Indiana Injury Lawyer Blog

Spring is in the air and bicycles are on the road. Whether you are a motorist, a bike commuter, a casual rider or a pedestrian, we all have a responsibility to keep each other safe. National bicycling movement PeopleForBikes, with the support of Volkswagen of America, recently unveiled its "Roll Together" campaign to correspond with National Bike Month.

The Roll Together campaign asks both bicyclists and drivers to be aware of each other on the road. The campaign strives to make the connection between four wheels, two wheels and the sharing of one road. "No one is perfect. We are all human, and we all make mistakes out on the road," said Bruno Maier, vice president of PeopleForBikes. "This campaign is about acknowledging the fact that we can all do better, whether we are bicyclists, drivers, or both. Let's treat each other like we all know each other."

For bicyclists, it is always good to be reminded of basic safety tips. Simple tips for biking smart include:

• Always wear a helmet
• Ride with traffic
• Obey traffic laws
• Be predictable
• Be visible
• Yield to pedestrians

Initiatives such as National Bike Month and the Roll Together campaign help to raise awareness; however incidents continue to occur despite these efforts. This past weekend in Indianapolis, another bicyclist was involved in a hit and run accident. Sadly the bicyclist did not survive the injuries he sustained in the accident. Please let this tragic accident serve as a reminder to be aware of others on the road and offer them respect.

Continue reading "Bicycle Safety - How Aware Are You?" »

As the weather begins to warm, we will see an increase in the number of bicyclists on streets and trails throughout Indiana. Did you know that May is National Bike Month? Organizations and individuals across the state will participate in exciting events throughout the month.

Tabor Law Firm is proud to sponsor Indianapolis' Bicycle Advocacy group INDYCOG. INDYCOG's mission is to promote bicycling as a safe and viable means of transportation and recreation in Indianapolis. INYDCOG is hosting several events during the month of May. The fourth annual "2 Wheels 1 City" event takes place on Saturday, May 11th and corresponds with the official grand opening of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. The Cultural Trail will celebrate "Get Down On It" on Saturday, May 11th with more than 75 different programs and activities planned along the Trail. It will be an exciting day in downtown Indianapolis with events for the entire family!

For additional information on National Bike Month events in Indianapolis, visit the INDYCOG event page. Mark your calendar for Bike to Work Day on May 17th. It's anticipated that over 1,500 cyclists will bike to the celebration at the Bike Hub at City Market. Details and registration are available online.

Tabor Law Firm encourages members of the community to get outside and enjoy all that Indianapolis has to offer. While National Bike Month serves as a reminder, please be cautious throughout the year when sharing the road. An increase in bicycle traffic correlates to an increase in bicycle collisions, accidents and injuries. We all play a part in creating a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

This April during Alcohol Awareness Month, Tabor Law Firm encourages you to take time to remind yourself and your loved ones about the dangers of drinking too much. It is important to recognize that drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of health-related problems, violence and injuries to yourself or others. If you are concerned about someone else's drinking, please offer to help.

Most importantly, do not minimize the dangers of drinking and driving. It is no secret that alcohol and driving do not mix. Yet according to The Century Council, in 2011 there were 208 fatalities in the State of Indiana due to impaired driving. Sadly, these accidents are preventable. To spread the word and prevent alcohol abuse, Tabor Law Firm is joining other organizations across the country to honor Alcohol Awareness Month and prevent alcohol abuse in our community.

Tabor Law Firm understands the unfortunate reality of how often an accident is caused due to a person operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs. If you or someone you know is involved in an accident involving a driver under the influence, it is important to contact an experienced attorney immediately to begin work on your case. Qualified legal counsel can begin protecting your rights and thoroughly investigating your claim. The attorneys at Tabor Law Firm are dedicated to defending the interests of our clients and maximizing relief on their behalf.

Click here to learn more about Tabor Law Firm's experience handling Indiana impaired driving cases.

Tabor Law Firm attorney Daniel Foote recently returned from a trip to Guatemala City, Guatemala with Operation Walk, a charitable organization dedicated to providing joint replacement surgeries in developing countries. In Guatemala, Dan served as a volunteer translator assisting orthopaedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and physical therapists in providing nearly 100 free joint replacement and other orthopaedic surgeries to impoverished people. Those who benefited from the surgeries suffered debilitating injuries due to accidents or lived with congenital conditions.

Dan, who has lived, worked and studied in Mexico and Central America, was in a unique position to assist Operation Walk in dealing with logistical issues and in facilitating communication between health care providers, patients and their families. In 2012, Dan served on a similar Operation Walk mission to Managua, Nicaragua and he looks forward to returning to Central America with Operation Walk on an annual basis.

