Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLPAllen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP2026-08-07T13:53:29Zhttps://www.awmlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1204357/2019/07/cropped-site-identity-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP<![CDATA[Why joint tenancy risks real estate inheritances in Indiana]]>https://www.awmlaw.com/?p=544152026-08-07T13:53:29Z2026-08-07T13:53:29ZJoint tenancy gives another person real legal rights
A joint tenant does not just inherit later. Once someone signs the deed, the added party gains present rights in the property, not just a future inheritance, which is a key feature of this form of ownership. That matters because a parent who adds an adult child to the deed may also expose the property to that child's financial problems.
What risks can come with adding someone to the deed?
Once another person gains an interest in the property, the home may become vulnerable in ways the family did not intend. Problems can arise if that person has debts, goes through a divorce or faces liens or judgments. These risks may include:
Creditor claims against the added party
Divorce disputes involving that person's interest
Tax issues from gifting part of the property
Loss of control over future transfers or refinancing
These problems can arise even when the family only meant to simplify inheritance.
Other estate planning tools may offer more control
Other ways to pass real estate outside probate may offer more control and fewer unintended consequences than joint tenancy alone. Avoiding probate can sound simple, but giving another person present rights in the property may create more risk than the family expected. A lawyer can help you decide whether a trust or another transfer method fits the property, family and tax goals better than making that transfer now.]]>On Behalf of Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP<![CDATA[Is it safe to talk to another driver’s insurance adjuster?]]>https://www.awmlaw.com/?p=544142026-08-06T15:03:19Z2026-08-06T15:03:19ZProviding “unnecessary” info
Adjusters often say that they only need your side of the story. They may press you to provide your medical history, information on prior accidents or other details that may seem unnecessary. In reality, they may be looking for reasons to reduce or deny your claim.
Indiana follows the "modified comparative fault" standard. If you are 51% or more at fault for the car crash, you lose the right to receive compensation. If your fault is 50% or less, your compensation decreases by your percentage of fault. Insurance adjusters ask questions designed to get you to admit even a small bit of responsibility. Simple statements like “I didn’t see them” can reduce the value of your claim.
Accepting a quick settlement
Early offers can be tempting, especially when you are facing medical bills or missed work. But if an adjuster offers a quick settlement before you see a doctor, stay cautious. Accepting early payment releases the insurance company from all future liability.
Many injuries do not appear immediately. Once you sign a settlement release, you typically cannot continue pursuing compensation, even if you need additional treatment. Never settle before knowing the full extent of your injuries and damages.
Giving a recorded statement
An insurance adjuster may ask you to provide a recorded statement. It may sound like a reasonable request, but anything you say can be used against you. You may unintentionally provide details that contradict evidence such as police and medical reports. Insurance companies may frame inconsistencies (which are common after stressful events) as dishonesty.
If asked to provide a statement, it is best to decline. You are under no legal obligation to give a statement to the other driver's insurance company.
How to deal with adjusters
If the other driver’s insurance adjuster reaches out, the safest course of action is to remain polite but firm. You may provide basic information such as your name and contact information, but you should decline to discuss specifics. Instead, consult an experienced legal professional before speaking with insurance adjusters.]]>On Behalf of Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP<![CDATA[Where are the most dangerous roads in Indiana? ]]>https://www.awmlaw.com/?p=544132026-07-31T06:58:43Z2026-07-31T06:58:43ZEvery day thousands of motorists travel across Indiana highways, yet specific thoroughfares repeatedly generate devastating collisions. Rapid urbanization, heavy commercial freight and extreme commuter congestion combine to make several key routes extraordinarily hazardous for drivers.
Interstate 70 Through Indianapolis
Interstate 70 handles relentless traffic volumes as it cuts directly through central Indiana. Tight lane configurations, aggressive merging patterns and perpetual road work near the urban core cause sudden traffic slowdowns. These conditions frequently trigger catastrophic rear-end pileups and severe injuries for unsuspecting commuters.
Interstate 65 Freight Route
Spanning the state from Lake Michigan down to the Ohio River, Interstate 65 carries an immense volume of long-haul commercial trucks alongside daily commuter vehicles. Rapid fluctuations in speed near major metropolitan interchanges create unpredictable hazards, often resulting in high-impact collisions.
Interstate 80 Borman Expressway
This northern corridor features one of the highest concentrations of tractor-trailers in the entire nation. Packed lanes and massive truck blind spots leave drivers virtually no room for corrective maneuvers, which leads to life-altering crashes involving massive physical damage.
