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

Posted on August 25, 2020 by admin

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

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

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

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It is Against the Law to Use Your Phone and Drive

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

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

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

Other Forms of Distracted Driving

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

How to Get started on a Car Accident Claim

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

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

Indianapolis Indiana Car Accident Lawyers Who Can Help

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

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Do I Need Medical Payments Coverage for My Passengers?

Posted on July 7, 2020 by admin

Medical Payments Coverage: Also called Med Pay

Med Pay is a colloquial term for “Medical Payments Provision”, which is a separate provision in an insurance policy available to vehicle owners. It is a provision that covers the medical payments of the driver and all the passengers inside your vehicle if they are injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at-fault. Keep in mind that Med Pay is NOT health insurance. It only covers medical payments incurred as a result of car accidents. The difference is that Med Pay covers your and your passenger’s medical bills as well.

It is highly recommended to purchase medical payments coverage, which helps protect you and your passengers in your vehicle. Continue below to learn more about Med Pay, including additional recommendations regarding personal injuries.

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Med Pay can be purchased when you obtain coverage for your automobile and can usually range from $1,000 to $100,000. But it is important to know that Med Pay is based per vehicle. So, if you have two vehicles, you will need to purchase med pay coverage for each vehicle so you are covered while driving each vehicle. It is also important to understand that this does not include any other economic or non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of limb, permanent disfigurement, prolonged physical therapy, and more. If you wish to have these covered as well, you’ll need to look into Personal Injury Protection, or more commonly known as “PIP” (depending on the State you live in if available).

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

If you are concerned about coverage for additional losses and damages, like the ones mentioned above, then you would need to consider a different type of coverage instead of a medical payments plan. One option is Personal Injury Protection, or PIP. This coverage is more comprehensive compared to Med Pay. Not only does it cover injuries and losses incurred as a result of a car accident, it goes above and beyond, covering more specific economic or non-economic losses. For instance, PIP will help with hospital bills, medical expenses, loss wages, mortgage payments, and more. It is more expensive than Med Pay, but not by much. And you do not need to have both PIP and Med Pay insurance.

The Esteemed Indiana Car Accident Attorneys Who Can Recover the Compensation You Deserve

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed car accident injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned personal injury lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek can help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being seriously injured in a car accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we obtain a settlement for you. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana. Contact us to get started in your financial recovery, today.

Important Accident Claim Facts for Victims of a Head-On Collision

Posted on May 12, 2020 by admin

Most car wrecks are serious, but when it comes to head-on collisions, the consequences are generally more severe. Virtually all head-on collision car accidents result in some form of injury, whether physical, mental, emotional, or a combination of the three. Sadly, many also result in death. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that in 2018, 56% of vehicular fatalities were caused by head-on car accidents.

If you or someone you love was recently injured in a head-on car collision, it is vital that you consult with a licensed accident attorney as soon as possible to learn your rights to recovering compensation for your damages. Continue reading to learn some basic accident claim facts that will help you get started on the right path toward a full and fair settlement.

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Common Causes for Head-On Car Crashes

There are several things that can go wrong behind the wheel of a vehicle, making the list of possible causes for car accidents vast. However, head-on car collisions tend to be caused by the same types of negligence. Arguably, the top cause for such car accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving can include a wide range of behaviors, from driving fatigued or under the influence, to texting, taking calls, addressing children or passengers, eating, reading, fidgeting with the stereo, searching through purses or bags, and similar actions.

Additional causes for head-on collisions include speeding, losing control of the vehicle, unsafe or illegal passing, and other types of driver errors. Our related blogs, “Most Common Injuries Caused By a Rear-End Car Accident” and “Top 5 Ways to Avoid a Serious Car Accident” can also give you insight on car accident claims and driving safety.

Accident Claims for Head-On Car Accidents

The law says that, as a driver, you have a duty of care when you drive on the road. If another driver breaches this duty of care, and as a result, collides head-on into a car and injures that driver and/or their passengers, the victims can seek damages in a court of law. In order to be awarded damages, victims must prove that the negligent party did breach their duty of care, which directly resulted in their injuries and subsequent losses. This is where a seasoned personal injury lawyer can help.

Personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and skills to help clients recover damages for current and future medical expenses and hospital bills, as well as, property damages, permanent damages, wrongful death damages, pain, suffering, and more. See our blog, “An Overview of Personal Injury Basics” will help you understand more about how the accident claim process works.

