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Indiana drivers are still coping with the dangers of winter weather conditions on our roadways. To help to reduce the risks of a weather-related car accident in Indianapolis or elsewhere throughout the state, there are a few safe driving tips you should keep in mind on every car ride.Our Indiana car accident attorneys and the Indiana State Police are offering Hoosiers and visitors a few winter driving safety tips to help to keep drivers safe. First, we ask all motorists to prepare themselves for the dangerous conditions. Before you head out, check the weather and traffic conditions. If you have a passenger riding along with you, make sure they know where you’re headed so they can help you with driving directions. This way you can keep all of your attention on the roadways and avoid the distractions of a map or a GPS.

Before you head out, also make sure your gas tank is full. You don’t want to get stranded in the biting cold because you failed to put gas in your car. You’re also urged to keep a winter driving kit with you at all times. This kit should include a flashlight, some extra batteries, blankets to keep you warm in case you break down, a brightly colored cloth to tie to your antenna to signal help, sand (or cat litter), a candle, some matches, a shovel, non-perishable foods that have a high calorie count, a cell phone, jumper cables and a first-aid kit.

Adjust your driving to the current road conditions:

-When there are poor weather conditions, give yourself extra time to get there by leaving earlier.

-Be sure to clear all your vehicle’s windows of ice and snow. Remove snow and ice from the hood, the headlights, the roof and the taillights as well.

-Be cautious when traveling near bridges, shaded areas, underpasses and intersections. In these areas ice forms more quickly and takes more time to melt.

-Slow it down. Traveling at a slower speed will help you to increase traction between your tires and the roadways.

-Avoid using your cruise control on slick or icy roadways.

-Try not to start or stop abruptly. Slow down and accelerate at a slow speed. Keep your wheels turning to stop you from losing traction.

-To reduce the glare of your headlights on the ice, use your low-beam headlights.

If you get stranded, there is a whole new list of things you should do. Listen up! If you’re car breaks down in the middle of winter conditions, your best bet is to stay with your car. It is the best protection you have after all. This is where that brightly-colored cloth comes in. Tie it to the antenna of your vehicle to signal to passing motorists that you need help. It may be cold outside, but you want to keep your window cracked to get some fresh air. Keep an eye on your exhaust pipe. If you allow it to get blocked, you run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep your exhaust pipe clear of snow and ice. Avoid panicking. Remember that an idling car uses about a gallon of gas every hour. If you kept your gas tank filled, you should have no problem.
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Indiana is the home of this year’s big game — Super Bowl XLVI. Football fans from across the country will be flocking. Unfortunately, this is likely to mean increased risks for drunk driving car accidents in Indianapolis. To help to combat these dangers, the Indiana Governor’s Council on Dangerous Driving will be funding even more drunk driving enforcement efforts on Super Bowl Sunday.Officers from around the state will be on the hunt for drunk drivers before, during and after the big game, which starts at 6:30 p.m. This year’s face off will be between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. Some areas, like Porter County, are even offering rewards to anyone who reports a drunk driver that result in an arrest.

Our Indianapolis drunk driving car accident lawyers understand that almost 350 million people are expected to gather in front of a TV to watch this Sunday’s showdown between the Giants and the Patriots. While the game starts at 6:30 p.m., you’re urged to have your night planned out before then. Super Bowl Sunday is one of the deadliest days on roadways across the U.S. It’s estimated that more than half of all fatal car accidents that happen on this football Sunday are alcohol-related. The big game Sunday was recently ranked in second place as the deadliest day of the year, behind New Year’s Day.

Our personal injury lawyers and GEICO are here to remind you to plan your plays wisely to avoid a DUI arrest or a potentially fatal accident. The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) reports that in 2010, nearly one out of every three fatal car accidents involved a drunk driver. The same statistics report that roughly 48 percent of all fatal accidents that occur on Super Bowl Sunday are alcohol-related.

Tips to Avoid Drunk Driving, from GEICO:

-Be sure you’ve got a designated driver on your team. Make sure they know who they are before the party begins and that they’ve agreed to drunk ZERO alcoholic-beverages.

