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.

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Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

Which Driver is to Blame in a T-Bone Car Accident?

Posted on March 16, 2021 by Admin

Side impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, are among the most dangerous kinds of car accidents. Not only are they sudden and unanticipated, but they also often occur at higher speeds, so most are severe enough to cause serious injuries or fatalities. Perhaps this is due to the fact that most cars are better equipped with front and rear-impact safety features, rather than side collision safety features. This is especially true in older make and model vehicles that lack air bags, entirely. Even cars that are equipped with side impact protection, like side airbags and reinforced glass, are not always safe enough to protect passengers and drivers from sustaining physical injuries in a T-bone accident.

In addition to the severity of T-bone accidents, there is an unfortunate misconception that whoever collides into the other vehicle is to blame for the accident. But this is not always the case. Continue reading to learn who is at fault in a side impact car accident, and what you can do as a victim to collect compensation for your damages.

Indianapolis Indiana Car Accident Lawyers 317-636-7497

Determining At- Fault Parties in T-Bone Accidents

Just because Driver A collides into Driver B in a side impact collision does not automatically mean Driver A is to blame. There are many cases of T-bone accidents in which Driver B is to blame, both drivers are partially to blame, and neither driver is to blame. Various factors surrounding the accident will determine which party is at fault for a side impact car accident.

To understand how fault is determined in such cases, here are two common scenarios of what causes T-bone accidents:

⚈ Example 1 – While Driver A has the right of way through an intersection, they collide into the side of Driver B. Driver B is at fault because they violated the right of way, either by running a stop sign or a red light.

⚉ Example 2 – While Driver A has the right of way through an intersection, Driver B collides into them. Driver B is at fault because they violated the right of way, either by running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign.

These are just basic examples. In real life scenarios, side impact car accidents require extensive investigation, and usually involve several other factors, such as traffic light programming, road signs, roadway maintenance, weather conditions, intoxication, and more. There are generally many layers to a T-bone accident, which is why it is vital for victims to retain experienced personal injury representation.

A skilled accident lawyer can recover the full and fair compensation car accident victims deserve. Whether you have lost a loved one in a wrongful death car accident, or you have suffered serious injuries and losses as a result of your own car accident, contact a licensed personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights to compensation.

Contact Our Experienced Car and Truck Accident Lawyers in Indiana

Contact Carl Brizzi LAW at 317-636-7497 to schedule a no-cost case evaluation with one of our seasoned and local personal injury lawyers about your car or truck accident claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are eager to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being wrongfully injured in a motor vehicle accident, whether as a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian.

We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we recover for you. Furthermore, our accident lawyers represent injured persons throughout Indiana, as well as the surviving dependents in wrongful death and medical malpractice cases.

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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.

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Delayed Pain Post Car Accident Can Be Serious

Posted on March 4, 2021 by Carl Brizzi

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.

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.

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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.

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.

Dude, You Hit My Car!

Posted on January 17, 2021 by Carl Brizzi

Car Accident Attorney Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

No one is prepared for a car accident – they happen in an instant. And, unless you’ve been involved in a serious wreck, no one truly understands how disruptive it is…until it happens. Healing properly from the injuries sustained is the number one top priority. And, many times, the injuries are serious enough that time off work is necessary to recover. The question of when you can return to work depends on the specifics of your injury and situation. Every collision is different – every injury in different. There is no exact formulaic table of recovery time used to calculate when you’re healthy enough, and feel well enough, to return to work after being involved in a serious car accident.

However, many accident victims I’ve talked to feel pressure to get back to work as soon as possible for a variety of reasons, both personal and economic. Accidents are unexpected…THAT’S WHY THEY’RE CALLED ACCIDENTS. And, most people don’t save up sick or vacation days to take the necessary time off work needed to recover.

Plus, even if you want to get back to work right away, the potential exists that returning to work early may aggravate your injuries, delay the healing process, and needlessly suffer additional pain and complications due to the fact that you haven’t fully recovered.

The amount of time needed to recover depends on the severity of your injuries and the limitations caused by the accident. The most reliable source of information is your doctor. Most doctors will recommend a recovery time, and we advise that it’s best to ask your doctor when determining when it’s safe for you to return to work.

The pain and injury associated with being in a motor vehicle crash can be somewhat misleading. If you’ve ever been involved in an accident you know that it can take your body 24-72 hours before the adrenaline caused by the suddenness of the impact leaves your system. This is when accident victims really start feeling the full physical symptoms of any underlying injuries caused by a car accident. You may experience pain sooner, however, three days is a reasonable amount of time to determine if you have physical injuries that you cannot feel immediately after the accident.

