Understanding the Legal Consequences for Distracted Drivers

Posted on March 13, 2023 by admin

Distracted driving is a major cause of car accidents, and it’s becoming an increasingly serious problem. Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed due to drivers who weren’t paying attention to the road. In response, many states have enacted distracted driving laws that make it illegal for motorists to use their cell phones while behind the wheel. But do you know what your legal rights and responsibilities are when it comes to texting and driving? Are there any specific consequences if you get caught? And if someone else causes an accident because they were distracted, what should you do as a car accident lawyer?

In this blog post, we’ll explore these questions in more detail so that you can better understand the legal consequences of operating a vehicle while distracted or preoccupied. We’ll also look at how car accident lawyers can help protect your rights after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.

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Examples of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has become a serious hazard on the roads because it distracts drivers from paying attention to the task at hand – driving safely. Examples of inattentive driving may include conducting personal grooming, attending to children and animals in the car, using mobile devices for texting or talking, applying makeup, looking down while reaching for anything and rummaging through your purse or briefcase. Additionally, eating while driving and changing your music can also be considered distracted driving. Drivers should remember that distracted driving endangers not only their life, but the lives of other passengers and drivers on the road. In many cases, operating a motor vehicle while fatigued or upset can also be considered inattentive driving.

What You Need to Know About Driving While Preoccupied

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that distracted driving is illegal in many states. Most laws prohibit the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle, including talking on the phone, texting, or using social media apps. Violating these laws can result in hefty fines and even jail time if you’re convicted. In some cases, drivers may also lose their licenses for a period of time after being caught engaging in distracted driving.

Distracted Driving Car Accidents

But what happens if someone else causes an accident due to distracted driving? In this case, auto accident lawyers can help investigate the facts of the crash and determine who was at fault for causing the collision. If it turns out that another driver was distracted when they caused your accident, car accident lawyers can pursue compensation on your behalf. In some cases, car accident attorneys may be able to negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company or file a lawsuit if necessary.

Distracted Driving is a Serious Risk

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that distracted driving is illegal and can have serious consequences for both drivers involved in an accident. If you’re ever injured by another driver who was distracted, contact car accident lawyers immediately so they can protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Understanding the legal consequences of distracted driving will help ensure that you stay safe on the road and avoid any costly mistakes related to this dangerous behavior.

Conclusion

Distracted driving poses significant risks to motorists and must be avoided at all costs. If you’re injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, car accident lawyers can help protect your rights and pursue compensation on your behalf. Make sure to always stay informed of the distracted driving laws in your state and understand the legal consequences that could come with breaking them. Doing so will allow you to remain safe while on the road and maintain your legal rights if something goes wrong.

Were you injured in a car accident or as a pedestrian due to another person driving while distracted? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury consultation. We can meet with you over the phone, via computer, or in-person at our Indianapolis personal injury law office. Our car accident injury attorneys represent clients throughout the state, as well as Indiana residents injured in other states and even residents of other states who are injured in Indiana.

Don’t Deal with Insurance Companies Following a Car Accident: Hire an Attorney

Posted on March 2, 2023 by admin

Car accidents are a traumatic experience. The physical, emotional, and financial toll they take on wrongfully injured victims can be overwhelming. One of the most difficult aspects of navigating the aftermath of a negligent car accident is dealing with insurance companies. For this, car accident lawyers are experts in this field and you should hire your own attorney to ensure that interactions with insurers go smoothly and that your rights stay protected.

Continue reading to learn 8 tips for dealing with insurance companies after a car accident.

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How to Navigate the Process of a Personal Injury Car Accident Claim

1. Gather Essential Documents: Collect all documents related to the car accident that you can, such as photos, insurance cards, and police reports. This information is essential when filing a claim with an insurer or filing a lawsuit. If you do not have the information at hand, don’t worry. Your attorney will help and gather documents and photos, police reports, 911 tapes and dash and body camera video.

2. Consult a Car Accident Lawyer: An experienced auto accident attorney will navigate the legal complexities associated with your car accident claim. Car accident litigators can ensure that you receive the most favorable outcome possible from an insurer.

