Back Pain and Car Accidents

Posted on April 15, 2021 by Carl Brizzi

Car Accident Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

Car accidents can happen in an instant, and the resulting injuries resulting can be catastrophic. If your back hurts after a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Spinal injuries can impact your mental, emotional, physical, social, and financial well-being. The spine is a crucial component to our daily functioning life and sustaining injuries can result in permanent damage.

Here at Carl Brizzi Law, we work with many car accident victims who experience pain and injury days or even weeks after a car accident.

I can’t count the number of times relatives or friends are involved in car accidents, but refuse on-scene medical care. Car accidents vary, and often don’t result in serious injury. However, many times fortunate drivers walk away from a car collision, only to later experience pain and injury. Delayed pain after a motor vehicle crash is common and can be serious. It can also affect your right to injury compensation.

Every year, approximately 1.2 million accounts of whiplash happen each year in the United States. Hospitals in the US treat 869,000 cases of cervical spine injures annually. The question remains, why are there so many cases of back injuries?

Back pain from a car accident is caused by the amount of force placed upon the spine following a collision. Since a driver’s seat has limited space, the force is confined to a smaller area, abruptly stopping the momentum. The power of the force puts pressure on the back and neck.

Back pain after a car accident can be instantaneous, but delayed back pain after injury can also occur. Pain can last anywhere from a single week to a lifetime. Back injury can be an ambiguous term, ranging from pinched nerves to paralysis. Back pain after a high-energy injury such as a car accident can take many forms, having severe impacts along the spine.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, we recommend first seeking medical attention, and then calling the attorneys at Carl Brizzi LAW for a free consultation. For a comprehensive case review and evaluation of your Indianapolis Indiana car accident personal injury claim, contact us today.

You Might Also Enjoy:

Delayed Pain Post Car Accident Can Be Serious
Five Things to Keep in Mind After a Motor Vehicle Accident
Which Driver is to Blame in a T-Bone Car Accident?

Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

Posted on April 8, 2021 by Carl Brizzi

Indianapolis Indiana Car Accident Lawyers 317-636-7497

Each year, approximately 700 Hoosiers are killed in traffic collisions caused by distracted, speeding, and intoxicated motorists. Sadly, this tragic statistic doesn’t count the number of car accident survivors who sustain devastating physical and cognitive injuries on an annual basis. It can be difficult for a survivor to navigate the legal aftermath of a car accident, especially if they’re struggling to afford costly medical bills.

If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident, you may be interested in exploring your legal options. You may be working with your insurance company already; so do you need a personal injury lawyer to secure a favorable settlement?

One critical fact you need to remember throughout the duration of your case is that insurance companies are for-profit businesses. This means that an insurance claims adjuster will do everything they can to reduce or eliminate your damages, even if it means engaging in shenanigans to undermine your claim. Adjusters are paid to take advantage of injured people who are not represented by an experienced injury lawyer. The best way to maximize your claim is to retain the services of an experienced car accident attorney.

At Carl Brizzi LAW, our skilled and resourceful injury lawyers can investigate your case and develop an aggressive litigation strategy that proves the at-fault party is responsible for your injuries and financial losses. We will thoroughly assess the legal aspects of your case, collect critical evidence, and explain your legal options so that you can focus on recovering.

With our guidance, you can recover compensation that accounts for your medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and more. If you’re interested in learning how we can benefit your specific case, please schedule a free consultation with our firm today.

Most importantly, we will prevent the at fault party’s insurance company from taking advantage of your inexperience by negotiating with the insurance company representatives on your behalf and countering any low ball settlement offers by calculating, documenting and projecting all injury related expenses. Finally, if the case does not settle, our lawyers will litigate your case in court.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident we recommend first seeking medical attention, and then calling the attorneys at Carl Brizzi LAW for a free consultation.

For a comprehensive case review and evaluation of your car accident personal injury claim, contact our office today.

You May Also Like:

Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Hire an Accident Lawyer
Which Driver is to Blame in a T-Bone Car Accident?
Delayed Pain Post Car Accident Can Be Serious

Truck Accidents

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Carl Brizzi

Semi Truck Accident Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

I was recently driving home from out of state on I65 northbound somewhere near Nashville when a giant cement truck entered into my lane running me off the highway and onto the shoulder. I was able to react quickly enough to avoid an accident, but it was a very close call.

