Tauber Law Offices Blog | Schererville IN

Is it Ever too Early to Make an Estate Plan?

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT

When it comes to estate planning, many individuals believe it is a task to be tackled later in life. However, the truth is that it is never too early to start planning for your future. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of early estate planning and provide tangible tips to address common concerns.

The Power of Proactivity

One of the biggest misconceptions about estate planning is that it is only relevant for those with substantial assets or nearing the end of their life. On the contrary, estate planning is a proactive measure that helps protect your assets and ensure your wishes are followed, regardless of your age or financial standing. Tragic events can strike unexpectedly, and an estate plan can provide clarity and guidance during challenging times, regardless of your age.

Protecting Dependents and Loved Ones

Estate planning is not just about distributing assets; it also involves making arrangements for dependents and loved ones. Young parents, for instance, should consider establishing a guardianship plan for their children in case something happens to both parents. Through a comprehensive estate plan, you can designate a guardian who will care for your minor children, ensuring their well-being and security.

Avoiding Intestacy Laws

When someone passes away without a will or an estate plan, their assets are distributed based on the intestacy laws of their state or country. This can lead to outcomes that might not align with the deceased's wishes or the best interests of their loved ones. Creating an estate plan, no matter your age, allows you to decide how your assets will be distributed and whom they will benefit.

Addressing Healthcare Decisions

Estate planning goes beyond matters of finance; it also includes making important healthcare decisions. By creating advanced healthcare directives and a durable power of attorney for healthcare, you can designate someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This is a vital aspect of an estate plan, ensuring that your preferences for medical care are respected, regardless of your age or health condition.

Taking Advantage of Tax Benefits

Estate planning can provide significant tax benefits for both you and your beneficiaries. By creating trusts and implementing other strategic estate planning tools early on, you can minimize tax liabilities and ensure more of your assets are preserved and passed on to your loved ones. Waiting until later in life to address these matters might limit the options available to you and result in missed opportunities for tax savings.

Adapting to Life Changes

Life is unpredictable, and your circumstances can change unexpectedly. By starting your estate plan early, you can easily update and adapt it as your life evolves. This may include getting married, having children, acquiring new assets, or experiencing other significant life events. Having a flexible estate plan in place ensures that your wishes remain up-to-date and that your loved ones are taken care of, regardless of the changes life throws your way.

While it may be tempting to put off estate planning until later in life, the reality is that it is never too early to start securing your future. By taking proactive steps to establish an estate plan, you can protect your assets, ensure your loved ones are cared for, and minimize potential disputes. At Tauber Law Offices, we specialize in estate planning services and are here to guide you through the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards securing your future.

Understanding Indiana’s Motorcycle Helmet Laws: What You Need to Know

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT

If you’re a motorcycle rider in Indiana, it’s important to understand the state’s motorcycle helmet laws. Not only can wearing a helmet protect you from serious injury but it’s also required by law in certain situations. Here’s what you need to know about Indiana’s motorcycle helmet laws:

When is a helmet required?

In Indiana, all motorcycle riders and passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet.

What are the helmet requirements?

Helmets worn by motorcycle riders and passengers in Indiana must meet certain safety standards. The helmet must have a hard outer shell, a retention system to keep it securely on the rider’s head, and a thick inner liner to absorb impact. The helmet must also have a sticker indicating that it meets the safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

Why wear a helmet?

Wearing a helmet can greatly reduce your risk of serious injury or death in the event of a motorcycle accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle passengers.

Where can I find more information?

If you’re looking for more information on Indiana’s motorcycle helmet laws, you can visit the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. You can also find resources on motorcycle safety from the NHTSA and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

At Tauber Law Offices, we understand the importance of motorcycle safety and the impact that a motorcycle accident can have on your life. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.

The Role of Property Owner Negligence in Premises Liability Cases

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain a safe environment for visitors, tenants, and customers. When they fail to do so, accidents can happen, leading to premises liability cases. Understanding the role of property owner negligence in these cases is crucial for both property owners and potential plaintiffs. In this blog post, we will discuss the key aspects of property owner negligence, common types of premises liability cases, and how to determine if you have a valid claim.

What Is Property Owner Negligence?

Property owner negligence occurs when a property owner fails to fulfill their duty of care to maintain a safe environment. This can include failing to address hazards, not following building codes, or not providing adequate security measures. When this negligence leads to an accident or injury, the property owner may be held liable for damages.

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases

There are many different types of premises liability cases, but some of the most common include:

Slip and fall accidents: These can occur when a property owner fails to address hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or icy walkways. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over one million people visit the emergency room each year due to slip and fall accidents.
Inadequate security: Property owners have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for visitors. This may include installing security cameras, hiring security personnel, or ensuring proper lighting in parking lots and common areas. When a property owner fails to provide adequate security, they may be held liable for any injuries or assaults that occur on their property.
Dog bites: Property owners may be held responsible for injuries caused by their pets, especially if they knew the animal had a history of aggression. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States.
Swimming pool accidents: Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe conditions around swimming pools, including proper fencing and signage. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that approximately 350 children under the age of 15 drown in swimming pools each year.

Determining If You Have a Valid Premises Liability Claim

If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else's property, you may be wondering if you have a valid premises liability claim. Here are some factors to consider:

Was the property owner negligent? To have a valid claim, you must be able to prove that the property owner was negligent in their duty to maintain a safe environment. This may include failing to address hazards, not following building codes, or not providing adequate security measures.
Did the negligence cause your injury? You must also be able to prove that the property owner's negligence directly caused your injury. For example, if you slipped and fell on a wet floor that the property owner failed to clean or warn visitors about , you may have a valid claim.
Did you suffer damages? Finally, you must be able to show that you suffered damages as a result of your injury, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

If you believe you have a valid premises liability claim, it's essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Tauber Law Offices , our team has extensive experience handling premises liability cases and is dedicated to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you with your premises liability case.

Summer Means Driving Danger

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Every time you get behind the wheel, there is the risk of an accident. There are so many concerns on the roads and highways, many of them new since many adults began driving, sometimes decades ago.

We are talking about new risks from texting while driving and talking on cell phones. Texting on the road has been illegal for some time now. Effective July 1, talking on your phone while driving (except in hands free mode) is also now against the law.

There is also some evidence that during this pandemic, with less traffic on the road, people feel they can driver faster, resulting in more serious accidents, especially when they involve big trucks.

Couple all of that with new teen-drivers who sometimes think they are invincible, and the risks become higher. Drivers ages 16-19 are more likely to be involved in car accidents than any other age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Driving while under the influence also increases in the summer months.

The fact is, right now we are in the middle of a span of approximately 100 days, when car accidents and resulting injuries are at their highest on average. This time span starts on Memorial Day weekend and ends on the weekend of Labor Day.

Of course, a gentle reminder is in order that you should make sure to practice safe driving all year round and realize that just because the weather is nicer does not mean that there aren’t very real driving dangers.

Your friends at Tauber Law Offices have represented innocent people who have been victims of irresponsible drivers. Too often death or life-changing injury is the result. If you or a loved one has been hurt, we want to hear from you. Tell us your story. If you have a case, we will represent you aggressively and there is never a charge until we get a settlement in your favor.

Safe Motorcycling

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

During these uncertain times, at least one thing is staying the same: Motorcycle accidents. Tauber Law Offices has seen too many tragedies over the years in accidents involving motorcycles.

Now that we are well into summer, the number of motorcycles on the roads has increased dramatically. This means more serious accidents and fatalities.

What’s more, the coronavirus pandemic has led to a surge in speeding and reckless behavior on the nation’s roadways. Reckless driving has increased dramatically since March, leading to a disproportionate number of speed-related crashes and fatalities, according to law enforcement and traffic experts. Lockdowns have resulted in less traffic and so many operators feel they can drive faster.

Then there is the helmet issue.

We would first point out that wearing a helmet is 35 percent effective in preventing fatality, 26 percent effective in preventing injuries at least serious enough to require transport to the hospital, and 9 percent effective in preventing all injury.

In 2018, 880 of 2,871 victims in Indiana crashes wore helmets. Only 20 of the 112 fatally injured riders wore helmets.

In Indiana, the law requires only those motorcycle drivers and riders under 18 to wear a helmet and protective glasses, goggles, or transparent face shields.

At last count, 19 states and the District of Columbia have universal helmet laws, and 28 states have laws covering some riders, usually people younger than 18.

Three states, including Illinois do not have any helmet requirements at all. Only bike messengers and delivery people on bikes are required by law to wear helmets in Illinois.

The truth is, wearing a helmet could save your life.

At Tauber Law Offices, we are proud of our case results for clients. We pursue your rightful compensation for injuries, pain and suffering and disabilities resulting from any type of motor vehicle accident, including motorcycle crashes. You should never have to suffer because of someone’s inattention or error. If you are a victim of negligent driving, we can help assert your rights to restitution.

If a motor vehicle accident ends in wrongful death, we can stand with you and be your legal allies in a wrongful death lawsuit. With Indiana’s two-year statute of limitations to bring an injury or wrongful death lawsuit, it is to your advantage to consult with an attorney promptly after an accident.

Contact Tauber Law today to schedule a free initial consultation. You can trust us to discuss your situation and provide options honestly. There is no upfront cost for our legal services; you only pay if we win your case.

The Mesothelioma Crisis

Sat, 04 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

In the midst of this unprecedented pandemic that is changing the lives of most families locally and around the world, there exists another killer – mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma, cancers, and other serious diseases are often caused by products containing asbestos and other toxins.

These materials were commonly used by hundreds of companies and manufacturing centers since well before the turn of the 20th century. Often, the subsequent disease does not rear its ugly head until decades after the initial exposure to a worker.

Over recent years, the lawyers at Tauber Law Office have dealt with many cases of victims who have become seriously ill , or have even died , as a result of exposure to these toxins. 

This phenomenon is especially common in our own region, being that Gary and Chicago were among the top manufacturing centers in the nation.

Gary has a long history of manufacturing activity in industries known for their use of asbestos products, making asbestos exposure, and the risk of pleural mesothelioma, an ongoing concern for workers, particularly for those who worked in steel mills. In addition, Chicago’s extensive manufacturing and industrial base places the city in a high-risk category for exposure to asbestos containing products.

Nationally, over 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma and related diseases are being diagnosed each year .

The attorneys at Tauber Law Offices consider mesothelioma to be a critical issue that is now being diagnosed more than ever before. If you or a loved one believes that mesothelioma has caused serious injury or even death, we want to hear about it. There is compensation available in many cases. Feel free to contact us at any time. We will listen to you and evaluate your case.

Put Down Your Cellphone or Pay

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

July brings some new laws that everyone in Indiana should be aware of.

Cell phones while driving

Drivers are now prohibited from holding cell phones on the road. Indiana is now in step with many other states, including Illinois, in passing such a measure. There is an exception if phones are used when stopped or mounted on a vehicle’s dashboard and in hands free mode.

What is the penalty? You can now get a fine of up to $500. You could also lose your driver’s license for repeat violations.

Texting while driving is currently banned in Indiana, but law enforcement has found it difficult to enforce.

Hopefully, this will help reduce the growing number of vehicular accidents, injuries and fatalities that are connected to the use of cell phones.

Here is a listing of some of the other notable new laws that took effect on July 1:

Tobacco age

The federal age to buy tobacco products has already been lowered from 21 to 18. This new measure doubles the many penalties retailers will face if they sell tobacco products to somebody under that age. The fine now goes from $200 to $400 on the first offense, and from $1,000 to $2,000 on the third offense in a year.

Health care costs

The state must now establish an all-payer claims database and hospitals need to post prices for certain procedures on their websites.

Surprise billing

Many of us have been shocked after getting an unexpected medical bill. To further protect consumers, a new law requires medical providers to get patient consent five days before a procedure in order to charge an out-of-network rate.

Teacher evaluations

A new act separates teacher evaluations from student test scores.

Abortion

A woman who undergoes an abortion now needs to be told she has the right to bring the fetal remains to a health care facility for disposal.

Microchi ps

There is now a ban on companies that might be considering a requirement for employees or prospective workers to have some type of tracking or identification device implanted as a condition of employment.

Panhandling

Indiana’s laws on panhandling were set to become a lot tougher. The new measure would have made it illegal to panhandle within 50 feet of an ATM, a public monument, or the entrance to a bank, business, or restaurant.

This law was subsequently blocked by a federal judge after the ACLU filed suit, saying it is unconstitutional.

For a complete list of new Indiana laws, consult the state’s web site at https://www.in.gov

Killing Covid

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The economy is slowly opening up and companies are getting back to business. Consumers are returning to a new normal and employees are returning to work. Businesses are finding new ways to attract customers and employers are searching for ways to make the workplace a safer environment for their employees. In most commercial and industrial settings, workers and visitors are working to socially distance but this can be difficult.

What would help to get consumers and employees confident about entering establishments? The knowledge that the space has a system in place to combat and neutralize Covid-19. You probably didn’t know that this was possible. Global Plasma Solutions has found a way to destroy airborne and surface viruses, including Covid-19. The patented technology of Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI), installed by Martin Mechanical Corporation can clean the air inside industrial, commercial and residential buildings.

How It Works

Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization uses an electric charge to create a plasma field filled with a high concentration of positive and negative ions that travel through the air attaching to particles, pathogens and gas molecules. These ions take fine submicron particles and forming a mass that then become filterable. The life-sustaining hydrogen within the pathogens is stripped away. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are broken down into harmless compounds like oxygen, water, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. These ions work throughout the entire building, including hidden spaces, cleaning the air of harmful pathogens, including Covid-19. GPS’ NPBI technology has been tested, proven, and certified by UL867 – the standard for electrostatic air cleaners, as well as UL2998 for not having ozone emissions. NPBI was recently installed at the White House and Air Force One.