-Eat plenty of food. Food will help you from over-drinking.

-Bring phone numbers to taxi companies just in case. You never know if you, a friend or another fan may need the assistance.

-Remember that you can be held liable if someone at your Super Bowl party is served too much alcohol and ends up getting into an accident on their way home.

-Watch how much you drink. You want to pace yourself.

-If you’re designated driver bails, call a sober friend or family member, get a cab, stay in a hotel or crash at a friend’s house. Whatever you do, don’t drive if you’ve been drinking.

-Buckle up! Drinking or not, your best defense is a seat belt when you’re in a traffic accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that midnight to 3:00 a.m. is the deadliest time to be on our roadways. Once the game is over, you’re urged to head home swiftly. The more time you spend on our roadways, the greater your chances are for getting into an accident.

Remember, if you think you’ve spotted a drunk driver on our roadways on Super Bowl Sunday or on any day of the yeas, contact local authorities. Your report could help to save a life.
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A recent car accident in Munster was just one of 100+ driving offenses committed by a man who moved from Highland. When the man moved to Munster, Highland police contact the police department in the man’s new town to notify them of his driving record, according to the Munster Community. The man had received so many driving violations that the Highland police turned to the Lake County prosecutor’s office for help.

The department asked that his tickets be dealt by a different court to stop them from being dismissed. Still, these efforts didn’t stop the dangerous driver. Recently, he is accused of causing the drunk driving car accident in Munster that took the life of a Lansing man.As a result of the most recent accident, the driver was charged with nearly 20 traffic and criminal offenses. Those 20 offenses were added to the 100+ offenses that he already had. Some of the previous offenses included watching TV while driving, failing to obey traffic signals, driving without a seat belt, driving with a suspended license, driving without car insurance and speeding.

Our Highland car accident attorneys understand that the man also had two operating while intoxicated counts. One of them was dropped down to reckless driving while the other was taken down to a misdemeanor. When the drunk driving car accident happened, the man was driving on a six-month restricted license that only allowed him to drive to and from work.

“Law enforcement did whatever it could to keep him off the street,” said Highland police Cmdr. George Georgeff. “Once he moved out of our town, he pretty much stayed clear of Highland.”

Unfortunately these types of occurrence aren’t uncommon. According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, about 20 percent of all accidents that result in a fatality involve a driver who does not have a proper driver’s license. AAA examined accident reports from 2007 to 2009 in a recent study to get a grasp on just how many of these improperly licensed drivers there are on U.S. roadways.

Of the drivers who were involved in fatal accidents:

-Nearly 7 percent had a driver’s license that was either suspended or revoked.

-More than 1 percent had a driver’s license that was either canceled or denied.

-Another 5 percent were completely unlicensed.

These fatal accidents, involving improperly licensed drivers, took the lives of nearly 21,050 people.

With improperly licensed drivers, hit-and-run accidents and drunk driving accidents are much more common. More than 51 percent of the drivers who left the scene of an accident during the study time were improperly licensed.

With improperly licensed drivers come uninsured drivers. Motorists are asked to be cautious on our roadways. With no insurances comes a harder time covering the damages resulting from an accident. If you’re involved in an accident with an improperly licensed driver or with an uninsured driver it’s critical for you to contact an experienced lawyer to help you to get the compensation you deserve.
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When some people think about getting divorced, they think about the split in general terms — how they are going to be able to afford renting an apartment and paying monthly bills?

But often, soon-to-be divorcees don’t consider the financial implications beyond those basic terms. A recent article on Nasdaq.com looks at how divorcees can expect to build their credit after a divorce. When people are tied together financially, they may not realize how some joint decisions have affected their standing with creditors.This is especially true today, as many Americans have seen their credit scores fall significantly as they deal with foreclosures and short sales after their houses have depreciated in value. If a couple has lost their house to an Indiana foreclosure, it’s possible that their Indiana divorce is going to feel the effects.

The job of an Indiana divorce lawyer is to do what is in the best interests of the client under the laws of the state. Division of assets and child custody or child support issues are going to be big in the eyes of the divorcees.

