How to Move Forward With a Company Vehicle Accident Claim

Were you recently injured in a car accident while driving your company-appointed vehicle? If so, it is imperative that you discuss your case with a seasoned car accident attorney who can help you get on track to a full and fair financial recovery. After all, you are likely concerned about paying for your hospital bills and medical expenses, as well as, losing money out of your paycheck while in recovery. You might also be worried about your own liability for vehicular damages.

In this confusing time, your best course of action as a victim of a company car accident is to sit down with a legal professional to learn what you need to know about the potential workers’ compensation and car accident claims.

Continue reading for advice on moving forward with a company vehicle accident claim in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Car Accident/Workers' Compensation Attorneys
Indiana Car Accident/Workers’ Compensation Attorneys 317-881-2700

At the Scene of the Accident

When you were at the scene of the accident, hopefully you exchanged all necessary insurance and contact information with all other drivers involved, and took pictures or video of the accident site. This information will likely be used as evidence to support your claim for compensation when it comes time to negotiate a settlement. If you received medical attention at the scene of the accident, this record can also be used to argue your case. Always, always, always call the police and wait at the scene for the police to show up and write a report.

After the Accident Scene

If your injuries were not evident at first, but are now beginning to appear, you are experiencing an onset of injury, which is common among car accident victims. See our blog, “Did I Forfeit My Right to Compensation By Saying I Wasn’t Injured at the Time of the Accident?” to learn more about these types of claims. In this case, be sure to see a doctor immediately. Have them diagnose your injuries and treat them accordingly. And be sure to follow all doctors’ instructions during your recovery.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

After being injured in a company car accident, your only priority should be to heal. That is why you need a licensed and experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation and car accident cases. They will handle all aspects of your claim, and ensure you obtain a full and fair settlement. All you have to do is rest and recover from your injuries. Be sure to hire a lawyer before discussing any details of the car accident with anyone.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury attorney who can determine the best strategies for your case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today.  We represent injured persons throughout Indiana.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Auto Insurance Terms You Need to Know as a Car Accident Victim

All drivers should have a basic understanding of their auto insurance policy. This is especially true for anyone injured in a car accident. This awareness can also help victims if you have to make a personal injury claim. A good place to start is by learning the common auto insurance terms used in the industry.

Continue reading to review some basic terminology surrounding automotive insurance claims and policies, as well as where to get started with your car accident claim.

Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700


The terms and definitions listed below are likely to vary from state to state. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm the details of your state’s particular auto insurance laws and policy limitations. If you have questions about making an accident claim, it is vital that you speak with a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyer for professional advice and assistance you can trust.

Here are some common auto insurance terms you may come across:

Accident Forgiveness – While most providers will increase a policy holder’s premium after causing an accident, policies with accident forgiveness will not add a surcharge after a car accident.

Adverse Carrier – The insurance carrier of the other party involved in a car accident.

Appraisal – The estimation of the property damage and the cost to have it repaired.

At-Fault – The party who is legally responsible for damages resulting from an accident.

Binder – A provisional insurance contract that provides proof of insurance coverage until a permanent policy can be allotted.

Bodily Injury – Injuries sustained by individuals involved in an accident.

Claim – The formal request to an insurance company for compensation following a car accident.

Comparative Negligence – Victims who are partially at-fault can collect a partial amount of compensation for their damages and losses based on the percentage of their contribution to negligence. See our article on The Difference Between Comparative and Contributory Negligence.

Coverage – The overall protection and benefits provided by an insurance policy contract.

Covered Person – Those who are insured under a car insurance policy.

Damage – Harm or loss to a person or property.

Deductible – The fee the insured party must pay in order for their insurance company to pay their claim.

Proof of Financial Responsibility – A law mandating that all drivers must retain the state’s minimum amount of liability insurance coverage to legally operate each vehicle they own (Indiana’s requirement is 25/50/25 minimum liability insurance).

Indemnification – Compensating an injured party for the purpose of restoring their estimated financial position and quality of life back to what it was before an accident.

Liability – A legal and imposable obligation for the losses and damages suffered by an accident victim.

Liability Insurance – Car insurance coverage that defends against claims that a driver’s negligence cause a victim bodily harm or property damage.

Limits – The maximum benefits an insurance company will pay for losses and damages covered in an insurance policy.

Loss – The amount of money assigned to a claim.

Negligence – Failure to possess or demonstrate a level of care, expected by all persons under law, which protects another person, reputation, or property from harm or foreseeable and unreasonable risks.

No-Fault Insurance – A policy that covers medical treatment, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses, regardless of who is at-fault for an accident.

Per Occurrence Limit – The maximum benefits paid by an insurance company for all claims stemming from a single incident.

Per Person Limit – The maximum benefits paid by an insurance company for a single person’s injuries arising from a single incident.

Personal Auto Policy (PAP) – A simple, rudimentary automotive insurance policy that provides coverage for liability, medical payments, uninsured and underinsured motorists, and physical damage protection.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – A type of medical payments coverage in which all or a portion of medical expenses and hospital bills (driver and passengers) are paid for, no matter who is to blame for an auto accident. See our blog on Discussing Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

Policyholder – The individual who owns the policy. It may also include anyone covered under the policy.

