How to Spot the Signs of a Staged Car Accident

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Admin

If you can believe it, some car accidents are not actually accidental. There are con artists out there scamming innocent drivers by staging car accidents. By learning the signs of a staged car accident, you can protect yourself from being liable for a scammer’s damages. Continue reading to learn more about staged car accidents, including the types to look out for and who to call for personalized advice regarding car accident injury claims.

Indiana Car Accident Lawyers 317-636-7497

Staged Car Accidents are Not Real Accidents, But They are Real Threats

A staged car accident is just that; a faked car accident set up to place liability on an innocent target in order to collect compensation for fake injuries and damages through the target’s insurance company. There is always more than one person conducting the scam, either another driver, pedestrian, or person on a motorcycle or bike. As a coordinated team, they intentionally cause a car accident with an oblivious driver, but in a way that makes the accident initially look like the target’s fault.

Once everything is all over, the other members of the team will disguise themselves as either injured victims, good Samaritans, or even witnesses. You can avoid being victimized by a car accident “stager” by knowing what a staged car accident looks like, and by hiring an Indianapolis auto accident attorney as soon as you are involved in a car wreck.

Types of Staged Auto Accidents

There are some common types of staged auto accidents, including the fender bender drive and dash, sudden brake slam, stop and go brake slam, and the false wave.

► Fender Bender Dash – Two drivers in separate cars will approach a target. The first driver will pull out abruptly in front of the target and then slow down to almost a stopping point. Then the second driver will pull out in front of the first driver, causing the first driver to slam on the brakes. This sudden stopping causes the target to collide into the back of the first driver, as the second driver drives off. The accident appears like a normal fender bender, with the target being the at-fault party.

► Brake Slams – There are two types of brake slamming scams. In both scenarios, the scammer will slam on their brakes directly in front of the target, causing the target to smash into the back of them. This can happen in stop and go traffic, or in regular driving scenarios.

► False Waves – Some car accident scammers will give targets the wave, allowing them to pull out in front or make a turn. But then right as the target makes their move, so does the scammer, hitting the vehicle directly. Afterwards, they deny that they ever gave the target driver the wave, making it look like the target driver’s fault.

Fake Witnesses and Good Samaritans

Staged car accident scammers are not always drivers. As mentioned, they often work as a team, disguising themselves as witnesses and even a good Samaritan who “just wants to help.” But beware of fake witness and good guys wanting to help you out at the scene of the accident. Look for the signs. If a person approaches you wanting to help out, even before you have time to call for assistance, be curious. Car accident scammers will set this up intentionally to give targets referrals for towing companies, auto repair shops, and even doctors and lawyers. If someone approaches you with this intention, avoid them. Other times, they will set up fake witnesses that will lie and say the target driver did something wrong when they in fact did not.

How to Avoid These Scams

To protect yourself from these kinds of scams, be sure you always contact the police to make a report as soon as you are in a car accident. Also, be sure to take plenty of pictures and videos of the surrounding evidence at the scene, including license plates, traffic signs, stop lights, and more. Also, meet with an experienced car accident lawyer to learn how to protect yourself from being held financially liable for your damages, as well as another’s. See our blog, “What to Do After A Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault” to help teach yourself and your loved ones some important tips for the same type of protection.

Were you recently injured in a car accident that was caused by another’s carelessness? Contact Carl Brizzi LAW at 317-636-7497 to learn how you can recover compensation with the help of a skilled Indianapolis IN car accident lawyer.

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Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

What You Need to Know as a Victim of Workplace Sexual Harassment

Posted on June 22, 2021 by Admin

Sexual harassment is a type of sex discrimination, which is a violation of the 1968 Title VII Civil Rights Act. Although this Act is meant to provide protection, unfortunately, sexual harassment is a type of crime that is common in the workplace. The act of sexually harassing another individual comes in many forms of unwanted sexual advances and/or inappropriate conduct.

If you believe you are a victim of workplace sexual harassment, it is important to learn your rights, including your rights to being compensated for your damages and losses. Talk to an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you make a claim and an order of protection against your aggressor. You may be entitled to compensation for any losses and damages you’ve incurred as a result of the sex discrimination.

In the meantime, continue reading to learn important facts and considerations regarding workplace sexual harassment.

Indianapolis Indiana Sexual Assault Injury Lawyers 317-636-7497

Common Examples of Sexual Harassment

Examples of workplace sexual harassment includes uninvited touching or massaging, sexual pestering, sexual jokes or comments, suggestive gestures, obscene or suggestive letters and emails, sending or showing explicit photos, verbal or physical sexual conduct, obsessive staring, stalking, and more. It also includes bribing employees with sexual requests, or making a job conditional based on sexual requests.

Types of Sexual Harassment Claims

There are two primary forms of sexual harassment claims: Quid Pro Quo and Hostile Work Environment. When an employer is bribing an employee with their job, an assignment, a promotion, or other form of employment advance, or making their employment conditional, in exchange for sexual favors or requests, it is Quid Pro Quo sexual harassment. When the workplace is too intimidating of offensive as a result of sex discrimination, it is Hostile Work Environment sexual harassment.

