Important Social Media Advice for Injury Victims

As an injured victim involved in a pending personal injury claim, your social media choices can directly affect the outcome of your case. It is strongly advised to discuss social media “do’s and don’ts” with a seasoned accident attorney who can give you proper guidance on how to conduct yourself on popular sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more, without compromising your rights to compensation.

Continue reading for some brief advice on this topic, as well as, who to call for trusted personal injury representation and counsel after being hurt in an accident.

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

Social media is a very popular and common hobby for many people all across the world. Such sites allow you to put personal information online, including your photos, your history, your residence, your location, and more. Although social media is fun and makes it easy to communicate with those in your life, it can also be quite risky. This is especially true for anyone involved in a pending legal case or lawsuit.

Social media posts can now sometimes be permitted to be used as evidence in legal cases since they are accounts and paper trails of part of a person’s life. For instance, if a person is being charged with a crime but insists they have an alibi, they could use a social media posting or photo to prove they were in fact, not at the scene of the crime they are suspected of committing.

However, in the case of a personal injury claims, it usually has the opposite effect; rather than showing a person of interest was somewhere else when the alleged crime was committed, it can actually provide the defense something to pick up on and argue against the injured victim. For example, if you say you have back pain after a car accident, but then post a video of you on Instagram standing up for an hour at your daughter’s softball game, it could be used against you in personal injury negotiations.  The defense would argue how hurt were you really if you could do that.  However, most parents are willing to endure some pain to not miss something important to their daughter and since most people do not post videos of themselves hurting or in pain, there won’t be a video or photos taken of how you were feeling after that hour on your feet.

Here is What You SHOULD NOT Do on Social Media as an Injured Victim:

First and foremost, the best advice is to refrain from all social media activity throughout the duration of your case. This even includes writing online reviews on Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, Ebay, and more. For example, you wouldn’t want to review a new gym or pair of high heeled shoes after being injured in an accident because again, that could be twisted into an argument by a defense attorney. If you must take part in social media, here is what you should never do:

Do not post information about your accident or incident. This includes descriptions, photos, videos, articles, and even comments.

Do not post anything that arguably implies your injuries are less serious than you claimed. Comments and photos can be taken out of context and used to argue that you are not seriously injured or entitled to a full settlement.

Do not make any comments.  Defense attorneys will use any comments you make and try to twist the meaning of the comments. Even making a claim that you were tired or sore from the gym would be used against you, even though that is normal and even if what you left out of the comment was that you could not do your full workout routine because of your injuries.

Do not make insulting comments or complaints about anyone or any company involved in the case, including the insurance companies, adjusters, opposing parties, attorneys, cities, and more.  There is nothing to be gained be venting your frustrations with how the opposing side is not just simply doing the fair and honorable thing.

Do not accept new friend requests from strangers. It could be an insurance investigator, even disguised as someone else, with the intention of obtaining information that could arguably be used against you.

Who to Talk to About Your Accident Claim

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

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you were negligently injured in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis accident attorneys are well-versed in various areas of tort law and can help you obtain the full settlement you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to get started, today.

Questions and Answers About Personal Injury Negotiations

If you are entering into a personal injury claim, it is wise to educate yourself on the developments and procedures that are to be expected. One important matter to better understand for your personal injury case is the process of negotiations and settlements. After all, this is the part that affects you the most in terms of financial recovery or restitution.

Continue below to review some common questions and answers regarding this topic, as well as, where to get started learning more about your personal injury claim.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

What is the Purpose of Personal Injury Negotiations?

Personal injury negotiations are meant to provide injured victims with the opportunity to demand the full and fair compensation from their accident and subsequent injuries. The process is sadly sometimes similar to haggling over the price of a commodity at your local city market; the seller knows how much they are willing to sell it for, and the buyer knows how much they are willing to spend on it, but neither party knows the other party’s limits, so a bargaining process commences. In the case of a personal injury claim, the injured victim and the insurance adjuster will go back and forth until they agree on a fair settlement.  What one side believes is fair usually does not match what the other side believes is fair.