Dan describes his recent experiences in Nicaragua and Guatemala as both educational and "life-changing." In addition to having an opportunity to practice his Spanish in a challenging environment, Dan says, "I returned to my law practice with a new perspective on the effects that devastating injuries can have on individuals and their families, and I had a unique opportunity to appreciate firsthand the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic injuries that attorneys rarely see."

Continue reading "Assisting Individuals with Debilitating Injuries - Tabor Attorney Volunteers with Operation Walk" »

The National Transportation Security Board (NTSB) announced on Tuesday that it is recommending all states require an ignition interlocking device for convicted drunk drivers. First time offenders are included in this recommendation as well.

The NTSB states that an average of 360 people are killed each year across America in wrong-way crashes and high-speed accidents on highways. Their study concluded that 69% of wrong-way drivers had a BAC level above the legal limit.

In Indiana, according to The Century Council, in 2010 there were 195 fatalities due to impaired driving. Nineteen of those killed were under the age of 21.

While some criticize that those who drink and drive under the influence will find a way to do so, seventeen states already have laws in place requiring these devices.

Tabor Law Firm unfortunately knows the unfortunate reality of how often accidents are caused due to a person operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs. Tabor Law Firm's experience ranges from Indiana drunk drivers, to truck drivers under the influence of cocaine- a scary thought. We hope to see the NTSB's recommendation take effect in Indiana.

To learn about Tabor Law Firm's experience handling Indiana impaired driving cases, click here.

To read WTHR's full story, click here.

Today federal investigators will begin examining the engine of the Piper Malibu plane that crashed Sunday evening in Greensburg, Indiana, tragically killing all four individuals on board. The four passengers, Donald and Barbara Horan and Stephen and Denise Butz leave six children behind. Unfortunately though, the victims of this crash will have to wait upwards of six months to a year until the cause of the crash is determined.

According to The Indianapolis Star, the plane encountered a patch of thick fog and crashed around 6:20 pm about a mile and a half from the local Greensburg airport.

The National Transmission Safety Board (NTSB), who is heading up the investigation, says this particular investigation may take longer than normal due to the complexity of the aircraft. Horan's plane was a high performance, unique aircraft, which poses some challenges for investigators. The NTSB will be looking into potential mechanical failures, the weather, and Horan's medical history as all potential causes of the crash- nothing has been ruled out.

Investigators have moved the plane to a nearby crash site to protect it from weather damage as the investigation continues.

Funeral services for those lost will be held this Friday, December 7th, but unfortunately for the families this will be a very long process.

Tabor Law Firm has over 30 years experience handling plane crashes and aviation fatalities, and understands the special circumstances involved in handling wrongful death and aviation law suits.

We give our sincerest condolences to both the Horan and Butz families affected by this tragedy.

Click here for the full story.

To learn more about Tabor Law Firm's experience handling Indiana aviation accidents, click here.

Saturday night's explosion on the south side of Indianapolis is a tragic reminder of the tragedy and disruption that can be caused when a sudden disaster such as a fire or explosion strikes. In order to prevent such disasters, the Indiana explosion accident attorneys and staff at the Tabor Law Firm have put together a list of safety tips.

• Have a qualified heating contractor inspect your furnace or broiler once a year.


• Check your fireplace flue to make sure it is clean and to allow carbon monoxide to escape your home. Hire a chimney sweep.


• Always call before you dig- if there may be a power line in the area, call a licensed professional to inspect the area before beginning any work


• Avoid "DIY" projects on or near electrical or gas lines or equipment - while it may be cheaper tackle some projects on your own, electrical and gas lines are not the place to start. Contact a licensed specialist who is bonded and insured.


• Clean and replace your furnace filters on a regular basis as recommended by your installer or manufacturer.


• Avoid using or storing items near or around your furnace.


• Do NOT keep anything that is flammable near your furnace.


• Keep your heat registers and cold-air returns clean so air can flow properly.

If you or a loved one has been injured or affected by a fire, explosion or other disaster, contact Tabor Law Firm for your free consultation. We understand how such tragedies disrupt the lives of ordinary people, and we are here to guide you through the overwhelming process of rebuilding your life.

To learn more about Tabor Law Firm's experience handling electric explosion accidents, click here.

Saturday night's explosion on the south side of Indianapolis is a reminder of the sudden and life-changing impact of fires and explosions. Two Indianapolis residents lost their lives when the house next door burst into pieces, destroying neighboring homes and damaging dozens of others. Many other Indianapolis families have sustained severe damage to their homes and property and disruptions to their lives.

At this time, the cause or causes of the explosion remain undetermined. According to media reports, investigation is currently exploring the role of gas and electrical installations and appliances within the home as possible contributing factors.