How to Get Started on Your Car Accident Claim in Indianapolis

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn the best course of action after being negligently injured in a serious car collision in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Schedule your consultation before the statutes of limitations runs out on your claim. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

What To Do and Not To Do After a Car Accident

Posted on March 13, 2020 by admin

After being involved in a car accident that was not your fault, actions you take and decisions you make, can influence the total amount you receive in a personal injury settlement. For this reason, it is vital to know what to do and not to do after being involved in an auto accident caused by another driver. Continue reading for this information and more, as it can possibly make or break your car accident claim.

Insurance Companies are Not on Your Side

When you make a personal injury car accident claim, it is the at-fault party’s insurance company that will pay you your ultimate settlement or judgment if owed. However, insurance companies do not want to pay car accident victims. Their primary objective is to settle as quickly as possible for as little as possible, which is usually not a good thing for an accident victim.

Insurance companies will offer a paltry settlement and simply try to send a victim on their way. You see, within these insurance companies are hundreds of employees who work hard to argue that the value of your injury claim is low. They will use every resource in their power to reduce the settlement amount, which in turn increases their employer’s profits.

Fortunately, there are seasoned car accident attorneys out there who know the laws surrounding such claims inside and out, and can navigate through insurance adjuster tactics. They will provide cold-hard evidence to support a victim’s damages and losses and recover a full settlement.

What to Do After a Car Accident:

➀ Dial 911 and request police and paramedics for any injured persons.
➁ Tell the investigating officer how the accident happened.
➂ Seek medical attention at the scene and then at the hospital.
➃ Take several pictures and videos of the car and your surroundings.
➄ Contact a car accident injury lawyer to learn what your rights are.

What NOT to Do:

❌ Do not wait to get medical attention.

❌ Do not skip doctors’ appointments or treatments.

❌ Do not talk to insurance adjusters.

❌ Do not send out a demand letter.

❌ Do not sign a waiver or release-of-liability document or any other documents without talking with your attorney first.

❌ Do not accept cash for your damages and losses.

❌ Do not attempt to negotiate your claim yourself.

Talk to an Indianapolis Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for help with a car accident injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned car accident lawyers can help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after suffering a serious injury in a car accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Schedule your consultation before the statutes of limitations runs out on your claim. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

What You Should Know About Whiplash Personal Injury Claims

Posted on August 7, 2018 by admin

According to driverknowledge.com, more than 6 million car accidents take place in the United States every year. Unfortunately, an average of 3 million people are injured every year in these car crashes, 2 million of which sustain permanent injuries. One of the most common injuries that occur from car collisions is called whiplash. Whiplash is technically an informal, non-medical term that describes the jerking, jolting, or sudden movement of a person’s neck that results in injury.

Continue reading to learn more about whiplash injuries, including what to do if you or a loved one becomes a victim of a motor vehicle accident.

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Whiplash Pain and Treatment

Whiplash occurs when a person’s head or neck is suddenly jerked forward, backward, sideways, or any other direction. This jolting movement is visually obvious in a car accident. A victim can suffer various levels of pain and discomfort following a whiplash injury or accident. Pain, aching, sensitivity, throbbing, and soreness tend to occur in the back, neck, head, and shoulder areas.

Pain and tenderness can also extend through additional extremities, such as the legs and arms. This type of pain is sometimes described as pins and needles running through a person’s arms and legs, with general pain in the upper regions of a person’s body. All of these symptoms of pain can result in restricted mobility, thus inhibiting a victim’s ability to move around freely and perform their activities of daily living.

Whiplash type symptoms can show up immediately after an accident, or several days or weeks later. When whiplash symptoms do become evident, the extent of pain varies depending on certain factors, such as the severity of the injury, the circumstances surrounding the accident, the physical health of the victim, existing injuries or medical conditions, and more. Treatments for whiplash type injuries can be fairly minor, such as rest, ice, heat, and medications, or they can be major, such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, surgery, and life-long disability.

Whiplash Personal Injury Claims

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident and sustained a whiplash type injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses. The most important thing to do after being involved in a car accident is to immediately seek medical attention and make sure a police report is written. The documentation of medical records and police reports can be used as evidence to recover compensation for your damages and losses. Once you have done this, contact a licensed Indianapolis car accident lawyer to make a personal injury claim.

