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.

Local Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700 — Schedule a Free Consultation!

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.

Examples of Vicarious Liability in a Personal Injury Claim

Posted on January 11, 2022 by admin

In simplest terms, vicarious liability is when one party is held legally accountable for another party’s negligent or unlawful actions.

Although the first party is legally responsible, the law holds the secondary party accountable as well. Vicarious liability, also referred to as principle’s liability or imputed negligence, comes to play in situations where a person or corporation is supposed to be responsible for another person or thing but acts negligently instead.

Continue reading for more examples of this type of legal liability, plus who to contact in Indiana for skilled car accident or personal injury representation that will protect your rights to being fully compensated.

Vicarious Liability

To best understand how vicarious obligation works, it is good to review some generic cases in which it would come into play. For example, if an employer retains a staff of employees that act negligently while working for the company (i.e. sexual harassment, discrimination, driving a company vehicle, etc.), the employer can be held accountable for the resulting damages in a court of law.

Victims of this negligent behavior can file a lawsuit to pursue compensation for pain, suffering, and more from the employer, as well as the individual guilty employees. Employers in this situation are considered responsible because they have the duty to prevent and be aware of negligence in the workplace. By law, they should have stopped or prevented harmful behavior on the job. In addition, employers are generally liable under law for any negligent acts performed by their employees anywhere while they are in the course and scope of their employment.

Car Accident Vicarious Liability and Negligent Entrustment

Driving another person’s car can also involve vicarious liability. A child that drives and wrecks their parent’s vehicle, causing serious injury or death to another driver, may put their parents in legal tribulation. Parents, or guardians, have the responsibility to properly instruct their adolescent how to drive safely, and only loan their vehicle during appropriate times. So, if a parent entrusts their minor to drive their vehicle, and an accident occurs, the parent (or person) who signed the minor’s driving application, is held responsible for the damages. In such cases, the insurance carrier for the parents would also be involved.

The law deems a parent or guardian, also known as an entruster, negligent if they allow their teen 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 or guardians can be held accountable for the damages under the principle of negligent entrustment.

Are you looking for skilled personal injury law firm to represent you in your negligence case in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also represent injured victims all across the state.

Do I Have to Make a Police Report After a Car Accident?

Posted on December 28, 2021 by admin

You Should Always Make a Police Report After a Car Accident

Many people assume that the first step to take after a car accident is to contact their insurance company. But depending on the details surrounding the accident, in most cases, the first call to make is to the local police. Filing a police report after a car accident is one of the most responsible protections you can take. Having such documents on record can better streamline the claim and settlement process.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about making a car accident report in Indiana, including who to contact if you were seriously injured by a negligent driver.

Indiana Laws and Procedures for Car Accident Reporting

In many cases, the law allows drivers to decide on their own if they want to contact the police after a car accident. In more serious cases, the law mandates that law enforcement is called to the scene. These laws and regulations vary among states. Here in Indiana, drivers are required by law to contact local law if certain conditions exist.

Indiana drivers involved in a car crash must call the police to report the accident if:

…the property damage is $1,000 or more.
…anyone dies or suffers an injury.
…the insurance carrier requires it in all cases.
…the other involved vehicle is unattended.
–Indiana Code § 9-26-1-1.1

Failing to make a police report after a car accident that meets these car crash reporting rules can possibly result in criminal penalties, as well as vehicle registration revocation, fines, and loss of driving privileges.

How to Make a Car Accident Report in Indiana

It is always best to report all car accidents to the police as this will allow you and your insurance carrier to obtain necessary documentation and information regarding both drivers. You should call 911. You can also contact the local police department or sheriff’s office in the municipality of your accident and sometimes they will have non-emergency numbers you can call to have an officer come out and make a report.

Following a police report, you would contact your insurance company to commence the claims process. Within 10 days’ time of the accident, you and the other driver or vehicle owner are required to have your respective insurance carriers electronically file a Certificate of Compliance with the Indiana BMV, which verifies that both parties have state minimum insurance coverage. Failure to do this can result in your driver’s license being suspended for a time.

The Importance of Making a Police Report After a Car Accident

Making a police report at the scene of a car accident is important for many reasons, whether the law mandates it for your particular incident or not. This is especially true for car accidents that result in bodily injury. For starters, your injuries may not manifest until later. These are known as late-appearing car accident injuries or an onset of symptoms. Delayed onset of symptoms is very common.

Additionally, your property damages might be more severe than you expected them to be, or worse, the other party involved could make false claims against you in an effort to evade liability for the accident. This is especially frustrating when you are not at fault in causing the car accident. Police reports can protect you from such complexities that can occur during the car accident claim process.