Many victims are unsure whether or not one event of sexual harassment is enough to file a claim. The answer is yes, in most cases. However, it can depend on certain factors. In the event of Quid Pro Quo sexual harassment in which an employee’s occupation is conditional on sexual requests by a superior, one time is generally enough to make a case. This means if an interviewee or employee faces denial of employment or promotion upon refusing sexual requests from a superior, they could have a solid case. If an employee experiences one instance of sexual harassment in the workplace, and the harassment was not severe, it could be more difficult to label it as a hostile work environment unless more circumstances of the harassment occur.

Getting Fired or Reprimanded for Reporting Sexual Harassment

An employee cannot be penalized in any way for reporting or complaining about sexual harassment, including being terminated. The 1968 Title VII Civil Rights Act protects all employees from this type of discrimination. If you are threatened with your job for coming clean about being sexually harassed, contact a personal injury lawyer right away to learn your rights and protect your job.

Hire a Seasoned Attorney for Sexual Harassment Claim Help

If you wish to file a claim for workplace sex discrimination, you will need to hire an experienced Indianapolis IN person a l injury attorney. A trusted civil litigator will retain the knowledge, skills, and resources to properly file your claim, investigate your case, and recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after suffering losses and damages as a result of the misconduct. Without a licensed attorney, it would be very challenging representing and protecting yourself.

Do you wish to speak with a personal injury civil litigator to learn your rights? Contact Carl Brizzi LAW at 317-636-7497 for help with sexual abuse and assault claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. But please schedule your consultation before time runs out on your claim! We are located in Indianapolis, and we represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

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What to Ask Yourself Before Filing a Lawsuit for Mental Trauma

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Admin

There are various types of mental trauma, all of which can lie on a wide spectrum of severity. If you or a loved one recently experienced mental trauma or stress as a result of another’s action or inaction, you might be compelled to file a lawsuit to collect damages. But before you do, be sure to ask yourself some important questions in order to fully understand and prepare your potential tort case.

Continue reading to learn what you should be asking yourself prior to taking the next step toward filing a claim for mental stress or trauma.

Indianapolis Indiana Personal Injury Lawyers 317-636-7497

Hire a Lawyer to Collect Damages for Mental Trauma

Being awarded compensation for damages experienced from having suffered some type of mental distress or trauma is not possible without the help of a licensed Indiana personal injury lawyer. In order to recover a settlement or verdict, damages must be proven within the boundaries of law. A personal injury attorney has the knowledge, experience, and resources to professionally assess your claim and determine if you are a good candidate for pursing legal action against a negligent party.

Here are the top 4 questions to ask yourself before calling a lawyer regarding a lawsuit over mental stress or trauma:

When Did Your Accident Occur?

Ask yourself how long ago was the event that subsequently caused your mental distress or trauma. There is a statute of limitations in Indiana that sets time restrictions on how long claimants can bring about a lawsuit against another party. For most types of tort claims, Indiana allows 2 years from the date of the accident or event. If it has been more than two years, you likely do not have a valid claim anymore.

Has Your Stress or Trauma Caused Physical Symptoms?

It is sometimes challenging to provide evidence proving mental stress or trauma. If your distress has manifested itself into physical symptoms, it can be a lot easier proving your damages. Examples might include migraines, headaches, ulcers, digestive issues, night terrors, sleep walking, insomnia, self-harming, and suicide.

Have You Seen a Doctor?

When it comes to any type of personal injury claim, documentation showing medical assessment and treatment is crucial. But when it comes to claims regarding mental trauma or stress, it is even more vital. Ask yourself if you have been seen by a doctor. For such cases, you would want to see both a medical doctor and a therapist or psychiatrist. Both treatment and documentation of all care are critical to proving your claim.

Do You Have a Lawsuit?

With all of the other questions answered, the final and most important question to ask yourself is whether or not you have a valid case. You can choose to meet with a personal injury lawyer to learn your claim’s strength.

Are you ready to learn your eligibility for pursing legal action against the party responsible for your accident? Contact Carl Brizzi LAW at 317-636-7497 to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned Indianapolis Indiana personal injury lawyer you can trust.

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What Causes Serious Semi Truck Accidents?

Posted on June 7, 2021 by Admin

Semi-truck accidents are almost always serious. They are larger and heavier than most other vehicles on the road, so they can do much more damage. For this reason, commercial truck drivers take on a huge responsibility every time they get behind the steering wheel of their truck, which is why it requires special training and certification. Operating a 40 ton vehicle is not easy, and should be done with the utmost care and focus. But no matter how much training and experience a truck driver has under their belt, accidents do happen. Sometimes they are driver-error, and other times they are not.

Continue reading to learn the common causes of serious large truck accidents, and how you might recover compensation after being injured by a negligent truck driver or trucking company in Indiana.

