what to do in the case of a serious motor vehicle accident.

Driving Safety

Of course, the most important reminders for safe driving is always wear your seat-belt and obey all traffic signs, signals, and laws. Making sure you and your passengers are legally and securely strapped in their seat is the most important rule to driving. Without proper safety harnesses and belts, passengers and drivers can be ejected from their vehicles in a serious motor vehicle accident. This usually causes immediate fatalities. Wearing a seat-belt can prevent serious complications from whiplash, prevent injuries to the head, and much more.

Always wear your seat-belt no matter how good of a driver you claim to be. It is not always yourself that can cause an accident, it is others on the road. This is why defensive driving practice is so important. Of course you can trust your own decisions, but you cannot control how others drive around you. What you can control is how you react to reckless or careless drivers. Here are some safety tips and reminders for safer driving, and navigating around other seemingly negligent drivers on the road:

Concentrate and Focus

Always remain alert behind the wheel of your vehicle and constantly scan the road for reckless or aggressive drivers. Staying focused allows you to stay on track with road signs, signals, construction zones, and more. It will also allow you to see other drivers making reckless decisions before you approach their vicinity, and react ahead of time; which then allows you to better navigate around them and avoid a traffic accident. When you are in your car and driving, this shouldn’t just be your top priority, it should be your only priority. This means no multi-tasking behind the wheel.

Distracted driving is one of the top causes of fatal car crashes each year. Texting, phone calls, applying makeup, handing items to children in the back, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and more are all common reasons why drivers wreck their vehicles, and kill either themselves, their passengers, or other innocent bystanders and drivers. Stop this behavior if you are guilty! You do not have the right to put other innocent people in jeopardy because you believe you can multi-task behind the wheel of a car.

Never Tailgate

Road rage is quite common among people with anger control issues, or those who are consistently in a hurry to get from point A to point B, without regard for other drivers. And sometimes, people just like to drive fast and erratically. You cannot always predict what the driver in front of you is going to do, and you cannot always see what’s in front of the driver in front of you. For this reason, it is important to never tailgate or drive closely to someone’s tail-end. If they suddenly brake for a flock of geese crossing the road, you might not have enough time to react and stop; subsequently slamming into the person’s bumper. This can cause several injuries to the passengers and drivers in both vehicle, and result in costly insurance claims and automotive repairs.

Obey Speed Limits

This is a no-brainer. Speeding causes accidents that could have otherwise been avoided. Speed limits are set for a reason, and should always be obeyed no matter what. When a driver is speeding, they are putting themselves and others in a dangerous situation. High speeds reduces a driver’s ability to control the vehicle, and the slightest over-correction or move can send a speeding vehicle out of control. Speeding is almost always a variable in a motor vehicle accident or collision. It might not always be the cause of an accident, but it most certainly plays a part in many cases.

Be Well-Mannered

Being a courteous driver means you are not being an aggressive one. When another vehicle signals that they need into your lane, just let them in. Don’t be stingy about letting cars in front of you, or giving other vehicles a chance to pull out. And if another driver doesn’t let you in for some reason, let it go and move on. Failing to remain well-mannered on the road can cause other drivers to become aggressive and hostile.

Avoid Aggressive Drivers

Being cut off on the way home from a long day at work, or on your way to pick up an ill child from daycare, is quite frustrating, understandably. But these aggressive drivers should not be allowed to influence your mood for the rest of the day! When you see drivers navigating aggressively through traffic, or are noticeably in a hurry, keep your distance. Drivers like these are more likely to cause or be involved in an accident. Steering clear of dangerous drivers can reduce your chances of experiencing an auto accident.

If you or a loved one has been recently injured or killed as a result of a negligent driver or motor vehicle accident, contact an Indianapolis car accident attorney right away. Learn your rights after being injured in a motor vehicle accident, and have a professional assess your case to determine if you have a valid claim. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call 317-881-2700 to speak with a seasoned car accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can schedule a free initial consultation with licensed personal injury lawyer, Daniel Craven, to review your case and determine your eligibility for compensation. We never collect lawyer fees unless we win your case! Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for information about car accident injury claims in Indianapolis, IN today.