What is a Demand Letter?

An accident victim may need to take action in order to receive compensation for their damages by developing a letter of demand to the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. Basically, a demand letter is a formally written memo that becomes the catalyst for negotiating full and fair compensation for an accident. They can be highly complex, so retaining an experienced Indiana personal injury lawyer to write a demand letter is strongly advised. 

What are the General Steps to the Negotiation Process?

The process of personal injury negotiations between claimant/attorney and adjuster often begins with the claimant’s attorney sending in a demand letter with the requested amount of compensation. As a response, the insurance adjuster usually tries to find problems or gaps in the claim, and possibly even question liability or deny benefits altogether. From there, the claimant will respond to the adjuster’s arguments. Then the adjuster might offer a low-ball settlement to see how eager the claimant is to settle. The claimant may respond by slightly conceding from their original demand, but still demanding a fair settlement. From there, the adjuster might deliver another offer that is higher than their previous one. At this point, the claimant can either accept the offer or make a counter-demand.

Of course, this is just a generalized example of the negotiations process; there is much more to the strategy of dealing with insurance adjuster ploys to get claimants to settle fast and low. For these reasons and more, you must have a personal injury lawyer on your case, managing the negotiations process for you.

When Do Personal Injury Negotiations Begin?

Shortly after an insurance adjust receives a demand letter, the process of negotiations will begin. Claimants usually get a phone call within 7 to 14 days, but this can vary depending on the traffic of the office, the adjuster’s schedule, and how much investigation the adjuster chooses to do. The entire process from start to finish can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years, depending on the circumstances of the case. Talk to a licensed personal injury attorney to learn how long your claim might take.

What is a Reservation of Rights Letter?

After a claimant sends in a demand letter, it is fairly common for them to receive a Reservations of Rights letter from the insurance company. This letter is meant to inform the claimant that the company has begun investigating the claim, but at the same time, reserving the right to not pay the claimant anything at all if the investigations reveal that the accident is not covered under the policy. See our blog, “What is a Reservations of Rights Letter?” to learn more.

How to Make a Personal Injury Claim in Indiana

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

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, can help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being seriously injured in an accident. Call 317-881-2700 to get started today.

The Realities of Legal Liability and Suicide

Tragically, suicide affects thousands of families and loved ones each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in our country. In fact, more than 47,000 people died in 2017 alone as a result of suicide. When this kind of tragedy occurs, friends and loved ones are often left with many unanswered questions.

Although many questions regarding a person’s suicide attempt cannot be answered, a question that often comes to mind is the question of legal liability, which might have an attainable answer. Are certain people to blame, or simply negligently liable, for a person who takes their own life?  Continue reading to learn the realities of legal liability and suicide.

Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700
Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Duty of Care and Negligent Supervision

Many people will find ways to end their lives even if others attempt to step in and help. Basically, there are times when there is nothing anyone could have done to stop a person from committing suicide. On the other hand, there are some circumstances in which it may be possible or probable for a person to be legally responsible for a victim of suicide. People in the above roles have a legal “duty of care” to responsibly monitor, care, or supervise a person in their custody to prevent them from harm, even from themselves.

Whether a patient in the care of medical professionals, or a child in the care of their own mother or father, there is a steadfast legal standard of care. This includes parents, caregivers, guardians, medical professionals, and even school officials. The underlying legal matter is referred to as, “negligent supervision.” See our blog, “3 Common Examples of Negligent Supervision” for help understanding more about this legal principle.

Schools

If a student chooses to commit suicide on school grounds, it could be argued that certain school officials neglected their duty to responsibly “supervise” and care for the student. After all, it is the school’s legal responsibility to provide safe and supervised environments for all students and faculty. This includes protecting kids from severe bullying that could lead to mental health issues and eventual suicide attempts. Also, if school officials, like counselors or nurses, are aware of a child’s suicidal considerations, it may be their duty to thoroughly inform the parents right away.