If your injuries require hospitalization, employers are more apt to accommodate additional time off work. After seeking medical attention, and retaining an attorney, please be sure to notify your employer of the accident immediately. Your company’s human resource department will be able to relay the options available. Company rules differ from employer to employer so be sure to get all the details needed to properly understand your employer’s policy regarding time off for injuries.

It’s important to remember that lost wages is a component in a personal injury lawsuit. Call me at 317-636-7497 to discuss how you can recoup lost wages, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, in addition to medical bills after a car accident.

What to Do After A Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault

Posted on January 11, 2021 by Admin

After you are in a car accident that you were not responsible for causing, it is vital that you take certain steps to protect yourself full-circle. Anything you say or do can be used against you when making a claim for compensation. For this reason, you must ensure that you make good decisions, starting at the very scene of your wreck. Of course, everything you do will be dependent on how physically capable you are, as some car accident victims are unconscious for days or weeks, while others must be rushed to the emergency room for immediate medical attention.

But even after a car accident, whether days or weeks later, once you are conscious and capable, you can begin to take the necessary steps toward protecting your auto accident injury claim.

Car Accident Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

Follow These Steps After Getting into a Car Accident:

☑ Collect People’s Information

Gather identification and contact information for all persons involved in the auto accident, including passengers, as well as any onlookers or witnesses. Write down their phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses. Witnesses are especially important, so do not be afraid to ask someone if they are willing to provide their information for the sake of your claim. For drivers involved, be sure to get their drivers’ license numbers, plate numbers, and registration.

☑ Record Evidence

If you can, take photos and video recordings of the accident. Snap shots of everything related, at all angles and viewpoints, including shots that might indicate how the accident was caused. If you are too injured, delegate this duty to someone who is with you. You can even ask a police office or EMT to contact a loved one to come to the scene and do it for you. If you are medically capable days or weeks later, pick up this step wherever you can, starting with photos and video of your injuries. Do this too if your injury symptoms arise after your accident.

☑ File a Police Report

As soon as possible, if they haven’t already responded to the scene, call 911 and report the accident. This step is vital to your accident claim, so do it even if you think you are only slightly injured. In fact, make a report even if you think you are completely fine. Injuries from car accidents are known to appear later, or worsen overtime, so you need an official record to refer back to in the case that you file a personal injury claim. If you leave without making a report, contact the police when you get home or to the hospital. In your police report, be 100% honest and stick to the facts. Don’t apologize, admit any level of fault, or say too much.

☑ Read the Full Police Report

After making a police report, not only do you need to be sure to get a copy for yourself and your attorney, but you need to read the report in full. If the police officer cannot provide you with a copy of the report at the scene, they can email it or mail it to you. When reading the report, look out for anything missing or incorrect, then notify your accident attorney about the inconsistencies.

☑ Seek Medical Attention Soon

After you have collected information and made a police report, it is vital that you accept medical attention at the scene by responding EMT’s. Otherwise, be sure to see a doctor as soon as you get home, without any delay. Just like a police report, medical evaluation and treatment serve as an official record of your accident and subsequent injuries. Never skip medical care, even if you think you are not seriously hurt.

☑ Don’t Give a Statement to the Adjuster

Do not speak with the insurance adjuster, your own or the other party’s, until you have spoken to a car accident lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you to lower the value of your claim. Not only do you want to avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance company, but you also want to refrain from posting anything on social media that they can use against you to justify paying you less.

☑ HIRE A SKILLED LAWYER

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF AN AUTO ACCIDENT THAT WAS NO FAULT OF YOUR OWN, WHETHER A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT, BUS ACCIDENT, OR PEDESTRIAN HIT AND RUN, YOUR BEST CHANCE AT OBTAINING THE MAXIMUM PAYOUT FOR YOUR DAMAGES IS TO RETAIN A SKILLED INDIANA CAR ACCIDENT INJURY LAWYER.

Carl Brizzi LAW retains the qualifications and experience to go head to head with insurance companies, and win the full settlement you deserve.

An Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyer That Fights for Your Right to Payment

Contact Carl Brizzi LAW at 317-636-7497 to learn more about car accidents, and how to make a claim for your personal injuries in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our accident lawyers will work around the clock to ensure your rights to compensation are protected and fulfilled. We can recover damages for hospital bill, lost wages, medical expenses, pain, suffering, and much more. Carl Brizzi LAW also offers free initial case evaluations, and does not collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict for your personal injury case. We also represent victims injured in motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and all other motor vehicle collisions. Get started as soon as possible, before the statutes of limitations runs out on your claim. Call 317-636-7497 and speak with a friendly legal secretary who will help you schedule a free consultation to discuss the viability of your accident claim with a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyer.

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Category Archives: Car Accidents