After calming down, I realized that few forces on the road can match the powerful impact of a commercial truck…especially a truck loaded with cement. These trucks present a real danger to other vehicles simply because of their massive size. Even a slow-speed crash can have a catastrophic outcome for those traveling in passenger vehicles.

There are several conditions that are common causes of commercial truck collisions. If you were injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, request a free, no obligation consultation and speak to a qualified lawyer at Carl Brizzi Law, LLC about your legal options today.

In my situation, the cause of the “almost” collision was simply driver error. Often, an inexperienced truck driver may make dangerous mistakes behind the wheel. Driving a large truck while hauling a load requires specialized skills and extensive training. These vehicles need more space to come to a stop and it is much more difficult to correct an error in a commercial truck than in a traditional passenger vehicle.

In bad weather, truck drivers should reduce their speed when traveling. If weather conditions become too dangerous, truck drivers may need to get off the road to keep other drivers safe. If a truck driver does not take these steps and continues to operate the truck when weather conditions are too dangerous, his or her actions may be considered negligent and he or she could be held liable if an accident happens.

Fatigue is also a big safety factor in commercial truck driving. Drivers are pushed to deliver loads quickly, so the company can keep things on schedule and not lose money. When a driver is fatigued, he or she may fall asleep at the wheel or have difficulty concentrating on driving.

To combat this danger, the government has strict requirements on the amount of rest drivers need before operating a commercial truck and drivers are required to keep logs of this time.

However, when running on tight deadlines, trucking companies may push their drivers to break these rules and continue driving when they should not. If the rules are broken, the driver and/or trucking company may be held liable for negligence if it results in an accident that causes injuries to someone else.

If f you were injured in a wreck with an 18-wheeler, Carl Brizzi Law, LLC is here to help. We work to hold negligent parties accountable for the damages suffered in truck accidents, and work hard to pursue maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call today for a free consultation.

You May Also Like:

Do I Have a Case?
Why Choose Carl Brizzi LAW For Your Indiana Truck Accident Claim
Do I Need A Personal Injury Attorney?

Do I Need A Personal Injury Attorney?

Posted on March 12, 2021 by Carl Brizzi

I received a telephone call recently from someone involved in a motor vehicle accident asking whether they needed a personal injury lawyer. This is one of the most common questions asked after an accident. The decision of whether to retain an attorney or proceed on your own is one of the most important decisions you will make.

All personal injury cases are different. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. While no two cases are exactly alike, these civil claims fall under the category of “personal injury law” and allows for the injured victim to seek compensation from another person for harm caused by negligence or an intentional act.

If you’ve suffered a serious injury that requires a hospital stay, lost time at work, or experienced long-term health effects, it’s best to retain an attorney. Medical treatment is expensive and insurance companies are notoriously known for being uncooperative.

This is especially true if it isn’t exactly clear who’s at fault for the accident. For example, if the accident involved multiple cars or questionable areas like construction zones, then a liability dispute could arise. Or if the details of the police are contradictory, it can be an easy justification for an insurance company to lower your compensation or deny your claim altogether. If any details conflict, it’s best to let a personal injury lawyer champion your claim.

If that’s the situation then your case can become complicated very quickly. Our attorneys at Carl Brizzi Law, can help resolve the issues. If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident call us today for a free consultation.

Has the accident effected your lifestyle? Are you unable to return to your current job or profession? Have you lost income, missed school, or other activities? Under Indian law, you have the right to seek compensation for all of the financial losses associated with and incurred as the result of the accident.

Even if your injuries are not life threatening or long term, the medical costs associated with treatment can be expensive and it’s your right to seek compensation for those expenses.

In addition to these fixed costs, many personal injuries result in emotional trauma, pain and suffering, or loss of companionship. Indiana allows injury victims to seek compensation for these emotional injuries as well

If you were injured in an auto accident, you deserve maximum compensation. We don’t take a fee unless we win. Call Carl Brizzi Law, LLC at 317-636-7497 for a free consultation, today.