At Home

As for parents of children that commit suicide, they could face possible legal repercussions for risking injury to a minor as a result of an unhealthy or volatile home. Parents are expected by courts and government officials to provide necessary mental health treatment, as well as, standard medical care, for their children. If a parent knows their child suffered from mental health issues and does nothing to address it, it could be argued that parents, or legal guardians, neglected this “duty” that resulted in the child’s suicide. Until a child or minor reaches the age of 18, or becomes emancipated, they are legally under the care and responsibility of their parents of legal guardians. This can also apply to children who are older than 18 and mentally or physically handicapped and dependent on their guardians.

Medical Care

Aside from school officials and legal guardians, other people might be help legally liable for a person’s suicide under certain circumstances. Psychiatrists, medical doctors, nurses, and similar health care professionals also carry a particular “duty of care” for their patients. All of this strictly depends on the specific circumstances, as well as, establishing that there was a duty of care owed.

Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer for Advice

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

If you believe your child or loved one was a victim of negligence that resulted in suicide or serious injury, it is important to consult a licensed Indiana personal injury lawyer for professional guidance. You may be legally entitled to compensation for your losses and damages. Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation, today.

Is My Personal Injury Case Criminal or Civil?

Personal injury cases are highly complex since they involve the law. Such cases are made even more complex when accidents are so severe, they can lead to permanent losses or even wrongful deaths. This leads many to wonder whether or not personal injury cases are criminal matters. Although it would seem reasonable to assume that an accident that leads to another person’s death would result in someone being criminally penalized, it is not always the case. In fact, numerous personal injury lawsuits are civil matters and do not involve crimes being committed.

Continue reading to learn the fundamental differences between criminal and civil law, as well as, how to make a personal injury claim for compensation after being negligently injured in an accident.

Indianapolis Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700
Indiana Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Criminal Legal Matters

Criminal law involves crimes against the state, government, or society in whole. Criminal violations, like felonies and misdemeanors, are subject to state and federal punishment, therefore, guilty person’s face jail time, governmental fines, and more. In criminal law, the burden of proof shifts to a more complex principle. It is always up to the state prosecutors to provide evidence in order to prove that a defendant is guilty.

All people are innocent until proven guilty, so the defendant has no burden of proving their own innocence at all in a criminal case. There are a few exceptions to this rule, in the case of insanity claims and self-defense claims. The state has the responsibility of proving “beyond a reasonable doubt” that a defendant is guilty of the crime in question. Beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant is guilty for a jury to hand down a guilty verdict is a very high bar for a prosecutor to meet.

Civil Legal Matters

In contrast to criminal law, civil law is the area of the American legal system that manages disputes or wrong-doings between private parties, rather than the state, government, or society as a whole. A common example of such cases involve injuries. If someone is wrongfully injured by another person demonstrating negligence or malicious intent, they can ask the courts to decide who is at-fault and if the negligent party should pay remuneration to the injured person. The same goes for family law and divorce cases, disagreements over property ownership, breach of contracts, wrongful terminations, and more. 

Anyone found guilty of a civil matter or infraction will not be subjected to jail time, government fines, or capital punishment. Instead, most civil litigation cases end with a negligent party being order to compensate the injured party for their losses and any additional damages caused by the defendant’s negligence. Recompense is often times paid by the defendant’s insurance provider, but sometimes, they must pay out of pocket if they did not have insurance, for example. If they have no money, assets, or insurance, an injured person may not receive any recompense, even if it is court-ordered, and even if ordered to pay by a court, discharge of the obligation in bankruptcy can still be a high probability.