3. Know Your Rights: Have your attorney familiarize you with insurance laws in your state so that you understand the rights you have as an insured party. Knowing your rights will enable you to make more informed decisions when dealing with insurers through your attorney.

4. Obtain Your Car Insurance Policy: Car insurance policies typically contain language that explains the process and timeline for filing claims, as well as coverage limits and exclusions. Make sure you provide a copy of your auto policy to your attorney. If you do not have it available, don’t worry. Your attorney can obtain a copy from your insurance carrier.

5. Don’t Settle Too Quickly: Insurers may try to pressure you into accepting a quick settlement prior to you talking with an attorney. Don’t be rushed into making a decision. Take your time and consult with an auto accident litigator before settling. While it is best and very advantageous to hire an attorney immediately following a collision, if you happen not to do so, please set up an appointment and speak to an attorney free of charge at Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. prior to making any decisions.

6. Don’t Talk to Insurance Carriers: Do not speak with insurance representatives without obtaining legal representation first. This will help you to avoid making statements that could later be used against you. Keep in mind that insurers may be trying to find ways to limit the amount of money they’ll have to pay out so in the end make sure you obtain legal representation as soon as possible following a collision.

7. Have Your Attorney Negotiate: Auto accident attorneys are adept and experienced at negotiating with insurers. It is in your best interests to have competent and experienced legal representation for yourself if you are injured in an automobile collision.

8. Have Your Attorney Take Legal Action: Car accident attorneys have the experience and resources necessary to pursue a favorable outcome in court. Given the various laws and complexities involved you should have an attorney on your side.

Speak to an Auto Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis

Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be daunting, but by taking the right steps and understanding your rights, you can ensure that your claim is handled fairly. Motor vehicle accident lawyers are available to help guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact an Indianapolis auto accident attorney today for more information.

Would you like to learn your eligibility for pursuing legal action against a negligent driver or party that caused you or your loved one to suffer a car accident injury? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced auto accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients all across the state.

What You Need to Know Before Filing an Injury Claim for a Car Accident

Posted on February 10, 2023 by admin

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, then you should be considering filing an injury claim. This is an important step to take if you want to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damages and other expenses related to the accident. But before doing so, it’s important that you understand what an injury claim entails and how best to go about filing one.

Here, we will discuss the key things that you need to know before filing an injury claim for a car accident. We will cover topics such as gathering evidence, seeking legal advice from a car accident lawyer, understanding insurance coverage, and more. By taking these steps into consideration ahead of time, you can ensure that your case is as strong as possible when it comes time to file your injury claim.

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Car Accident Victims Deserve Justice

After auto accident victims suffer physical, emotional, and financial losses due to the negligence or carelessness of another driver, they deserve financial justice. And they can do this by filing a car accident claim with help from an experienced personal injury lawyer. By holding the responsible party and their insurance carrier accountable for their insured’s actions, car accident victims can often benefit from the settlement achieved through a car accident claim and receive monetary compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Victims have the legal right to demand that an at-fault driver and their insurance carrier take responsibility for the negligence of the at-fault driver. By hiring a seasoned personal injury attorney, car accident victims can rest assured that their case is being represented diligently. Preparing a solid case before filing a personal injury claim for a car accident is imperative. Becoming aware of all essential details beforehand can provide you with peace of mind and give your case its best chance for success.

Top Considerations for Filing an Auto Accident Claim

Evidence

The first step when filing an injury claim for a car accident is to gather evidence. This means taking pictures and videos at the scene of the accident, obtaining police reports, and collecting contact information from any witnesses who may have seen the accident happen. All of this evidence can be extremely helpful in establishing liability and helping to prove your motor vehicle accident case.

Car Accident Lawyer

You should seek legal advice from a car accident lawyer immediately. This can help to ensure that your injury claim is filed correctly and on time, as well as helping you understand the process of filing an injury claim and what type of compensation you may be eligible for. A qualified car accident attorney will also be able to advise you on how best to negotiate with insurance companies and ensure that you get the maximum compensation possible. An experienced car accident attorney will also help to ensure that the evidence needed to prove your case is obtained.

Insurance

Finally, it’s important to understand your insurance coverage and the insurance coverage of the at-fault party and make sure that you and the at-fault party are fully covered for any medical bills and other expenses related to the auto accident. The more prepared you are with this information when filing an injury claim, the better chance you have of receiving a fair amount of compensation. Your accident attorney will obtain this information for you.