You Should Also Read:

Motorcycle Accidents
Five Things to Keep in Mind After a Motor Vehicle Accident
Why Choose Carl Brizzi LAW For Your Indiana Truck Accident Claim

Delayed Pain Post Car Accident Can Be Serious

Posted on March 4, 2021 by Carl Brizzi

Indianapolis Indiana Car Accident Lawyers 317-636-7497

At Carl Brizzi Law, we work with many car accident victims who experience pain and injury days or even weeks after a car accident.

It’s always the client’s decision whether to seek medical attention. However, we recommend obtaining a complete evaluation by a medical professional following a car accident. Doctors specializing in car crash victims treat visible injuries while assessing soft-muscle tissue injury, internal organ damage, brain injury, as well as, psychological disorders linked to traumatic events.

Staying healthy and avoiding post-accident complications are the most important factors when deciding whether to seek medical attention after an accident. However, not seeking a medical examination may not only leave you vulnerable to the complications of delayed pain and hidden injuries, but also may compromise your right to financial compensation.

People often ask why someone should seek medical attention after an accident if they don’t feel any pain. The primary reason is that elevated adrenaline levels can obscure internal and soft-muscle injuries following a car crash. Some of these injuries can include internal bleeding, organ damage, whiplash, and concussion.

A sometimes overlooked factor includes psychological trauma. In the weeks or months following an accident, victims may experience emotional injury that includes anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Car accident victims suffering these symptoms can easily spiral into a debilitating state of dysfunction with a lasting, negative impact on their quality of life.

Lastly, if a car accident victim mistakenly assumes they are uninjured or have suffered only mild injuries, they may forego what they’re entitled to, and accept a smaller settlement from the insurance company.

Don’t agree to a settlement from an insurance before consulting with the lawyers at Carl Brizzi Law.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident we recommend first seeking medical attention, and then calling the attorneys at Carl Brizzi Law for a free consultation. For a comprehensive case review and evaluation of your Indianapolis car accident personal injury claim, contact our office today.

You Might Also Like:

Don’t Text and Drive
Five Things to Keep in Mind After a Motor Vehicle Accident
What to Do After A Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault

Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse and Wrongful Death

Posted on February 26, 2021 by Carl Brizzi

Wrongful Death Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

On Aug. 13, 2011, the stage collapsed just moments before Sugarland was set to start the concert at the Indiana State Fair, setting off a chain of events that altered lives forever. Seven fans were killed, and nearly 100 more were injured when winds in excess of 60 MPH caused the rigging above the stage to fail, sending lighting, sound equipment and parts of the stage roof into the audience.

I represented the family of one individual who was tragically killed. He was a husband and father of two young boys working security when the stage collapsed. When a loved one is killed as a result of the negligence of another, Indiana law provides remedies to the survivors. In handling wrongful death claims, it is important to understand that the appropriate remedy and the recoverable damages in each case are dependent upon the status of the victim as well as the relationship to the persons he or she leaves behind.

Because wrongful deaths usually happen when we least expect it, many times people pass away without a will. In those instances, the estate is considered “intestate”, meaning that there’s no legal document to control the person’s assets. In such cases, the first step in pursuing the wrongful death action is to open an estate by filing a petition with the court for appointment of a personal representative. An estate is the legal term for the entity created to control the assets and debts of a person after his or her death. The petition will be assigned a case number just like any other lawsuit or matter filed in the court.

Carl Brizzi LAW is prepared to do the legwork to get the estate established. If the estate is complicated or if there are many beneficiaries, we will work with you and your family to help you through this process. Once the estate is opened, the personal representative of the estate essentially becomes the wrongful death plaintiff and acts on behalf of the estate pursuing potential damages for medical, funeral, and burial expenses, as well as, damages for loss of love and companionship. Carl Brizzi will guide you through every step up the process. Contact us today!

We Serve Counties Throughout the Entire State of Indiana Including: Marion County including Indianapolis, Lawrence, and Speedway; Hamilton County including Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville; Hancock County including Greenfield; Shelby County including Shelbyville; Johnson County including Franklin and Greenwood; Morgan County including Martinsville and Mooresville; Hendricks County including Danville; and Boone County including Lebanon and Zionsville.