Who is At-Fault in a Slip and Fall Accident?

Posted on November 12, 2014 by admin

Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700

Slip, trip, and fall accidents happen every single day. Whether it’s a torn rug, puddle of water, or unforeseen obstacle that causes the fall, someone is liable for the injuries that follow. The at-fault party could be the victim themselves, or it can be another person, company, property owner, or manager. In the case that the at-fault party is something or someone other than the fallen victim, a legal claim can be placed against them for liability for damages caused by the accident. In order to determine who at-fault for a slip is and fall accident, certain questions must be asked, and the circumstance must be investigated.

Continue reading to learn some more about how to determine who is at-fault for a slip, trip, and fall accident.

Liability and Reasonable Action

Who is liable for a victims’ injuries if they slip and fall on another’s premises? In order for the property owner to be liable, it must be true that:

• The owner, manager, or employee caused the obstacle that resulted in a person’s fall.

• The owner, manager, or employee know about the obstacle and neglected to eliminate it.

• The owner, manager, or employee should have known about the obstacle because a reasonable person in charge of the property would have found the obstacle and removed it before anyone was hurt.

Other considerations regarding a property owner’s possible liability includes:

• Was the obstacle there long enough that the owner, manager, or employee should have known about it and fixed it?

• Does the property owner have a routine agenda or procedure for inspecting the property for safety hazards? Do they have evidence or proof of regular property maintenance and upkeep?

• Was the obstacle that caused the slip and fall intentionally placed there for a good reason?

• Was the obstacle that caused the slip and fall intentionally placed there for a good reason at first, but the reason no longer exists and could have been removed?

• Could the obstacle in question been placed in a different area, out of the way of foot traffic, without further inconveniencing the property owner?

• Could a warning sign or barricade have prevented the obstacle from causing the accident?

Considerations to assess a victim’s own liability includes:

• Did a person’s behavior contribute to their own accident? Were they running, jumping, rough-housing, or horse playing?

• Did the victim fail to acknowledge warning signs or requests?

• Could the victim have acted more carefully?

• Would a reasonable or careful person have noticed the hazard and navigated more cautiously around or through it?

• Did the victim have a legitimate reason for being in the hazardous area? Was the reason one that the property owner should have anticipated?

The term, “should have” is very blurry one to use. This is why slip and fall accident claims are frequently examined by a jury and judge, and at-fault parties are determined by using common sense. There are several more details, laws, methods, and information not listed in this blog that are important to know and understand before moving forward with a slip and fall injury lawsuit. It is strongly encouraged to consult an Indianapolis slip and fall attorney for professional and accurate information and counsel. They retain the proper resources, knowledge, and experience to assess your case and determine if you have a valid claim. If a personal injury lawyer does in fact believe you have a valid case, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for slip and fall accident claims and information in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed slip and fall lawyers and legal teams are eager and ready to represent you after sustaining injuries from a slip, trip, or fall. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we reach a fair settlement for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment with Daniel Craven, or another licensed personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, IN today.

Tips for Childproofing Dangerous Areas of a Home

Posted on November 5, 2014 by admin

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Whether you are new to parenting, or you are interested in taking on some babysitting jobs from within your own house, it is important to know which areas of a home to childproof. Common sense will tell anyone to put up baby gates and install electrical outlet covers for curious fingers; but what about the other danger-zones of a home? There are a few areas of a home that can be extremely dangerous to children and toddlers, and should be properly child-proofed for security and safety.

Continue reading to learn the most important areas of a home to childproof, and who to call if your child was recently injured as a result of a negligent care-giver or babysitter.