US Route 31 Intersections
Connecting northern communities directly to Indianapolis, US Route 31 merges high-speed rural travel with frequent stoplights. Sudden traffic stops at rural intersections routinely cause high-velocity broadside impacts that inflict severe bodily trauma.
Securing Full Financial Recovery
High-speed highway crashes rarely produce minor injuries; instead, victims often endure traumatic brain damage, spinal injuries and overwhelming medical costs. Indiana applies a modified comparative fault rule under state law, which completely bars financial recovery if a driver holds 51 percent or more of the blame. Insurance adjusters move quickly to minimize payouts or shift fault onto injured victims. Furthermore, state statutes set a strict two-year deadline to file injury claims. Prompt legal representation protects vital physical evidence, counters aggressive insurer tactics and secures the justice crash victims deserve.
]]>by Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP<![CDATA[What makes truck accident cases more complex than car accidents]]>https://www.awmlaw.com/?p=544122026-07-22T10:56:25Z2026-07-22T10:56:25ZCommercial trucks create far greater damage
Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than regular cars, which can make crashes more dangerous. This huge size difference often causes more serious crashes, severe injuries, major property damage and longer recovery times. Quick action is important because key evidence can be lost over time. Important records, electronic driving data, and other evidence should be collected as soon as possible to help preserve the facts of the crash.
Truck accidents often involve more serious injuries and losses
Truck crashes may cause severe injuries and higher costs. Common losses include:
Serious injuries: Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and broken bones may need long-term treatment.
Long recovery: Many injuries require hospital care, rehabilitation and ongoing medical support.
Lost income: Time away from work or permanent disabilities can reduce future earnings.
An experienced attorney can help calculate both current and future losses before accepting a settlement.
Trucking companies respond differently than private drivers
Truck accident cases often move much faster than car accident claims. Trucking companies may send insurance representatives, investigators and lawyers to the crash soon after it happens to protect their interests. These cases may also involve more than one responsible party, including the trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers or a truck parts manufacturer. Acting quickly helps preserve important evidence before it is lost.
Why every detail matters
Indiana's major highways carry thousands of commercial trucks every day, making serious truck crashes more complicated than they first appear. The cause is not always obvious, and important evidence can be easy to miss without a careful review. An experienced attorney can uncover key facts, identify everyone responsible and pursue the full compensation allowed under Indiana law.]]>by Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP<![CDATA[How to recover compensation after a hit-and-run crash]]>https://www.awmlaw.com/?p=544112026-07-08T07:17:07Z2026-07-08T07:17:07ZWhere can you turn for compensation after a hit-and-run accident?
A driver who leaves the scene does not always prevent financial recovery. Indiana law may still allow compensation through one or more of these options:
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage: This is the main source of compensation when the at-fault driver cannot be found. It may cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other covered losses.
Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage: This helps pay medical expenses no matter who caused the crash. It can provide quick financial support while the claim is being reviewed.
Coverage for pedestrians and bicyclists: People injured while walking or riding a bicycle may qualify for UM or MedPay benefits through their own policy or a qualifying family member's policy.
Every hit-and-run case is different. Reviewing every available source of compensation can help ensure all potential benefits are considered.
Practical steps to strengthen a hit-and-run claim
The actions taken immediately after a hit-and-run crash can protect important evidence, strengthen the claim and improve the chances of recovering fair compensation, including:
Calling the police right away: A police report creates an official record and may include witness statements or nearby camera footage.
Writing down what happened: Record details about the other vehicle, the driver and the crash while everything is still fresh.
Keeping all evidence: Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage and injuries. Save medical records, repair bills and witness contact information.
Reporting the crash to the insurance company: Prompt notice helps meet policy deadlines and keeps the claim on track.
Talking to an attorney before giving detailed statements: Legal guidance can help protect the claim and reduce the risk of an unfair settlement.
Quick action and strong evidence can improve the chances of recovering the full compensation available under Indiana law.
Protect the rightful recovery
A hit-and-run accident can leave many questions, but it does not always end the right to seek compensation. Quick action and the right legal support can make a big difference. An experienced Indiana personal injury attorney can protect the claim, handle the insurance process and work to recover the full compensation the law allows.]]>On Behalf of Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP<![CDATA[How do you know if you have a personal injury claim in Indiana?]]>https://www.awmlaw.com/?p=544102026-07-02T00:05:39Z2026-07-02T00:05:39ZWhat makes a personal injury claim valid?