Tauber Law Offices is a COVID-free zone

At Tauber Law Offices, we take the safety of our clients, staff, and the public very seriously. We are proud to announce that Tauber Law Offices is a Covid-free zone due to the installation of NPBI at our offices.

Jared R. Tauber Named to Board of Directors for Foodbank of NW Indiana

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Tauber Law partner Jared R. Tauber was recently named to the Board of Directors for the Foodbank of Northwest Indiana. Congratulations to Jared .

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana has been leading the Region’s fight against hunger since 1982 and distributes more than 4.5 million meals each year to hungry kids, adults and seniors across Lake and Porter counties. Each month the Food Bank serves more than 23,000 individuals through its 100+ partner agencies and programs like Mobile Marketplace, Commodity Supplemental Food Program for seniors and the BackPack program.
Each year more than 145,000 households are served by agencies in Lake and Porter Counties.

Adopting An Older Child

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

No matter how it happens, adding a child to your family presents a significant change to your life. When your adoption journey includes adopting an older child, this event also makes a huge life transition for your child.

Though most foster care systems, including the Department of Child Services in Indiana , support reunification for children removed from their birth home, the reality is that returning to their birth parents is not safe for some children. In those cases, the children may live with a relative or wait for adoptive parents. As of 2016, the average age of a child waiting for adoption was 7 years old.

In adopting, if you feel called to welcome a child into your family through adoption, you may want to plan ahead for the unique gifts and challenges of adopting an older child.

How will you commemorate your child’s birth family?

Though not all the memories of their birth family may be happy, adopted children still often hold high emotional regard for their birth parents. You should think through the specific situation of your child’s birth family and consider whether some members of the birth family can still contribute to your child’s life. As long as the legal and custodial plans are in place, your son or daughter’s birth family can offer wonderful mentorship and support for your child throughout her or his life.

If visitation with the birth family is not a good idea, your child may appreciate a special ritual or tradition to honor her or his birth family on birthdays or holidays.

Is your support team in place?

Raising a family truly takes a village. Your child should engage in therapy or counseling to help address any trauma experienced in her or his birth family. You should also know where to reach out if you need help processing the changes to your role as a parent. While you may have other kids, every child is different. Adopting an older child both gives your son or daughter the chance to grow in a healthy environment as well as expand your horizons as a parent.

FBI Launches ‘Sextortion’ Awareness

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The world today is filled with new technology, some of which we would never have dreamed about even 10 years ago. Even though some of this technology is quite amazing and makes life easier and more convenient, it also presents new dangers, especially to our young people.

The FBI has started a campaign focused on warning youth – and parents – of a relatively new crime called “sextortion.” The theme of the campaign is designed to help us understand that a sexual predator can victimize children or teens in their own homes through the devices they use for gaming, homework, and communicating with friends.”

Sextortion begins when a predator reaches out to a young person over a game, app, or social media account. Through deception, manipulation, money and gifts, or threats, the predator convinces the young person to produce an explicit video or image. When the young person starts to resist requests to make more images, the criminal will use threats of harm or exposure of the early images to pressure the child to continue producing content.

“These predators are really good at targeting youth,” a spokesman for the FBI has stated. A case this year involved a criminal who offered money in exchange for explicit images from teens. Fortunately, that man was found and sentenced to 18 years in prison for his crimes.

Unfortunately, there are thousands more bad people out there lurking in cyberspace.

The FBI’s Stop Sextortion campaign seeks to inform students of the crime, so they know how to avoid risky situations online and know to ask for help if they are being victimized.

If this is happening to you, your child or any other loved one, reach out to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or report the crime online. FBI agents see these cases a lot and have helped thousands of young people. The goals are to stop the harassment, arrest the person behind the crime, and help you get the support you need. They will do all they can to keep your identity anonymous.

In the meantime, know that together we can work to shut down these criminals. Awareness and sensible safety practices online, along with a willingness to ask for help, can put an end to this exploitation. The FBI agents who work on these cases want you to know these six things:

Be selective about what you share online. If your social media accounts are open to everyone, a predator may be able to figure out a lot of information about you.
Be wary of anyone you encounter for the first time online. Block or ignore messages from strangers.
Be aware that people can pretend to be anything or anyone online. Videos and photos are not proof that a person is who they claim to be. Images can be altered or stolen.
Be suspicious if you meet someone on one game or app and they ask you to start talking to them on a different platform.
Be in the know. Any content you create online—whether it is a text message, photo, or video—can be made public. And once you send something, you don’t have any control over where it goes next.
Be willing to ask for help. If you are getting messages or requests online that don’t seem right, block the sender, report the behavior to the site administrator, or go to an adult. If you have been victimized online, tell someone.

The family of attorneys at Tauber Law Offices have their own children, and we join the FBI and others to create new awareness of the people out there who aim to exploit and put our young people in danger.

Dogs Go to Valparaiso Community Schools QPR for Tauber 12-2-19

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

We think this is one of the best ideas of the year, especially if you’re a dog lover.

Dogs have always been known as ‘man’s best friend.’ Now kids have a furry best friend when they go to school in Valparaiso.

Recently, the Valparaiso Community Schools put dogs into every single school. It’s been an instant hit.

“What I’ve seen from our staff and our students, the vibe of the building has been fantastic,” said Nick Slater, Assistant Principal of Ben Franklin Elementary School.

The main goal is to do what puppies do best: simply make people feel better.

“We know that sometimes school can be tough, and we also know that not everybody has an easy day sometimes,” said Slater.

“Everyone knows the power of animals, right? And research has even shown what impact these dogs can have on kids, on staff, on anyone,” said Dr. Julie Lauck, Superintendent.

Dr. Lauck has placed dogs in all 13 Valparaiso Community Schools, thanks to one big litter of English cream golden retrievers and some quick fundraising.

“For a superintendent within four hours to raise $12,000 from their community is pretty amazing,” said Dr. Lauck. “To me, that says a lot about how they support us.”

Zoe comes from a litter of 10 and all of her siblings are working in schools where they’ve clearly reached celebrity status.

Teachers can use Zoe time as a reward or incentive. However, Assistant Principal Slater says her true puppy power is comforting kids, like a little girl too upset for class.

“It was like a switch with that student and just a calming effect came over that student,” said Assistant Principal Slater.

Educators at the school say they know they are lucky, compared to other school districts struggling to fund the basics.

All of the attorneys at Tauber Law Offices have their own children. We believe that in these days of too many scary things happening in our schools, this is an amazing idea to help kids feel more secure. Kudos to the Valparaiso Community Schools

Story and image courtesy: FOX 32, Chicago

Dark Driving Dangers

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The end of Daylight Savings Time in early November was the signal that the days are getting shorter. As winter approaches there continues to be less and less daylight hours. This presents a special danger on the highways.

Forbes magazine has reported that, nationwide, 49% of fatal crashes happen at night. The fatality rate per mile of travel is about three times as high as in daytime hours.

Less light causes many drivers to be more fatigued. A National Sleep Foundation poll says 60% of adults have driven while they were tired, and another 37%, or 103 million people, have fallen asleep at the wheel . Of those, 13% say they fall asleep while driving at least once a month, and 4% say they have caused a crash by falling asleep while driving. The reasons are many – shift work, lack of quality sleep, long work hours, sleep disorders – and it doesn’t only happen on lengthy trips.

These numbers are backed up by a report by National Transportation Safety Board (NHTSB) that 100,000 police-reported crashes are a result of driver fatigue. Most crashes or near misses happen at the times you would expect drivers to be tired: 4 to 6 a.m., midnight to 2 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. This also causes increased risks to pedestrians, including kids at play and walking home from school.

Drowsy driving puts everyone on the road in danger. Losing two hours of sleep has the same effect on driving as having three beers, and tired drivers are three times more likely to be in a car crash if they are fatigued.

What’s more, depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision can be compromised in the dark, and the glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle can temporarily blind a driver. The risks are even higher with the increased incidents of texting and driving these days.

The chance of a tragic accident is the highest on weekends, with fatal crashes peaking on Saturday nights, according to the NTSB. Here we find the increased probability that a driver may be operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Nearly 30 people die every day in crashes that involve an impaired driver.

As we fully enter the holiday season, we hear of so many tragic accidents during one of the most joyful times of the year. The family of attorneys at Tauber Law Offices has dealt with these situations far too often.

While our most sincere hope is that you or a loved one remain safe on our roads, highways and sidewalks, we are here to help you just in case. While nothing can replace a life or a life-changing injury, Tauber Law can take aggressive action if your story involves a case of an irresponsible driver. Call us for a free consultation. We will listen carefully – and with deep empathy – as we determine if you have a case.

All of us at Tauber Law Offices wish you only the very best during the holidays and the New Year to come.

Sources include: National Transportation Safety Board, National Safety Council, Forbes

A Wonderful Option QPR for Tauber 11-15-19

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Adoption is a wonderful alternative to having children naturally or to supplement your present family. If adoption isn’t an option for you, please at least consider ways to help celebrate, advocate, and extend love and support to all who have been touched by adoption. There are many ways. Simply, acknowledge and thank those families who have chosen to adopt. Support the cause through donations in dozens of ways. Help by sponsoring a foster home, volunteer at an adoption agency or get involved in adoption programs at a Church.

Each year, the goal of this month and day is to raise awareness of the children in U.S. foster care waiting to be adopted across the country. This effort has made the dreams of thousands of children come true by working with U.S. policymakers, practitioners and advocates to finalize adoptions and create and celebrate adoptive families.

In total, National Adoption Day has helped nearly 80,000 children in the United States move from foster care to a forever family.

Earlier this month, 38 children were adopted locally as part of the Lake County Juvenile Court’s National Adoption Day Event.

If you are interested in exploring the world of adoption, please contact Attorney Tara Tauber. Tara and her husband have realized the joy of adopting their own child. Tara’s goal is to do everything she can to help you through the journey.

During this blessed holiday season, there is hardly anything that could bring you more joy and thankfulness.

Finally, if you know someone who is pregnant and considering placing her child for adoption, please contact Tara. She can provide the help the mother needs to make an informed decision that is best for both her and the child.

Drinking and Scootering

Sun, 27 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The Drunk Driving Issue

For years drunk driving has been a serious issue when it comes to motor vehicle accidents involving personal injury. We at Tauber Law Offices have decades of experiences dealing with these tragedies.

While alcohol related accidents are still way too common, there is some good news. According to a recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving deaths went down 13% in 2018 from 2017.

At the same time, we see a sharp rise in driving under the influence of marijuana and other drugs. The truth is, there are those that feel that driving after smoking marijuana is not dangerous. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Scooter Popularity

Now we discover startling news regarding the e-scooter craze. First, a Rutgers University study released in June found the number of nationwide injuries involving e-scooters climbed from 2,325 in 2008 to 6,957 in 2018. This is dramatic evidence of their increase in popularity.

Alcohol and Scooters

What’s more, a new study published in Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open reveals that alcohol has become a major factor in rising electric scooter-related injuries in cities across the country. Out of 103 patients treated at three trauma centers for e-scooter-related injuries, 79% were tested for alcohol and 48% of that group was found to have a blood-alcohol level of more than 0.08, which is the legal limit for drivers in most states.

It’s not just alcohol that has impaired scooter users and led to injuries. Sixty percent of the 103 patients in the study were also screened for drugs, and 52% of them tested positive.

Why You Should Wear a Helmet

Experts and doctors have also stressed the importance of wearing a helmet while on an e-scooter. The same study found that 98 percent of those injured were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

The increase in accidents has also prompted lawmakers to take a look at proper use of scooters. For example, New Jersey passed a bill earlier this year that regulates scooters like bicycles, requiring helmets to be used by anyone under 17.

We hope Indiana follows suit.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that in this new world there are continuing concerns about driving under the influence – whether it be while operating a truck, a passenger car, a boat and now an e-scooter.

The family of attorneys at Tauber Law Offices is here to serve you if you or a loved one has been the victim of an impaired driver. Contact us for a free consultation . We will listen to your situation and decide if you have a case. If so, we will always stand behind you as your representative in seeking justice.

The Mesothelioma Crisis Continues

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Well before the turn of the 20th century, two of our closest neighbors – Gary and Chicago – were among the top manufacturing centers in the nation.

However, many of these factories and manufacturing plants were well-known to have used products that contained asbestos, a cause of mesothelioma, cancers and other diseases.

Over the last few years Tauber Law has had many cases of victims who have become seriously ill or have even died as a result of exposure to these toxins. Many times, the harm does not surface itself until decades later.

Nationally, over 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma and related diseases are being diagnosed each year.

We can help.

Tauber Law wants to be sure the companies who knowingly exposed workers to asbestos don’t get away with it.

We’ll stand by you and hold these companies accountable for placing profits over people.

For more information and a free consultation, call or email us today.

Tara Tauber Appointed by Indiana Supreme Court

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The Indiana Supreme Court issued an Order Establishing the Indiana Innovation Initiative on September 24, 2019. That Order created a process to analyze research on justice reform, assess the impact of reform efforts in other states, identify innovative strategies to manage different case types, and make recommendations to the Indiana Supreme Court for best practices surrounding Indiana’s justice system structures and procedures.

The family of Attorneys at Tauber Law Offices is proud to announce that firm partner Tara Tauber was one of only 14 people across the state of Indiana to be appointed to Family Law Task Force by the Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court.

This prestigious group — comprised of lawyers, judges and other professionals that deal with families and children — is charged with making recommendations for more efficient handling of family law matters in the state courts. In accepting this appointment, Tara commented:

“I am truly honored to be selected to help carry out this very important mission of family court reform, and it is my hope that my work on this taskforce will help foster some long-needed, positive changes to our family courts in Indiana for many years to come.”

