What is the No Zone?

What is the No Zone?

A No-Zone refers to a region around a sizable commercial vehicle, like a semi-truck, where the driver’s visibility may be restricted or blocked. These areas can pose risks for other motorists because the truck driver might not see them, potentially leading to accidents.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) introduced the term No-Zone to characterize the zones around a semi-truck where accidents are more likely to happen. These regions are called No-Zones because they are spaces that other drivers should avoid to ensure safety.

It’s important to recognize that the dimensions and position of a No-Zone can differ based on the size and kind of commercial vehicle. For instance, buses and delivery trucks may have distinct No-Zones compared to semi-trucks. Motorists should always stay vigilant about the No-Zones surrounding the vehicles they share the road with and take measures to avoid them.

By comprehending what a No-Zone is and their locations, drivers can take action to remain safe on the road and prevent accidents involving large commercial vehicles. By keeping clear of the No-Zones and allowing trucks ample room, drivers can lower the chances of accidents and encourage safer driving habits.

Where Is a Semi-truck’s No-Zone?

To ensure safety when driving near semi-trucks, it’s crucial to be familiar with the No-Zone’s location. The No-Zone denotes the regions around the truck where the driver’s visibility may be restricted or hindered. There are four primary No-Zones surrounding a semi-truck:

Front No-Zone: The space immediately in front of the truck, where the driver’s sight is blocked by the truck’s hood and the driver’s seat angle.

Rear No-Zone: The area at the back of the truck, where the driver’s sight is obstructed by the truck’s dimensions and the cargo’s height.

Side No-Zones: The regions on both sides of the truck, where the driver’s sight is limited by the truck’s length and the driver’s seat height.

Wide Turns: The zone where the truck requires additional room to execute a turn, potentially causing the truck to encroach on other lanes or the sidewalk.

Being aware of the No-Zones’ locations can aid drivers in evading them and maintaining safety on the road. By maintaining a safe distance from the truck and staying alert to the truck’s movements, drivers can minimize the likelihood of involvement in an accident.

What is the danger associated with driving in a truck’s “No-Zone” area?

Navigating near sizable commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks can be risky, particularly if motorists are unaware of the potential hazards these vehicles present. One of the most notable dangers is the existence of a “No-Zone” region surrounding the truck. The No-Zone is a zone where the truck operator’s visibility may be limited or blocked, making it difficult for them to spot other vehicles on the roadway.

If a motorist enters a No-Zone, they increase the likelihood of being in an accident with the truck. For instance, if a motorist is in the truck’s blind spot, the truck operator might not notice them while switching lanes, resulting in a crash. Likewise, if a motorist tails a truck too closely, they might not have sufficient time to respond if the truck comes to an abrupt halt, causing a rear-end collision.

Beware of Trucks and Wide Turns

One of the riskiest situations for motorists near a semi-truck arises when the truck executes a wide turn. Wide turns demand more room than a standard turn and may cause the truck to encroach on other lanes or the sidewalk. Consequently, drivers who are not attentive to the truck’s movement might unintentionally enter the truck’s No-Zone, leading to an accident.

To ensure safety when sharing the roadway with semi-trucks, drivers should remain alert to the truck’s movements and refrain from entering the wide turn No-Zone. Drivers should also exercise patience and allow the truck ample room to finish the turn securely. It is equally important to avoid overtaking a truck engaged in a wide turn, as this can be highly dangerous.

In addition to being mindful of wide turns, drivers should exercise caution when switching lanes close to a semi-truck. Drivers must never assume that the truck operator can see them and should always confirm their visibility to the truck driver before making a lane change. Drivers should also steer clear of the front, rear, and side No-Zones and maintain a safe distance from the truck while driving.

The Rear No-Zone when Driving Behind Trucks

The area behind a semi-truck, known as the rear No-Zone, is among the most hazardous zones surrounding such vehicles, posing particular risks for motorists following the truck. The rear No-Zone spans about 30 feet behind the truck, and its danger stems from the truck driver’s obstructed view caused by the vehicle’s size and the cargo’s height.

To ensure safety when driving behind a semi-truck, motorists should keep an appropriate following distance and refrain from tailgating. It is advised that drivers maintain a gap of at least one car length per 10 miles per hour of their speed. For instance, a motorist going at 60 miles per hour should ideally stay a minimum of six car lengths away from the truck.