Don’t Text and Drive

Posted on February 18, 2021 by Carl Brizzi

Carl Brizzi is a two term former elected prosecutor in Indianapolis who now uses his considerable trial experience representing accident victims. He writes blogs and articles to share important information relating to motor vehicle accidents and Indiana personal injury law. Many of the topics come from real questions from current or past clients, as well as, timely and relevant news related to his firm’s practice areas.

In this article, Carl discusses “Indiana’s No Texting and Driving Law.”

Car Accident Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

Texting while driving is dangerous. Here are some facts.

📱⚠ Five seconds is the average time a driver’s eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling 55 mph that is enough time to cover the length of a football field.

📱⚠ In 2011, at least 23 percent of auto collisions involved cell phones, equaling 1.3 million crashes.

📱⚠ At any given daylight moment across America, about 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving.

Indiana’s Distracted Driving Law, Indiana Code 9-21-8-59, makes it illegal for drivers to type a text message, transmit a message or read emails while driving. Regardless of the driver’s age, it is also illegal to text or surf the web even if you are stopped at a traffic light. Furthermore, any driver under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone for ANY reason, handheld, or hand-free, while driving.

Indiana’s Distracted Driving Law is considered a “Primary Law” meaning that an officer can pull you over for the offense without having to see any other violation. Practically speaking, this means that an officer who sees you texting can pull you over immediately and issue a citation. The citation can be costly and could negatively impact your driving record.

Many of the accident cases I handle involve distracted drivers.

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident or have questions related to distracted driving or other negligence, contact Carl Brizzi at 317-636-7497 immediately for a free case evaluation.

Motorcycle Accidents

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Carl Brizzi

Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Attorneys 317-636-7497

If it has an engine, chances are, I can drive it. As a motorcycle rider myself, I am committed to motorcyclist’s rights.

My experience with motorcycle personal injury cases has taught me that injured bikers often have a more difficult time obtaining fair compensation than non-motorcycle accident victims. Stereotypes still exist. And people, often, incorrectly assume that the accident was caused by the motorcycle rider.

Let’s face it… motorcycle riders get a bad rap. In many cases, the person who actually caused the accident will claim that the motorcyclist was partially at fault or responsible for the accident, even though there’s no evidence for such an argument. Notwithstanding, the most common excuse given by a motorist for striking a motorcycle is that they “didn’t see the motorcycle” before hitting it.

Without an experienced Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer on your side, there’s a chance you will receive less compensation than you deserve. I’ve represented clients after they were injured in a motorcycle accident, and I understand how their injuries affect them physically, emotionally, and financially.

If you were seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, I can help you obtain the compensation that you rightfully deserve. If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, I can also help you file a wrongful death claim to obtain just compensation for your loss.

My first task in evaluating a motorcycle accident case is to understand and document how and why the crash occurred. This usually involves using the services of an experienced investigator who will visit and photograph the accident scene, photograph the vehicles as they appear after an accident, and take recorded statements of any witnesses to the accident.

Other important sources of information include obtaining any 911 calls to identify potential witnesses to the accident. Onboard data recorders that are found in most cars and trucks can also provide valuable information. When an airbag is deployed in an accident, these devices will record valuable information such as the speed of the vehicle before the airbag was deployed, its direction, and when its brakes were applied. Such objective evidence is very valuable in proving who was responsible for an accident.

However, this information is only available for a short time after an accident. So, it’s critically important to contact an attorney with experience in motorcycle accidents as soon as possible so that important evidence may be preserved.

For experienced help after a motorcycle accident or to talk to me about your injury, contact Carl Brizzi.

Can Government Mandate Vaccinations?

Posted on February 4, 2021 by Carl Brizzi

Indiana Defective Product Lawyer 317-636-7497

Some would argue that, during one of the worst public health and financial crises in recent history, a safe and effective vaccine could end the coronavirus pandemic. But only if enough people get inoculated.

Others like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. would argue that “the COVID-19 pandemic has proven an opportunity of convenience for totalitarian elements who have put individual rights and freedoms globally under siege.”