Another subgroup – with a separate group of appointed legal professionals — will be part of a Technology Working Group to examine the and recommend how attorneys can fully take advantage of today’s newer technologies.

The groups will submit recommendations to the Indiana Supreme Court by the middle of 2021.

Congratulations again to Tara!

What to Think About Before Adopting A Child in Indiana

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Adopting in Indiana provides a child in need with stability and belonging and allows a family to grow in love. It is a largely positive experience for all involved parties. Nevertheless, it represents a lifelong commitment that you should not take lightly.

You may not be sure that you are ready to adopt a child , and at this point that is okay because there is a built-in period of education and decision-making in the process. However, if you are feeling overwhelmed by the prospect, it may help to know some of the specific aspects you will need to think about before making a final decision.

Financial matters

There are expenses associated with adopting a child, and you will need to discern whether or not you can pay them. Fortunately, however, you are not necessarily alone in this regard. Your employer may offer assistance in the form of adoption benefits, or you may be able to obtain a loan. There may be government subsidies available if you adopt a child with special needs.

However, adoption expenses are only one financial consideration. You also need to determine whether you can support a child financially until he or she becomes self-sufficient.

Type of adoption

An adopted child can enter your life through many different venues. You need to decide the type of adoption that will work best for you and your family. For example, if you believe your child should have some contact with birth relatives, you should choose an open adoption. If you would like to adopt a child from a foreign country, you should pursue international adoption, etc.

Self assessment

No parent is perfect, but good parents do have certain qualities that allow them to meet the unique challenges involved in raising children, including but not limited to the following:

Resourcefulness
Willingness to learn
Sense of humor
Perseverance
Patience

Additionally, you should ask yourself (and your partner, if applicable) if you have a clear understanding of why you want to adopt and are ready to commit to the process. If so, then other external factors, such as age, gender, education level or marital status, are of little or no importance. When you decide that you are ready, with the help of an adoption agency and/or an attorney, you can take the next step in the process.

This is National Child Passenger Safety Month

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

All of September is National Child Passenger Safety Month. Each year agencies and organizations around the country take this opportunity to help educate and promote kids’ safety in vehicles.

The main emphasis takes place this week (September 15-21). It is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The goal is to make sure your child is in the correct car seat, that it’s properly installed and used, and that it’s registered with its manufacturer to ensure you receive important safety updates.

When installed correctly, car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury in a crash by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers.

Vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children. From 2013 to 2017, there were 3,313 children under 13 killed while riding in passenger vehicles. But, about 37 percent of those children killed in 2017 were not buckled at all.

According to Indiana State Law, until children reach eight years old, they must be secured in a restraint system that fits the car seat manufacturer’s specifications and complies with United States Department of Transportation Standards.

Indiana child car seat laws

Infants below the age of one and less than 20 pounds need to be placed in a rear-facing safety restraint.
Toddlers over the age of one can only transition to a forward-facing safety restraint if they weigh more than 20 pounds. NOTE: Children are 5 TIMES as safe in a rear facing car seat until age 2.
Although children can legally transition to a booster seat after they reach 30 pounds, Indiana troopers recommend waiting until they weigh 40 pounds.
Regardless of height and weight, Indiana law requires children to be placed in an appropriate safety harness until they are eight years or older.
Indiana law enforcement encourages parents to follow the safety seat manufacturers’ instructions for height and weight limits.

Indiana State Police would like to remind parents and others who transport children the following safety tips:

Child safety seats must be properly secured to the vehicles seat belt or LATCH system and should not move side to side or forward more than one inch.
Children should stay rear-facing until one-year of age and 20 lbs.
The retainer clip that connects the two shoulder harness straps must be kept at the child’s armpit level.
Harness straps must be kept snug.

The family of attorneys at Tauber Law Offices has their own kids and grandchildren. We know there is hardly anything more important than ensuring their safety.

We are also saddened when a defective product, such as an infant car seat causes serious injury or even death. Following the aforementioned laws and safety tips is a good start.

Tauber Law Offices also strongly urge parents to research the best car seats on the market. Don’t buy one used unless you are completely sure that it matches specific safety guidelines.

If you do feel that your car seat is responsible for personal injury to your child, we would want to listen to your story to determine if you have a case. Contact us anytime for a free consultation.

The safety of your family is our first priority at Tauber Law Offices.

Gun Deaths Rising at Alarming Rates in U.S. Among School-aged Children

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

We all know there is a disturbing trend in the United States involving gun violence. Not to get into the politics of the situation, but your family of attorneys at Tauber Law Offices is very concerned, especially when it comes to gun deaths involving children.

“The number of school-aged children being killed by firearms is increasing “at alarming rates” in the United States, particularly among black children and older teens,” according to a study published earlier this year in the American Journal of Medicine .

In fact, shockingly, more than twice as many American kids were shot dead in 2017 than active duty U.S. military personnel and on-duty police officers combined.

Further, a study published last December in the New England Journal of Medicine found that firearm injuries are the second-leading cause of death in the U.S. of young people aged 1 to 19.

Almost twice as many American children and teens die each year from gun injuries than from cancer. The study also noted that America’s young people die from gun violence at a rate that’s 36 times higher than the average rate for their peers living in 12 other high-income countries.

Some of these deaths are the result of criminal acts, we know. However, far too many more are caused by accidents that can be avoided.

It is true that innocent families are responding to the rising rates of gun violence by obtaining firearms for their own personal safety. Unfortunately, this is one reason accidental gun deaths are sharply rising.

With a recent case at Tauber Law Offices involving a child killed by a firearm, we strongly believe that now is an important time for gun owners to closely review safety protocols to make sure these accidents are minimized.

According to Dr. Kavita Parikh of Children’s National Health System in Washington, D.C., “Handguns represent the most dangerous discovery because they are small enough for a curious child to handle. Children’s hands are strong enough to grip a loaded gun.”

How do you keep kids safe when you have guns in your home? After all, a child as young as 3 has the strength to pull a trigger.

Bill Brassard, director of Project ChildSafe, a gun-safety education program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, has some simple tips for parents:

Always keep guns locked and out of reach of children.
Store ammunition in a place different from the guns.
Never leave a gun out and unattended.
Tell your kids never to touch a gun or gun parts — in your house or anyone else’s.
Cases and safes that lock can hold one gun or several. Many come with a combination or key lock. Some new models feature locks that require a fingerprint or palm scan to open.

You can buy locks for older guns or those that didn’t come with locks. Or call your local law enforcement agency. Many police and sheriff’s departments work with Project ChildSafe to provide cable-style gun locks to people who ask for them.

Whether it’s a reckless use of a firearm, or a tragedy caused by a big truck accident, Tauber Law Offices is concerned about your safety. If you believe you have a case that involves negligence causing personal injury, contact us immediately. We will take time to listen to you and will then determine the best course of action. There is never a charge for the initial consultation.

Sources for this blog are from various public documents. Some are noted above.

Deadliest Highway in Indiana: US 41

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

US 41. From Chicago to Evansville, it runs 300 miles. Maybe you’ve driven it. But you may not know that US 41 is the deadliest road in Indiana. It is also the 25 ^th deadliest road in the United States.

Every year more than 30,000 people are killed in crashes across the United States. In the Hoosier State, about 10 people are killed every year on Hwy. 41.

According to research from driving data company Geotab , Indiana saw 111 deaths on the road between 2008 and 2017. Data was collected from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Law enforcement officials have said this is due to large volumes of traffic and many intersections along Highway 41. One official remarked, “That’s just ripe for an accident.”

Aggressive drivers play a big factor in making roads more dangerous. Speeding and tailgating is not safe, especially when roads are wet. Coupled with the high incidence of texting and driving, talking on cell phones and construction, there are many factors that play into the dangers of this highway.

“People tend to speed more on the US Route 41 because it’s kind of more rural in certain areas. However, when you’ve got traffic coming from both the east and the west on both sides of you, sometimes they don’t pick up on that and therefore we have accidents,” said Indiana State Police Sergeant Matt Ames. “That why it’s so important to follow the speed limit and watch out for other drivers.”

For the record, US 45, which runs the length of the state from Wisconsin to Kentucky, is the longest numbered route in Illinois. On average, more than 11 people die on that highway each year.

Kentucky’s deadliest road is US 62 which runs east to west across the state.

Indiana State Police want to remind drivers to always be aware of your surroundings and other drivers on the roadways.

The attorneys at Tauber Law Offices have seen too many tragedies on streets and highways. Sadly, there are now even more due to the preponderance of texting and driving. If you or a loved one has been a victim of an at-fault driver of a car or big truck, contact us immediately. If we determine you have a case, we will represent you aggressively until you get the justice you deserve. There is never a charge for the initial consultation.

Sources include Indiana State Police; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Summertime Dangers to Children – They Don’t Have to Happen

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

It happened again just days ago. Another infant dies in a hot car.

It was in Evansville where a dad allegedly forgot to drop off his son at daycare. When he returned to pick him up, his son was still in the car seat, according to a report from WTHR (Indianapolis). The 3-year-old ended up dying in that seat.

While a lot of questions remain as to how a father could forget his son in the back seat of his car for a good part of the day when temperatures were in the mid-90s, one thing is clear: Temperatures inside a car in direct sunlight can reach between 130 to 172 degrees. That’s enough heat to easily kill a child left unattended in the vehicle.

Twenty-one children already have died from heatstroke in cars since just the start of 2019, and more than 800 children have died from this preventable tragedy since 1998. On average, a child dies from vehicular heatstroke once every 10 days .

Many of these deaths were the tragic result of a parent or caretaker in a hurry and just forgetting. It’s hard to believe, but it happens. Other incidents are caused because the operator of the vehicle just took a chance and didn’t realize the impact intense heat can have on children, especially infants.

Consumer Reports has recently called on lawmakers in Congress today to support the Hot Cars Act of 2019 , bipartisan legislation recently introduced in both the House and Senate that would require all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. to come with standard equipment designed to help prevent child deaths from heatstroke suffered in motor vehicles.

GMC already has made this special warning system a standard feature.

Basically, once you reach your destination and turn the vehicle off, you hear three beeps followed by a flashing message on the dash, reminding you to look in the rear seat.

Other options include stand-alone seat-alarms and apps that send constant alerts to check the back seat.

The best advice, however, is to be constantly aware of the temperatures inside a closed vehicle and never ever leave a child alone, even for just a few minutes. If it’s not the heat, there are a number of other dangers that can result.

Take Care While Swimming

Similar advice is imperative for parents who allow their children to swim in a pool or at a beach in the summertime. While it’s a fun and refreshing way to keep cool, tragedies can happen there as well. We hear of too many deaths of children in the water after a parent or other guardian takes their eyes off the child for even a few seconds.

What’s more, there needs to be constant awareness of the damage direct sunlight can have on young swimmers. Severe burns can result, turning a happy day into a very hurtful experience.

Always watch your kids and be sure they are not in the sun too long. At the same time, be sure that proper sun protection is given, including sunscreen with a rating of at least SPF 50.

We at Tauber Law are a family of attorneys that have their own children and can easily empathize with parents who lose a child due to any kind of tragedy. If a loss is due to the negligence of others, please contact us for a no-cost initial consultation. We will determine if you have a case. Nothing will replace a child, of course, but the attorneys at Tauber Law Offices will aggressively represent you so that at least some degree of justice can be served.

Teen Alert: 100 Deadliest Days

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The kids are out of school. Summer vacations are in full swing. New memories are being made, and there is that exhilarating feeling of freedom. Yet we at Tauber Law Offices feel we need to bring up a topic that needs widespread attention.

We’re in the middle of it now. Memorial Day to Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teens, due to the sharp annual increase in car deaths involving young drivers.

According to the AAA:

Over the past five years, nearly 3,500 people have been killed in crashes involving teen drivers during these 100 Deadliest Days. New crash data from 2013-2017 reveals major factors contributing to fatal teen crashes during the summer driving period include:

Speeding
Drinking and driving
Distraction – Includes texting and driving

Additional AAA Foundation research found distraction was involved in 58 percent of teen crashes, approximately four times as many as federal estimates.

On average, distracted driving kills more than eight people in the US each day. In 2017, 3,000 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers, representing over 8% of all crash fatalities that year.

More locally, the most recent statistics show an average of 80 young drivers were killed every year in collisions on Indiana roadways.

What’s more, summer brings many newly licensed teen-drivers. Teens tend to think they are invincible in many ways and are more prone to take chances due to their inexperience and general mind-set.

“Crash data shows that teens are a vulnerable driver group with a higher probability of being involved in crashes,” said Dr. David Yang, Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “And while teens may make mistakes when first learning to drive, it is important to continue educating them about safety behind the wheel, so they avoid the reckless behaviors that put themselves and others at risk on the road.”

To keep roads safer this summer, AAA encourages parents to:

Talk with teens early and often about abstaining from dangerous behavior behind the wheel, such as speeding, impairment and distracted driving.
Teach by example and minimize risky behavior when driving.
Make a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for teen drivers.

Many times, injuries and fatalities are cause by irresponsible drivers – whether they be teens or adults who should know better. The family of attorneys at Tauber Law Offices truly hope that you or a member of your family is not a victim. But if the worst happens, we are always ready to represent you. Call us and give us details of your individual circumstance. If we believe you have a case, we will stand by your side until justice is served. Know that there is never a charge for the initial consultation.

Sources include AAA Motor Club, National Safety Council

4 Key Steps To Starting A Company

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

If you believe you have a surefire idea for a product or service that will make a fortune, you may be eager to quit your day job and strike out on your own business venture. Having that amazing idea is just the first step, though.

Taking these next steps will start you down the path to running your own company.

Research the market

You may already see the need your idea will satisfy, but feeling certain that people want it is only one part of the equation. Are there similar products or services already out there? Even if there are, that does not necessarily mean you should give up. Find out where similar types of businesses are operating, how well they are doing and what you have to offer in the way of competition.

