Category: Personal Injury

  • Summer Months: A Deadly Season for Indiana Teen Drivers

    On Behalf of Roseann P. Ivanovich | Jun 30, 2025 | Personal Injury

    The summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day are often referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days.” This grim nickname highlights a troubling fact—teen drivers face significantly increased risks on the road during this period. According to data, over one-third of Indiana’s teen driver fatalities occur in these months, making summer the most dangerous season for young and inexperienced drivers.

    Why Is Summer More Dangerous for Teen Drivers?

    Several factors contribute to the rise in accidents during summer. Without the structure of the school year, many teens have more free time to spend driving. This leads to increased exposure on the road. Additionally, social events, road trips, and late-night driving become more frequent. Unfortunately, these activities often coincide with risky behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence.

    Poor decision-making due to inexperience remains a notable concern. Teens may not yet have the skills to respond quickly to hazards or unexpected situations on the road. Combine this with the increased traffic of summer vacations, and the driving environment becomes far more dangerous.

    What Parents Can Do

    Parents and guardians can play a vital role in improving road safety for their teenagers. Setting clear expectations for responsible driving is essential. Discuss the importance of avoiding distractions, such as texting, and the dangers of speeding or driving after consuming alcohol. Encourage your teen to follow a graduated driving plan, limiting nighttime driving and the number of passengers they carry.

    Installing monitoring apps or using vehicles equipped with safety technology can also help track driving habits and encourage better behavior behind the wheel.

    How We Can Help

    If your teenager has been injured in an car accident or you’ve lost a loved one due to another driver’s negligence, Roseann P. Ivanovich is here to help. Navigating the legal aftermath of an accident can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

    Contact us today by filling out our contact form or calling our firm at (219) 791-1700 for a consultation. We are committed to helping families find justice and peace of mind.

  • How can people estimate lost wages in personal injury lawsuits?

    On Behalf of Roseann P. Ivanovich | Apr 23, 2025 | Personal Injury

    There are many ways for one person or business to cause significant harm to others. Car crashes are a leading cause of personal injury lawsuits. People also take legal action over unsafe property conditions, defective products and injuries caused by criminal activity.

    Those seeking financial compensation in a personal injury lawsuit usually need to request a specific amount of compensation based on their circumstances. They may have medical bills to affirm the cost of the care that they require. They may also have lost wages and future lost income to address.

    How can people successfully estimate the impact that injuries are likely to have on their income and earning potential?

    Calculating lost wages

    Lost wages are sometimes easy to calculate. Professionals may miss a specific number of days while recovering from their injuries. Calculating the wages they should have earned during that time can be a straightforward process, provided that the employee receives hourly pay or a salary.

    In cases involving self-employed professionals or those who receive commissions for sales, estimating lost wages can be a bit more challenging. Professionals can usually seek compensation for any shift they could not work because of their injuries.

    Determining lost earning potential

    In scenarios where families have lost a loved one or an individual sustained permanent injuries, it may be necessary to calculate lost earning potential, not just lost wages. The premature death of a professional or severe injuries that affect job performance can permanently alter the financial circumstances of a household.

    People have to consider advancement opportunities and future wage increases. They need to consider the value of employee benefits. The more ambitious and successful a professional was prior to their injury or death, the greater the likely long-term reduction in household income.

    Those already coping with the stress of serious injuries or the grief of losing a loved one may find it difficult to earnestly evaluate the financial implications of a personal injury scenario. Having support when calculating lost wages and lost future earning potential can help people defray the long-term impact of an injury or death.

    Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit requires an understanding of the long-term consequences of an injury. The insight of an attorney can prove invaluable when attempting to calculate the financial impact of an injury.