Motorists should also pay attention to the truck’s brake lights and turn signals, being ready to decelerate or come to a full stop if the truck is reducing its speed or preparing to turn. Moreover, it’s crucial to avoid overtaking the truck from the right side, as this area has the poorest visibility for the truck driver.

By remaining vigilant and mindful of the truck’s actions, motorists can minimize the likelihood of accidents while driving behind a semi-truck. By keeping a secure distance and steering clear of the rear No-Zone, drivers can promote safety on the road and contribute to accident prevention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and respecting the No-Zone areas around large commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks is essential for ensuring road safety. By being aware of the dangers associated with driving near a semi-truck, including the front, rear, side No-Zones, and wide turns, motorists can minimize the risk of accidents. If you have been involved in a car accident, contact Goodin Abernathy’s car accident attorneys for a free consultation!

How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Indiana?

How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Indiana?

In Indiana, drivers must report a car accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the police or local sheriff’s department immediately, and file an accident report with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the incident.

Now, let’s go more in-depth.

Car accidents can be unexpected and traumatic experiences that can leave accident victims in a state of shock. In the aftermath of a car accident, there are many things to consider, including seeking medical treatment, dealing with insurance companies, and repairing any property damage.

One critical thing that often goes overlooked, however, is reporting the accident to the proper authorities. In Indiana, failing to report an accident within the appropriate timeframe can have serious legal and financial consequences.

This blog post will provide an overview of Indiana’s car accident reporting requirements and answer the question of how long you have to report an accident in Indiana. We’ll also discuss the legal and financial repercussions of failing to report an accident and provide some recommendations for how to protect your interests in the event of a car accident.

What is Indiana’s Reporting Law?

Indiana’s car accident reporting law requires anyone involved in an accident to report the incident to the police or local sheriff’s department if it results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. The driver must also provide their name, address, and driver’s license information to the other parties involved in the accident. If the driver is unable to provide this information, they must report the accident as soon as possible.

It’s important to note that Indiana’s car accident reporting requirements apply even in minor accidents. Even if there is only minor damage to the vehicles involved, drivers are still required to report the accident to the police and file an accident report with the BMV.

If you are involved in an accident and are unsure about the reporting requirements, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and report the accident to the proper authorities as soon as possible. Doing so can protect you from potential legal and financial consequences down the line.

How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident in Indiana?

If you are involved in a car accident in Indiana, it’s important to report the incident to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. Indiana law requires drivers to report accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the police or local sheriff’s department immediately. Drivers must also file an accident report with the Indiana BMV within 10 days of the incident.

If the accident resulted in injury or death, the driver must report the accident to the Indiana State Police within 24 hours. Failure to report an accident in a timely manner can result in penalties, fines, and even criminal charges.

It’s important to note that Indiana’s car accident reporting requirements may vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. For example, if the accident involves an unattended vehicle or a property owner, the driver must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner and report the accident within a reasonable timeframe.

Additionally, there are exceptions to Indiana’s reporting requirements in cases where the driver is physically unable to report the accident due to injury or medical emergency. In such cases, the driver must report the accident as soon as possible once they are able to do so.

It’s important to understand that there is a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Indiana. Under Indiana law, accident victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Failing to report an accident in a timely manner can complicate the claims process and potentially limit the victim’s ability to recover maximum compensation for their injuries.

What Happens if You Fail to Report an Accident in Indiana?

Failing to report a car accident in Indiana can have serious legal and financial consequences. If you fail to report an accident to the proper authorities within the required timeframe, you may face penalties, fines, or even criminal charges.

In addition to the legal consequences, failing to report an accident can also have implications for insurance claims and potential lawsuits. Insurance companies require prompt reporting of accidents to ensure that claims are processed correctly and in a timely manner. Failure to report an accident can lead to delays or even denials of insurance claims, leaving accident victims responsible for paying for their own medical bills and property damage.

Failing to report an accident can also make it difficult to prove fault in a personal injury lawsuit. Under Indiana’s modified comparative negligence law, accident victims can only recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Failure to report an accident or delay in reporting can make it harder to prove fault, potentially reducing the accident victim’s chances of recovering maximum compensation for their injuries.

It’s important to note that if you are involved in an accident and admit fault, this can also have significant legal and financial consequences. Admitting fault can make it harder to defend against claims of negligence or liability, potentially exposing you to greater financial liability in the event of a lawsuit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, reporting a car accident in Indiana is a legal requirement that should be taken seriously. Indiana’s reporting requirements apply to all accidents involving motor vehicles and failure to comply can have serious legal and financial consequences.