Most Indiana personal injury claims are based on negligence. To recover compensation, you typically must prove four essential elements:
The other party owed you a duty of care.
The other party breached that duty by acting carelessly or recklessly.
The breach directly caused your injuries.
You suffered measurable damages because of the accident.
For example, drivers have a duty to obey traffic laws. If a driver runs a red light and causes a collision, that conduct may support a personal injury claim.
What types of accidents may qualify?
Many different accidents can support a personal injury claim when another party's negligence causes the injury. Common examples include:
The type of accident matters less than whether someone else's negligence caused your injuries.
What compensation can you recover?
If you establish a valid claim, Indiana law may allow you to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Depending on your circumstances, you may recover compensation for:
Medical expenses, including future treatment
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Permanent disability or disfigurement
The severity of your injuries and their effect on your daily life will influence the value of your claim.
Does shared fault affect your claim?
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can recover compensation as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50 percent. However, the court will reduce your compensation by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a court finds you 20 percent responsible for the accident, it will reduce your recovery by 20 percent. If your share of fault exceeds 50 percent, you cannot recover damages from the other party.
Why legal guidance matters
Insurance companies often investigate personal injury claims carefully and may dispute liability or the extent of your damages. Building a strong claim requires evidence, documentation and a thorough understanding of Indiana law.
An experienced Indiana personal injury attorney can evaluate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies and advocate for the compensation you deserve. If someone else's negligence caused your injuries, seeking legal guidance early can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim.
]]>On Behalf of Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP<![CDATA[Your teen was driving when a crash occurred. Now what?]]>https://www.awmlaw.com/?p=544092026-07-01T20:55:27Z2026-07-01T20:54:24ZYou’ve been informed that your teen has been involved in an accident while driving your car. Once you know your child is safe and any immediate medical needs have been addressed, questions about legal and financial responsibility will naturally arise. Who pays for the damage? Will your insurance cover the accident? Could someone else be responsible?
The answers to these questions will depend on the facts of the collision at issue. Simply because your teenager was driving does not automatically mean they caused the accident. If another driver was negligent as a result of speeding, driving while distracted, failing to yield or otherwise violating traffic laws, that driver's insurance may be responsible for the injuries and property damage that resulted. There may also be additional responsible parties of concern. A defective vehicle component, dangerous roadway condition or another driver's negligence could have contributed to the collision in question. If your teen was at fault, your family's auto insurance policy may provide coverage if your child was listed on the policy or otherwise qualified as an insured driver. Liability coverage may help pay for injuries or property damage suffered by others, while collision coverage may help repair your own vehicle if that coverage was purchased. Every policy is different, so it is important to understand your specific coverage limits and exclusions.
Could you be held liable for the damage caused by the accident?
Parents often wonder whether they can be held personally responsible for a crash caused by their teenage driver. In some situations, the answer may be yes. Depending on the circumstances and applicable Indiana law, parents may face potential financial exposure beyond insurance coverage. However, liability is highly fact-specific and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, so it’s important not to make assumptions before you’ve sought personalized legal guidance. ]]>On Behalf of Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP<![CDATA[Planning for your medical care if you become incapacitated]]>https://www.awmlaw.com/?p=543952026-06-19T13:47:45Z2026-06-19T13:47:45ZWhen you start the estate planning process, you might be so focused on setting up instructions for your assets that you forget to leave instructions for what will happen if you become incapacitated.
If you can’t make decisions on your own because you’re incapacitated, you need someone who can step in to make medical decisions for you. You can give someone healthcare power of attorney over you, which would make them your agent.
What is the role of the agent?
Your agent will work with your healthcare team to ensure you receive medical care that’s in line with your wishes. The person you choose should be able to speak up on your behalf and make decisions that are in your best interests, but they have to be willing to bypass their own wishes to follow yours. You can make the job duties of your named agent a little easier by writing out your advance directive. This is a written set of instructions that lets your medical team know your specific wishes. For example, you could outline if you want to be resuscitated, have artificial nutrition, receive palliative care or receive any other treatments. This document can be detailed, but your agent will step in to make any decisions that you didn’t cover in it. It’s important to note that the agent you choose won’t step in to make decisions for you unless you’re incapacitated. This preserves your right to continue to make decisions for yourself as long as you’re able. The healthcare power of attorney is only one decision you have to make as you create your estate plan. Working with someone who can assist with creating the plan may make the process a little less stressful.]]>On Behalf of Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP<![CDATA[What should I do after an accident with a delivery vehicle in Indiana?]]>https://www.awmlaw.com/?p=543942026-06-18T20:36:17Z2026-06-18T20:36:17ZThe step-by-step delivery accident action plan
Indiana uses a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can collect a compensation for your injuries and material losses as long as you are less than 51% responsible. Unlike a standard fender-bender, a crash with a corporate delivery vehicle requires you to gather heavy proof and navigate corporate red tape immediately. Follow these steps to protect your right to compensation:
1.Collect evidence and request camera footage: At the scene.