As for burden of proof, civil cases and criminal cases differ greatly. In civil law, the plaintiff has the burden of proving their damages and the negligent act of the opposing party be a more likely than not standard, which is much lower than the beyond a reasonable doubt standard in a criminal manner. The defendant has the burden of proof regarding and defenses they assert in the civil matter. In a civil case, a plaintiff and a defendant must hire and pay for their own attorney, or choose to defend themselves. Only in criminal cases will the state offer a lawyer for free.  However, in a civil matter, because most defendants have insurance, the insurance company will hire and pay the defense attorney fees and expenses.

Get Trusted Advice Today

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

Personal injury cases are highly complex and require professional legal representation. Talk to your trusted personal injury attorney to learn more about your particular claim, including which course of action best meets your needs for compensation and justice. Start by calling the Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation. Our experienced Indiana accident lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are ready to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Two Factors That Must Be Established to Win a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

A wrongful death is when a person loses their life as a result of an accident that was no fault of their own. Some of the most common wrongful death accidents include drunk driving collisions, pedestrian hit and runs, construction site falls, trucking collisions and medical malpractice. Wrongful death lawsuits are quite complex, just like any other personal injury case. A key stipulation, however, is that a plaintiff party must be able to prove two very specific facts in order to successfully win their lawsuit.

If you have recently lost a loved one to a negligent accident, it is vital to contact a licensed personal injury law firm that concentrates on wrongful death cases for the best chance at recovering the full and fair compensation you and your family deserves. In the meantime, it is wise to learn as much as you can about wrongful death claims and what you can expect from the legal process. Start by learning the two factors that must be proved in court to win a wrongful death lawsuit.

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

Wrongful Death Claims

After a person dies from an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, it is usually the representative of the victim’s estate who reaches out to a law firm to make a wrongful death claim on behalf of the victim’s surviving family. This can be a wife, husband, mother, father, sister, brother, legal guardian, or other close family member. The suit is made against the wrongdoer, company or person who is responsible for the accident. This could be an individual person, a group of people, an organization, an employer, a company, a corporation, or other type of entity.

Proving Negligence

In a negligence lawsuit, the plaintiff party carries the burden of proving their case. In order to do so, they must provide evidence to establish that the opposing party had a duty of care, breached that duty of care, and as a result, caused an accident that led to losses and damages of the victim and their surviving family. To win a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff party must specifically provide evidence of these two factors:

1) The accident was caused by the opposing party, and not the victim themselves.  It is important to note that in Indiana, in a comparative fault case, the Estate can recover as long as the victim was not more than 50% at fault.

2) The victim’s death caused damages and losses for the surviving family.

Read our blog, “The Fundamentals of a Negligence Lawsuit” to learn more about the 4 main elements of a negligence lawsuit.

Wrongful Death Recovery

Wrongful death lawsuits are meant to recover compensation to alleviate the damages and losses suffered by the surviving family. Such losses include the victim’s lost wages, inheritance, love and companionship, and funeral costs. Although recovering compensation for these losses will not fully relieve the family of the pain and loss they feel, it will relieve the financial burden of their loss, which helps make life less stressful during a time of deep grieving and can help pay for future costs associated with taking care of children and providing for the surviving spouse.

Talk to a Wrongful Death Lawyer for Trusted Advice

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 make a wrongful death claim in Indianapolis, Indiana or anywhere else throughout Indiana. Our licensed attorneys are ready, willing and able to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after losing a loved one in an accident caused by another party. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Schedule your free consultation, today.

Did I Forfeit My Right to Compensation By Saying I Wasn’t Injured at the Time of the Accident?

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers  317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers
317-881-2700

That gut feeling is telling you that you made a huge mistake at the scene of your recent accident by telling everyone you felt fine. But not to worry; stating that you did not believe you were injured at the scene of your accident does not necessarily jeopardize your rights to compensation for your damages and losses. Continue reading to learn about delayed injuries, and what you should do next to protect your claim for compensation.