Living Room

In order to properly childproof a living room or family space, it is important to consider all the areas within that space that are potentially dangerous to toddlers and young children. For example, babies are often intrigued by anything that dangles. This includes pulleys for curtains and blinds. Several toddlers are injured or killed each year from strangulation of blind cords and curtain strings. To prevent this from happening, install a cord-shortener or wind-up tab for strings like these. Here are some more tips that many parents overlook:

• Bolt, Strap, or Secure Top-Heavy Furniture to the Ground or Wall (i.e. bookcases, television sets, etc.)
• Avoid Pressure-Mounted Baby Gates; Use Hardware-Mounted gates for Tops and Bottoms of Stairwells
• Install Rubber Pads on Sharp Corners of Tables, Furniture, and Counters
• Install Electrical Outlet Covers
• Keep Carpets and Floors Vacuumed and Swept at All Times

Kitchen

More than 10 million children each year are admitted to emergency rooms for kitchen related injuries and accidents. When it comes to childproofing kitchens, the same precautions and preventative maintenance apply, but in different areas. Like the living room and family areas, it is wise to bolt or secure top-heavy furniture and appliances so they do not tip over and fall on top of a small child. Baby gates are also a responsible solution for kitchen safety for babies. Use them to shut off access to certain parts of a kitchen, like stairs, railings, and china cabinets. Here are some additional danger-zones to childproof in a kitchen:

• Install Childproof Locks to Stove, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, and Other Kitchen Appliances
• Install Childproof Locks on Kitchen Cabinets
• Lock Up All Cleaning Solutions, Chemicals, and Detergents
• Keep Medicine, Batteries, and Other Hazardous Items in Upper Cabinets
• Install Stove Shields to Prevent Boiling Water Run-Off and Hot Food Splatter
• Install Rubber Corners on Countertops and Sharp Baseboards
• Keep Kitchen Floors Swept and Sanitized at All Times

Bathroom

Just like the living areas and kitchen, the bathroom should be childproofed as well. There are several dangerous items and areas that can cause fatalities and serious injuries to children. Of course electrical outlets should be covered and protected, but there is more to childproofing a bathroom than this. Be sure to dot your “i’s” and cross your “t’s” when it comes to these additional childproofing tips for bathrooms:

• Install GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Outlets Near Sinks and Other Plumbing Fixtures
• Install a Childproof Lock or Latch on Toilet Seats
• Decrease your Home’s Hot Water Temperature Capacity to Below 120 Degrees to Prevent Scalds and Burn Accidents
• Lock Up All Cleaning Solutions, Chemicals, and Detergents
• Install Childproof Locks on Bathroom Cabinets
• Keep Floors Swept and Free of Debris
• Remove All Bathtub Accessories that Could Be Choking or Health Hazards (i.e. loofas, bath salts, razors, towels, etc.)

Backyard

Pool and patio safety should be your number one concern when it comes to childproofing a backyard. Too many drowning and falling accidents occur to young children as a result of poor childproofing. Here are the most important considerations for a childproof backyard:

• Install a Fence Around Pool Decks that Locks
• Install a Durable Pool Cover Along With Drain Covers to Prevent Entrapment
• Empty Kiddie Pools When Not in Use and Always Use Fresh Water for Each Use
• Install Netting in Between Patio Railings and Siding to Prevent Falls
• Know the Plants in Your Yard and Remove Anything Poisonous

If you child was recently injured as a result of poor childproofing in another’s care, contact an Indianapolis Child Injury Lawyer for information about filing a claim. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Exemplary damages include lost wages, medical expenses, hospital bills, wrongful death, pain, suffering, loss of love or companionship, mental anguish, prolonged rehabilitation, funeral expenses, and much more.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn more about filing a child injury lawsuit in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorney, Daniel Craven, is a seasoned personal injury lawyer with decades of litigation and trial experience. He and our professional legal teams are eager to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after your child was injured or taken in an accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win your settlement. Call 317-881-2700 and schedule an appointment with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer you can trust, today.