If you are involved in a car accident in Indiana, it’s important to report the accident to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. This includes reporting the accident to the police or local sheriff’s department and filing an accident report with the Indiana BMV within 10 days. If the accident resulted in injury or death, the driver must also report the accident to the Indiana State Police within 24 hours.

Failing to report an accident can result in penalties, fines, and even criminal charges. It can also complicate the insurance claims process and limit your ability to recover maximum compensation for your injuries. It’s important to understand Indiana’s reporting requirements and to comply with them to protect your legal and financial interests.

Contact a Goodin Abernathy Car Accident Lawyer today

Call the car accident and injury attorneys at Goodin Abernathy for more advice.  We enjoy connecting with people and we’ll tell you if you need an attorney or if you should work it out yourself.  The Goodin Abernathy attorneys do not charge for initial consultations.  We will explain what happens with auto repairs and total damage claims.  Our attorneys will describe how insurance companies operate and how your medical bills are handled.  Make it easier on yourself and contact us.  At Goodin Abernathy, you’re not just a file number because we care about our clients.

How Do I Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in Indiana?

How Do I Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in Indiana?

Anyone involved in a car wreck not just wants a crash report, they need it for handling insurance and making negligence claims. The car accident attorneys at Goodin Abernathy LLP can make it simple and order the report for you. We have an account online that allows us to access BuyCrash.com and using your car accident details, search for the report. So the easiest way is to call us at (317)843-2606 and ask for help pulling the report.

If you prefer to handle collecting the report yourself, here is basic information to help step through the process. Then, if after you handle things and decide you would like legal help, call us for a free consultation. Our attorneys are happy to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

What is a Car Accident Report?

In Indiana, a car accident report is known as the Indiana Officer’s Standard Crash Report. Police officers collect basic information at the crash site and populate a standard report that is later published on the internet under the BuyCrash.com website.

Though this investigation typically is not an expert analysis, it details the reports about events leading up to and afterward the wreck. A car accident report is usually available between two and five days after the car accident.

Every law enforcement agency is different but generally, a car accident crash report will include:

  • Details for every person involved in the car accident. Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, driver’s license numbers, and car insurance information.
  • Information about the injuries suffered by people involved in the accident.
  • Where the accident happened, which way the vehicles were going, where they hit each other, where they ended up after the collision, if there was any debris from the accident, and if there were any stop signs or traffic signals nearby. This information is often shown on a diagram or accompanied by a diagram.
  • Time of the accident
  • Weather conditions, potential traffic hazards, and road conditions.
  • The statements of people involved in the accident, and any witnesses who saw what happened.
  • The responding officer’s findings and impressions based on the investigation at the scene of the accident.

One of the most important reasons Indiana state police officers keep detailed accounts of car accidents is so they can use them as evidence in any future investigations.

How Do You Obtain a Copy of Your Indiana Car Accident Police Report?

You Can Obtain an Online Copy of Your Car Accident Police Report

In order to find a car accident report, you must purchase one for $12. This can be done at BuyCrash.com In order to find your accident report, you must know the following information: 

  • State and Jurisdiction of where the accident took place 
  • Along with one of the following pieces of information 
  • Accident Report Number 
  • Last Name and Date of Incident 
  • Last Name and Street

You Can Obtain a Physical Copy of Your Accident Police Report

Contact your local Indiana county law enforcement as each department typically has a division or office that manages these records. You can also contact the Indiana State Police through their website: https://www.in.gov/isp/crash-reports/

If the collision occurred in Marion County Indiana, you may visit the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to obtain a copy of your accident report.

  • 50 N. Alabama St., E100 Indianapolis, IN 46204
  • Phone number: 317-327-3811
  • You will need to provide the date, time, accident location, and if you remember, the investigating officer’s name.

How Can a Car Accident Police Report Help Your Personal Injury Claim?

A car accident police report can very likely be helpful in a case. The details given on an accident police report may help in determining who was at fault in a given accident. Some of these details include:

  • How the accident occurred.
  • Description of the damages associated with the crash.
  • Any tickets that were issued to drivers involved.
  • Time of the accident

For example, if someone is ticketed for texting and driving, you may be able to prove that the injuries and damages you received were due to the other driver’s negligence.

Accident reports are important if you are dealing with insurance adjusters and trying to negotiate a settlement. Remember, the insurance adjusters are trained and experienced in defending your damage claims.

It is best to have as much crash information at your disposal as possible before agreeing to settle with the insurance adjuster.