Onset of Injuries

Statements like “I believe I am fine” or “I don’t think I am injured” are not statements that will necessarily make or break your overall claim for compensation. Both medical professionals and insurance companies are familiar with the possibility of delayed injuries, also known as an “onset of injuries.” See our blog, “Onset of Injuries: Do Not Assume That You are Not Hurt After an Accident” to learn more about delayed injuries.

Experiencing delayed injuries is a common occurrence after being in an accident. A person may feel fine directly after an accident, but then later on, begin to feel an onset of symptoms that suggest injury, such as dermal abrasions, bruising, swelling, back pain, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even abdominal pain, which may indicate internal bleeding.

Common Symptoms of Injuries That Can Show Up Later:

Numbness
Swelling and Bruising
Headaches and Migraines
Neck, Shoulder and Back Pain
Abdominal Pain
Emotional Distress

What You Should Do

If you are experiencing an onset of injuries after being involved in an accident that was not your fault, it is vital to your health most importantly and to your claim for compensation secondarily, to be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. They can treat your obvious injuries, as well as identify and diagnose any underlying injuries that have not yet surfaced.

During this time, do not agree to make any recorded or official statements to law enforcement or insurance adjusters until you have been advised by a personal injury attorney. In fact, your next step after seeing a doctor is to consult with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer who can provide trusted advice regarding your claim.

Insurance adjusters sometimes try to get victims injured by their negligent insureds to give a recorded statement soon after a collision and attempt to get them to say they feel fine, while knowing it is very common for the delayed onset of injuries to surface and for symptoms of those injuries to surface in the days, weeks and sometimes months following a collision.

You can be recorded without even being told you are being recorded, so it is important to talk with your doctor first about your injuries, your own attorney second and the insurance companies third.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are motivated to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being seriously injured in an accident. Call 317-881-2700 to get started today.

Information about Elevator Accidents and Injuries

Indianapolis Accident Lawyers

Injured in an Elevator? Call 317-881-2700

You may be surprised to learn that elevator accidents are often caused by improper maintenance and safety training rather than faulty installation or manufacturing. Building owners, property managers, and elevator maintenance companies are required to provide routine maintenance for their elevators, as well as, on-going safety training regarding all the proper procedures that go along with elevator service, repair, and emergencies.

When these duties are neglected, and they are more than you would think, the liability for damages and injuries falls onto these parties under premise liability law.

Poor Property Management

One of the most common root-causes behind elevator accidents is poor property management. Often times, building owners or maintenance teams may choose to implement unsafe, temporary fixes in place of spending the extra money for professional service and repair. There have even been cases of elevator parts being held together with nothing more than simple household items. Accordingly, they tend to neglect their responsibility to provide proper elevator safety training for property managers and in-house maintenance staffs. This lack of knowledge, training, and attention can make an elevator and its surroundings extremely dangerous.

Without proper maintenance, an elevator is a risky means of transportation. Even the smallest issue can cause a serious or life-threatening accident. But regular maintenance is just the start to commercial elevator safety. Without proper safety training, property managers may not know how to react to an elevator emergency, which can also put a person’s life in danger. Elevators are manufactured with a series of built-in protective safety measures that kick in when an elevator mechanism fails.

Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

For example, if an elevator suddenly stops at an improper place, there are set safety procedures that help prevent it from falling several stories. One of these safety features keeps the inner and outer elevator doors closed if it does not line up to a floor. Safety regulations instruct management to NOT open the doors in this case, and instead, wait for rescue or maintenance teams to repair the problem. But if property managers are unfamiliar with the correct safety procedures, they may choose to manually pry open the
doors, jeopardizing the safety of those inside.

Elevator accidents can also take place under several other conditions. Dim lighting, abrupt stops, quickly closing doors, slippery flooring, unleveled floor stops, frequent unnecessary stops, and much more. All of these issues can be managed and prevented with regular elevator maintenance. If you or someone you love was recently injured or killed in an elevator accident, contact a personal injury lawyer right away to learn your rights to compensation. If your elevator accident was a result of improper maintenance or manager negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses. You can then use your awarded compensation to cover hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, mental anguish, and much more. Choose an experienced Indianapolis accident attorney that has your best interests at heart.