After being involved in a car accident in Indiana, not only is it encouraged to call the police to the scene so the officer can do his own police report, but it is also recommended to make your own car crash accident “report”. Do this by collecting the following information:

❒ Full Contact Information (Drivers and Passengers)
❒ Drivers’ License Number
❒ Car Insurance Details
❒ License Plate Number
❒ Photos of the Scene
❒ Photos of Registrations, Insurance Cards and Drivers Licenses
❒ Photos of Property Damage (both parties)
❒ Witness Contact Information
❒ Office Names and Badge Numbers

What To Do After Being Injured in a Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault

If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another driver, you could be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses. Damages and losses may include hospital bills, medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, prolonged physical therapy, disability, pain-and-suffering, and much more. It is important to consult with the season Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to determine if your case is worthy of pursuing legal action against the other party involved in your car accident.

Have you been seriously and wrongly injured in a car crash in Indiana? You deserve aggressive legal representation to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your damages. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned Indianapolis car accident attorney, today. We represent injured persons throughout the state of Indiana.

Top 5 Tips for Safe Driving in Indianapolis

Posted on August 27, 2021 by admin

The number of drivers who are seriously injured or killed in car accidents each year is astonishing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 3000 people were killed in a distracted driving car accident in 2019 alone, while more than 400,000 drivers and passengers were seriously injured because of distracted driving. What’s even more disconcerting is, with good intention and practice, distracted driving can be easily prevented. Therefore, no one should ever have to become a victim of a distracted driving car accident.

In fact, continue reading to learn the top five tips for safe driving in Indianapolis so that you can avoid becoming a distracted driver yourself and potentially harming another person in a car accident. Be sure to spread these tips among your friends and family to protect them as well.

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How to Avoid Distracted Driving

Know the Weather

Whether you are heading off to work or preparing for a long-distance road trip, the weather is something you always want to pay attention to when you plan on driving. Inclement weather conditions can increase the degree of hazard you experience on the road while driving, and if you add any type of distraction on top of that, it can pose a higher risk of being involved in a car accident.

If you know it’s going to rain, be sure your windshield wipers and tire tread are in good condition. If you know it’s going to snow, be sure to give yourself some extra time to clear off your windshield and warm your car up before taking off. If you know it’s going to be very hot, bring a windshield shade cover or choose a shaded parking spot for the day.

When the weather report predicts rainy, icy, or wet conditions, plan to leave earlier to give yourself some extra time; this way you won’t feel rushed on the road and tempted to speed or drive recklessly and because everyone on the road should be driving slower you will need more time to get to your destination safely.

Never Drive Under the Influence

Whether it’s alcohol, prescription drugs, controlled drugs, over-the-counter medication, or illicit drugs, never under any circumstances should you operate a vehicle when you are under their influence. Not only is it illegal, but it is very dangerous. Even something as unassuming and innocent as cough syrup can make you drowsy, which can cause you to lose focus while driving. Fatigued driving is one of the most dangerous types of distracted driving. In fact, that’s your next safe driving tip.

Get Plenty of Rest

It is important that you are well rested before operating a motor vehicle. Never drive when you are sleepy or drowsy because this can cause you to quickly lose focus on the road and other drivers around you. Even if you feel like you can stay awake, there is always a chance of slipping behind the wheel. Avoid taking prescription medications or over-the-counter medications that cause drowsiness before driving. Always check the label of your medications to be sure.

Avoid Distracting Behaviors While Driving

There are many things you might be doing behind the wheel of your car that you don’t realize are distracting. Examples include texting, taking phone calls, changing the radio station, entering coordinates into your GPS system, eating, putting on makeup, rummaging through your purse, taking your eyes off the road to reach for a food or beverage, checking for items in the backseat, and more. All of these behaviors are considered distracted driving, which is incredibly unsafe. So, when you are driving, stick to driving and only driving. Wait for a stoplight to perform any of these behaviors or pull over safely first. Here in Indiana, texting and driving is now illegal and you will be cited for an expensive ticket if you are seen by a police officer.

Do Not Drive Recklessly

One of the most effective best practices for safe driving is to simply follow all traffic rules and regulations. First, avoid reckless driving. This means drive the speed limit, obey all traffic signs, use your turn signals, give yourself plenty of room between vehicles, and so forth. Also, it is important to stay current on all of your automotive maintenance to ensure that your vehicle is in optimal condition for safe driving. By following these rules, you can avoid unsafe and distracted driving.

Were you injured or a loved one wrongly injured or killed in a car accident recently? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to meet with a seasoned Indiana car accident injury lawyer who can fight for your right to full and fair compensation. We can consult over phone, video, or in person at our In dianapolis law office. We represent injured persons and their loved ones throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

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

FAQS About Work Related Car Accidents

Posted on August 6, 2021 by admin

In today’s workforce, many employees are required to drive as a part of their job-related duties. When an employee is involved in a car accident, whether in their personal car or in a company car, so long as they were performing work-related duties, workers’ compensation usually pays for all of their medical expenses and the majority of their lost wages from missing work. But after being in a car accident, injured victims suffer more damages than just medical expenses and lost wages. In such cases, they may be eligible to pursue in accident claim against third parties responsible for any damages resulting from their car accident injuries.

There’s a lot to know about work-related car accidents, workers’ compensation benefits, and third-party claims, but fortunately you don’t have to bother with any of this. As soon as you are capable, speak with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to learn the best course of action for your car or trucking accident claim in Indiana.