Product Recalls that Have Gone Down in History

Posted on October 28, 2014 by admin

Indianapolis Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Product recalls happen when manufacturers introduce a new product or commodity to the market for resale, but the product is defective and dangerous in some way. Manufacturers these days are in high competition and always in a rush when it comes to getting their products out on the market to start making fast cash; the subsequent problem that arises from this situation is that some products are not properly tested before they are released to the public. When a person is injured as a result of a defective product, it falls under product liability law, and victims may be entitled to compensation for their damages.

Continue reading to learn about some dangerous and life-threatening product recalls that have occurred in the past few decades, and who to call if someone you know has been recently injured by a defective product.

Manufacturer Re-Calls

The worst part about manufacturer product recalls is that they usually go unnoticed until someone is injured or killed by them. Fatalities and injuries from defective products is the number one reason for recalls. Improper testing, inadequate research, and even tampering are causes of defective products. And tampering can is a criminal offense. Look below at some astonishing and dangerous product recalls that have taken place over the past several years in the United States.

2010- Toyota

The world’s largest auto maker was forced to recall twice in 2010. Faulty pedals and ill-fitting floor mats were to blame. More than 40 million vehicles were recalled in March, while 53 million more were recalled later in November.

2009 – Simplicity Drop Side Cribs

These Chinese-manufactured cribs came with a detachable side that could break easily. Once broken, it created an opening between the side and the mattress, leaving a space that could trap or suffocate children. Unfortunately, an 8 month old infant died in Texas caused by this product defect.

2008 – Ground Beef

The Department of Agriculture ordered the Hallmark-Westland Meat Company to recall more than 140 pounds of ground beef because it may have been contaminated with a bovine disease. The mean was thought to be contaminated with a disease call Downer Cattle. The company had to pay more than 60 million dollars in restitution and fines related to this recall. Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were reported.

2007 – Mattel Toys

Lead contamination was the culprit behind this 2007 recall. More than 18 million toys, manufactured in China, were recalled.

2006 – Renu MoistureLoc Contact Lens Solution

Bausch & Lomb paid the piper when their contact lens solution was recalled for potentially being linked to a blinding eye infection called Fusarium Fungus. Their company losses were reported to be over 100 million dollars.

2004 – Vioxx

Meant to treat arthritis, this drug was recalled, worldwide, after a study linked it to strokes and heart attacks. The company paid nearly five billion dollars in restitution for over 25,000 lawsuits filed against them for consumer injuries and wrongful deaths.

2000 – Fire Stone Tires

Over six million tires were recalled after faulty manufacturing on Ford Explorer vehicles caused countless motor vehicle accidents resulting in 175 deaths and nearly 700 injuries. Their company losses were reported to be over 100 million dollars.

1994 – General Mills Cheerios

A grower uses the wrong pesticide to produce the grains made for Cheerios cereal. This contamination led to over 75 million dollars in company losses.

1993 – Pepsi

Although a few years later Coca-Cola will experience a product recall in Europe, Pepsi had to recall in 1993 due to alleged product tampering using needles! Pepsi lost over 35 million dollars.

1982 – Tylenol

Surprisingly, Tylenol was recalled in 1982 for alleged cyanide tampering. As a result of product extortion, this suspicion led to more than 30 million bottles to be recalled.

1978 – Ford Pinto

Everyone seems to remember this product recall very well. Back in 1978, the popular Ford Pinto was finally recalled for explosive reasons. Rear-end collisions caused the car to essentially blowup, because the fuel tank was positioned improperly inside the vehicle. Although there were several suspicions of this before it was released to the public, Ford chose to deal with any potential lawsuits rather than solving the problem. The result was countless fatalities and injuries among consumers. Criminal charges and lawsuits were brought before the company, who was eventually found not guilty, but Ford still recalled their vehicles and stopped making them in 1981.

Get a Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been recently injured as a result of a defective product, contact an Indianapolis product Liability lawyer immediately. You may be entitled to legal compensation for your damages. Be sure to act fast, before the statute of limitations runs out, and your chance for remuneration is gone.