Get Support for Your Injury Claim

By taking the time to understand and consider these key topics, you can ensure that your injury claim is as strong as possible when it comes time to file. By doing so, you may be able to receive the compensation you deserve for any medical bills or other expenses due to a car accident. If you have any further questions about filing an injury claim, it’s best to contact an Indiana auto accident attorney immediately who can provide you with the legal advice and support you need.

Knowing your rights and how to defend them is essential if you have been injured because of another driver’s negligence. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation for your car accident injury lawsuit in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Helpful Links For Personal Injury Victims in Indiana

Posted on January 17, 2023 by admin

Personal injury accidents can be devastating, leaving victims unable to work and struggling with costly medical bills. If you’ve been the victim of a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, it is important to understand your rights and options. Indiana personal injury lawyers are available to help you and your loved ones navigate this difficult process and get the compensation that you deserve.

To make sure that your case gets started on the right course, continue below to review a long list of helpful links for personal injury victims in Indiana.

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Personal Injury Online Resources for Hoosiers

Are you struggling to recover from an injury? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back! Here are some helpful links that will provide much-needed guidance and support during this difficult time.

State Government:

Children and Family Links:

Indiana Law Enforcement Links:

Business Links:

Work and Labor Links:

Industry Links:

Indiana Departments:

Get Help With Your Personal Injury Claim Today

In Indiana, personal injury claims are serious legal matters that require extensive knowledge and experience of personal injury law. If you have suffered physical or emotional harm due to the negligent, reckless, or deliberate actions of another, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis. They can advise you on your options and the chance of success when it comes to pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. An Indiana accident attorney can provide vital advice tailored to the specifics of your case, such as what evidence will be required in court and how long you can expect the process to take. They will also advise you on how much compensation you could potentially be awarded. Finding an experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney is key to making sure your accident claim receives the attention it deserves.

Reach Out to Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-risk, no-fee personal injury evaluation to explore your eligibility, today. Our injury attorneys offer extensive experience, expertise, determination, and resources to ensure you receive the full compensation that is deserved. We represent clients all throughout the state, as well as Hoosiers injured in other states.

The General Steps of a Car Accident Injury Trial

Posted on September 26, 2022 by admin

In the vast majority of cases of car accident lawsuits, both parties usually avoid trial by settling the case with the assistance from their respective attorneys. This happens when the claimant party, or injured victim, agrees to a settlement offered by the opposing party’s insurance carrier. However, if both parties cannot come to a settlement agreement, the case will go to trial. Trials are serious matters, which is why it is vital to always have private personal injury representation as a wrongfully injured victim in Indiana. They can navigate your car accident case every step of the way.

For a better understanding of what this might involve, continue below to review the general steps of car accident injury trial.

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Car Accident Liability Disputes

In the case of a car accident liability dispute, a claimant has two options for resolution: they can settle with the insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit. Settling with the insurance company would involve out-of-court settlement negotiations that would take place between the claimant party (injured victim and their legal team) and the insurance carrier.

If the insurance carrier offers a full and fair settlement for the injured victim’s damages and losses, the injured victim might agree to the settlement, and the case can be completed and closed. If the injured victim and their legal team reject the settlement offer by the insurance carrier, they can bring the case to court. At trial, a car accident injury dispute will be heard and decided normally by a jury and rarely by a judge.

Car accident injury cases tend to go to trial because they are high-value, or because they involve complicated factors surrounding liability and causation. It is important to have an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer working your case for the best possible chance at recovering the maximum settlement for your damages and losses.

What To Expect at a Car Accident Injury Trial

Your personal injury car accident lawyer will handle every aspect of your case, from start to finish. On your behalf, they will attend every hearing and pretrial meeting representing your best interests. The general phases of a car accident injury trial include discovery, mediation, jury selection, opening statements, presentation of evidence, closing arguments, jury deliberation, and verdict delivery.

Discovery Phase

The discovery phase is a type of pretrial meeting that takes place between the legal team of the claimant party (injured victim) and the legal team of the plaintiff party (insurance company). During this phase, the lawyers will exchange information relevant to the case by means of depositions, interrogatories, or other requests for evidence.