Create a business plan

This plan is not an outline of how you will take your product or service from idea to successful company, although that may be your starting point. It contains the information you need to organize, operate and grow your business. Not only that, but you also are likely going to need to use your plan to impress investors, so consider all of these elements that usually go into this document:

Executive summary
Description of the company
Market analysis
Structure and management
Product or service
Marketing strategy
Financial projections

You can make your document brief and include only the key elements, but if you are planning to seek funding, keep in mind that investors are probably going to have questions about the information you leave out.

Choose a business structure

Many of the factors in your business plan could help guide you in choosing a business structure . The structure you register will affect taxes, fundraising, paperwork and liability, so it is important to examine the pros and cons of each option:

Sole proprietorship
Partnership (limited partnership, limited liability partnership)
Limited liability company
C corporation
S corporation
B corporation
Close corporation
Nonprofit corporation

In some cases, you may be able to begin as one type of structure and change later, or you may register as a combination of structures, such as an LLC that pays taxes as an S corp.

Apply for business licenses and permits

The federal government regulates some types of business activities by requiring owners to acquire licenses or permits to operate. States, counties and cities also frequently require licenses and permits of their own that may involve not only business activities but also location and other matters.

In Indiana, licensing and permitting issues may involve your building, such as construction, fire safety and environmental protection. When it comes to occupational licenses, the state lists more than 400 different permissions, certifications, licenses and permits that business owners may need, depending on what activities the company will engage in. Local regulations may involve zoning and signage.

Overlooking any one of these could result in legal trouble, fees or other negative consequences for your company.

Reasons You May Want To Consider Stepparent Adoption

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Having a solid parent-child bond with your stepchild is definitely beneficial for the two of you, but that may not be the best reason for you to consider stepparent adoption. In fact, adoption severs ties with the biological parent, and it may weaken your relationship with your stepchild when you take action to remove his or her other parent from the picture.

Still, there are many benefits that may indicate adoption is the key to creating a legal relationship between you and your stepchild .

Commitment

Perhaps the other parent has neglected or abandoned your stepchild. By legally replacing that parent, you are demonstrating that you will never do the same. In fact, your commitment to your adopted child is stronger than the legal commitment to your spouse. If you divorce your adopted child’s other parent, you still retain all the rights and responsibilities of a biological parent.

Guardianship

Your spouse may designate you as legal guardian of your stepchild in the event that he or she dies. However, if the other parent is alive at the time of your spouse’s death, he or she will probably receive full custody of the child unless the situation involves abuse, neglect or abandonment.

Even if the other parent is not in the picture, the court is likely to appoint a guardian for the child with another of his or her biological family members, such as an aunt or grandparent. Becoming the child’s parent eliminates the possibility that you will lose contact with your stepchild because of a catastrophic event.

Inheritance and benefits

Children typically receive a portion of their parents’ assets. Your stepchild may not unless you make specific provisions for him or her in your estate plan. Children also have rights to Social Security Disability benefits, death benefits, veterans benefits and more. Adoption confers all these financial rights to your child.

Indiana State Police Enforce “Move Over” Law

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

It’s been well over 20 years since Indiana enacted what is known as the Move Over law.

The law requires motorists to slow down and move over when an emergency vehicle, utility service vehicle, highway maintenance or tow truck is stopped on two or four-lane roadways with emergency lights flashing.

Today all 50 states have similar laws.

Violating the law can result in a fine, and an accident that damages emergency equipment, causes injury or death to an emergency worker will result in a driver’s license being suspended for up to two years.

This past spring, the Indiana State Police (ISP) used newer, laser-based technology in a special statewide patrol to enforce the law.

During the special patrol period from April 14 through April 20, ISP troopers issued more than 300 tickets and warnings.

As the summer months approach and road construction projects resume, the Move Over enforcement project was used by state police in several states to find serious violators of the law. It also helped to educate the public on the importance of slowing down and moving over for emergency vehicles.

ISP Master Trooper Ron Huff said, “Our primary focus is to reduce fatalities and injury accidents by protecting first responders and highway workers and highway emergency workers.”

The number one cause of law enforcement deaths is from traffic incidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

From 2007 to 2016, there were 460 officers who were killed in the line of duty from a vehicle crash and 130 officers who died in the line of duty after being struck by a vehicle, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Our family of attorneys at Tauber Law Offices take reckless driving very seriously. Irresponsible operators of trucks and other vehicles cause far too many deaths and tragic live-changing injuries, whether the victim is a law enforcement officer or any other innocent driver.

If a loved one of yours has been a victim, please contact Tauber Law immediately. While no compensation can take the place of someone who has died or is seriously injured, we will fight aggressively for you to seek at least some degree of justice. Of course, you pay nothing until the case is resolved in your favor. Contact us today.

Sources include: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Indiana State Police, WTHR

Get Wet – But Be Safe

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Now that we’re past the Memorial Day Weekend, we join those who call this time the ‘Unofficial Start of Summer.’

That means warmer weather and outdoor activities, especially in or on the water – a fun, wonderful and refreshing part of summer.

This also reminds family of attorneys at Tauber Law Offices that it’s also time to talk about water safety. In fact, the Month of May was National Water Safety Month – an annual event designed to create early awareness about the dangers inherent in spending time on the water, especially for children who sometimes are just totally innocent of any potential problems that can occur.

Photo courtesy American Red Cross

The most critical thing to remember is active adult supervision, along with ensuring that everyone learns about water safety and how to swim. It seems like common sense, yet there are too many tragedies every year. Already this year, there have been several children who have lost their lives across our own region here in Indiana.

The statistics are startling, especially when you consider so many of these deaths and injuries could have been prevented.

There are over 7,000 drowning deaths nationally each year.
Drowning accidents are the leading cause of death and injury of children under 5 years of age.
Drowning is the second leading cause of injury related death among children under the age of 15.
More than 80% of the drownings occur in residential pools or spas.
Each year 5,000 children under the age of 14 are for near drowning events. Of these, as many as of 20% suffer severe and permanent disabilities.

Here are a set of water safety tips, courtesy of the Red Cross:

Do your part, be water smart! Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well. Take swimming lessons. There are even programs for infants.
Adults: actively supervise children; stay within arm’s reach of young children and newer swimmers. And kids: follow the rules.

Don’t just pack it; wear your U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket – always when on a boat and if in a situation beyond your skill level. Inflatable children’s toys and water wings can be fun, but they are no substitute for a life jacket and adult supervision.
Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair – everyone, including experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards.

Reach or throw, don’t go! Know what to do to help someone in trouble, without endangering yourself; know how and when to call 9-1-1; and know CPR.

Don’t fool with a pool: fence it in. Enclose your pool and spa with four-sided, four- fencing and use self-closing, self-latching gates.

If you have a pool, or manage a public pool, heed this last item. Check your local zoning regulations. The requirements vary, but most do require fencing and gates. Know that even if you are in compliance, you could still be held liable for an injury or death if there is not proper supervision.

Your friends at Tauber Law want nothing more than for you and the family to have a safe and happy summer. If, by chance, there is an accident that can be traced to negligence, please come and see us for a free consultation.

Sources: The American Red Cross, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

“Drive Like You Work Here”

Mon, 27 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The 2019 National Work Zone Awareness Week happened just a few weeks ago in mid-April. This is an annual occasion when the Federal Highway Administration calls for safer driving, safer work zones.

The mission of the week deserves our attention.

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility, so please focus 100 percent on driving, be sober, be considerate of road workers and other road users and, please, obey the posted speed limits,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao in commemorating the week.

“As the weather gets warmer, more and more highway workers are heading outdoors to improve our roads and keep us moving. We all need to do our part and drive carefully, so that we can help keep everyone safe wherever construction is under way.”

The campaign’s theme, “Drive Like You Work Here,” underscores the importance of drivers staying alert and making safety a priority while driving through work zones. In 2017, the most recent year for which data is available, there were 799 fatalities in work zones, which is a two-percent increase from the previous year.

Fatal work zone crashes involving large trucks or buses increased from 189 in 2016 to 222 in 2017. Speed was a factor in 29 percent of fatal work zone crashes that year, and 80 percent of work zone crash victims were drivers or passengers – not highway workers.

Part of the problem involving big trucks is that there are too many operators that drive impaired, drive too fast for conditions, or ignore posted warnings to slow down in work zones. Let us reiterate that most truckers are good, responsible drivers. However, it’s the minority that cause the biggest problems.

Regarding speed, for example, the stopping distance required for a large truck traveling at 55 mph is almost 50 percent greater than that needed for a car. These estimates are for 80,000 pound loaded, tractor-trailers and mid-size passenger cars traveling on a dry, level road, says the National Safety Council. Frequent rainy conditions this time of year increase the time.

It’s easy to understand how big trucks almost always win when it comes to an accident in a work zone or a collision with a car or motorcycle.

The attorneys at Tauber Law Offices have decades of experience in defending victims of big truck crashes. As we have stated before, we are very close to one of the most dangerous corridors for big truck crashes on I-65, so we’re well aware of the risks involved.

These big truck crashes are bound to go up in the spring and summer as warmer temperatures and rainy conditions contribute to these tragedies.

If you are a victim of a big truck crash, please contact Tauber Law Offices right away. We never charge anything until your case is resolved in your favor.

Photo courtesy: Federal Highway Administration

Spring Brings More Cars, Bikes, Trucks, and Tykes

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Other than the inevitable blips on the radar, we can finally assume that spring has sprung. The air is fresh, April showers bring those May flowers, kids are back outside playing and riding their bikes, it’s time for a picnic, and the Cubs are back in action. Or the White Sox, if you prefer.

Speeds Increase – Carelessness is on the Rise

While spring is generally a joyous time, it also brings a renewed need for caution.

The warmer weather causes increased speeds, and a general failure to follow good responsible driving.

Motorcycles, Bicycles and Pedestrians

The new season brings out the bikes – both regular bicycles and motorcycles. Plus, kids, pets and others are outside much more often.

The United States Department of Transportation reports that motorcycle deaths were declining until 2014. However, motorcycles tragedies are again on the rise. The months of May through September account for 60% of all motorcycle deaths. While the exact reasons are unclear, it continues to be a fact that many cyclists ride without a helmet. What’s more, using cell phones, texting and driving and driving while impaired are becoming even more common, just as it is for cars and trucks.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that spring brings a rise in serious bicycle accidents and deaths.

This is especially true in the case of youngsters. The excitement of being outside causes them to forget about riding safely, and they often dart out into traffic. The same is true for kids playing outside, when a ball suddenly bounces out into the road. As motorists, we need to be extra cautious.

And watch out for our furry friends, too.

Big Trucks, Cars, Weather and Construction Zones

There is nothing more dangerous on our roads and highways than big trucks.

In a collision between an 18-wheeler and a car or motorcycle, the truck almost always wins.

According to FARS, the Fatality Analysis Reporting System of the National Traffic and Highway Safety Administration, “Interstate 65 is the 12th deadliest highway in the country, easily the deadliest per driver mile in Indiana and has been for years.”

We live right in the middle of it.

While the majority of truckers are professional and responsible drivers, too many drive carelessly, text and drive, and operate these monster vehicles while under the influence. What’s more, many work without adequate rest, causing truly dangerous conditions.

Spring also increases the number of construction zones. Often, people ignore or miss warnings of speed reductions and lane changes. This presents an increase risk of accidents, but also endangers highway crews.

While the snow and icy conditions are gone, spring brings new weather concerns – such as rain and storms, which bring slippery conditions and visibility hazards. The best advice is to slow down and do not tailgate. Remember, it takes a big truck much more time to stop than an automobile, and skidding is common. Hydroplaning is a huge safety risk during a storm, and even as little as 1/12 inch of water on the road can be a danger to your vehicle.

Then, there are the potholes. We need not go into detail on how dangerous these can be. Just keep your eyes open and give the road crews time to fix them.

Tauber Law Can Help

Our family of attorneys at Tauber Law Offices wants nothing more than to see you truly enjoy spring and summer. It won’t be long before the kids are out of school and it will be summer vacation time. This is when lifelong pleasant memories should be made. No one wants to face a personal injury.

The reality is, tragedies do happen. It is our mission at Tauber Law to represent anyone who is injured through the fault of others. Whether it be an injury caused by an irresponsible trucker, or someone driving too fast for conditions, we’re always here for you.

If you believe you have a case, contact us immediately. There is never a charge for the initial consultation. Our main concern is your safety and well-being.

Tougher Penalties Ahead for Drivers Who Pass School Buses

Sun, 24 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

There have been far too many tragedies involving innocent children getting on and off school buses. Sadly, many of these incidents are caused by drivers who ignore the stop arms on the buses and ultimately seriously injure or even kill a child.

Indiana drivers now could face tougher penalties for passing stopped school buses under a bill advancing in the Legislature.

In late February, state senators voted 49-0 in favor of the bill that would suspend the driver’s license for 90 days the first time someone was convicted of recklessly passing a stopped bus. Other provisions would create felony offenses when a driver recklessly passes a bus and the result is injury or death.

The bill is now under consideration by the Indiana House. It is expected to pass.

Many of you, like our family of lawyers at Tauber Law, have youngsters of school age. In this changing world, there are far too many new dangers in and around our schools. The last thing we need is for careless drivers to ignore the law and make going to school even more difficult. ‘

Of course, nothing will replace a child. The best idea is to seriously review your driving habits and make changes now. At the same time, review safe-driving with any younger or teen-age drivers in your family. It just might be the best decision of your life

Tauber Law Offices has a strong commitment to families whose children have been impaired for life, or even killed, because of a driver who is simply in a hurry. Or perhaps they are texting and driving and not paying attention. In either case, we will fight for these children and their families in a court of law. If you have a case, contact us immediately through our web site at tauberlaw.com or call us at (219) 247-6790 . Tauber Law will stand by you and work aggressively to achieve the justice you deserve.