Premium – The amount paid for an automotive insurance policy.

Property Damage Liability Coverage – This covers any property damage done to another person’s property in the case that a driver is at-fault for their accident.

Replacement Cost – The total cost to replace damaged property, with the exclusion of depreciation reductions.

Split Limits – An imbursement strategy used by the insurance company to pay for individual components of a car accident.

Underinsured – A policyholder who does not retain enough insurance coverage to cover all related damages in a car accident.

Unsatisfied Judgment Fund – A state fund intended to compensate individuals for any losses sustained from an automobile accident caused by an uninsured/underinsured motorist, or person without money.

Get Started on Your Car Accident Claim Today

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis car accident attorney who can determine the best strategies for your case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today.

Legal Disclaimer: Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice. Individual cases differ and should be discussed with a lawyer.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim After a Rental Car Accident?

If you were recently involved in a car accident while driving a rental car, and you suffered injuries as a result, it is natural for you to have questions about making an injury claim to recover compensation for your medical bills and more. Continue reading for some helpful tips that will get you started in the right direction.

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700


Rental cars are convenient commodities for traveling relatives, businessmen, tourists, and more. However, if a person is involved in a car accident while driving a rental car, there could be some serious legal consequences depending on the type of auto insurance carried and various other factors. If you are ever hurt in a car accident, whether in a rental car or your own, it is vital to get in contact with a licensed car accident lawyer to discuss your rights to compensation and the best course of action for making a claim.

Contract Terms and Conditions

When renting a car, it is important to choose a company that is well known for reputable business and dependable vehicles. Once you choose your car rental company, make it a priority to review their contract terms and conditions closely before signing any documents. Rental car liability differs from state to state, and even sometimes from company to company.

For instance, some states require a driver to have their own auto insurance policies to cover property damage to the rental vehicle in the case that they cause an accident. Other states require drivers to have their own insurance policies that will cover their damages and injuries that result from a rental car accident, regardless of who is at fault.

Check Your Policy

Your policy may or may not protect you if you are injured in a rental car accident. For these reasons and more, it is wise to review your own auto insurance policy coverage before renting a vehicle. This is especially important if you are renting a vehicle that will be operated by another driver. These conditions should be reviewed and understood prior to doing any business with a rental car company too.

If your automotive policy only provides a limited amount of coverage, you always have the option of adding additional liability coverage through your own insurance carrier or through the rental car company. Although optional, it is strongly recommended to always purchase additional insurance coverage when you pick up your rental vehicle.

Common Types of Rental Car Insurance Coverage May Include:

Loss Damage Waiver (Collision Damage Waiver)This pays for the cost of repair for any damages to the car. Generally, the client pays the deductible.

Personal Accident InsuranceThis pays remunerations for personal injuries or wrongful deaths.

Supplemental Liability InsuranceThis pays remunerations for property damages and personal injuries of other victims, aside from the driver and their passengers.

Personal Effects CoverageThis is meant to members a driver for any personal belongings damaged or lost.

Talk to a Rental Car Accident Attorney Right Away

Rental car accidents can result in severe injuries, and in very unfortunate scenarios, death. Whether you were driving a rental car at the time your accident occurred, or you were injured in an accident by a rental car driver, it is important to contact a licensed Indianapolis car accident attorney right away to protect your rights to remuneration. They have experience working with rental car agencies and accident claims, and can recover the full and fair compensation you deserve to get your life back to where it was before your injuries.

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

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

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

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. After a Car Accident

If you are injured in a car accident, our seasoned personal injury lawyers will work around the clock to ensure your settlement coverage is fair. Although we aim to settle out of court, we are full-prepared to take your case to court if the insurance company doesn’t offer a full and fair settlement.

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700


The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. is a personal injury law firm that specializes in car accident injury claims. After being injured in a car accident, it is important to protect yourself with immediate medical care, as well as, legal assistance. Insurance companies are only interested in paying out the smallest amount of compensation, and will look for any way to blame the accident on you.

When you are hurt in a car accident, bills pile up and wages go lost. Time of work, hospital bills, medical expenses, car repair costs, and more can add a great deal of emotional stress, and can even slow your recovery. Our personal injury lawyers work hard to ensure your insurance company, or the opposing party’s insurance, pays out a settlement that fully covers your losses and more.

There are Never Any Upfront Lawyer Fees

We offer free initial consultations, so there is never any out of pocket obligation to discuss your case with a licensed accident attorney. Furthermore, our law firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means that we only collect our lawyer fees if we recover a settlement for you. You do not pay us a single dime, up front! This puts your mind at ease, and gives you confidence knowing that we don’t get paid unless you do. O

ur scheduling process is very flexible, and we can sit down with you any time during the regular business week, during regular business hours. Call Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, and speak with a friendly and professional legal representative who can give you all the information you need to get started with our claim.

Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys You Can Trust

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

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

Winter Driving Tips for Safe Holiday Traveling

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

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 Attorney Indianapolis

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.