Indianapolis Accident Attorneys You Can Trust

Personal Injury Attorney Indianapolis

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file an elevator injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek retain extensive trial and litigation experience in personal injury law. They work hard to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being wrongfully hurt. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 when you need Indianapolis accident attorneys you can trust.

The Three Largest Ford Automobile Recalls in History

Based out of Detroit, Michigan, Ford Motor Company manufacturers various model cars, sports utility vehicles, and trucks, all at economy-based prices. Ford Motor Company has been a trusted vehicle manufacturer in the United States since the early 1900’s. But over the course of its history, they were unfortunate enough to release vehicles that were later recalled due to manufacturer defects; defects that were both dangerous and deadly to millions of people. Continue reading for a brief look at three of the largest automobile recalls in the history of the Ford Motor Company.

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

The Ford Pinto

The Ford Pinto was release in September of 1971, but was quickly recalled once it was decided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) that the fuel tank was defective. The fuel tank was substandard, making it highly vulnerable to ruptures and damage. This meant that rear-end collisions easily caused the tank to rupture, and inevitably lead to a deadly explosion. It was rumored that Ford Motor Company knew about the defect, but chose to release it since it was cheaper to fight personal injury claims rather than make changes to the fuel system design.

As a result, two famous lawsuits took place: 1) Grimshaw vs Ford Motor Company, and 2) Indiana vs Ford. The Grimshaw case resulted in plaintiffs being awarded more than 6 million dollars in damages, turning out to be the largest product liability and negligence award at the time. The Indiana vs. Ford lawsuit was the first time a major corporation was indicted on criminal charges for a defective product, and charged with reckless homicide.

Failure to Park

Just a few short years in 1980, after the Pinto incident, Ford recalled over 20 million vehicles due to a gear shift defect. This made it the largest automobile recall of its time where the automaker was entirely liable. It cost the Ford Motor Company more than a billion dollars in losses. The defect was caused by a faulty safety catch that would suddenly slip and cause the car to enter into reverse without notice. According to Investopedia, this defect was responsible for thousands of grievances, accidents, and injuries, and even 98 deaths. But rather than repairing the defect, Ford simple issued drivers a sticker to place on their dashboards warning them to make sure their vehicle is all the way in the parked gear. This sticker turned out to be an notorious emblem in the 80’s.

Cruise Control

In 1999, Ford Motor Company was at it again, recalling more than 17 million Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. This time, it was for faulty cruise control technology made by Texas Instruments. While in cruise control, a defect would cause the system to deactivate, which would then result in switches overheating and catching fire, even after the vehicle was turned off. More than 15,000 fires were reported, and the recalls continued for a number of years, up to 2004. As a result, the Ford Motor Company faced a series of personal injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits.

Product Defects Lawsuits

Product defects can cause injuries and even fatalities. If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries as a result of using a product with a manufacturer defect, it is vital to contact a product liability injury lawyer right away. They can protect your rights and fight to recover the rightful remuneration you deserve.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorney Indianapolis

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call The law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a product liability injury claim in Indianapolis, IN. Personal injury 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 of a product defect. We offer free initial consultations and never charge attorney fees and less we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 and schedule an appointment with a product liability injury attorney in Indianapolis, IN today.

Do I Need Personal Injury Protection Insurance?