But a lawyer should also be thinking about the things not considered by the client. That often includes tax implications of getting divorced, how their debts will be paid off and who will be responsible for certain costs incurred by both parties.

The article offers some tips for divorcees about how to improve their credit scores after they complete a divorce. A joint credit score may get them by in life, but once they split, they can be exposed for having poor credit and that can leave them helpless if they don’t have a good credit score and can’t obtain loans.

Pull the credit score: The first step is to see where the divorcee stands. Scouting the files for late payments or collection accounts can help point out red flag issues that will hurt the person’s chances of getting credit in your own name.

About 70 percent of Americans don’t do an annual credit check, which they can do for free under federal law. This often leads to people bringing financial baggage into a marriage and they can leave the marriage with that same baggage when they try to go out on their own.

Fix any credit report mistakes: This is critical because if there is inaccurate information, it can make moving forward that much more difficult. Creditors and banks can misreport data and only you can correct it. Even if a divorce agreement states who should pay off which joint debts, if they don’t, it can hit your credit score.

Nix the joint credit obligations: A divorce is about splitting and cutting off financial ties. The last thing you want to do is hold any joint accounts anymore. As mentioned above, the other spouse could continue using a credit card account in both people’s names and if they make late payments, it can affect your score, too.

Open a secured credit card: Secured credit cards can help people with poor scores build their credit. Secured cards require people to deposit an amount into the account, which creates your spending limit. This gives the creditors some assurances that you will pay.

Pay all your debts on time: The last thing you want to do is start getting behind on payments right out of the gate. Thirty five percent of your FICO score is based on your payment track record. So, missing payments can sink you in a hurry. Pay on time and you can start to get your credit fixed.
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“Changing driver behaviors is not rocket science … it’s harder,” says Peter Kissinger, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety President and CEO.

What he’s talking about is the attitude of drivers. Motorists across the county have what AAA calls the “do as I say, not as I do” attitude, meaning drivers feel that they are exempt from all of the safe driving habits that every motorist should be following. For this reason, car accidents in Indiana and elsewhere continue to plague roadways.Our Indianapolis car accident attorneys understand that most drivers in the U.S. say that they would like to have safer roadways and that they support enforcement efforts to make that a reality. Still, with more laws on the books and more officers on the roadways, drivers refuse to give up their own dangerous driving habits, while expecting that others will give up theirs. Our roadways are filled with these hypocritical drivers, the ones who think others should “do as I say, not as I do.”

In 2011, there were nearly 32,900 lives lost because of car accidents in the U.S. While this is the lowest number of fatalities recorded in 60 years, it still illustrates that roadway safety has a long way to go. According to AAA, someone dies in a car accident in the U.S. every 16 minutes.

AAA recently conducted a survey to get into the minds of drivers. The findings were alarming and illustrated that drivers exercised very little personal responsibility for roadway safety.

The Traffic Safety Culture Index concluded that:

-More than 85 percent of surveyed drivers said that it was unacceptable for a driver to not wear a seat belt, but about a quarter of drivers admitted that they were guilty of the dangerous habit.

-A majority of drivers felt it was unsafe for a driver to travel more than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit on a residential road, but still most of the surveyed drivers admitted that they had done it at least once in the last 30 days.

-More than three quarters of drivers said that they felt that it was unacceptable to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after driving, but more than 10 percent of drivers admitted that they were guilty of tipsy driving at least once over the last month.

-More than 90 percent of drivers think that it is dangerous to text message while driving. Despite the fears, nearly 40 percent admitted to sending and receiving texts behind the wheel at least once in the last 30 days.

-More than 65 percent of those who were surveyed said that talking on a cell phone behind the wheel of a motor vehicle was pretty dangerous, but there were more than 30 percent of drivers who said that they’re doing it on a regular basis.

-Speeding was another action that most drivers frowned upon, yet a good portion of drivers admitted that they were in fact guilty of it.

-A good portion of drivers disapprove of drowsy driving, more than 95 percent of to exact. Still, about a third of all drivers said that they’ve been drowsy at the wheel at least once in the last 30 days.