Jury Selection

Following the discovery phase, both the plaintiff and claimant legal teams will interview a panel of potential jurors by asking them several questions. They will need six qualified jurors and one alternate in Indiana.

Opening Statements

Once the trial begins, both sides will make opening statements to the court and jury. These statements outline what the lawyer intends on proving throughout the proceedings.

Presentation of Evidence

During this stage of a car accident injury trial, both legal teams for each side will present the evidence they have that proves their case. Such evidence might include documents, records, witness testimonies, expert testimonies, photographs, videos, receipts, and relevant evaluations.

Closing Arguments

Towards the end of the trial, after all evidence has been presented and argued, the claimant’s lawyer and the plaintiff’s lawyer will make closing arguments. These are similar to opening statements in that they summarize all facts and testimony presented and proved throughout the trial.

Jury Deliberations

During this phase of a car accident trial, the jury will deliberate and ultimately decide whether the claimant met their burden of proof or not.

Verdict

After the jury and judge decide that the claimant party did meet their burden of proof and therefore the opposing party’s liability in the case, they will be award financial compensation. If the judge and jury decide that the claimant party failed at meeting this burden, the case will be closed, and they would receive no compensation.

Are you ready to discuss the legal options you have surrounding your recent and wrongful car accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial case evaluation for your car accident injury lawsuit in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent injured persons and the loved ones following the wrongful death of a relative throughout the State of Indiana. We also represent Hoosiers who were injured and the Estates of persons wrongly killed in other states.

Understanding Onset of Injuries After a Car Accident

Posted on June 6, 2022 by admin

Even as low as 5 or 10 miles per hour, vehicles are essentially multi-ton missiles on the road. So, when drivers are involved in a collision, the event is usually traumatic. The force produced by a car wreck can cause a wide range of injuries to both passengers and drivers, especially soft tissue injuries, back injuries, neck injuries, and concussions; injuries that are not always present right away. It does not take a big collision for a person to be injured in even a “minor” automobile collision because the force of the collision between the two vehicles involved in the collision flows through your flesh and body.

A common phenomenon surrounding car accidents is known as an onset of injury, which describes a car accident victim who does not show signs of injury until hours, days, or even weeks following the collision. Such car accident victims often feel concerned that they are no longer eligible to claim payments through an accident claim or lawsuit because their injuries were not apparent at the scene of the accident. But those who are wrongly injured in a car wreck deserve justice no matter how many days later their injuries appear, and the law tends to agree. Moreover, medical doctors agree that a delayed onset of injuries for a person involved in an automobile collision is very common.

Continue reading to learn more about experiencing an onset of injury after a car accident, including what you should do if you were hurt in an auto collision that was not your fault.

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Do Not Mistake a Minor Accident for Minor Injuries

Even a seemingly minor car accident can cause bodily injury that does not appear at or directly after the scene of the collision. And if a minor car accident can pose the risk of late-appearing bodily harm, you can safely presume that a more serious auto accident can lead to an onset of injuries as well. An auto accident victim might feel fine, even unharmed, after the event, especially with their adrenaline pumping, but then days, weeks or even months later, begin experiencing signs and symptoms of serious injury. The most common types of late-appearing car accident injuries include neck injuries, back injuries, soft tissue injuries, whiplash, and concussions.

Because onset of injury is a real possibility among car accident victims, it is crucial to monitor your daily health following the wreck and to seek medical attention at the first sign of any evolving injuries. Such records will protect your rights to claiming payments through an accident claim or lawsuit, down the line, especially when the defendant’s insurance adjuster starts arguing you were not injured.

What To Do After a Car Accident

After being involved in a car accident that was not your fault, it is important to protect yourself by filing a police report at the scene and receiving medical attention from responding EMT’s. Also at the scene, gather as much video and photo evidence of the surroundings, including car damages, street signs, traffic signs, skid marks, intersections, any visible injuries on you, and more. You should also try to gather contact information from any witnesses. All of this evidence can help support your rights to being compensated.