Craven. Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven. Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for information about defective product injuries and product liability lawsuits in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorney, Daniel Craven, can get you the compensation you and your family deserves after being injured or killed by a defective product, medication, drug, foodstuff, and more. We offer free initial consultations, and we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 and speak with a seasoned and well-versed product liability lawyer in Indianapolis, IN today.

E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Poisoning

Posted on October 20, 2014 by admin

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

This year alone, Poison Control has received more than 2,500 reports of nicotine poisoning. The worst part is that more than 50% of those reports were children under the age of six! This is an evident increase in nicotine poisoning, largely related to the introduction of electronic cigarettes to the market. This means several people are switching to the liquid nicotine options, and bringing them into their homes with small children.

Liquid nicotine can be quickly absorbed through the skin, putting children and other innocent stand-byers at a higher risk of poisoning. Continue reading to learn more about the dangers of e-cigarette and nicotine poisoning, and who to call for questions about filing a product liability lawsuit in your state.

E-Cigarette Poisoning

The first problem with E-cigarettes is that the warning label is insufficient. It is heavily overshadowed by all the publicized benefits of liquid nicotine. Liquid nicotine manufacturers generally operate with little to no federal oversight. This is another reason that has led to the undeniable increase of unintentional nicotine poisoning in kids. Keep in mind that any product that is improperly labeled, or whose labels are misleading and deceptive, may be grounds for a lawsuit; especially if someone were injured or killed as a result of the product. This is a situation that calls for a licensed Indianapolis product liability attorney or personal injury lawyer. Over-exposure to liquid nicotine, or nicotine poisoning, can cause several health complications, injury, and even death.

Common Signs of Nicotine Poisoning Include:

• Vomiting
• Accelerated Heartbeat
• Mental Confusion
• Heightened Agitation
• Convulsions
• Seizures
• Irregular Heartbeat
• Rapidly Changing Blood Pressure
• Death
• And More

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Another danger associated with nicotine poisoning and E-cigarettes involves the flavorful tastes and scents intended to attract more adult smokers. This, unfortunately, can trigger a child’s curiosity and evoke them to try a puff or two, or more, to see what it tastes like. The smells, scents, and flavors of electronic cigarettes poses a real threat to children, enticing them to smoke and believing it is healthier or okay. It also entices children to want to smell the smoke and be around it more, putting them at higher risk for overexposure and poisoning.

Although it may seem like electronic cigarette smoking is the answer to a healthy alternative to regular cigarettes, the truth is that they still contain nicotine, which is a dangerous chemical; especially to young children. Keep this in mind next time you or someone you love puffs on an e-cigarette in the presence of a child or baby. If your child, or another child you know, has been over-exposed to nicotine from e-cigarettes, please contact a local personal injury attorney right away. You, or they, may be entitled to legal compensation for damages resulting from a product defect or liability.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call 317-881-2700 to learn more about product liability injuries and lawsuits in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorney, Daniel Craven, is eager to answer your questions about filing a personal injury claim, product liability lawsuits, and more. He is a seasoned personal injury lawyer with decades of trial and litigation experience. Call and schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your personal injury accident and determine your eligibility for remuneration. We never collect lawyer fees unless we win your case. Call 317-881-2700 for personal injury legal services in Indianapolis, IN today.

Beware of Serious Prescription Drug Side Effects

Posted on October 13, 2014 by admin

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

There have been several recent reports regarding serious side effects caused by prescription drug use and treatment. Although most medications are helpful to patients, and can even save lives, some prescription meds have the potential to cause severe side effects; such as discomfort, medical complications, and even death. If you or a loved one has taken any prescription drugs that have caused serious or life-threatening side effects, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.

It is important to consult a licensed Indianapolis product liability lawyer for accurate answers to your legal questions, and to receive trusted professional guidance for pursuing a lawsuit.