What this study truly illustrates is that, despite all of the safe driving desires of Americans, a majority of drivers still admit to engaging in some of the most dangerous driving habits. AAA and our Indiana car accident lawyers ask that drivers start exercising their safe driving ideals instead of simply relying on others to act responsibly behind the wheel.
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In one day, three freight trains derailed. These train accidents in northwest Indiana left a number of vehicles mangled near the railroad crossing and residents in the area had to evacuate because of the smoke, according to ABC NEWS. Two of the six train employees aboard were transported to the hospital after the accident.One train was carrying mostly empty tankers of ethanol. That train stopped on the tracks when another train slammed into it. According to Porter County Sheriff’s Sgt. Larry LaFlower, a third train on the tracks quickly came up from behind and hit both of the cars. There weren’t any significant leaks reported, but scene is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Our Indiana car accident lawyers understand there were about 50 homes in the area that were evacuated because of the smoke from the accident. The real threat isn’t to the nearby homes, but to the people who travel through the railroad crossings every day. Residents, motorists and train riders are urged to be cautious near railroad crossings as many fatal accidents happen in these areas every year. Railroad crossing accidents, injuries and fatalities are often more catastrophic than other traffic accidents. According to the Federal Highway Administration, there were more than 136,000 railroad crossings in the U.S. in 2009. Out of these accidents, more than 42,300 crossings had gates, nearly 22,040 had flashing warning lights and nearly 1,200 have highway traffic signals, bells and wigwags, which are of railroad-grade crossing signal.

In 2009, there were nearly 2,000 accidents at public highway-railroad crossings in the U.S. Of these accidents, there were nearly 250 fatalities and more than 700 injuries. These catastrophic events happen as residents trespass too. These types of accidents are 100 percent preventable. In 2009, there were more than 430 people killed and another 350 injured while trespassing on railroad right-of-way and property.

Although these crossings are lined with gates, flashing lights and bells, drivers still find themselves to be the victims of these types of accidents all too frequently. You can avoid a potentially fatal railroad crossing accident by following a few safety tips from the Federal Highway Administration.

Railroad Crossing Safety Tips for Drivers:

-Always expect a train to be traveling on the tracks. Make sure that you can stop safely.

-Trains often travel faster than you perceive.

-Never rely on a train’s whistle to warn you of its location. Noise on or in your car can cause you to miss the audible warnings.

-Never try to cross the tracks unless you’re positive that you’re able to make it to the other side safely.

-Never change your car’s gears on a train track.

-Be careful of objects that can block your view of an oncoming train.

-Be cautious of the current weather conditions and its ability to hinder your vision.

-Plan your trip to take you through crossings with warning devices instead of unprotected ones.

-Never stop on a train track.

-When stopping for a train to cross, be sure to stay far from the tracks. Trains are wider than the tracks and extend into the roadway.
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In the state of Indiana, all drivers who are over the age of 18 are allowed to use hand-held cell phones behind the wheel. According to the Governors Highway Safety Administration, every single driver is prohibited from texting behind the wheel. With such relaxed cell phone laws for drivers, distraction-related car accidents in Indianapolis continue to take the lives of far too many innocent people.How do law enforcement officers know what a driver is doing on their phone? Are they dialing a phone number? Replying to an email? Typing a text message? According to Indiana police officers, it’s almost impossible to tell the difference and for this reason, tickets are difficult to write.

Our Indiana car accident attorneys understand that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is working to get lawmakers to embrace a nationwide ban against the use of any portable electronic device by all drivers. This type of ban would help eliminate the confusion for officers in areas like Indiana that have varying text and cell phone laws for drivers.

Since Indiana officers decided to tighten their distracted driving-related laws and make it illegal for any driver to type at the wheel there’s hasn’t been a lot of drivers busted for texting, according to the Lafayette Journal & Courier. In the six months following the enactment of the law, the Purdue University Police Department hasn’t issued a single ticket, says Capt. Eric Chin.

The same results have been reported by the West Lafayette Police Department.