After you leave the scene of the accident, it is critical to see a doctor right away. If you do not want to go to the emergency room, make a doctor’s appointment for the next day or as soon as possible. It is important to see a doctor after a car accident whether you feel injured or not. Not only will a doctor be able to check you out and give you instructions on how to self-monitor for later-appearing car accident injuries, and these medical records will help support your case as well.

During this process, it is vital that you do not speak with any insurance adjusters or representatives. Instead, work fast to hire a personal injury law firm in Indiana that specializes in car accident injury claims. They have the knowledge and resources to represent your case and obtain the maximum settlement or verdict you deserve. Just be sure to choose the best car accident attorneys in Indianapolis!

Insurance companies for defendants have attorneys and insurance adjusters working on the case for the defendant from the moment the at-fault driver informs them of the automobile collision. You should have immediate attorney representation as well to make sure you get treated fairly and so the other side does not entice you to doing things that will only help their side.

Are you looking for a qualified and experienced civil litigation law firm that can meet these expectations and more? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation with a seasoned car accident lawyer in Indianapolis. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

What is a Full Liability Release?

Posted on May 3, 2022 by admin

In the days or weeks following an injurious car accident that was not your fault, you may be confronted with a full liability release form from the at-fault party’s insurance company. Should you sign this form? What will happen if you do? Will it affect your settlement? These are all wise inquiries to ask yourself before approving a release of all claims. After all, as a victim of a car accident, you deserve the maximum settlement for your auto accident damages.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about car accident full liability releases, including who to trust for legal advice regarding your accident case in Indiana.

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Full Liability Releases

A full liability release tends to come into play after a car accident victim receives a settlement offer from the opposing insurance company. Before the insurance company sends a check for the settlement amount, they may insist that the claimant sign a full liability release, also known as a “waiver liability” form, “hold harmless agreement”, or a “release of all claims” form. The request is not usually a surprise, but rather, included in the settlement agreement.

The document’s purpose is to show that both parties agree to resolve their dispute and end all claims. It is significant because it releases the opposing party, both driver and insurance company, from all liability moving forward, including not being subjected to additional damage claims. Once a claimant accepts and signs a full liability release, the opposing party is no longer responsible for compensating them for any future damages resulting from the car accident.

Key Elements of a Waiver Liability Form

A waiver liability form should contain all related information regarding the claim, including all relevant laws pertaining to the case, official identification of all involved parties, full details of the auto accident, the types of claims being released (bodily injury, property, etc.), and payment agreement details.

A typical excerpt within such forms might include something similar to, “The undersigned hereby assumes all risk of injury or harm as a result of the activities specified above and agrees to release, indemnify, defend, and forever discharge the releasee from all liability, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses, and causes of action due to death, injury, loss, or damage to the undersigned.”

Should You Sign a Release of All Claims Form? Answer: Not Without Talking to an Attorney First.

You should never sign a release of all claims form too soon. Once you sign the claim, you lose your right to pursue compensation for any future-arising damages that resulted from your car accident. Before signing a waiver liability form, it is important to complete all medical treatment. This is sometimes referred to as maximum medical improvement (MMI).

More importantly, right after your accident, it is critical to hire an experienced Indiana car accident attorney for help navigating your claim. They will fight for your rights to full and fair compensation, including past, current, and future damages. With their assistance, you will know that the right decisions are being made, and in the best interest of your quality of life.

Were you recently injured in a negligent car accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-risk, no-fee personal injury consultation with a skilled auto accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN. We represent clients all throughout the state, and there is no need to travel. We can hold case evaluations via phone or online video conference.

How to Take Your Pledge for Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Posted on April 25, 2022 by admin

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. To show your support and dedication to safe and responsible driving, partner with the National Safety Council (NSC) to take your NSC Just Drive Pledge! Continue below to learn more about Distracted Driving Awareness Month, including how you can make your pledge official.

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Distracted Driving is Dangerous

New preliminary studies reported by the National Safety Council (NSC) suggest that our roadways are the most dangerous that have been in quite some time. The addition of mobile phones and similar technologies have impacted the increasingly hazardous road conditions by distracting drivers. In fact, distracted driving remains a top-cause for car accidents in the United States. According to recent NSC findings, hundreds of car accidents are caused by distracted driving each day. An average of 8 people lose their lives in such accidents each day. With such sad and alarming statistics, it is not difficult to see the awareness the National Safety Council (NSC) is aiming to convey.