Prescription Drugs that Can Potentially Cause Serious Side Effects

Below is a list of several prescription medications that have been reported by patients to cause serious and potentially fatal side effects when consumed. If you have taken any of the listed medications below, consult a physician to reassure you are not in harm’s way. If you have taken one or more of the below listed drugs, and have experienced severe side effects, also consult a personal injury attorney. They retain the proper experience, knowledge, and resources to investigate a potential product liability claim or personal injury case for victims of prescription drug side effects.

Here are some prescription drugs and side effect-scenarios recently reported by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA):

Pradaxa

A blood thinning medication. Said to have caused excessive bleeding and even internal hemorrhaging in some users. This drug was meant to be a “perfect substitution” for a drug called Coumadin, but it is in fact a very dangerous drug.

Xarelto

Also a blood thinning medication. Meant to be an alternative to a drug called Warfarin. In contrast to Warfarin, Xarelto doesn’t have an antidote for its anti-clotting mechanism in the case of an emergency. This makes it a very risky and dangerous drug.

Byetta

An injectable medication meant to treat Type II Diabetes. It works in the gastrointestinal tract to increase the production of insulin in the gut. Has been reported with several complications. Similar meds include Victoza and Januvia.

Januvia

Manufactured by Merck Pharmaceuticals to also treat Type II Diabetes. Although the FDA approved this drug in 2006, it has been reported causing several medical complications since its public reveal in 2007.

GranuFlo

A dialysis medication for kidney disease. The FDA issued a Class I product recall, the most serious classes of recalls for medical products, because this drug is too dangerous and can cause death.

NaturaLyte

Also a dialysis medication that was CLASS I recalled by the FDA in 2012 for its dangerous side effects, including death.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a licensed product liability lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorney, Daniel Craven, can help you or your family recover compensation for a loved one’s death or personal injury after taking one of the above medications, or other harmful drug. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win your settlement. Call 317-881-2700 to learn more about filing a product liability lawsuit in Indianapolis, IN today.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Lawsuits

Posted on October 8, 2014 by admin

Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Thousands of people each year suffer spinal cord injuries that result in life-changing damages, like chronic pain, paralysis, and even death. One of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States is motor vehicle accidents and collisions. In many cases, these types of accidents are caused by negligent or careless driving.

If you or a loved one was recently injured in a car wreck that occurred as a result of another driver’s negligence, you may be legally entitled to compensation for your damages.

Continue reading to learn more about spinal cord injuries, as well as, the recommended steps to take following a serious personal injury.

Back, Neck, and Spinal Cord Injuries

As mentioned, car wrecks and motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries, as well as, neck, back, and additional orthopedic injuries. These kinds of injuries are often serious and life-changing. Many even result in immediate or eventual death. The spinal cord is one of the most delicate and complex components in our bodies. It, essentially, is a bundle of nerves that starts at the stem of the brain and runs down the back, all the way to the tailbone. Even if implicated in the slightest bit, a person can suffer life-long consequences, like loss of sensation and movement.

Common Spinal Cord Injuries Include:

Paraplegia – Paralyzed from the waist down.

Quadriplegia – All four limbs are paralyzed.

Central Cord Syndrome – Damage to nerve fibers that carry information from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord.

Brown-Sequard Syndrome – A puncture wound to the neck or back, on one side of the spinal cord.

Anterior Spinal Cord Syndrome (ASCS) – Compression of the main artery, called the anterior spinal artery, which runs down the front of the spinal cord.

Spinal Shock – Temporary loss of neurological activity below the level of injury. This includes loss of sensation, reflexes, and motor functioning, with a gradual recovery following a spinal cord injury.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Assault, Battery, and Violence
• Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
• Sports or Recreational Accidents
• Horse-Related Accidents
• Alcohol Related Incidents