Truck Drivers Protest Proposed Changes That May Limit Their Time on the Road

Sun, 24 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Motorists on I-465 around Indianapolis faced a frustrating delay late last month as truckers staged what they called a “slow roll protest.”

During the midday hours, nearly two-dozen drivers participated as a result of their disagreement with federally mandated electronic logging of hours.

For well over a year, truckers have been required to use electronic devices that monitor the hours they work. Drivers say this adversely affects their pay.

Federal regulators are now considering further changes to the rules that dictate when and how long drivers can be on the road.

Regulators argue that the electronic logging devices increase trucker accountability and safety on the road.

Trish Tedrow, an owner-operator and the event organizer told the media, “With the ELDs and the hours of service that we have, there’s no flexibility.”

Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill said the truck drivers’ concerns are legitimate but questioned their method of protest.

Gary Langston, president of the Indiana Motor Truck Association, said he suspects many of the issues the truckers aimed to highlight with Thursday’s protest will be addressed during the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s review of its hours of service regulations.

Whether the new rules and regulations are fair to truckers is still a subject of debate. While some sympathy for these professional drivers is understandable, the facts are clear.

According to a survey conducted by the FMCSA and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), the main reason behind commercial truck crashes are fatigued and overworked drivers. These crashes often sadly result in serious injuries and fatalities.

Tauber Law Offices has represented dozens of people who have been injured or killed as a result of truckers who still drive despite various forms of impairment. There are on-going discussions to improve these new laws so that they don’t have as much adverse effect on the income of the truckers.

Still, this is a good beginning, with a common goal for less tragedies on our highways involving big trucks.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a trucking accident caused by an irresponsible driver or a trucking company that has ignored safety regulations, please call Tauber Law. We will listen to the facts you provide. If we believe you have a case, we will aggressively fight for you until justice is served.

Sources include: WTHR and NHTSA

Spring? Or Not.

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

From sub-zero temperatures and wind chills to spring like conditions approaching 60 degrees in less than a week. What season is it anyway? Not to break anybody’s spring fever, and even though the official start of spring is just a little over a month away, fact is, there is still plenty of winter to come.

With such temperature variations, comes a special set of dangers. Ice. Both for drivers and for pedestrians. We have all enjoyed the milder temperatures only to wake up in the morning with a car that looks like this:

Winter weather is a well-known headache for commuters. But when people arrive at work, they have to face yet another hazard: sidewalks and parking lots that may be icy or slick.

Slip and fall accidents send more people to the emergency room than any other accident, according to the National Safety Council.

Understandably, the winter season sees a rise in those statistics. These mishaps are often caused by conditions that include icy sidewalks, wet floors, or uneven pavement due to the build-up of snow.

Most of these accidents could be prevented if the business or property owner took responsibility to remove these hazards or if they had bold and visible signage that urged caution.

What’s more, winter-related slips and falls claims have doubled in recent years representing 29 percent of all workers’ compensation claims, according to Accident Fund Insurance Company of America and United Heartland. Indiana leads the way.

Here’s the breakdown by states:

Indiana – 37 percent

Wisconsin – 33 percent

Michigan – 32 percent

Illinois – 32 percent

Minnesota – 29 percent

When one is injured on another person’s property, it may be a case of premises liability.

Property owners are legally required to practice “duty of care” to provide safe conditions for visitors – whether they be tenants or visitors at an apartment complex or private home, at a public facility, or customers at a place of business.

Not all slips and falls are the result of negligence on the part of a property or business owner. You must basically prove that the owner knew of the dangerous conditions and did nothing about it. Simple carelessness on your part doesn’t always qualify for compensation to cover the cost of treating your injuries and other damages.

An example: We talk about the hazards of texting and driving. Now, with so many being almost permanently attached to their cell phones, there is an increasing number of incidents caused by texting and “walking.”

Meanwhile, to avoid that trip to the emergency room, follow these simple tips* while walking on ice, snow and wet floors or sidewalks.

Walk slowly and deliberately and wear boots or other slip-resistant footwear.
Be prepared for black-ice formation after melting occurs.
Exercise caution when getting in and out of vehicles.
Watch for slippery floors when entering buildings.
Avoid carrying items. Keep hands empty so arms are free to move for stabilization. Use backpacks if possible.

*Source: Accident Fund and United Heartland

If you do believe that a slip and fall was caused by an irresponsible property owner, contact Tauber Law Offices immediately. It would also be of great help if you were able to take photographs of the hazardous portion of the property where your accident took place and get the names and numbers of any witnesses. Under no conditions should you accept a settlement from the property owners or their insurance company until you talk to us. The fact is, some injuries don’t fully become evident until days or even weeks later.

Tauber Law will investigate your case and work aggressively to win compensation to help pay those growing medical bills and possible loss of income as a result.

Your family of attorneys at Tauber Law Offices hope that you have a safe and enjoyable winter season. What’s left of it anyway!

Ice & Snow: Take it Slow

Sat, 26 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

We’ve all seen it. Vehicles driving too fast for conditions on our highways. You often see people driving SUVs who think they are better equipped for winter driving. That may be so, but truth is, sometimes SUVs are even more dangerous because these drivers go too fast for conditions.

Tauber Law Offices wants to give you a gentle reminder that no vehicle is totally safe during the ice and snow conditions we often face in our region of the country.

Not only do we need to be cautious with our own driving, we need to be extra alert for these vehicles that are driving recklessly.

We checked with the Indiana Department of Transportation and found some great advice that we would like to share:

Be Prepared!

Knowledge : Before leaving home, find out about the driving conditions. Safe drivers know the weather, and their limits. If the weather is bad, remember,

Ice and Snow. Take it Slow, or Just Don’t Go.

Clear: Remove any snow on your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights and signals. Make sure you can see and be seen.
Inspect: Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses. A breakdown is bad on a good day and dangerous on a bad-weather day.
Time: Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.

Caution: Slippery When Wet!

When driving in winter weather, watch out! Mother Nature has some tricks up her sleeve in the winter. Here are some to be on the lookout for:

First Snow or Ice: Drivers often aren’t prepared for winter driving and forget to take it slow. Remember to drive well below the posted speed limit and leave plenty of room between cars.
Black Ice: Roads that seem dry may actually be slippery – and dangerous. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady areas – all are hot spots for black ice. Remember, Ice and Snow, Take it Slow.
Limited Visibility: Stay attentive and reduce speed. Know what’s going on around you.
Four-Wheel Drive: On snow and ice, go slowly, no matter what type of vehicle you drive. Even if you have an SUV with four-wheel drive you may not be able to stop any faster, or maintain control any better, once you lose traction. Four-wheel drive may get you going faster, but it won’t help you stop sooner.

Staying Safe Around Snowplows

In the winter, INDOT snowplow drivers are out on the roads to keep them clear of snow and ice and keep you safe. Here’s what you need to know about driving around snowplows:

Distance: Give snowplows room to work. The plows are wide and can cross the centerline or shoulder. Don’t tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.
Speed: Snowplows travel below the posted speed limit. Be patient. Allow plenty of time to slow down. Remember, Ice and Snow, Take it Slow.
Vision: A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they don’t always see you. Keep your distance and watch for sudden stops or turns.

Big Semi-Trailer Trucks

Few vehicles can compete with a big 18-wheeler on our highways. The I-65 corridor from Chicago on south is one of the stretches that has a high rate of tragic accidents.

These trucks weigh many tons and take a much longer time to stop in winter conditions. For that reason, keep your distance from them and don’t try to pass when slower driving is recommended.
While most of the operators of big trucks are responsible people, there are those that are guilty of driving when they are sleep deprived. The weather slows them down and they too often try to make up their time by not getting enough sleep.
Some drivers – and not only truckers — even drive while under the influence — and in winter weather this only multiplies the dangers.

Proceed with Caution!

Speed: The faster you’re going, the longer it will take to stop. When accelerating on snow or ice, take it slow to avoid slipping or sliding.
Distance: Give yourself space. It takes extra time and extra distance to bring your car to a stop on slick and snowy roads. Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Brake: Brake early, brake slowly, brake correctly and never slam on the brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal. Either way, give yourself plenty of room to stop.
Control: When driving on ice and snow, do not use cruise control and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers. When merging into traffic, take it slow. Sudden movements can cause your vehicle to slide.
Vision: Be aware of what’s going on well ahead of you. Actions by other vehicles will alert you to problems more quickly and give you that split-second of extra time to react safely.

It is our hope that this winter is a safe one for you and you don’t need us. But if you or a loved one is a victim of a negligent driver, please contact Tauber Law. We have decades of experience in representing people who have suffered personal injuries as a result of a variety of issues. Please check out the practice area section of this web site. There is never a charge for the initial consultation. Our mission is your safety.

Sources, include: Indiana Department of Transportation, National Safety Council

The Bikers Are Coming | Tauber Law

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

It’s getting close to the time when winter starts turning to spring. The motorcycles will be back on the road. Sometimes riders rush the season by driving in conditions that are less than ideal.

The results are sometimes tragic. There are many ways to say safe on your ride.

Cool?

Think of all the motorcycle movies through the decades. Many of them are classics like Easy Rider, Born to Ride, Lords of the Flatbush, and The Wild One, just to name a few. If you notice, most of the riders in these flicks are not wearing helmets. They look really cool right? Only in the movies, unfortunately.

The Tragic Facts in Indiana

With more and more people riding motorcycles each year, the number of motorcycle accidents are up. In 2012 (the latest year in which complete statistics are available), there were 2935 crashes, compared to 2850 the year before.
The number of Indiana people who have been killed by motorcycle and moped accidents was up to 152 in 2012, compared to 118 in 2011. This is the largest number of fatalities in almost 40 years.

And About Those Helmets

Many of the cyclists involved in these accidents were not wearing one. The Indiana criminal justice Institute says wearing helmets reduces fatality rates by more than 30 percent.

Three Common Reasons for Injuries

You guessed it. Not wearing a helmet. Wear one and and provide another for your passenger. It’s your best protection.
Drivers who are impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Finally, about half of the fatalities were drivers who were not even legally allowed to drive.

Too many accidents and fatalities are caused by the negligence of another driver who collides with a motorcycle. This is where Tauber Law can help.

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you may have suffered serious injuries. Because motorcycles offer little protection, a rider can incur numerous physical injuries to all parts of the body, including broken bones, amputations, severe skin abrasions, brain and spinal injuries, and even death.

A motorcycle accident lawsuit can be complex and requires an experienced personal injury attorney. Tauber Law Offices has years of experience in representing bikers and the unique difficulties that these cases can present.

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, immediately record vital information. If you are not able, ask a family member or friend.

Do …

Take pictures of your injuries.
Take pictures of and keep your helmet and motorcycle gear.
Take pictures of the accident scene – road shot, skid marks, broken glass, various angles, including close-ups.
Do not fix your motorcycle right away.
Most importantly, DO NOT settle with the other driver’s insurance company – especially if he or she appears to be at fault.

Tauber Law can help you obtain the maximum amount available by law in Indiana for:

Damage to your motorcycle and gear
Lost income and potential future income
Pain and suffering
Disfigurement

Tauber Law Can Help Ease Your Pain

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident that you believe was caused by negligence on the part of another driver, call us. Or contact us here. We will carefully assess your case and aggressively go after the compensation you deserve.
Tauber Law Offices is concerned about your safety and your welfare. And if the unimaginable happens to you or a loved one, we are there for you from beginning to end.

Treating you like family because we are one. We’re Tauber Law.

Asbestos: The Hidden And Delayed Dangers

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Many people are diagnosed with mesothelioma, cancers and other diseases resulting from asbestos exposure. It is common that the original exposure happened even decades ago.

Well before the turn of the 20th century, two of our closest neighbors – Gary and Chicago – were among the top manufacturing centers in the nation. The steel plants and other factories supported the region economically and provided jobs for thousands.

However, many of these factories and manufacturing plants were well-known to have used products that contained asbestos, a cause of mesothelioma, cancers, asbestosis, and other diseases.

This issue is not unique to our region.

Three decades ago, tough restrictions were imposed against the use of asbestos, but the damage was already done. Since it can take more than 20 years for asbestos exposure to develop into these potentially deadly diseases, we are now seeing up to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma and related diseases being diagnosed each year.

Sadly, many of these companies and manufacturers, including a number of them right here in the region, were aware of these dangers. Even members of our military have suffered from exposure.

It is also true when buildings and homes are demolished, asbestos can fill the air. It happens as the materials that contain it are destroyed. Home maintenance and repairs may also release the toxic fibers. You have less to worry about if you’re around asbestos products that haven’t been damaged in any way.

The U.S. government has controlled the use of asbestos since the 1970s. It’s not mined or processed in this country anymore. But it’s still used in items like vinyl floor tiles, cement pipes, clothes, and brake pads. The EPA has banned it in paper, flooring felt, fake fireplace embers and other products.

On Sept. 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center was destroyed, hundreds of tons of asbestos got into the air. Rescue workers, nearby residents, and those who helped with cleanup efforts may have inhaled it. We are just now realizing some of the health issues these people are suffering. However, the long-term effects of this exposure won’t be fully known for years.

Smokers are even more affected. That’s because cigarette smoke irritates lung passages. This makes it harder for the lungs to remove asbestos fibers.

The lawyers at Tauber Law Offices have taken on many cases of victims who have become ill or have died as a result of asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one has been affected, we’d like to hear your story. We can determine if your case is one that could qualify for damages from companies and others who have been negligent in their use of such materials. Call Tauber Law Offices for a free consultation.