The reality of life is that humans are prone to making mistakes, which means accidents are bound to happen. For this reason, it is important to have plans in place that provide yourself and your family with a certain level of protection. One of the most common methods of protection in our country is insurance. Insurance policies exist for homes, vehicles, businesses, and of course, people. Men, women, and children commonly have insurance coverage for medical care, dental care, life insurance, and more. Another type of insurance that exists for an individual is called personal injury protection, or PIP. However, this type of coverage is not necessary for everyone. It depends on a variety of factors. Continue reading to learn more about PIP and whether or not you should be considering this is a type of insurance coverage.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

PIP

Personal injury protection insurance is intended to provide coverage for you or your passengers’ hospital bills and medical expenses that result from a serious accident or injury. These policies are optional in most cases, however, there are some states that make it mandatory. If your state requires this type of personal insurance coverage, then it is the law to have it. States that require PIP are referred to as “no fault” states. This means that when an accident happens, each person’s insurance company pays for their own damages and losses regardless of who is at-fault for the accident. PIP can come with medical, disability, and death benefits, but coverage and limits vary from state to state.

If you live in a state that does not require personal injury protection, you should check with your primary insurance provider before purchasing a plan. Your current medical policy may already provide coverage for damages and losses incurred in an accident. However, if your current medical coverage is not adequate, your provide may suggest adding additional medical coverage to your plan in the case that you or your passengers are ever seriously injured in an accident. It is important for individuals to understand that PIP is not a replacement for medical insurance.

If you or someone you love was recently injured in a car accident, consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They have the knowledge and resources necessary to professionally navigate your case and recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after suffering serious injuries from a car accident.

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers

Personal Injury Attorney Indianapolis

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you are looking for experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyers you can trust. Seasoned attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are eager to get you the money you deserve after a car accident in Indianapolis. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win your case. Call our office today at 317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment with a licensed personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, IN.

Frequent Mistakes Victims Make in Personal Injury Claims

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Have you or a loved one recently suffered a personal injury from a serious accident? In so many cases there are accidents that cannot be avoided or are simply unforeseen. We can’t escape every accident or injury that happens in life, which is why there are personal injury law firms. Personal injury attorneys protect individuals that were injured in accident that resulted from another person or entity negligence and carelessness.

When this happens it’s important for that injured individual to file a personal injury claim against the opposing or negligent party. In order to do this, one must outsource a professional personal injury lawyer to help them through the entire legal process. This process can be extremely complicated, complex, and tedious; another reason why personal injury attorneys are so important to wrongly injured victims.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

When filing a personal injury claim, it is important to avoid certain mistakes. There are so many mistakes that people make when it comes to filing personal injury claims. Learning a few of these common mistakes can help you avoid making the same mistakes as those injured before you. Here’s a list of the most common mistakes to avoid in a personal injury claim:

• Neglecting to Document the Accident Scene
• Giving Too Much or Implicating Information to Police or Emergency Personnel
• Failure to Obtain Professional Medical Services or Attention
• Making Statements to Opposing Insurance Companies Without Legal Council or Guidance
• Rejecting Hospital or Physician Instructions and Orders
• Applying for Damages that were Never Documented at the Scene of the Accident or in Professional Medical

Facilities or Hospitals:

• Admitting or Accepting Any Degree of Fault for the Accident
• Speaking with Opposing Councils or Insurance Companies
• Waiting Too Long to File an Injury Claim
• Exaggerating or Being Untruthful about Sustained Injuries
• Hiring Inexperienced or Unprofessional Accident Attorneys

There are many other mistakes that a person can make when it comes to filing a personal injury claim as well; however, if they have professional legal counsel on their side, they can be sure they are heading in the right direction to pursue an effective and proper personal-injury lawsuit.

There are several reasons to file a personal injury claim. When you or someone you love has been wrongly injured in an accident, it can be a very emotional and traumatic time. Injured victims face lost wages, medical costs, hospital bills, mental anguish, emotional trauma, lost the ability to work, and much more. In accident attorney is there for families in times like these. They can be trusted to implement all the appropriate legal requirements in your personal injury case, as well as, prepare and facilitate all communication and litigation opposing counsel and parties.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Law Firm Indiana

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for help with personal injury claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can speak with a live legal representative to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer you can trust. Attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are eager to answer your questions about injury claims and lawsuits in Indiana. For more information about how to file a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, call 317-881-2700 right away.