In the meantime, continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about work-related car and trucking accidents to get a better understanding of what type of legal process you may experience ahead of you.

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What is Considered a Work-Related Car Accident?

A work-related car accident is when an employee who is performing work duties is involved in a car or trucking wreck or collision. The accident does not have to be with another vehicle; it can be just the employee. The most common types of work-related car accidents happen to those whose primary role is driving, such as delivery drivers, commercial truck drivers, bus drivers, and similar commuting-based vocations.

What are Some Other Types of Work-Related Car Accidents That May Be Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?

In addition to those whose primary role within the company is to drive, there are other types of work-related car accidents that can take place. Car accidents happen in an employer’s parking lot may be covered under workers compensation, as well as employees who are driving from one company location or job site to another for the purpose of a job shift change. Also, workers compensation may cover car accidents that occur to employees who are driving to or from a mandatory company meeting or event, such as a training program or conference.

What are Some Examples of Car Accidents That Would Not Be Considered Work-Related, and Therefore Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Not all car accidents are considered work-related even though they may appear to be. In such a case, employees would not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. For instance, if an employee is involved in a car accident on their way to work or on their way home from work, their accident would not be considered work-related. Although every case is fact sensitive so it should be investigated.

Another example would be if an employee was in a car accident after a company social event, like a holiday party or charity fundraiser. Since the event is not mandatory, and employees are not compensated for their attendance, a car accident that takes place before or after the event might not be considered work-related.

What Should I Do if I Am injured in a Work-Related Car Accident?

As soon as you are involved in a car accident, whether it is work-related or not, your priority should be medical treatment. Contact the police and the paramedics to ensure that you and anyone else involved in the accident are seen by EMTs. Next, you want to start documenting the scene of the accident. So, be sure that you have the police there to file a police report, get a copy of the police report, and continue to document any other pieces of evidence via video or photos.

Take pictures and videos of the cars involved in the car accident, the nearby intersection, the streetlights, the surrounding environmental terrain, and anything else that could be used as evidence to support your car accident claim. It is helpful to also ask onlookers or witnesses for their contact information in the case that they can provide witness testimony later.

✨ Stay tuned for next week’s blog in which we’ll discuss why injured employees need to hire a personal injury lawyer after being involved in a work-related car accident.

Are you looking for a skilled personal injury attorney who can help you with your car accident or workers compensation claim in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana.

You Might Also Read:

What To Do If You are Injured at Work
Difference Between Third Party Lawsuits and Worker’s Compensation Claims
FAQS About Having to Go Back to Work After a Workplace Injury

Indiana’s Minimum Liability Limits for Auto Accidents

Posted on June 29, 2021 by admin

After being injured in a car accident in Indiana, one of the most common questions heard by personal injury lawyers is the question of whether or not there auto insurance policy to cover their medical bills and other related accident expenses. If you are a recent victim of an auto accident, it is important that you understand your rights to pursuing legal action against the party who is responsible for your damages and losses, including such costs and more.

Continue reading to learn the minimum liability limits in Indiana for auto accidents, and how to get started on personal injury car accident claim so that you may recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Indianapolis IN Auto Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Insurance Policy Coverage for Auto Accidents

Insurance companies are required by law to offer certain coverages for injuries and damages sustained by people. However, sometimes there is not enough insurance coverage to cover the full damages and losses suffered by an auto accident victim, including future damages like ongoing physical therapy, future pain and suffering or loss of ability to earn an income. Most often, car accident victims assume their costs will be covered, but then later discover there are major coverage gaps in their policy or the defendant’s insurance policy.

These days, cheap state-minimum insurance is common and/or the defendant may have no auto insurance at all. With the help of a seasoned Indianapolis Indiana accident lawyer, car accident survivors can obtain the full and fair compensation they deserve for their medical bills, hospital bills, lost wages, pain-and-suffering, and much more.

Minimum Liability Limits in Indiana

Bodily Injury –
Minimum $25,000 Per Person/$50,000 Per Accident
If the defendant is insured, this is the minimum coverage most defendants in Indiana have.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Here in Indiana, all registered drivers can purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. In the case of a car accident, you can collect your damages from your own insurance policy if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. Because state-minimum insurance is usually so inadequate or even non-existent, everyone should purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage through their own insurance carrier.

For example, let’s say a person is rear-ended in a collision and incurs $40,000 in medical bills, $5,000 in lost wage and obviously, pain and suffering. The defendant may only have $25,000 and the injured person collects that amount from the defendant’s insurance carrier. If the injured person has $100,000 in underinsured coverage, they can collect up to an additional $75,000 from their own insurance carrier in settlement of their injuries and damages sustained in the wreck.

It is vital that you retain a skilled car accident injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana.

If you were recently injured in a car accident, semi collision or slip and fall where you were significantly injured, it is important that you act fast before the statute of limitations runs out on your case, or evidence is lost that would support your claim. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned Indianapolis IN car accident attorney, today. We represent injured persons throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.