Sources: WebMD. Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
U.S. Department of Labor

Too Many School Bus Accidents

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

There is really no other explanation. Children killed or injured as they board or depart a school bus is usually caused by a negligent driver. The operator of a motor vehicle is too busy checking her cell phone or in other cases, the driver is going too fast or is impaired by alcohol or another substance.

In any of these cases, drivers are breaking the law when they fail to stop as a school bus extends its stop sign arm.

Parents and children should not be worried about taking the familiar yellow bus to and from school. But it’s turned out otherwise.

There were two more tragedies over the past month in Indiana.

In the worst scenario, three children, twin 6-year-old brothers and their 9-year-old sister, were killed in a crash near Rochester, Indiana. A fourth child was seriously injured.

The 24-year-old driver was charged with three counts of reckless homicide, and one misdemeanor count of disregarding a stop sign and causing injury. She has been released on bond.

Then, just a few days later, it happened near Indianapolis when a Decatur Central sophomore was hit by a car which then took off. It happened as the young man boarded the school bus at his driveway.

This time the victim was lucky. He survived with a foot injury.

There were further tragedies in Mississippi, Florida and Pennsylvania during virtually the same time frame. In all, at least five children were killed and seven injured within days of each other. All were hit by drivers near school bus stops.

The incidents — in Indiana, Mississippi, Florida and Pennsylvania — have drawn attention to pedestrian safety and distracted driving across the country.

A recent CNN report notes that “On a single day during the school year that ended in the spring, 20% of bus drivers reported that nearly 84,000 vehicles passed their buses illegally, according to The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPT), which surveyed drivers in 38 states and the District of Columbia.”

Law enforcement has ramped up its public education efforts and enforcement of speed limits in school zones. School bus drivers are doing their part to educate riders on ways to board and exit safely.

Experts blame distracted driving as one of the big contributors to these accidents. As more and more people choose to “text and drive” – despite the constant warnings – it’s little wonder why these tragedies are on the increase.

Hopefully, all of this is a serious ‘wake-up call’ for communities and neighbors to put together a plan for a safer school bus experience. There are many items that can be considered to create safer environments for children, including engineering solutions, such as safer sidewalks, stop lights and pedestrian bridges. Better street lights can also help illuminate roads and bus stops to improve visibility.

Mainly, though, it’s a matter of awareness. Education programs in schools that teach children when to cross streets and what to look for are key. Driver’s education and licensing tests should ensure that drivers know rules about when to stop for school buses.

Tauber Law Offices vigorously supports any change that will make going to school a safer experience. Meanwhile, if a friend or family member of yours has been a victim of a reckless or distracted driver, please contact us for a free consultation. We will quickly determine if you have a case and promise to aggressively seek justice for your loss.

Sources: WTHR-TV, CNN, NASDPT

Living for Logan – A Warning About Distracted Driving

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Occasionally we see a story in the news that moves us enough to repeat it and spotlight it here. This was a report featured recently on WTHR in Indianapolis.

It’s a graphic example of what can happen in a split second when a driver takes his eyes off the road.

Logan Scherer was a 9-year-old boy who loved the beach, playing piano and going to Walt Disney World. He brought joy to his family. But the Scherers no longer have their son because of a crash on a Florida interstate on September 15, 2016. The Scherers say their SUV was struck by a driver who was distracted on the phone as he was going more than 90 mph.

Even though this tragic accident happened just over 2 years ago, Logan’s parents have recently decided to do something to keep Logan’s spirit alive and, hopefully, to provide a strong enough warning to other drivers that when you hear “Don’t Text and Drive,” we need to take it seriously.

The Scherers are now pleading with people to put the phone down when they are driving. It is an effort they refer to as Living for Logan.

Logan’s mother, Brook, commented to reporters, “We were complete sitting ducks. Our car was an accordion between the car behind us and the car in front of us. It was literally smashed. We all should have died that day. All of us should have died with Logan.”

“There was no braking. There was no attempt to swerve,” said Logan’s father Jordan, Scherer. “He was just that distracted.”

“Anything that takes your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel is incredibly dangerous. If we survived this, then what are we going to do with it? We can’t just let it be for nothing,” said Brooke. “We want to educate, create and encourage change. We want people to look at our story and say, they were just regular people and this happened to them or the guy who hit us. He was just a regular person who happened to make a bunch of mistakes. And look what he did. He took the life of a 9-year-old boy and he wrecked the life of an immediate family.”

“What people don’t realize is it takes only a split second to change many lives forever. And, is that text worth it? Is the phone call worth it?” said Brooke Scherer.

In Indiana, since 2011 there has been a distracted driving law on the books that bans texting and driving. The Scherers don’t think that goes far enough.

Brooke states “What about the social media? The snapchatting. The watching movies. The Facetime. It’s grandparents. It’s teenagers. It’s parents. It’s everybody doing it.”

The Scherers want Indiana and other states to toughen laws requiring people to use hands-free features while driving. Until that happens, the Scherer family is pleading for people to make changes in their habits behind the wheel. If you use GPS, set it before you start driving. Put your phone out of reach. Put it in the backseat. Put it in the glove compartment. Or just turn it off.

“We know life is fleeting. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed,” said Brooke.

We truly hope that this type of tragedy never happens to you. However, if you or a loved one is a victim of a negligent driver, we can often help. Please contact us immediately and tell us your story. The attorneys at Tauber Law Offices will listen carefully and determine if you have a case. If so, we will represent you every step of the way and be as aggressive as we need to be in order to provide some compensation for your loss. It can never replace a child, of course, but at least the law is there to provide some justice and perhaps discourage others from taking chances that could result in a deadly tragedy.

Story content courtesy WTHR TV, Indianapolis

Baby Walker Alert!

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

At Tauber Law Office, a slogan we often use is “We May Meet by Accident.”

While we would rather meet you under happier circumstances, the reality is that we are always there for people who have suffered through the fault of others – whether it be a car or truck crash, or victim of a dangerous product.

This time, we bring you a caution about baby walkers, commonly found in many homes where there is an infant in the family.

They were presumed safe for years.

Now, a newly released study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says the walkers are to blame for more than 230,000 babies ending up in the emergency room between 1990 and 2014.

More than 90 percent of those were head or neck injuries. Three out of four happened when the infants fell down stairs while in one of those walkers. Walkers also give young children access to environments and objects that they might not otherwise be able to reach. This can result injuries from such actions as touching a hot oven door, grabbing sharp objects, or ingesting household poisons.

The number of kids hurt by walkers has dropped significantly since passage of federal safety standards in 2010, but about 2,000 were still hurt by them in 2014.

Today’s walkers are safer, but they are still hazardous and of no benefit to the baby according to the AAP. In fact, baby walkers have been prohibited in Canada since April 7, 2004. It is illegal to import, advertise for sale, or sell baby walkers in Canada.

Despite product warning labels, campaigns to educate parents, and the recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for a ban on the manufacture and sale of infant walkers, many families continue to purchase and use these devices.

Many of these walkers are manufactured by reputable companies who have done all they can to assure their safety. However, if your youngster was injured by a walker that can be proven defective, you may have a case to seek damages.

Contact Tauber Law Offices if you believe someone in your family has been injured by a baby walker, or any other type of defective product. We will listen to you carefully and decide if we think you have a case. If so, we will represent you aggressively. There is never a charge for the initial consultation.

Fall Still a High Time for Traffic Fatalities

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Many would think that summertime would be the highest time for deaths on the highways nationally. Indeed, it is one of the most dangerous times of the year, due to the large numbers of people traveling to vacation destinations. It also makes sense that weekends are deadlier than weekdays due to several factors, such as increase alcohol consumption. The highest number of deaths occur between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the lowest between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.

But what might be eye-opening for some is that this time of year is also ranked high in the number of fatal crashes. This is all noted in a multi-year analysis by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

July and August are actually the deadliest months, followed by June and then this month of October , with September not far behind. The fact that days start getting shorter in the fall, with dusk coming sooner, also enters into the equation. Dusk can be a most difficult time for driver visibility.

Motorcyclist deaths, by the way, account for 10 percent of fatalities. Experts agree that simply wearing a helmet could reduce this statistic dramatically.

For the record, January and February have the lowest daily tolls when the number of miles driven is much less, with New Year’s Eve an exception. Again, it should be no surprise that 4th of July is the day with the most crash deaths.

Among January days, New Year’s Day was an exception, the second-highest after July 4.

We’re Entering the Most Dangerous Period of the Year for Pedestrians

Walkers should also take heed. Pedestrian deaths, which comprise 12 percent of all traffic deaths during the study period, were generally highest in late November and early December, as days get shorter. January 1 was the worst single day for pedestrian deaths.

In a later article, we will provide more information on pedestrian safety and the potential liability for those who fail to keep their sidewalks clear of snow and ice, especially in a business setting.

You should know that our family of attorneys at Tauber Law Offices puts your safety first. If you have been the victim of an accident caused by the negligence of others, please call us right away. Once we determine you have a case, we will stand on your side and fight for justice every step of the way. You never pay for an initial consultation.

500,000 Times Is 500,000 Times Too Many

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Here in northwest Indiana, we’re in a deadly zone for truck accidents – extending from Chicago on I-65 all the way down through Indianapolis and into Kentucky. Anybody who’s driven this route can relate.

The fact is, according to the National Safety Council, around 500,000 trucking accidents occur every year in the United States. Of these, approximately 5,000 trucking accidents result in fatalities. In fact, one out of every eight traffic fatalities involve a trucking collision.

When It’s Not the Truck

It’s easy to blame the truck. A passenger vehicle weighs about 5,000 pounds. A semi-trailer truck up to 80,000 pounds. In an accident, there is no contest. But it’s not always the trucker’s fault.

Drivers of cars, smaller trucks or motorcycles are often to blame. When people try to outsmart and outmaneuver a truck, they lose. They do stupid things like driving in areas where the truck driver has limited visibility instead of keeping their distance. It may be that the driver changes lanes in front of a truck, or they make turns in front of the truck, or they merge too quickly causing a trucker to break quickly.

In fact, the majority of trucking accidents caused by driver error are due to the passenger vehicle driver (81%), not the trucker (22%).

When Trucks Become the Reason

This is where the attorneys at Tauber Law Offices get involved. Many victims of a trucking accident come to us and wonder who they should sue for damages. We work with you to determine the best course of action.

It may not be the truck driver. It may be the truck that is improperly maintained. It may be the trucking company who requires a driver to work long long hours without a break. It may be a truck that is overloaded.

When it’s the Driver

While most operators of the big semi-trailer trucks are trained and responsible drivers, they do make careless mistakes. Sometimes they drive without adequate sleep. They might be drunk or drive under the influence of drugs. And like other drivers, there is an issue of texting and driving. Drivers may be in a hurry to get to a destination on time and they drive too fast, perhaps tailgate, and take chances.

When it’s Poor Vehicle Maintenance

There have been commercial trucking companies that have been put out of businesses because of a terrible record for properly maintaining their vehicles. Commercial trucks drive thousands of miles every day. To keep up with the immense wear and tear these vehicles take, trucking companies, drivers, and maintenance crews must regularly maintain the fleet. Equipment failure, such as worn brake pads or a cracked windshield, can cause a major traffic accident. It’s a driver’s responsibility to check his/her rig at the beginning of every shift and submit a vehicle maintenance report. Failure to do so can be fatal.

When it’s the Failure of Equipment

When the driver and the owner of the trucking company have complied completely with the rules, accidents still happen. Often, we discover that equipment manufacturers may be guilty of negligence during a part’s production, leading to defective or dangerous components. Parties that may be liable for defective parts in a trucking accident include the parts manufacturer, truck manufacturer, the trucking company that sold the truck, and the installer/mechanic who made part repairs.

When Cargo is Loaded Improperly

Truckers and cargo loading teams have to abide by industry-specific rules when it comes to loading the bed of a commercial truck. There are certain weight, size, length, width, and height limits to a load, as well as special methods of securing cargo for transportation. Mistakes or negligence during loading procedures can make a load fall off into the road, causing catastrophic accidents.

When it’s the Weather

It’s just common sense that when the weather is inclement, you slow down on the roads. It could be heavy rain or fog. And it won’t be long before snow and icy highways become a factor. Visibility is often seriously reduced. Failure to practice safe driving during these conditions can also result in tragedy.

When to Call Tauber Law for a Free Consultation

When you are injured by any of these issues that lead to serious consequences, contact us at Tauber Law Offices. You may be entitled to compensation for your loss.

You can trust the Tauber family of lawyers to investigate your case carefully. If we determine negligence, we aggressively fight for you and stand by you every step of the way. You can count on our decades of experience in handling big truck accidents.

Aspirin Warning

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

It’s hard to believe that precautionary news about a simple aspirin a day has been published. Aspirin has always been thought to be a ‘wonder drug,’ effective for so many maladies.

And for most people, it’s probably just fine.

What’s alarming is that for decades, a daily low-dose of aspirin has been widely considered a way to protect healthy people from cardiovascular disease and even cancer .

But a large international study released in mid-September (2018) finds that even at low doses, long-term use of aspirin may be harmful — without providing any benefit — for older people who have not already had a heart attack or stroke.

Older patients experienced no health benefits from taking aspirin, according to the new report, published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

“We knew there would an increased risk of bleeding with aspirin, because there has always been,” said study coauthor Dr. Anne Murray, a geriatrician and epidemiologist at the Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute and the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. “But not only did (the study show a) decrease (in the) risk of disability or death, it did not decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke, and there was an increase in the rate of death.”

“For healthy people 70 and older who don’t have a reason to be on aspirin, such as a previous heart attack or stroke, there was no discernible benefit.”

The current guidelines recommend a daily aspirin for adults in their 50s who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease, with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a history of smoking. The new study was designed to find out whether low-dose aspirin could prolong healthy, independent living in seniors who had not shown signs of heart disease.