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make a car accident claim in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyers are ready and able to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim if I Was Hurt in an Uber Accident?

Posted on August 28, 2017 by admin

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One of the most surprising growing trends these days is sharing rides. Companies like Uber and Lift are becoming increasingly popular for the convenience they offer to the public. Not only do these services divert intoxicated driving, they also help drivers conserve fuel and provide options for those unable to drive their own vehicles. Despite these companies being fairly new, they are not excluded from old struggles; namely, liability.

Although incredibly rare considering the number of ridesharing users and employees, crimes like assault, kidnapping, and even manslaughter have been associated with ridesharing in the past. Because of reports like these, many people are questioning their safety and their rights in the case that an Uber ride goes wrong. Again, these types of crimes are rare in the ridesharing industry. Chances are, the most common incidents encountered while riding in an Uber are motor vehicle accidents.

Uber Accident Claims

If you are injured in a car accident while riding as a customer in an Uber or Lift, you need to learn your rights. Filing a personal injury claim for an Uber accident is essentially the same as all other third-party liability claims. However, they can be more complex since you may be able to file a claim against the company, as well as the driver themselves, or the other driver that caused the accident. For this reason, you will need an experienced personal injury attorney to navigate your claim and protect your right to a full and fair settlement for you damages and losses. These can include hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, and more.

What You Can Expect

In most cases of Uber accident claims, it is the Uber driver, as well as the other driver involved in the accident, who would be responsible for your damages and losses of you were injured in an accident they caused. But what about the driver? If they are injured while driving for Uber, do they have rights? The answer to these questions vary depending on a long list of factors.

Every case is different, and ordinances surrounding these cases vary among jurisdictions. It is, however, possible for an Uber driver to turn around and sue the company, but this would require intensive investigatory work, as well as, accumulating enough evidence to prove their case. Generally, if the accident happened on the clock, the driver is covered by Uber’s insurance; but they would have to file under their own insurance first, and then wait for Uber’s insurance to take over.

What Should You Do?

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Long story short: if you were injured in an Uber accident, whether a driver or passenger, you need to contact a licensed Indianapolis car accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn your rights and the best strategies to recover for your losses. Here at Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C., we offer free initial consultations, so you can freely discuss your case with one of our seasoned accident attorneys, and learn whether or not you have a valid claim, without any out-of-pocket obligations. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your consultation, today.

Does an Injured Victim Need a Witness to Prove a Car Accident Case?

Posted on June 27, 2016 by admin

When a person is involved in a car accident, they must provide information and evidence to their insurance company that outlines the events leading up to and surrounding the accident in order to get coverage. In the case that an insurance company will not give the proper coverage needed for damages, an injured victim may end up filing a lawsuit. And to win their case, they would need an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer, but they wouldn’t necessarily need a witness. Witnesses are great assets to a case, but they are not the only method of proving the validity of a person’s injuries. Whether the matter is being managed administratively through an insurance carrier, or legally in a court of law, there are other ways to prove a case without witness testimony.

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No Witness Testimony

When an injured person does not have a witness, it is wise for them to take pictures and videos at the scene of the accident to document visual proof of the damages and surrounding environment. This includes anything that was related to the accident, including vehicular damages, skid marks, shattered glass, road obstructions, street lights, and more. Of course, this is difficult to do for someone that is seriously injured or unconscious. Under these circumstances, if a victim is immobilized because of their injuries, it is a good idea to record themselves, describing their injuries and what’s happening at the scene of the accident. Injured victims can also ask a police officer or EMT to take pictures for them if they are too injured to do it themselves.

Having a Witness

If a victim does have a credible witness, it will be easier to prove the facts surrounding their accident and injuries. Often times, a person will not even realize there are witnesses until they ask. It is common for crowds of people to gather when an accident takes place, so a victim can ask these people for their testimony or camera footage as well. It is important for them to record their names and contact information for future questioning.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

If you were recently injured in a car accident, and you don’t have any witnesses or camera footage, you may still have a chance to win your case. Hiring a seasoned car accident injury lawyer is the first step to recovering the full and fair compensation you deserve after being seriously injured in a car accident.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Craven Hoover Blazek Personal Injury Law 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced car accident injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are eager to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being wrongfully injured in an auto accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win your case. Call 317-881-2700 to get started with your Indianapolis car accident injury claim, today.