“Quite frankly, the same movements required to do other things — calling someone, checking a map — are similar to texting,” Lt. Gary Sparger told the newspaper. “Basically we have to see into the vehicle.”

The law was passed as a part of HB 1129 and took effect last July. If busted, drivers can face fines up to $500. But officers are having a tough time pushing this law because law enforcement isn’t allowed to take a driver’s cell phone to determine is the driver was dialing a phone number of sending a message.

Only one ticket has been written since July in Tippecanoe County.

Sparger says that if officers are going to enforce a text message ban, then the laws need to prohibit drivers from using any type of cell phone or electronic device. Officials need to repeal the current law or rewrite it completely to make all of these activities illegal.

According to CNN, the nationwide ban on portable electronic devices for drivers is a long way from reality. Experts believe elected legislators will be hesitant about upsetting constituents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,000 people were killed in distraction-related car accidents in the U.S. in 2010. While most people recognize that distractions are dangerous for drivers and cause thousands of fatal accidents every year, drivers just aren’t ready to hang up the phone.
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Sadly, January has become a busy month for many Indiana divorce lawyers because for some reason, the first month of the new year tends to bring out the reality that the holiday season masked.

Fox News recently reported that nearly 24,000 divorces are granted each year in Arizona and many of them are initiated in the first month of the year.Divorce in Indiana can be painful during any month of the year. As humans, we are emotional and separating from a person can be a difficult experience. This sometimes is enhanced when the split comes right after the holidays.

Yet, sometimes this is done by design. Many couples know that their marriage is rocky and they are unlikely to continue it, despite their best efforts. If counseling and other tactics don’t work, it’s possible that they will try to make the holidays as “normal” as possible for the benefit of their children or family members before announcing their decision. This helps to keep the routine somewhat intact and keeps people from associating bad feelings with family gatherings in December.

Some lawyers surveyed for the article said they tend to receive twice as many divorce cases in January than in any other month. In most cases, the couples are planning the split for months in advance.

One man interviewed said he was heading to the courthouse to get divorced that afternoon. He said the divorce was in the works for a while, but finances prevented him from filing sooner. He said that people have to finish their taxes and realize what type of refund they may get before filing a divorce.

Finances, especially in recent years, have played a big role in when and whether people can get divorced. Many couples have decided to stay together more out of necessity than love. Splitting bills and daily costs is a lot easier than trying to do it alone.

Also, for those who have lost their jobs and may be having trouble paying bills, the hit to a person’s credit score can lead to difficulty qualifying to rent an apartment or house. That’s another reason people tend to stay together longer.

If a couple owns a house together, it is now seen more as a liability than an asset. For couples who are about to get divorced, this can also factor into why they are waiting. If housing prices are rebounding sooner than expected in their neighborhood, that may be a reason why they are now considering a divorce.

Whatever the reason and whatever the season, an Indiana divorce can be tough. But it doesn’t have to be. An experienced Indiana divorce lawyer can take a lot of the stress and pressure off the client by simply doing his or her job. Avoiding contentious litigation or lengthy meetings where couples bicker and fight is only going to make matters worse. Strongly communicating the situation and working for an amicable resolution without massive interference from the court is always the best bet for each side.
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Happy 2012! We’re sure everyone has made some great New Year’s resolutions, like to quit smoking, to get into shape or to explore new business ventures. But we’re asking everyone to make a New Year’s resolution that can really better the state. We’re asking all residents to make a New Year’s resolution to be a safer driver in 2012. By making this resolution, you can help to reduce the risks of car accidents in Gary and save lives along the way.Our Gary car accident lawyers understand that safer roadways start with you. Defensive and alert driving habits can help to make our state’s roadways safer for everyone. We’re asking residents to consider the following safety tips from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and make your way down the road to safer driving.

Safe Driving Tips from INDOT:

–Car. Keys. Buckle. Always make sure that you and all of your passengers are buckled in before starting the car. This is the number one most important thing that you can do to help protect yourself and the lives of your passengers in the event of a car accident. Wearing a seat belt reduces your risks of being killed in an accident by about 60 percent. Set a good example for your children and buckle up every time you’re in the car. Always use your seat belt properly. Only using the lap portion of the belt is ineffective. In the state of Indiana, an officer can pull you over and issue you a ticket for not wearing a seat belt.