Recent polls suggest that only about two-thirds of adults say they would get the vaccine. While that might protect most people who get vaccinated, it may be insufficient to reach herd immunity, and stop the virus’s spread. Is a government mandated vaccine plan medical tyranny, or just government’s legitimate response to a public health problem?

It may surprise you to learn that the government may have a legal right to enforce such a rule.

In Jacobson v. Massachusetts, the United States Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of a state criminal law that required all adult inhabitants of Cambridge, Mass. to get a smallpox vaccine or be fined. The Supreme Court explained that an individual’s liberty rights under the U.S. Constitution are not absolute and the mandatory vaccination law was necessary to promote public health and safety.

While Jacobson v. Massachusetts is over 100 years old, courts continue to rely on the court’s reasoning. State governments occasionally enact broad compulsory vaccination policies. In 2019, amid a measles outbreak, New York City mandated that anyone over six months of age who lived, went to school, or worked in several ZIP codes within the city had to be vaccinated against measles or be subject to a fine.

Religious, medical, and philosophical exemptions abound with compulsory vaccination laws. Some states like New York and California have eliminated the religious and philosophical exemptions in recent years. Courts reasoned that while compulsory vaccination laws may burden religious practices, religious exemptions are not constitutionally required under the First Amendment’s free exercise clause since mandatory vaccination does not single out religion and is not motivated by a desire to interfere with religion.

Mandating vaccines in the current environment could be very controversial. There’s a risk that heavy-handed public health tactics can backfire and escalate tensions, increase mistrust of government, and unintentionally increase the influence of the anti-vaccination movement.

My next few posts will focus on legal immunity for vaccine19 manufacturers, the possibility of requiring vaccinations for “travel passports,” as well as, what private employers may or may not require of their employees.

Carl Brizzi is a former two term elected prosecutor who practices personal injury law in Indiana.

Five Things to Keep in Mind After a Motor Vehicle Accident

Posted on January 28, 2021 by Carl Brizzi

Insurance companies are not profitable businesses because they willingly pay out fair compensation to victims injured by their insured. Especially now, the “new normal” of COVID makes it easier for insurance companies to deny and delay the paying out of money.

Indiana Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers 317-636-7497

The five things to “KEEP” in mind after an accident is advice, I give new clients to ensure a more level playing field to ensure your claim is settled fairly.

► Keep quiet. After seeking medical attention, the most important thing is to consult with an attorney. It’s possible that after a vehicle accident, the at-fault person’s insurance company may contact you to make a quick settlement. Don’t fall for this. Do not speak to the other party’s attorneys or insurer as conversations may be recorded and used against you. Speak about your case only with your attorney. Do not sign any documents without your attorney’s consent. If you get any letters from anyone in connection with your case, send copies of them to your attorney immediately. Keep your original.

► Keep it real. Be honest when talking to your attorney about your medical history, including injuries, addictions, ailments, and illnesses. Insurance companies share information. Pre-existing medical conditions will likely be discovered so informing your attorney about past problems is especially important so there are no surprises.

► Keep records for all medical expenses. You have the right to copies of your medical records. Collect copies of everything, including prescriptions, bills, and receipts for medicines taken. All these expenses contribute to the value of your claim so save every bill relating to your claim (hospital expenses, medicines, therapy, appliances, home aides – anything relevant to your recovery). Pay bills by check or credit card. If you must pay by other means, make sure to get complete receipts with bill headings.

► Keep a complete record of all lost wages. Lost wages are another component of damages so documenting time lost, rate of pay, hours worked weekly, and any relevant losses suffered is critically important. Like medical expenses, keep copies of your lost wage documentation.

► Keep detailed notes. Daily journal entries detailing how your life has changed because of the accident may help illustrate to a jury the physical and emotional damage you may experience after an accident. Describe what you feel like in the morning, the type of effort put into your family, work, and personal activities. Describe all changes experienced in your post-accident life, symptoms, setbacks, and inconveniences.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please call us at 317-636-7497 immediately to discuss your options.

Carl Brizzi LAW – BLOG/RECENT NEWS

Have Questions? Give us a Call. 317-636-7497

Author Archives: Carl Brizzi