Remember, the Goodin Abernathy attorneys are experienced in negotiating personal injury and car accident cases. Contact our office today for a free consultation. We enjoy representing clients and treat them like individuals – not just file numbers like other “big box” injury law firms do.

Injured In Auto Accident And Don’t Have a Driver’s License

Injured In Auto Accident And Don’t Have a Driver’s License

In Indiana, in order to legally operate an automobile, and you are required to have a driver’s license. To obtain a driver’s license, you must pass a written driver’s test and pass a road test. These conditions exist throughout the country. Indeed, all states and Washington D.C. require an individual to pass a road test and a written driver’s test before being issued a driver’s license. Thus, may wonder what happens when an individual is injured in an accident but the individual does not possess a valid driver’s license.

In short, although operating an automobile without a valid driver’s license is a criminal offense, the absence of a driver’s license does not automatically prohibit an individual from recovering for their injuries. However, in the context of a claim for personal injuries, disagreements often occur over whether the absence of a driver’s license is even admissible evidence. When these disagreements occur, and if left unresolved, a judge is asked to determine whether the jury will be allowed to hear evidence about the absence of a driver’s license. Like many areas in law, an exploration into the facts of an individual matter is usually necessary to assess how a judge is likely to resolve these types of disagreements.

For example, just because a driver does not possess a valid driver’s license at the moment of the accident, it does not necessarily mean a judge will allow a jury to hear this information and it is important to identify whether the individual ever possessed a valid driver’s license at any time in their life and to identify what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. The basic and indisputable purpose of the driver’s license requirement is to certify that the owner of the license has proven they are capable of operating an automobile on public roads in a safe and responsible manner. Therefore, if an individual previously passed a road test and written test, but forgot to renew their license, and is then rear-ended while stopped at a red light, the fact that the individual did not possess a valid license at the time of the accident has little relevance, and is not likely admissible. This is because the individual had previously demonstrated a base understanding of the rules of the road and a base proficiency at operating an automobile and the competence is not in dispute since they were properly stopped at the time of the accident.

On the other hand, if the individual has never possessed a license and has never passed a road test and written test, and is injured in an accident while changing lanes shortly after passing a sign signifying a lane was ending, it is more likely a judge would allow a jury to hear evidence about the absence of a valid license. This is because the same factors that make it necessary for individuals to pass a written and road test (knowledge of right of way practices and warning signs) are the same factors that are associated with the facts of the accident.

If you have questions about how the absence of a valid driver’s license impacts a claim for personal injuries, call one of our experienced lawyers for a free consultation.

When a Driver Without Insurance Hits You

When a Driver Without Insurance Hits You

The “S” family was driving together when another vehicle hit them. During this auto accident, their vehicle flipped, causing the “S” family various injuries. They were taken by ambulance to the hospital and required medical treatment for months after the accident. Their medical bills grew large, but the driver who caused the accident did not have insurance to cover the damages.S family photo - personal injury case, handled by GoodinAbernathy.com in Indianapolis

The personal injury attorneys at Goodin Abernathy LLP are experienced in this area of the law. The “S” family was smart – they were driving with an insurance policy that covered them if an “uninsured” driver caused their damages. The legal team at Goodin Abernathy collected the “S” family’s insurance policy and handled their claims. The “S” family did not need to negotiate directly with their own insurance company or the hospital. The Goodin Abernathy LLP personal injury attorneys handle this work for their clients.

The hospital filed liens to collect any money paid to the “S” family – even from their own insurance company. Goodin Abernathy’s attorneys communicated with the hospital and simply negotiated a distribution of insurance proceeds that left everyone involved satisfied.

This case was complicated due to the insurance policy terms and hospital lien. If someone you know is injured in an automobile accident, contact us for answers to questions about insurance and medical bills. The Goodin Abernathy LLP attorneys first try to resolve the claims through settlement – but take cases to court and present them to juries if and when necessary. Our goal is to optimize your recovery by paying attention to each client’s individual interests.

Contact our Spanish speaking attorneys today at (317)574-3090 or 1(800) 625-4710.

Wrongful Death:  Indiana Law and How it Impacts You

Wrongful Death: Indiana Law and How it Impacts You

The attorneys at Goodin Abernathy LLP handle Wrongful Death claims – fighting to honor the memory of lost loved ones and supporting their dependents as the law allows. Losing a loved one is catastrophic. The physical and emotional void left by a family member’s death feels insurmountable. These emotions don’t even include the financial toll of losing a family’s bread-winner. Money can’t replace someone we love, but as a practical matter, it’s something families need legal help collecting. In Wrongful Death cases, not only do Goodin Abernathy LLP attorneys know we are legally obligated to pursue the fullest extent of damages under the law – we want to fight for them because we care about our clients.