Spinal cord injuries are serious in all cases. If you or a loved one suffers a spinal cord, neck, or back injury as a result of another’s negligence, consider filing a personal injury claim to collect compensation for your own, or your family’s damages. It is strongly encouraged to consult a licensed Indianapolis catastrophic injury lawyer for advice and information regarding orthopedic injury lawsuits and more. They can professionally assess whether or not you have a valid case, and assertively take the lead on your accident claim. You can recover compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, hospital bills, prolonged rehabilitation, mental anguish, and much more.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our licensed Indianapolis personal injury lawyers, regarding a recent catastrophic injury or accident. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are highly accomplished and compassionate accident lawyers with many years of litigation and trial experience. We offer free initial consultations to assess your claim without any payment obligation from you! And we never collect attorney fees unless we recover full and fair compensation for your damages. Call 317-881-2700 and speak with a knowledgeable and friendly legal representative about scheduling an appointment with a licensed personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, IN, today.

Types of Additional Insurance Coverage Recommended for All Drivers

Posted on September 29, 2014 by admin

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

No matter how old you are, and how long you have been driving, there is always something new you can learn to better protect yourself and others on the road. In today’s case, it’s insurance coverage for motor vehicle accidents and injuries. Yes, you probably already have car insurance, as you must, but there are additional coverage plans that can drastically influence an outcome of a motor vehicle accident; especially if that accident results in injury or death. These kinds of accidents can happen to anyone, at any time, so it is best to be prepared to the fullest. This is especially beneficial for adolescents and new drivers.

Limited Liability Insurance Coverages

The reason it is so highly recommended to consider additional insurance coverage is due to liability limits. When a person purchases a new policy, a liability limit is established. The liability limit is the amount of compensation that would available to a person or family in the event that you negligently cause a motor vehicle accident in which someone were injured or killed. This kind of insurance is highly beneficial because it protects your assets from being liquidated in order to compensate a victim or their loved ones after your insurance liability limit is reached. The more personal assets you own and need to protect, the higher your liability limit should be.

Although all drivers and car owners are obligated by Indiana law to have a minimum amount of liability insurance, it is not enough in the event that a person is seriously injured or killed. This mandatory liability coverage is meant to ensure that a valid policy is in place to cover bodily injury and vehicular damages. In Indiana, the mandatory liability coverage is 25/50/10; which means $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damages (in the case that your car accident caused property damages). The 25 is for yourself, to cover medical expenses, hospital bills, and vehicle damages, if you were the only one in the vehicle. If multiple people were injured, the 50 is divvied among each injured person in the victim’s vehicle. Now here is where the trouble can start if you don’t have ample liability coverage.

If your insurance limit only covers $50,000 for each injured victim, but their accumulated damages cost more than 50 grand, who is responsible for the remaining difference? This is where it can get complicated. Contact an Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm and speak to a licensed attorney about your case in order to learn your specific options. Take a look at the types of additional insurance coverage that can prevent these predicaments and compensation problems following a motor vehicle accident.

Insurance Plans that Provide Peace of Mind:

✤ Medical Payment Coverage

This coverage, also referred to as “medpay”, is an optional policy you can add onto your existing auto insurance plan. This coverage is meant to cover medical expenses following a car accident, regardless of who is at-fault. This is beneficial coverage because it pays for a person’s medical expenses while their treatment is ongoing. This is great for people who do not have private health insurance coverage, and can’t pay out-of-pocket for treatment while waiting for reimbursement checks from the auto insurance company.

✤ Un-Insured and Under-Insured Coverages

UM insurance is very important to have and should be strongly considered by all drivers who do not already carry this type of insurance. In the case that a you are involved in a car accident, and the negligent driver does not have enough insurance, or personal coverage, to compensation you for your bodily injury and vehicle damages, your UM coverage will come in handy. If the at-fault driver does not have insurance at all, then this is another instance where UM insurance coverage helps. You won’t be stuck paying for your own vehicle damages and medical expenses and more if the negligent driver has no insurance, or not enough.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call 317-881-2700 and schedule a free initial consultation with one of our licensed personal injury lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned attorney, Daniel Craven, and his fellow colleagues, are eager to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a motor vehicle accident. We provide comprehensive legal services for car accident victims and their families, and we never collect lawyer fees unless we obtain compensation for you! Call 317-881-2700 to learn more about your rights following a personal injury in
Indianapolis, IN or its surrounding counties.