The attorneys at the Tabor Law Firm have decades of experience handling Indiana cases involving electrical fires, gas fires or explosions and other disasters, and we know how devastating such accidents can be. Determining the causes of an accident, fire or explosion is a difficult and time-consuming effort. Fires and explosions disrupt lives, and the process of rebuilding homes, replacing lost possessions, dealing with medical bills and insurance policies, and getting back to work or school can take months or years. The impact of a sudden disaster on lives and livelihoods can be overwhelming.

The Tabor Law Firm is here to guide families and injured persons through the process of rebuilding their lives after the occurrence of an unexpected tragedy. The attorneys and staff at the Tabor Law Firm have the experience, resources, and passion necessary to help those injured or affected by fires, explosions and other disasters. If you or a loved one is faced with such a situation, contact the Tabor Law Firm for a free consultation.

Click here to learn about Tabor Law Firm's experience with handling Indiana electric explosion accidents.

The majority of bicycling accident fatalities take place between 4 pm and 8 pm, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. With winter approaching and the loss of daylight, riding during this period of time will become even more perilous than in the warmer months. Many Indiana cyclists will debate using alternate modes of transportation during these dark winter months, however there is hope for those who wish to continue commuting to work on their bikes.

Revolights, invented by Kent Frankovich, Adam Pettler and Jim Houk, are a relatively new wheel-mounted LED light that provide both greater illumination of the rider's path, but also make the bicycle more visible from all angles. When stopped, the lights flash in a simple sequence, but when peddling the lights appear as an arc of solid white and red light.

Revolights are created with through the use of magnets and an algorithm, and together they work to measure the wheel speed, telling the lights when and where to flash. They are also a "green" technology because the lights are powered by a rechargeable lithium battery.

The first prototype was released in 2011, and now the lights are available for purchase online for $250.

For those cyclists who wish to ride into the dark winter months, we believe these Revolights could potentially be a life-saving addition to your bicycle.

As always, please ride safe!

For more information on Revolights or to purchase them, click here.

To learn more about Tabor Law Firm's experience handling bicycling accidnet cases, click here.

Halloween evening turned deadly for an Attica, Indiana family this past Wednesday when a John Deere Combine in Tippecanoe County struck their van, completely flattening it.

According to the Indianapolis Star, the Fox family and a family friend, Margaret Carpenter, were driving North in their Dodge Caravan when they were struck by Carl McFarland of West Point, Indiana, who at the time was driving a large John Deere combine. Initial investigations suggest that McFarland ran a stop sign on County Road 800 South while heading west across Indiana 25.

Demara, age 15, and her parents, Daniel and Stacy were all tragically killed in the accident. Sisters Demetria and Dakota Fox were later transported to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis. As of Thursday evening, the girls were listed in critical condition but are awake and communicating.

McFarland was not injured, and is currently in the Clinton County Jail for previous offenses.

Country roads often prove to be difficult to navigate when slow-moving farm machinery, and combines such as McFarland's, travels the roadways. Travel in the night hours proves to be even more dangerous, since often these vehicles are not properly lit. When a farm vehicular fatality occurs, you need experienced representation that is familiar with the nuances of handling farm vehicle accidents. The Indiana attorneys at Tabor Law Firm have handled similar cases to this Attica, Indiana tragedy.

To learn more about Tabor Law Firm's experience handling Indiana wrongful death cases, click here.

Roy Tabor, founding partner of Tabor Law Firm, is chairing the ICLEF Trucking Litigation seminar today in Merrillville, Indiana. This is Mr. Tabor's second year chairing the ICLEF trucking seminar.

A sampling of topics for the seminar include truck driving safety, an overview of the motor carrier industry and update on Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations, important steps for attorneys when they first obtain an Indiana trucking accident case, discovery issues with trucking litigation, common pitfalls in handling trucking cases, understanding commercial trucking insurance policies, and more.

Mr. Tabor will be chairing a second trucking litigation conference in Indianapolis on November 8^th, of 2012. To learn more or register for the seminar, click here.

 

Roy has over 30 years of experience handling semi-truck accidents around the state of Indiana. Over the years, Roy has obtained a wealth of knowledge, and is connected with numerous investigation and accident recreation specialists, which help him to continuously represent victims of Indiana trucking accidents successfully.

Mr. Tabor enjoys working as co counsel on trucking accident cases, as well as welcomes referral opportunities.

Tabor Law Firm is sad to report that there has been yet another school bus accident this morning in Frankfort, Indiana.

This morning, three Clinton Prairie students have been transported to St. Vincent Hospital in Frankfort after their school bus crashed near Frankfort, Indiana at Mason Colfax Road and County Road 450 West.