There was also an increase in cancer deaths in the aspirin-treated group, which surprised the researchers. Previous studies have found that aspirin may be protective against certain kinds of cancer .

PLEASE NOTE that Tauber Law Offices is providing this material for ‘informational purposes’ only. Before making a decision about the use of aspirin – or any drug – please discuss it with your own doctor.

There are medicines that have caused illness — or even death — due to manufacturing errors, lack of adequate research, or through a misdiagnosis. When it is a case of negligence, Tauber Law is here to provide you with support and guidance. If you have a case, we will aggressively defend you with the goal of providing compensation and justice for the mistake.

Feel free to contact us at any time. Every initial consultation is done at no charge.

It’s the Law | Tauber Law

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

You may not even realize that a good number of new Indiana laws took effect on the 1st of July. From new freedom for adoptees to look at their birth records, to a new state insect, to another bump up in gas prices, we bring you up to date in this brief review.

For a more comprehensive list and more details, here is a helpful link. https://indianapublicmedia.org/…/laws-effect-july-1-3-1506…/

Adoption Records

The law will open state records for people adopted between 1941 and 1993. Previously, most adoptees would not be able to see those records unless the birth parent had given consent for that information to be released. The birth parent can still prevent the details from being shared but they have to sign and submit a special form.

Sunscreen in Schools

When your kids go back to school, they can actually carry and apply their own sunscreen. It may seem silly, but before now, students actually needed to have a note from the doctor to do that.

Purple Paint

Hoosiers can now mark their property and prohibit trespassing by making vertical purple paint lines on trees and posts. This is an alternative to “No Trespassing” signs that are easily stolen or damaged.

Colored Headlights

No purple here. A new law bans headlight colors such as red, blue, green and yellow on the front of vehicles. Taillights must all be red, and license plate lights can only be white. The backup lights are also being restricted to only amber or white. Emergency vehicles are exempt.

Gas Tax

You’re now paying 1 cent more in tax per gallon of gas across Indiana as part of the yearly increase approved along with the 10-cent fuel tax increase the state’s legislature enacted last year

Airbnb Regulations

City governments can no longer ban short-term rentals like Airbnb, but they can regulate them and require a permit and fee up to $150. The law also limits short-term rentals to no more than 30 consecutive days and 180 days in a year.

Sex Education

This bill requires schools to ask parents for consent to teach their child sex education and give them 31 days to respond.

Baby Boxes

The law expands Indiana’s Safe Haven Law, which allows people to surrender their newborn without fear of criminal prosecution.

Abortion Revision

The bill allows prosecutors to seek a charge of murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter and feticide if a fetus is killed in any stage of development. The bill allows charges to be sought only if the person commits a felony that causes the death of a fetus and will not apply to lawfully performed abortions.

Opioid Abuse

Four bills signed this year are meant to help combat Indiana’s opioid abuse problem. The bills will increase the number of opioid treatment locations, jack up criminal penalties for drug dealers and expand the system that monitors opioid prescriptions.

Eyeball Tattoos

The measure prohibits tattooists from coloring the whites of an individual’s eye and carries a fine up to $10,000 per violation. Exceptions would be made for procedures done by licensed health care professionals.

CBD Oil

CBD oil is now legal in Indiana as long as it has a THC level that is .3 percent or lower. Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD oil, is derived from marijuana and hemp but lacks the ingredient that will get you high.

Lawmaker Sexual Harassment

Lawmakers must now complete at least one hour of training intended to prevent sexual harassment.

School Bullying

The law holds schools more accountable for bullying data by requiring them to submit their reports earlier. It also allows the Indiana Department of Education to audit schools to ensure they’re reporting bullying correctly.

State Insect

The Firefly has become Indiana’s official state bug, thanks to a lobbying project by several Indiana elementary schools. Previously, Indiana was one of only three states that did not have a state insect. Firefly is native to North America, the United States, and Indiana.

Dyslexia

This new state law helps students with dyslexia get additional help. Early screening for dyslexia is now required in every school in the state.

Preventing Heat Stroke

School and intramural coaches will be required to complete a certified education class teaching the prevention of and response to heat-related medical issues that could arise from an athlete’s training.

Civil Forfeiture

Prosecuting attorneys will now have to file an affidavit of probable cause within seven days of seizing property. That property would be returned if the court doesn’t find probable cause.

Software Sales Tax

Technology companies that sell software as a service are no longer required to collect sales taxes. Indiana is one of only four states to exempt software as a service in state statute.

This list is presented as a public service by your family of lawyers at Tauber Law Offices. If we can help you with any legal proceeding, contact us and we will do our best to help.

Adoption: A Loving Choice

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

My Personal Journey

A major part of my work at Tauber Law Offices deals with finding good parents for children in need. Adding adoption to my practice was a given, from the moment my husband and I experienced the thrill of adopting our own daughter. Today I am forever grateful to be able to be a key part of creating this special kind of joy for others.

There are millions of children who don’t have a mother or father to love them. Imagine, growing up in such loneliness. You can help.

I handle private adoptions, step-parent adoptions and adoptions from the Department of Child Services. I can easily relate to the needs of adoptive parents, and they appreciate the counsel of one who has gone through the process. I am a strong advocate for adoptive families and, at the same time, I have the utmost respect for birth mothers.

The Foster Care Option

While you might want to consider adopting an infant, please also realize that there are older children who also are looking for loving parents. Many of them have been in foster care for many years.

If you’re not ready to adopt, you might consider foster care. The children available range from infants to young adults. While statistics vary greatly, most agree that over 100,000 are already available for adoption. Over a third of them will wait over 3 years in foster care before being matched with adoptive parents. Children and youth enter foster care because they have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by their parents or guardians. Most of these children have experienced loss and some form of trauma.

By the way, if you know someone who is pregnant and considering placing her child for adoption, please get in touch with me. I can get her the help she needs to make an informed decision that is best for her and her unborn child.

November is National Adoption Month

It’s never too early to plan to be a part of this historic month along with National Adoption Day.

Each year, the goal of this month and day is to raise awareness of the children in U.S. foster care waiting to be adopted, and to finalize adoptions across the country. This effort has made the dreams of thousands of children come true by working with U.S. policymakers, practitioners and advocates to finalize adoptions and create and celebrate adoptive families.

In total, National Adoption Day has helped nearly 70,000 children in the United States move from foster care to a forever family. In 2017, nearly 5,000 children were adopted by their forever families during the National Adoption Day celebrations in 410 cities across the United States.

This year National Adoption Day is Saturday, November 17, 2018. For more information on how you can help, visit nationaladoptionday.org

I also invite you to contact me at any time to discuss more about the many aspects of adoption available today. I look forward to guiding you on your journey.

We Live in a Highway Danger Zone

Sun, 17 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

We’ve reported to you before that Northwest Indiana combined with South Chicago is one of the busiest set of commercial trucking routes in the country. And one of the deadliest.

We are right in the middle of it.

I-65, from Gary through Merrillville and on down through Indianapolis and into Kentucky and further south to Mobile, Alabama, is busy year-round with heavy traffic from big trucks. Combined with other vehicular traffic, the accidents are often major multi-vehicle affairs.

Already in 2018 there have been several fatalities involving semi-trailer trucks.

Statistics from recent years tell us that things are not getting much better. A total of 3,986 people died in large truck crashes in 2016. Seventeen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 66 percent were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 16 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists.

The number of people who died in large truck crashes was 27 percent higher in 2016 than in 2009, when it was the lowest it has been since the collection of fatal crash data began in 1975. The number of truck occupants who died was 47 percent higher than in 2009.

Indiana ranked among the top 10 states with the highest number of large truck accidents.

If you’re in a car or riding a motorcycle, you don’t want to mess with a big truck. You’ll end up the loser.

There are many reasons for these accidents, many of them not the fault of any driver. Instead, it’s simply the result of poor conditions, including:

Rain or snow-covered roads that can contribute to slippery conditions — the perfect recipe for jackknifed semis.
Road construction and roads with reduced lanes.
General traffic congestion.

Too often an accident can also be caused by brake, tire or manufacturing defects in the truck itself. There may also be negligence on the part of the company that owns the truck, if the truck was not properly maintained.
Often times, crashes are caused by:

Failed brakes
Improper tires for the weight of the truck
Worn tires causing a blow-out
Overloading the truck

Most trucking accidents where the truck driver is at fault are caused simply by operator error. These include:

Driving under the influence of alcohol, prescription or over-the-counter drugs
Driving too fast for the conditions
Becoming distracted by something inside or outside the vehicle, including texting and driving
Driver fatigue
Misjudging the speed of other vehicles
Following vehicles too closely

If you, a family member or friend is seriously injured because of a big truck accident caused by the negligence of the driver, contact Tauber Law Office immediately. Do not ever agree to a quick settlement offered by the trucking company or its insurance provider before talking to us first.

Tauber Law Offices has generations of experience in helping people fight the trucking companies to obtain fair compensation for their injuries and/or property loss. We have collected millions of dollars in settlements for our clients.

There are no guarantees of course. But we will do our best to get you the compensation you deserve. And no fees until we do.

If you are the victim of a truck accident, it’s time to contact Tauber Law Offices.

Cycling for Safety

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

When it seemed like winter would never end, we’re suddenly now in the summer season. While this is such a wonderful time of year for so many reasons – picnics, the kids playing summer sports, the beach, cook-outs and so much more, we’re also in the most dangerous time of year for cycling, both on bikes and motorcycles.

There are far too many accidents in the world of cycling. With school out and the kids running relatively free, they just so often don’t think about safe bike riding. They’ll suddenly dart out into the streets – seemingly coming out of nowhere.

This is especially true for those young riders who are experiencing the thrill of the bike ride for the first time.
Then there’s the failure to wear a helmet. Too often that’s the difference between a minor injury and a much more tragic result. The statistics are unquestionable about whether you are safer while wearing a helmet.

Parents need to stress the importance of wearing a helmet and looking both ways. Dusk is the worst time for motorists not being able to see the young bicyclists. Every bike should always be equipped with a front headlight and a large reflector on the back, if not a red flashing light. Clothing should be light colored and easy to spot, with maybe a reflective strip on the back of the helmet or shirt.

From Bikes to Motorcycles

As people get older, they sometimes graduate to motorized cycles. Accidents for them are also still too common. In fact, according to data released by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute …

2,322 motorcyclists sustained injuries and 100 motorcyclists died in collisions in 2016.

Motorcycle accidents often leave victims with extremely serious injuries, largely because riders lack the protections offered by the body of a car or truck. When motorcyclists are involved in a crash, they are often thrown from their bikes and slammed into the ground, other vehicles, or even trees or buildings in the vicinity.

And About Those Helmets

Many of these cyclists involved in these accidents were not wearing one. The Indiana criminal justice Institute says wearing helmets reduces fatality rates by more than 30 percent.

The Three Common Reasons for Injuries

You guessed it: Not wearing a helmet. Wear one and provide another for your passenger. It’s your best protection.
Drivers who are impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Finally, about half of the fatalities were drivers who were not even legally allowed to drive.

Learn Safety Before You Ride

Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, consider a safety course.

Ride Safe Indiana (RSI) offers an Entry Level Motorcycle Safety Course for beginning motorcyclists and an Advanced Skills Motorcycle Training Course for riders who want to improve their skills. It might mean the difference between being a safe and happy motorcyclist and a being a statistic.

Sometimes, though, you can be the safest driver on the road, and still get hit by a driver who collides with a motorcycle. This is where Tauber Law can help.

If you were involved in a motorcycle or bicycle accident, you may have suffered serious injuries. Because motorcycles and bikes offer little protection, a rider can incur numerous physical injuries to all parts of the body, including broken bones, amputations, severe skin abrasions, brain and spinal injuries, and even death.

A motorcycle or bicycle accident lawsuit can be complex and requires an experienced personal injury attorney. Tauber Law Offices has years of experience in representing bikers and the unique difficulties that these cases can present.

If you are involved in a motorcycle or bicycle accident, immediately record vital information. If you are not able, ask a family member or friend.

Do …

Take pictures of your injuries.
Take pictures of and keep your helmet and motorcycle or bicycle gear.
Take pictures of the accident scene – road shot, skid marks, broken glass, various angles, including close-ups.
Do not fix your motorcycle or bicycle right away.
Most importantly, DO NOT settle with the other driver’s insurance company – especially if he or she appears to be at fault.

Tauber Law can help you obtain the maximum amount available by law in Indiana for:

Damage to your motorcycle and gear
Lost income and potential future income
Pain and suffering
Disfigurement

Tauber Law Can Help Ease Your Pain

Tauber Law Offices is concerned about your safety and your welfare. And if the unimaginable happens to you or a loved one, we are there for you from beginning to end.

Treating you like family because we are one. We’re Tauber Law.

The Vital Importance of an Estate Plan

Sun, 27 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

An estate plan is one of the most important documents you will ever create. Some people believe that all you need is a will. The truth is, a will is only the beginning. You really need a comprehensive estate plan to fully protect you and your heirs during the many phases of life. Tauber Law Offices can help you.

Many people also assume that developing an estate plan is something you do later in life. Others believe it is only for the wealthy. Both beliefs are incorrect.

It is critical that you create and complete a comprehensive estate plan to protect you and your family no matter what your financial status. And, frankly, the sooner the better. It is an unfortunate fact, that you never know when a tragedy might strike, causing a serious life-changing event or even death.

An estate plan is necessary to ensure that your financial and personal needs are taken care of by the people of your choosing and that your affairs are settled in an orderly fashion after your death.
For those who want to leave a family legacy we can secure these assets for the future generations with the least amount of interference in your current use of the asset.

A well-crafted estate plan should address a broad range of issues and provide the delegation of people you choose who have the authority to act on your behalf.