What Does Statute of Limitations Mean in an Injury Lawsuit?

Posted on September 23, 2014 by admin

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

When a person is injured in a negligent accident, they or their families may wish to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. In this case, they have a limited amount of time in which they can legally file a claim or lawsuit against an opposing party. This is called the statute of limitations. Continue reading to learn more about how statute of limitations works in an accident lawsuit, and who to call for information about Indianapolis personal injury claims.

Statute of Limitations

Each state has a different time period for their own statute of limitations. These time agendas are set by state government and differ depending on the type of accident, charge, or crime. In the case of a personal injury claim, the lawsuit would fall under “civil law” and have a set time frame in which a defendant can be sued for a victim’s damages. Some states may allow 3 years to file a lawsuit after an injury or accident; while another state may only allow 2 years. These laws are set in place to protect the defendant. It prevents potential defendants or opposing parties from living in a state of perpetuity, where they can be sued or prosecuted at any time during which. They are intended to bring legal claims to court in a timely manner.

The statute of limitations “time clock” always begins at the scene of the accident, or on the date of the loss. The actual day a person becomes a victim of a personal injury is the same day this metaphorical time clock starts. Once this time limit runs out, a lawsuit can no longer be filed.

In Indiana, the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits, particularly pertaining to personal injury, is two years. For other types of civil crimes, time can extend to six years or more. So if you or a loved one has been negligently and seriously hurt in an accident within the last two years, you may still be eligible for remuneration for your damages and losses. Contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer for information right away, before your time runs out!

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and speak with a licensed personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana today. Attorney, Daniel Craven, is eager to help you recover the compensation you deserve after being injured in an accident. We offer free initial consultations to assess your case and determine if you have a valid claim. Also, we never collect lawyer fees unless we recover compensation for you! Call 317-881-2700 and speak with a friendly and knowledgeable legal representative about your recent personal injury in Indianapolis, IN today.

Is an Unfortunate Medical Outcome Necessarily Medical Malpractice?

Posted on September 15, 2014 by admin

Medical Malpractice Lawyers 317-881-2700

Medicine and medical care is, without a doubt, one of the most delicate and complicated industries. No matter how proficient or well-versed a physician or surgeon may be, it is inevitable that at some point in their career, they will experience at least once unsuccessful treatment or medical case. All doctors and superintendents in the medical field are well-aware that not all cases can be successful or treated; and the law comprehends this notion as well.

This protects hospitals and physicians from medical malpractice lawsuits in the case of a tragic and unfortunate medical outcome. If a patient perishes or becomes more ill from a particular treatment or illness, it is not always immediately connected to medical malpractice.

Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

When it comes to a medical malpractice lawsuit, courts and lawyers work diligently, using a methodical approach, to investigate the circumstances of a patient’s treatment, illness, or death. It is their jobs to distinguish the difference between an unexpected or inevitable misfortune, and actual medical malpractice. There are standards of care in the wider medical community, and these standards are how the law identifies medicine malpractice cases. So if doctors or personnel fail to meet these standards and a tragedy occurs, then malpractice may be at play. In this case, families may be entitled to compensation for wrongful death and medical malpractice, and encouraged to pursue a lawsuit.

When it comes to medical mistakes or surgical errors, these cases are rarely cut and dry. In order to accurately assess and investigate the underlying circumstances and causes of such errors, families need a skilled and seasoned Indianapolis medical malpractice attorney to evaluate their case.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed and highly accomplished medical malpractice lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorney Daniel Craven, and his fellow colleagues, are extensively well-versed in medicine malpractice law and will work fervently to recover the compensation your family deserves after suffering a loss or wrongful death. We provide all-inclusive customer support and never collect lawyer fees unless we obtain compensation for you. Call 317-881-2700 for more information about filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in
Indianapolis, IN today.