Initial reports from Fox 59 and WTHR indicate that the school bus overturned, resulting in at least three injured students. Twenty-three other students that were aboard the bus have been taken to a hospital for evaluation. At this time, the extent of the injuries is unknown and the investigation is ongoing.

The Indiana attorneys at Tabor Law Firm have years of experience handling Indiana school bus accident cases, and unfortunately know all too well how often these accidents occur.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a school bus accident like this one in Frankfort, Indiana, you need experienced counsel who knows the nuances of handling a school bus injury case. Tabor Law Firm has experienced investigators and accident re-constructionists that can make the difference in winning your case.

Tabor Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing until your case is successfully concluded. Call 317-236-9000 today for a free case evaluation.

To learn more about Tabor Law Firm's experience handling Indiana School Bus Accident cases, click here.

Two pedestrians were seriously injured overnight Saturday when they were struck by a vehicle in Kokomo, Indiana off S. Dixon Road. One victim lost a limb, and the other was reportedly unconscious when officers arrived at the scene. Both of the victims were life lined to hospitals. At this time, the story is ongoing.

Tabor Law Firm knows the dangers and intricacies of Indiana pedestrian accidents. This pedestrian accident in Kokomo is yet another reminder to pedestrians to always be aware of surrounding drivers. Sadly, this pedestrian accident in Kokomo seems to be another needless tragedy.

If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident, you need experienced Indiana attorneys who have access to investigators and accident reconstruction specialists. Tabor Law Firm has over 75 years of combined experience representing victims of personal injury and wrongful death around the state of Indiana. Tabor Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing until your case is successfully concluded. Call today for a free consultation.

Click here to keep up to date with the story out of Kokomo, Indiana.

Click here to learn more about Tabor Law Firm's experience with Indiana pedestrian accidents.

This week, October 7^th through the 13^th, is National Fire Prevention Week, which was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people. This year's theme for the National Fire Prevention Week is "Have two ways out," stressing the importance of having two escape routes planned in your home in case of a fire.

The unfortunate reality is when a fire breaks out, your entire home can be engulfed in flames in just a matter of minutes. Only one-third of Americans currently have a developed fire escape plan, and of those that do, even less have practiced it. Developing and practicing your families' fire escape plan is extremely important and can be a potential lifesaver. When it comes to fires, seconds count.

Tabor Law Firm knows how devastating fires and burns can be. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA) at least 80% of all fire deaths occur in residential fires. From our experience, common causes of residential fires include, but are not limited to: faulty wiring, inadequate smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, flammable liquids, gas explosions, and electrical problems.

Fire related injuries are almost always are accompanied by emotional trauma and disfiguring scars. The burn injury lawyers at Tabor Law Firm have long-standing and respected experience with fire related injuries, including cases involving car fires, burns from auto accidents, burns from defective products, electrical explosion accidents, electrical burns, chemical exposure, industrial accidents, and residential fires.

If you or a loved one has received a burn injury as a result of a faulty product or a company's negligence, you need an experienced Indiana burn injury lawyer. The attorneys at Tabor Law Firm offer over 75 years of collective experience handling burn injury cases.

Contact the attorneys at Tabor Law Firm for a free consultation.

To learn more about Tabor Law Firm's experience with burn related injuries, click here.

An Indianapolis company announced on Monday, September 24^th, that a merger with a Boston area rival company will bring new school bus technology to Indiana area schools. The company, Synova Solutions, will now be headquartered on the North side of Indianapolis. Synova Solutions produces software to manage and track bus fleets, and the students on board those buses

Synova Solutions is marketing their "black box" that can track route times, alert parents when the bus is near its' stop, and can track students getting on and off the bus. The company comes to Indianapolis excited about the untapped market, currently the company only serves 12% of school districts nationally, and Tabor Law Firm applauds the use of this opportunity to improve the safety of school buses and their routes.

Tabor Law Firm has handled several cases where children were late for their school bus, and ended up having to chase after it, resulting in an injury or death. This new technology would allow parents and students to monitor their bus on its' route, and be alerted when the bus was getting close.

Indiana School Districts have received recent attention from news outlets for young children being let off the bus miles from home, or injured while waiting for their bus. Synova Solution's black box would allow children to be tracked when they got on and off the bus, and parents would be able to track students as well.

This past year, Indiana school buses have received media coverage due to several major accidents that resulted in injuries to minors on board. Tabor Law Firm hopes that with the addition of this new technology in school buses, needless collisions involving school buses injuring our children can be prevented.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a school bus accident, call the Indiana attorneys at Tabor Law Firm for your free case evaluation.