Help Spread the Word Against Distracted Driving
#JustDrive

Texting, using the phone, checking your reflection in the mirror, snacking, putting on makeup, changing the listening station, rummaging through your purse or console, looking at electronic devices, turning around to deal with children; these are all common types of distracted driving. Even hands-free technology and touchless systems can sometimes distract you from the road, so be sure to include these devices on your list of possible distractions.

You can honor and support the cause behind Distracted Driving Awareness Month by creating a viable safe driving program for yourself and even alongside your family. Develop a system of rules and codes that help all of you avoid driving with distractions. The National Safety Council (NSC) provides all sorts of free resources you can sign up to use for help creating a safe driving program at home or in the office.

In addition to establishing a safe driving plan for yourself and your licensed loved ones, visit the National Safety Council (NSC) website and take the NSC Just Drive Pledge! Fill out and submit the form to prove you are dedicated to protecting others on the road! Then post your pledge on social media with the hashtag, #JustDrive! On their website, you can also choose to donate to their road improvement missions or become a member.

Were you or a loved one seriously injured in a car accident because the culpable party was driving distracted? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced auto accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana.

Most Common Auto Accident Injuries and What Causes Them

Posted on February 22, 2022 by admin

In 2019 alone, statistics revealed that there were an estimated 230 million licensed drivers in our country. With so many people driving a wide array of motor vehicles on the road, car crashes are bound to happen, and some of them are very serious and deadly.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a 2020 report suggests that the average motor vehicle weighs 4,156 pounds. Larger-than-average vehicles are even heavier, and when coupled with high speeds, are essentially the equivalent of a deadly weapon. As a result, car accidents tend to cause a lot of damage, both property damage and bodily injury, and in worst-case scenarios, fatalities.

Continue reading to learn the common kinds of auto accident injuries, what causes them, and how to verify your eligibility to pursue legal action against a wrongful driver or automaker.

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Typical Causes of Traffic Accidents and Fatalities

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in the year 2018, more than 2.7 million car crashes occurred, 36,000 of which resulted in a fatality. This devastating statistic shows how real the risks are when it comes to accidents involving motor vehicles. The most common causes of car accidents include reckless driving, distracted driving, intoxicated driving, and speeding.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a serious cause of motor vehicle accidents and car crashes in the United States, and even all across the world. Common examples include texting, making phone calls, changing the GPS settings, applying makeup, looking through briefcases/purses, grabbing items from the backseat, and similar behaviors that take drivers’ eyes off the road for more than a second. Fatigued driving is another common type of distracted driving but may also be categorized as reckless driving depending on the circumstances.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is considered a more serious offense because it is typically a conscious choice. Those who drive recklessly are generally aware that their behavior is reckless or negligent. Common examples of reckless driving include speeding, running red lights, changing lanes abruptly without using signals, cutting off other drivers, driving with no hands on the steering wheel, driving at night without headlights on, tailing other cars, driving over sidewalks, ignoring traffic signs and signals, and similar careless behaviors.

Intoxicated Driving

Intoxicated driving is illegal and can lead to both criminal and civil penalties. Furthermore, intoxicated driving refers to driving under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, or controlled substances. Drunk drivers have a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. Driving under the influence of drugs like marijuana, methamphetamines, opiates, and hallucinogens is also considered intoxicated driving. Controlled substances are OTC and prescribed medications like prescription pain killers, sleeping pills, anxiety medications, and similar medicines that cause drowsiness and/or inebriation.

Speeding

Speeding can also be considered a form of reckless driving. It is a top cause of serious car accidents and fatalities. In fact, the National Safety Council reports that 26% of the total traffic fatalities occurring in 2018 involved speeding. Speed limits are set because they are the safest speed to operate a vehicle while remaining in full control. At higher speeds, driver control is significantly reduced, which can lead to serious auto collisions.

Common Auto Accident Injuries

Although every motor vehicle collision is different, most car crashes tend to result in the similar of injuries. The most common auto accident injuries include whiplash, as well as injuries to the head, chest, arms, and legs.