–Never Drink and Drive. You should always avoid alcohol and drugs if you’re driving. Be sure to always have a designated, sober driver if you’ll be drinking. Alcohol-related accidents kill someone in the U.S. every 30 second. If you’ve been drinking and you don’t have a designated driver, consider using mass transit, calling a cab or staying at a hotel or a friend’s home.

–Pay Attention. It’s important to avoid the three most common driver distractions, cell phones, coffee and CDs. In 2010, there were more than 3,000 people killed because of traffic accidents that involved a distracted driver. These types of accidents are 100 percent preventable.

–Defensive Driving. Remember that aggressive driving can lead to unnecessary accidents. Aggressive drivers are unable to think clearly and focus on the road. If you spot an aggressive driver, get out of their way. Put your pride in the back seat and choose not to challenge them. You should avoid eye contact and shrug off rude gestures.

–Share the Road. Be on the lookout for commercial truckers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Be a courteous driver. Be aware of trucks “no zones” or blind spots. If you are unable to see the face of the driver, they’re unable to see you. Allow other travelers plenty of room. Never tailgate. Reducing the distance between you and another traveler reduces your reaction time.

Start off 2012 right and make the resolution to be a safer driver. The change starts with you.
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It has been said many times that divorce takes an emotional toll. Very few divorcees are happy about the process.

It hits people’s egos, they reflect on times when they were happier and things seemed better and they think about how different life will be moving forward. Many people consider themselves to be failures.Our Indiana divorce lawyers strive to ensure that your experience isn’t as painful and frustrating as it could be. No divorce is going to be painless because it is a tough experience. But the amount of frustration and sadness can be limited.

For those considering an Indiana divorce, there are steps that can be taken to minimize how brutal the divorce process is. That depends on the couple.

Contested divorces — situations that require litigation from both sides and possibly a trial — tend to be the most high-stress situations. When spouses are at each other’s throats and are jockeying for position on every asset they have, the process can be difficult to bear. When communication is better and there is a realization that a divorce may work out for the better, a collaborative divorce may be in the works.

Whatever the situation, our law firm is dedicated to helping our clients. Our Indiana divorce lawyers recognize that there are implications of divorce beyond who gets the house and who gets the family dog. We are prepared to help you prepare for the future.

A recent Huffington Post article looked at ways to maintain sanity during the divorce process. Remaining grounded at a time when there are so many emotions swirling can be tough, but there are some tips:

For the one initiating the divorce:

  • Recognize that you are further along emotionally: The person who has filed for divorce usually has spent a lot of time thinking about it. It’s possible their spouse has considered times are rocky, but may not have thought divorce is a good idea. Give them time to process this.
  • Rejection is always negative: While married, the spouses may have discussed how things weren’t working well, but spouses usually believe things can be worked out. The initial announcement usually will be taken with shock.
  • Consider what life will look like: Thinking that life will be the same minus your spouse is naive. Property will be divided, children’s needs will be split and you will have to deal with the loss of friends, explaining to family members and other tasks.
  • Prepare for conflicting emotions: This is a huge transitional period and you will likely have feelings of loss.
  • Allow children at least a year of adjustment: You don’t know how they’ll react and introducing a new partner too quickly can be painful for the children.

For the non-initiator:

  • Your spouse has had time to react: You may wonder how they’re better off that you are. Time will heal the wounds.
  • Men and women divorce differently: Many men are bottom-line focused and less emotionally attached than women. While women look at the settlement as an indication of worth, men look at the dollars and cents.
  • Focus on yourself and try not to think about your spouse: Don’t compare who is happier, or who the spouse may be dating. Focus on your children, how to help get you through this time and gain independence.
  • Remember your children need you: Even if you’re in a bad spot, they need a parent to be there for them. Tell them the future will be better.
  • Avoid saying bad things about your ex: Children can have long-lasting bad feelings about one parent if the other speaks ill of them.

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