Indiana law allows family members and dependents to recover money as legal damages when their loved one is killed by another’s negligence. “Damages” is a legal term referring to the compensation – normally a sum of money – provided to a person who suffers harm or loss due to the negligence of another. Negligence causing one’s death is commonly known as a “wrongful death” claim.

Here are some things to consider when deciding what to do after losing a loved one to Wrongful Death.

Wrongful Death is a Civil Claim not a Criminal Claim

Wrongful Death refers to deaths that result from the negligent act of an entity or another person. A negligent act does not always mean a crime was committed. Your loved one’s death need not be the result of an intentional criminal act for you to make a Wrongful Death claim.  We are experienced handling cases involving both criminal and negligent (civil) claims. Explaining how the criminal and civil laws work is one of the first things we address with grieving families. It’s natural to ask “Why didn’t that driver, who ran the red light, get sent to jail?” Goodin Abernathy’s attorneys evaluate and explain cases clearly. Sometimes cases do not involve criminal acts and we understand families are stunned the at-fault driver is not going to jail. While being honest with our clients, we are also sympathetic to their loss. No question is a dumb one and no feelings are dismissed by us. We take the time to walk our clients through legal explanations because we want them to understand and be comfortable with the process. As regular people, Goodin Abernathy’s attorneys actually care about our clients – then we use our training and experience to provide them with superior legal services.

What Sorts of Deaths Qualify as Wrongful Deaths?

Here are some situations that can lead to a Wrongful Death claim: Auto Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Birth Injuries, Dog Bites, Drunk Drivers, Motorcycle Accidents, Drowning, Electrocution, Construction Accidents, Dangerous Working Conditions, Traumatic Brain Injury and Trucking Accidents.

Was someone driving erratically, causing an accident that killed your loved one? Did your loved one suffer an accident at work resulting in their death? Besides having an Indiana Worker’s Compensation claim, you may also have a wrongful death claim. There is a big, important difference between the two. Because we’ve handled these situations, we’ll explain how we prosecute both legal claims for our clients’ maximum benefit.

I’m Grieving and Don’t Have the Time or Energy to Pursue Legal Action

Losing a loved one is exhausting. It feels like there is a never-ending number of things to take care of and the last thing most people want to consider is a drawn-out legal battle. We get it- just remember two things: 1) In Indiana, the personal representative of the deceased has two (2) years to make a claim. (IC 34-23-1-1); and 2) the longer you wait to engage legal help means the more likely important evidence is lost.  You might not feel like you have the time to juggle a lawsuit and find your way after a loss. But trust the idea we want to help, and we will make it as easy as possible to connect and communicate with us. When it comes to the legal issues involved with a claim, it’s our job to do the work so you and your family can move forward at the same time.

What Sort of Damages are Available in a Wrongful Death Case?

Damages may include medical, hospital, funeral and burial expenses. Damages include the loss of someone’s love and affection. Another big category of damages includes lost income or lost earnings. Under Indiana’s Wrongful Death Statute “recovery of emotional damages is allowed for spouses and dependent children; a decedent’s minor children may recover for loss of parental training and guidance as well as for the loss of their parent’s care.”  (TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc. v. Moore)  “This loss can be determined, in part, from assistance that decedent would have provided through money, services or other marital benefits, but it also includes loss to children of parental training and guidance and loss of love and affection to surviving spouse.” (Southlake Limousine and Coach, Inc. v. Brock)

Wrongful Death cases are complex. The attorneys at Goodin Abernathy LLP are here to help you navigate these difficult times. Unlike a lot of big name advertising firms, our fees are structured for fairness to our clients. Our fees depend on the level of legal work you claim requires. You should not pay one set fee percentage for your case. We will explain how our fee structure works and comfortably answer your questions. Goodin Abernathy LLP gives you the time for decision making – we do not pressure you into signing our fee agreement the first time we meet. In these situations, you deserve an attorney that will walk beside you through the entire process. Contact us, Goodin Abernathy LLP, and see how we set ourselves apart from other attorneys. We know this is an emotional time. Let us help you recoup a sense of security for your family’s future. Call Goodin Abernathy LLP at 317-843-2606 today to schedule your Free Consultation.

 

Photo by Nate Isaac on Unsplash