Whiplash is by far the most common resulting car accident injury. Collisions tend to cause the neck and head to whip forward and backward and side to side very quickly. The severity of whiplash can vary on a spectrum from minor injuries, like stiffness or soreness of the neck and headache, to more serious and concerning injuries, like significant neck pain, permanent neck pain, dizziness, tinnitus, migraines, loss of vision, back pain, and neck injuries.

Head injuries are unfortunately common when it comes to serious car accidents. Head injuries can range from minor to major. Minor head injuries caused by car accidents may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivities, although these can be more serious depending on how long the symptoms last. More serious car accident head injuries include concussion, loss of consciousness, traumatic brain injuries, impaired thinking, loss of movement control, and loss of sensations.

Injuries to the chest, arms, and legs are another common result of auto accidents. Chests are often impacted by air bag deployment, which can lead to minor injuries like burns, bruises, or soreness, again, depending on how long the symptoms last. Chests of drivers and passengers can also be injured by blunt force trauma from an impact with another vehicle or structure. More serious chest injuries include broken ribs, lung punctures, organ ruptures, and other internal injuries or bleeding. Arms and legs can be severely burned, maimed, disfigured, or severed in serious car crashes. Orthopedic injuries, like shoulder and pelvic injuries, are also common in car accidents.

Are you a victim of a reckless or negligent car accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-risk, no-fee personal injury consultation with an experienced car accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also represent injured persons throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

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Were You Involved in an Accident While Driving Your Company Car?

Posted on February 4, 2022 by admin

When it comes to work, there are okay workdays, good workdays, and even great workdays, but then there are those occasional bad ones, like being involved in a company car accident. Below you will find a guide on what you need to do if you are ever in an accident while driving your company car.

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Company Car Auto Accident Help

Driving from location to location for work poses the risk of being in an auto accident. If you are involved in a car accident in your company vehicle, there are some important steps you need to take. Before reviewing the guide to company car accidents, it is necessary to note that you should always have your updated car insurance documents in your vehicle at all times.

What to Do After a Company Vehicle Accident:

First, ensure that yourself and all other parties involved in the accident are not injured or still in harm’s way. Even if no one seems injured, contact 911 and request law enforcement to the scene. Try to get to a safer location, out of the way of traffic.

While waiting to police and medical technicians to arrive, use your cell phone to take pictures of the scene of the accident, including all property damages, intersections, road signs, and injuries. If you are too injured to do this, you can ask an officer, paramedic, or bystander to help.

When authorities arrive, accept medical examination and treatment from the paramedics, if necessary, then make a police report. Ask for a copy of the police report.

If you are capable, begin asking the other parties involved for their insurance and contact information. Take a photo of their insurance card to ensure accuracy. Do not talk about the accident to the other drivers or involved parties as everyone is not having a good day after a collision so tempers may exist. It is better just to talk to the investigating officer and tell them what happened.

Next, notify your employer of the accident. Do this as soon as possible. Because your company likely has their own procedures, insurance, and legal teams for these matters, you will need to communicate with them at the scene and see what they want you to do. If the car can be driven, they may have you return it right away. If it is not drivable, your employer will probably arrange a tow truck to collect the company car.

Your employer may require you to hand over all related documents and evidence, like photos, videos, police reports, witness statements, and more. Cooperate with these requests but try to keep copies for yourself.

Were You Injured and the Accident Was Not Your Fault?

If you were injured in a company car accident, seek medical treatment right away. See a licensed medical practitioner for your injuries and retain all documents supporting your medical diagnoses and treatment.

Your company may offer workers’ compensation be n efits. If they do, explore these benefits. If they take too long to complete your claim, reduce the value of your claim, refuse to cover additional medical treatments ordered by your doctor, you have suffered permanent disabilities, or deny you benefits altogether, it is important to hire a licensed workplace injury lawyer in Indiana. They can ensure that your rights to being fully compensated for your damages and losses are preserved. You are entitled to reimbursement for medical bills, hospital bills, lost wages, and more.

Are you ready to protect your rights to being fully compensated after being injured in a company vehicle accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a seasoned workplace injury attorney in Indianapolis. We represent a wide range of cases for clients all across the state.