At Keller And Keller, we are always staying up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations that can impact personal injury cases. Recently, a bill has been introduced in Indiana that could significantly impact how juries consider seat belt usage in personal injury cases.
The bill, known as House Bill 1090, would allow juries in Indiana to know whether a plaintiff was wearing a seat belt at the time of an accident. This information is not admissible in court, as Indiana is one of the few states prohibiting using seat belt evidence in personal injury cases.
Proponents of the bill argue that seat belt usage is crucial in determining the extent of injuries sustained in a car accident. They believe that
juries should have all the relevant information available to them when deciding on a personal injury case.
On the other hand, opponents of the bill argue that allowing seat belt evidence to be presented in court could lead to victim-blaming and unfairly impact the outcome of personal injury cases. They believe that the focus should be on the at-fault party's actions rather than the victim's actions.
5 Important Things to Do After a Car Accident
Seat belts could potentially save your life in the event of a serious car accident. Unfortunately, motor vehicle collisions are a common occurrence on Indiana roadways. Our Indianapolis car accident attorney details what you should do immediately after a car accident.
- Seek Medical Attention. If you do not seek medical attention as soon as you are aware of an issue, the insurance company can doubt whether the collision caused your injuries or came from something else.
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Follow the Advice and Orders of Your Health Care Provider. Following your doctor’s advice is just as important. Your doctor may prescribe medicine or physical therapy to help with your injuries. To heal from your injuries and pursue a claim for personal injury, you must do what your doctor says.
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Do Not Talk to the Insurance Company Before Talking to an Attorney. The goal of the insurance company is to settle your claim as quickly and for as little compensation as possible. To this end, the insurance company may offer you a settlement immediately.
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When Seeking Counsel, Be Honest. Your personal injury attorney is on your side, and communications with your attorney are privileged. Good attorneys have one goal: helping you. It is easier for attorneys to help you if they know all the facts.
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Do Not Discuss the Wreck or Your Injuries on Social Media. Do not post anything about the wreck or your injuries on social media to maximize your claim. We recommend you follow these steps to prevent Social Media from sinking your case.
If you are involved in a collision, whether you feel that you need medical attention or not, call 911, then call Keller & Keller.
How Our Experienced Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys Fight for You
At Keller And Keller, we understand the complexities of personal injury cases and the importance of ensuring our clients receive fair compensation for their injuries. We will continue to monitor the progress of House Bill 1090 and provide updates on how it may impact personal injury cases in Indiana.
If you have been injured in a car accident and have questions about how seat belt usage may impact your case, please get in touch with Keller And Keller for a free consultation. Our experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney team is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