Safe Driving Tips for Teenagers

Posted on June 2, 2016 by admin

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Drivers of all ages need to have knowledge of how to operate a vehicle safely. But when it comes to teenagers, it is important to instill the proper driving and traffic education while they are just starting out, so they will develop safe driving habits at a young age and use them for the rest of their driving careers. If you are parent or guardian to a licensed adolescent, be sure to educate them on the most important safe driving tips and keep them better protected from harm.

Continue reading to learn 5 safe driving tips that are imperative for teens to learn and remember.

Stay Alert

As a teen, it is so easy to get distracted no matter what you are doing. Unfortunately, driving is no different. Especially with the use of handheld devices, like cell phones and tablets, more and more people are leaning their attention away from the road when they shouldn’t be. For this reason, it is most important to always remain alert when you are behind the wheel of a vehicle. Place your cell phone, GPS system, makeup, mirror, and all other distractions aside while your car is in motion. This is not only important to prevent harming yourself, but also other drivers and pedestrians.

No Speeding

Of course kids want to go fast, but this is not okay when behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. It is important to teach your kids the importance of speed limits. A car that is moving too fast is more difficult to control, and will over-react to the smallest change in motion. Flipping, swerving, spin-outs, and more are all possible consequences of driving too fast and then trying to stop or change motion. Speeding is also a common reason for motor vehicle fatalities. Not only is speeding dangerous in general, it is even more hazardous on narrow roads or in rain, snow, ice, and at night.

Keep a Safe Distance

Kids are not only interested in going fast, they also want to get where they are going quickly. Rushing and speeding are different, and it is important to discuss this with your teen. Of course you should never speed, but you should never tailgate, drive to close, or roll through stops and turn-abouts either. Rushing like this will only get you to your destination a minute sooner, which is not worth the risk of causing an accident, or being ticketed by law enforcement.

Avoid Aggressive Drivers

Teenagers might not always recognize the danger in some situations, and aggressive drivers are one example. Explain to your teens that it is important to avoid aggressive drivers at all costs. This means vehicles that are swerving, honking, or harassing, as well as, vehicles that are driving too fast, attempting to illegally pass, or instigating a race. These are all dangerous scenarios that can cause a very serious car accident.

Avoid Intoxicated Driving

There is no excuse for driving under the influence. Not only can it jeopardize your life, it can put other lives in danger as well. Talk to your teen about driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol and prescription medications.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, contact a car accident lawyer right away. You could be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a car accident injury claim in Indianapolis, IN today. Attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are dedicated and determined to obtain the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve as an injured victim in a negligent accident. We offer free initial consultations, 24 hour phone services, and never charge attorney fees and less we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a consultation with a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN today.

Advice for Anyone Involved in a Massive Traffic Pile Up

Posted on March 28, 2016 by admin

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

When two drivers are involved in a minor traffic collision, such as a fender-bender, it is basically cut-and-dry on who’s at fault for the accident. But what about major traffic collisions that involve numerous parties? This is the case for traffic accident pile ups and victims. It can be quite complex and confusing deciding who is at fault in a massive pile up, and how to get properly compensated for losses and damages that result from such accidents.

If you or anyone you love was recently involved and injured in a multiple vehicle collision, it is strongly suggested to get in contact with an experienced car accident injury lawyer for professional guidance. Continue reading to learn some basic advice for car accident pile up collisions, and what you should do if ever involved in one.

At the Scene

As soon as you are involved in a multiple vehicle traffic accident, the first thing to do is to remain calm. Of course, this is easier “said than done”, however, trying to remain calm will help you make better decisions on the spot, and protect you and your passengers from further harm. If you are capable of moving, check for injuries to you and any passengers, and if necessary, move your vehicle out of the way, or leave the vehicle if it cannot be moved. Find a safe spot to wait for authorities to arrive for assistance.

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If you or any member of your party is injured, contact emergency medical technicians right away. Receive medical attention on the spot, and if needed, be transported to the nearest hospital for additional medical treatment. If you and your party do not require medical care, still remain at the scene to cooperate with responding law enforcement. It is important to have the accident officially on record with police for insurance and injury claim purposes.

When speaking with law enforcement, it is important to not say too much since your statements are being recorded. Recorded statements can be used against you during the claims process. Instead, be polite but brief, and only give facts about your observations and experiences. Do not give information about your opinions or what you “think” might have happened.