Indiana Semi Truck Accident Attorneys 317-636-7497

Semi-Truck and Semi-Trailer Accidents

There are many reasons why semi truck and trailer accidents take place, and why commercial truck drivers are often to blame.

Distracted Driving

Probably the most common cause for truck accidents, or any motor vehicle accident for that matter, is distracted driving. Especially now that most drivers are equipped with certain technologies, like cell phones and flat screen navigation systems, distracted driving is more common than ever before. As for truck drivers, distractions can take on many forms, including smoking, eating, reading, texting, tuning the radio, and more.

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is another top cause for large truck accidents, and it is among the most dangerous as well. For this reason, federal regulations now limit the number of hours a truck driver can stay on the road at one time before stopping to rest. Unfortunately, these regulations are not enough to stop truck drivers from driving while fatigued. Many trucking companies still pay by the mile, so truckers will exhaust themselves beyond the point of safe driving in order to make more money.

Negligent Truck Maintenance

Sometimes, semi-truck accidents are not all driver-error. In some cases, semi-truck manufacturers can produce a defective product, while other times, the trucking company itself may neglect their fleets by not providing proper routine truck maintenance. Fluid changes, inspections, tire service, brake service, and more are all important to ensure a truck performs safely and efficiently on the road.

Improper Loading

Improper loading of cargo is a frequent cause of serious semi-truck and commercial truck accidents. It is vital for freights to be loaded and secured properly in order to prevent accidents and injuries. Improper loading can lead to shifting, uneven weight distribution, and more, all of which are common contributing factors of truck accidents.

Lack of Experience

Another common cause for truck accidents is simply inexperience. Experience makes a huge difference in the trucking industry. Truckers who have been driving for decades have “learned the ropes” through years of hands-on experience. Drivers new to the industry are still novices, and naïve to the true nature of the road when behind the wheel of a semi-truck.

How to Recover Compensation After Being Injured By a Large Truck in Indiana

If you were wrongly injured by a semi-truck or commercial truck, whether you were in a car or on foot, it is strongly encouraged to learn your rights to pursing legal action against the negligent party, which may be the truck driver themselves, the company they work for, or even the truck manufacturer.

Are you ready to get started on your commercial truck accident claim? Contact Carl Brizzi LAW at 317-636-7497 to speak with an Indianapolis Indiana truck accident lawyer about your case, today. Our attorneys and associate teams work around the clock to obtain the maximum settlement or verdict for our clients’ damages.

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Indiana Laws Regarding Asbestos

Posted on June 1, 2021 by Admin

Homes and structures built during the 20^th century might contain a highly hazardous contaminant known as asbestos. If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos, whether as a tenant in a rented home, or an employee of a company making renovations, it is important to seek medical attention right away by a licensed and practicing physician.

Continue reading to learn the states laws and regulations regarding asbestos, including when a victim of asbestos exposure might be entitled to compensation for their damages.

Indiana Asbestos Accident Lawyers 317-636-7497

The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used heavily in 20^th century construction. Because asbestos seemed to retain useful qualities for construction, such as high heat-resistance, strength, and insulating properties, it was often used to build homes, buildings, barns, and more during the early 1900’s. However, after several decades, it became apparent that asbestos exposure was linked to certain health hazards. By the 1970’s, both state and federal government were regulating the application, removal, and disposal of asbestos. By 1990, both asbestos and asbestos-containing material (ACM) were officially banned in most states.

Asbestos exposure is dangerous because, upon inhalation, it has been proven to potentially cause a long list of serious health complications and illnesses, including cancers like mesothelioma and lung cancer, as well as a disease known as asbestosis, which is an irreversible scarring of the lungs, similar to emphysema.

Asbestos is most dangerous when it is disturbed in some way, usually by construction, demolition, or renovation. When this happens, it releases hazardous asbestos fibers into the air, which can be unknowingly inhaled by anyone in the vicinity. Undisturbed asbestos is not considered as dangerous, and in states where it is not banned, structures like popcorn ceilings are often made with asbestos-containing material (ACM).

Asbestos Laws in Indiana

Here in Indiana, there are many laws and regulations that have been enacted by both state and federal governments to protect the general public from the hazards of asbestos. For instance, all buildings (excluding residential ones with no more than 4 dwellings) must be inspected for asbestos by a licensed Indiana inspector before any renovations or constructions can ensue. As for residential homeowners, it is required by state and federal law to properly contain and dispose of asbestos in a manner that will not harm the general public or surrounding environment.

Asbestos Injury Claims

If you believe you or someone you love was unknowingly exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos as a result of someone else’s negligence, and are now suffering from serious health complications, it is wise to speak with a seasoned Indiana personal injury lawyer who can help you devise the best course of action for recovering compensation for your medical bills and more.

Your Leading Indiana Asbestos Lawyers

Would you like to learn more about your asbestos injury case? Contact Carl Brizzi LAW at 317-636-7497 to schedule a free consultation with our licensed Indianapolis Indiana accident injury attorneys who can determine the best strategies for your premises liability accident claim.We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Schedule your consultation, today.

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Monthly Archives: June 2021