Take photos of everything: the damage to both vehicles, the truck’s license plate, corporate logos, and any traffic signs. Look around for cameras. Ask nearby business owners to preserve their security footage and ask the police to check if the delivery truck had active dashcam video.
2.Notify your insurance and navigate policy complexities: Within 24 hours.
Report the crash to your own insurance company right away. Commercial accidents involve massive insurance layers and complicated policy structures. Delivery companies often use third-party administrators or independent contractors, making it difficult to figure out which corporate policy actually covers your damages.
3. Protect your rights during negotiations: Ongoing.
When FedEx, UPS, Amazon or their insurance adjusters call you, do not give a recorded statement. Contact an experienced attorney that will advise you on what to say so you do not accidentally take responsibility. Your lawyer will formally demand corporate driver logs, black box data and maintenance records to prove what caused the accident before the company can delete them. A lawyer will handle all communications and negotiate a fair settlement so you do not get cheated by lowball corporate offers.
4. File a formal claim with legal backup: If necessary
If negotiations fail, have an experienced personal injury attorney help you file the formal claim against the delivery company and the driver. A lawyer can properly address employer liability, proving the company is responsible for its driver's carelessness.
Getting hit by a UPS truck or an Amazon van is vastly different from a standard car crash. You are fighting multi-billion-dollar corporations, not just another driver. To protect your claim, be extremely careful with what you say, never overshare details or photos of the accident on social media, and get professional legal help immediately.]]>On Behalf of Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP<![CDATA[Is it worth seeking medical care after a minor car accident?]]>https://www.awmlaw.com/?p=543932026-06-15T13:35:34Z2026-06-15T13:35:34ZWhy do some injuries take longer than others to appear?
After a car accident, adrenaline courses through your body. This could mask pain and injuries that are actually present. You might feel perfectly normal at the scene, only to wake up the next morning with severe neck pain or headaches.
Some injuries do not cause pain right away. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries and internal bleeding may not show symptoms for hours or even days. By the time you notice something is wrong, the injury may have worsened. Getting a medical evaluation soon after the accident helps identify these hidden problems before they become serious.
What makes medical records so important after a crash?
Visiting a doctor after an accident creates an official record of your injuries. This documentation can become important if you later discover that your injuries are more severe than initially thought.
Indiana law requires accident victims to demonstrate a clear link between the collision and their injuries. Medical records can help prove that the accident caused your injuries. Documentation can also protect your recovery, as insurance companies often question injuries that were not documented shortly after an accident.
If you wait to see a doctor, the insurance company may question whether the accident caused your injuries. A prompt medical visit eliminates this argument and establishes a clear connection between the accident and your condition.
How does delaying treatment prevent recovery?
Some people avoid the doctor because they worry about medical bills. However, waiting to seek treatment can actually cost you more in the long run. Without treatment, injuries can get worse and cost more to treat later.
Indiana gives most accident victims two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline starts from the date of the accident. If you wait too long to document your injuries, you might lose your right to seek compensation altogether.
Keep in mind that Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system. This means that if you are more than 50% responsible for an accident, you lose your recovery. Insurers may argue that you were partially at fault or that your injuries are not accident-related if there are delays in treatment.
What is the importance of an early evaluation?
Even if your accident seems minor, your health deserves attention. A quick check-up provides peace of mind and ensures that you are truly uninjured. Doctors can find injuries you may overlook and treat them before they get worse.
Consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor or visiting an urgent care facility within 24 to 48 hours of your accident. This simple step could make a significant difference in your recovery and your ability to handle any complications that arise later.
Taking action now prevents complications later
Even a minor car accident can cause serious health problems if you ignore early warning signs. Getting medical care right away protects your health and your legal rights in Indiana. A doctor can detect hidden injuries and document that they came from the accident, which is important for any future claim. Do not delay seeking care – prompt action can protect your recovery.]]>