Talking to a Lawyer

If you are injured during the pile up, it is vital to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine your eligibility for compensation. But even if you and your lawyer intend to pursue a claim, for the time being it is easier to stick with your own insurance carriers to cover medical care and property damages. If you are injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, you have the right to recover funds for your subsequent damages and losses. A licensed accident lawyer can facilitate this process for you, safely and securely. An injury lawyer will look at multiple facets of the accident to develop your case and pursue a full and fair recovery, including what started the accident, who were the responsible parties, who you collided into as a result, and who collided into your vehicle.

During massive traffic collisions like these, it is expected for law enforcement to be distracted by the primary priority of tending to injured people and preventing further injuries from occurring. Because of this, they are not likely going to investigate any deeper into your case. For this reason, it is wise to take it upon yourself to gather any physical evidence you can, if you are well enough to, for future claims. This means taking photos of license plates, the vehicle in front and behind you, all the physical damages to your vehicle, and any injuries to yourself and your party. Ask the other drivers involved for contact information in case you need witness statements or other information.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

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

Winter Driving Tips for Safe Holiday Traveling

Posted on December 21, 2015 by admin

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Winter weather can range in severity, from minor snow flurries to relentless ice storms, and more. No matter which end of the “severity spectrum” winter weather lands on, it can all be hazardous to us drivers if we are not careful. Before the big winter storms hit our communities this season, it is important to review some life-saving driving tips, especially for new or adolescent drivers. Continue reading to learn how to navigate safely on the road in poor weather conditions, and how to drive safer in snow, rain, harsh winds, and ice.

Safe Winter Driving

In addition to learning how to operate a vehicle safely in winter weather, it is important to also be familiar with safety rules for winter roadside emergencies. Many motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents occur when cars are pulled over on the side of the road for emergency repairs or breakdowns. In harsh weather, it can be difficult seeing people or cars on the side of the road until it’s too late. Roadside emergencies are all too common, so knowing how to handle these situations safely and responsibly can mean the difference between life and death. Here are important and effective tips for safe winter driving that can prevent accidents and injuries to drivers and pedestrians alike:

1. Always Wear Your Seat Belt
2. Allow Vehicles to Warm Up in an Open Area for At Least 10 Minutes
3. Reduce Speed in Adverse Weather (i.e. rain, snow, ice, winds, fog, etc.)
4. Remove All Ice and Snow From Windows and Windshields
5. Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly
6. Look and Steer in the Direction You Intend to Go
7. Use Lower Gears in Heavy Snow Fall
8. Keep 3 Times the Space Behind Other Vehicles
9. Apply Brakes Earlier and Gently to Prevent Loss of Traction
10. Use Parking Brake on Inclines
11. Never Stop Mid-Hill or Incline
12. Be Sure the Muffler is Not Clogged with Ice or Snow
13. Turn On Headlights for Daytime Driving
14. Remember that Bridges Freeze Quicker than Roadways
15. Never Drive When Fatigued
16. Be Sure Vehicle Has Ample Fuel to Avoid Frozen Gas Lines
17. Be Sure Vehicle Has All Necessary Fluids
18. Be Sure Tires are Fully Inflated
19. Do Not Use Cruise Control
20. Keep a Mobile Phone and Charger in Vehicle
21. Keep an Emergency Auto Kit in Car
22. Always Check Weather Reports Before Long-Distance Trips
23. Never Attempt to Walk in Severe Snow Storms or Weather
24. Always Remain in Vehicle Until Roadside Rescue Technicians Arrive
25. Do Not Over-Exert Yourself Attempting to Dig or Push Out of Snow
26. Turn Flashers On if Stuck or Pulled Over
27. Tie Something Brightly Colored to the Antenna to Signal Distress if Stuck in Snow
28. Contact a Roadside Assistance Service if Stuck in Snow
29. Just Stay Home If Possible!

Roadside and roadway accidents are bound to happen in poor winter weather conditions. If you or a loved one is injured by a negligent driver this winter, contact a personal injury lawyer to learn your rights. You may be legally entitled to compensation for your damages and losses.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorneys Indianapolis 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a car accident injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned personal injury lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are eager to help injured victims recover full and fair compensation following a serious car accident. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and will not collect lawyer fees unless we win your settlement. Call 317-881-2700 and speak with an Indianapolis car accident attorney about your rights, today.