Who would take care of you and your affairs if you were incapacitated?
Who would handle your finances?
Who would make health care decisions?
How would these individuals care for you and your affairs?
What happens to your assets after you die?
How will assets be allocated among beneficiaries?
How do you avoid the cost of probate?
Do you need to place restrictions or protections over the inheritance for a loved one due to disability, poor money management, substance addiction, or unstable marriage?
Who would provide care for your minor child(ren) or child(ren) with a disability if you become incapacitated or when you die?
How would you like your child(ren) to be taken care of upon your passing?
If death taxes are an issue for you, how might you reduce your estate tax exposure?
How do you ensure your spouse is adequately provided for, while ensuring inheritance for your child(ren)?

Without a plan, persons not of your choosing may be placed in charge of your affairs. In addition, a guardianship may be needed where a judge makes decisions about your health care and finances that may be contrary to your desires. Your estate may also be unduly assessed costs that could have been avoided with an effective plan.

We will also guide you in creating a specific and customized estate plan – drafting such things as wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, health care advance directives, funeral planning directives, and any other necessary legal documents.

Know also that every situation is different. There is no cookie cutter plan that works for everyone. That’s why at Tauber Law Offices, we listen carefully and study the proper documents fully so that you have optimum protection. We also schedule time to update your plan periodically so that it is always current.

The time to get started is now. Please contact us to make an appointment to begin the process. We have decades of experience with estate planning. Know you can trust Tauber Law.

Celebrate November National Adoption Month

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

A Message from Tara Tauber

For those of us who have experienced the joy of adoption, such as my husband and me, each day is a celebration. For the rest of you, I want to make you aware of the critical need for good people to adopt. There are millions of children in need, both nationally and around the world.

The entire month of November has been designated as National Adoption Month. For over two decades, National Adoption Month has been celebrated across the country. Many national, state and local agencies; and foster, kinship care, and adoptive family groups will arrange programs, events, and activities during the month of November to raise awareness for children and youth in foster care who are waiting for permanent families.

Recently, President Obama reinforced the importance of National Adoption Month in a special proclamation. In part the President’s proclamation says:

“Across America, adoptive parents welcome children into stable, loving families, providing a safe and comforting place for children in need to call home. Families who choose the life-changing path of adoption make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable young people in our society. Regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or religion, devoted Americans who adopt help give more children the upbringing they deserve. Each November, we recognize the important role that adoption has played in the lives of children and families in our country and around the world, and we rededicate ourselves to ensuring every child can find their forever family. Last year, more than 100,000 children were waiting to be adopted from foster care, and every year, too many older youth age out of the foster care system before they are able to find permanence. Without this support during the critical years of early adulthood, these youth are more likely than their peers to experience homelessness, unemployment, or incarceration.”

Please Reach Out
Ultimately, consider adoption yourself as an alternative to having your own children naturally, or to supplement your present family. If adoption isn’t an option for you, please at least consider ways to help celebrate, advocate, and extend love and support to all who have been touched by adoption. There are many ways. Simply, acknowledge and thank those families who have chosen to adopt. Support the cause through donations in dozens of ways. Help by sponsoring a foster home or volunteer at an adoption agency or get involved in adoption programs at a Church.

Further, while you might want to consider adopting an infant, please also realize that there are older children who also are looking for loving parents. Many of them have been in foster care for many years.

I have provided much of this information below in a previous message. I am repeating it here as it deserves repetition. There are literally millions upon millions of children around the world who have lost one or more parents, are hungry and starved for love. They are orphans.

It is estimated that 140 million children worldwide are orphans. By UNICEF’s definition, this is a child who has lost one or more parents.
Worldwide, there are 168 million who are child laborers, accounting for almost 11 percent of children.
There are 62.8 million children worldwide who suffer from acute malnutrition
Nearly half of all deaths in children under 5 are attributable to under nutrition. This translates into the unnecessary loss of about 3 million young lives a year
66 million primary school-age children attend classes hungry across the developing world, with 23 million in Africa alone in 2015, there were about 16,000 deaths every day of children under the age of five.
2.7 million babies die every year in their first month of life and a similar number are stillborn.
5.9 million children under the age of 5 died in 2015, equivalent to 11 children every minute
Children represent almost half of all people living in extreme poverty although they make up roughly a third of the world’s population
There were 19.5 million refugees in 2015; half of them were children

In the United States
While the estimates vary, it is safe to say there are currently more than 400,000 children in foster care in the United States. They range in age from infants to 21 years old. The average age of a child in foster care is more than 8 years old, and there are slightly more boys than girls. 101,666 of these children are eligible for adoption, but nearly 32% of these children will wait over three years in foster care before being adopted. Children and youth enter foster care because they have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by their parents or guardians. All of these children have experienced loss and some form of trauma.

Many Lives End in Horrible Tragedy
Again, and as we’ve communicated to you before, many of these young children – both boys and girls – tragically end up as victims of human trafficking, as even corrupt governments support criminals who have been known to actually raid shelters preying on these innocent kids who end up leading the most terrifying lives you could imagine. Please consider international adoption as a way to help these children live free and happy lives.

Please Support National Adoption Month
I have years of experience helping dozens of families adopt children, both from U.S. and international sources. As said earlier, I have had the personal experience of adopting a child and, trust me, there is hardly anything more gratifying.

For more information on how you can help as an individual, family or a business, contact me at our web site

If you are interested in exploring the world of adoption, please contact me at Tauber Law Offices. I understand your needs and concerns and can properly guide you in your journey. It costs you nothing for a consultation.

Don’t Text and Walk

Tue, 02 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Yes, walk. We’ve heard for many years now that texting and driving can be deadly. Now take a moment to notice how many people are using their phones while walking and not paying any attention to their surroundings.

Most states have now outlawed texting and driving in some form or another. More and more states are going a step further by making simply talking on your cell phone illegal when driving, except for hands-free use. Illinois has the law. California enacted a similar law that took effect January 1 ^st of this year (2017). Just a few weeks ago, Iowa followed suit. Currently, the Minnesota legislature is considering such a bill. If passed, Minnesota would join 15 other states and Washington, D.C. that currently have a “hands free” law, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Driving is one thing, but many people feel it’s OK to use their cell phones while walking. The statistics say otherwise. A report from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) should be a wakeup call that we need to also address distracted walking.

The GHSA study suggests that we are a nation of distracted drivers and distracted walkers. It is routine to see others looking at their phones while walking in hallways, on sidewalks and while crossing busy intersections. It’s also common to still see drivers talking on their cell phones, texting, eating breakfast or applying makeup while behind the wheel.

It is no secret that all of this has greatly contributed to a jump in traffic fatalities — as high as 8.1% on a national average and even more in some states. What’s more alarming is that pedestrian deaths are increasing at the fastest rate ever recorded.

Experts advise:

Always check for traffic.
Never assume you have the right of way or that a driver will stop. It’s probably a good idea to assume that all drivers are distracted until you confirm otherwise.
Don’t cross the street until making eye contact with the driver.
Put headphones and devices down when crossing the street.
If you need to use a cell phone, stop walking and find a safe place to talk.

A good number of us have been guilty of this at one time or another. But is answering a phone call or sending a text that takes your eyes off the road worth it the possible consequences?

We place extra emphasis on this issue as the weather gets warmer and more and more children are outside at play and on their bicycles. While you are driving, just one glance at your cell phone could lead to tragedy.

Our family of lawyers at Tauber Law Offices, takes the issue of negligent drivers very seriously. There have been too many families forever scarred by the careless use of cell phones, not to mention the continued dangers from those who are driving under the influence.

If you believe that a family member suffered serious injury or even death because of an at-fault driver of a motor vehicle, we want to hear about it as soon as possible. There is never a charge for our work until we are able to reach a just settlement in or out of the courts. We’ll always be at your side fighting aggressively for your rights.

Indiana High on the List for Fatalities in Train Accidents | Tauber Law

Thu, 23 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

By now you have heard the tragic story about four senior citizens who were killed when a freight train struck a bus as they were traveling to an early March casino outing in Biloxi, Mississippi. Seven others were critically injured and 41 were taken to area hospitals.

While we don’t hear about train accidents too often, here in Indiana we have thousands of miles of train tracks across we like to call the Crossroads of America. Of course, many of those tracks extend into Illinois and stretch from border to border in the United States and Canada.

The fact is, Indiana is the 5 ^th deadliest state for accidents involving trains. In 2014 (the last year that we could find complete statistics), 20 people in Indiana died in train crashes. There have been more since then, especially in the areas of Michigan City and Gary.

Our family of attorneys at Tauber Law Offices has decades of experience helping people with personal injury claims, whether it be a big truck or an auto accident, a motorcycle collision or a train.

If you feel that you have been injured as the result of an at-fault driver of any type of vehicle, call us immediately — the sooner the better so that we can conduct a full and detailed investigation while the evidence is still fresh.

Our goal is to get you or your loved one just compensation for your hospital bills, loss of income, damage to a vehicle and general pain and suffering.

There is never a charge for your initial consultation at Tauber Law Offices.

Spring Means Extra Caution as Kids Play Outside

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

It is one of the most unimaginable tragedies for any parent. In late February, a two-year-old Greenwood, Indiana, girl died after her mother accidently backed over her in the family driveway. The child was playing in the front yard when she darted into the path of the car.

Normally, most injuries to kids occur during April, May, and September. The mild winter that has brought unseasonably warm temperatures at times has resulted in more and more children outside at play, much earlier than normal.

We’re seeing more activity outside the house, in the yard, at playgrounds and on bicycles. It is also a reminder to us at Tauber Law Offices that it’s a good idea for us grown-ups to be extra cautious. As our innocent young children are active at play, they just don’t think of the risks that may lie ahead of them.

Of course, some accidents are bound to happen. Let’s just hope that the worst injuries are those that result in the normal skinned knees, bumps and bruises.

We’re actually finding out now, however, that what appears to be a simple bump to the head could be something much worse.

A study published last summer in Pediatrics magazine reports the number of kids treated for traumatic brain injuries suffered at the playground has increased significantly.

One would think, given recent industry improvements to improve safety at the playground, that serious injuries would be on the decline. The study finds the exact opposite.

According to the Pediatrics article, “the number of kids treated in ERs for traumatic brain injuries suffered while playing at playgrounds increased significantly between 2005 and 2013. Believe it or not, each year an average of 21,100 children under the age of 14 were treated for serious types of brain injuries after climbing, swinging, sliding, and seesawing. Meanwhile, a total of 214,883 annual playground injuries were noted. This is concerning news, especially because so many of us parents think the playground is a safe place for our kids to burn off energy and just be kids.”

“The bright spot is that most kids were treated and released,” the article goes on to say.

The main goal here is surely to avoid a tragedy like the one in Greenwood last month.

Our moms were serious when they kept preaching, “Look both ways before crossing the street.” We should heed the same advice. When driving your vehicle, be totally aware of what is around you and realize that children can be in one place and then in another in a matter of just a few seconds.

Mind speed limits, especially in school zones and in playground areas.

Young children should be supervised at all times. It’s not only to help them avoid accidents, but more-so, and unfortunately these days, to guard against predators who can snatch a child away in an instant.

Work with your schools and neighborhood groups to ensure that playground equipment is safe and properly maintained.

When the kids start riding a bicycle, be sure they follow all safety rules of the road. Many local police departments offer free bicycle safety courses.

Most importantly, just be aware.

As we get further into summer and the really warm weather, there are another set of safety rules for swimming – at the neighborhood pool or at the lake. We’ll cover that in a later article.

Finally, there are some children who are injured or even killed through the negligence of others. It might be an intoxicated driver, operating at higher speeds than posted, and more and more these days, texting and driving.

Sadly, we at Tauber Law Offices have dealt with those injured by senseless people in a truck or a car. Or there might be liability at a pool or playground due to unsafe conditions or equipment.

If you are going through the trauma of any personal injury situation, please contact us immediately. There is no charge for our consultation. If we believe you have a case, our family of attorneys will stand by your side and fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.

Truckers’ Poor Health Poses a Serious Problem

Sun, 26 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Most commercial truckers are good and responsible people, driving thousands of miles a year, safely picking up and delivering everything from food, to fuel, to furniture. They contribute to our economy and, like us, have families and coach their kids in soccer and baseball.

However, like is the case in any line of work, there are drivers who are irresponsible. They drink or use drugs and drive, or travel at unsafe speeds, sometimes with loads that are heavier than permitted. Fatigued driving is also a very serious problem.

Unfortunately, we at Tauber Law Office have dealt with too many people who have been injured or killed by the reckless behavior of big truck drivers.

Just a few weeks ago, we read a new study led by investigators at the University of Utah School of Medicine. It points to even more hazards from truckers on the highway.

It shouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that. According to the report, commercial truck drivers with three or more medical conditions double to quadruple their chance for being in a crash than healthier drivers.

A news release from the University of Utah notes that “Truck drivers spend long hours behind the wheel and often eat less-than-healthy food at roadside stops. These behaviors can raise their risk of multiple health conditions, which boost their chances of getting into a crash.”

Researchers examined data from more than 49,000 commercial truck drivers and found that 34 percent had at least one of several health problems — such as heart disease, low back pain and diabetes — that have been linked with poor driving performance.

Truck drivers with three or more of the flagged medical conditions were two to four times more likely to be in a crash than their healthier peers.

For example, the rate of crashes resulting in injury among all truck drivers was 29 per 100 million miles traveled, but was 93 per 100 million miles traveled for drivers with three or more of the identified health problems.

However, the study wasn’t designed to prove a cause-and-effect link.

“What these data are telling us is that with decreasing health comes increased crash risk, including crashes that truck drivers could prevent,” said study lead author Matthew Thiese .

Current guidelines prevent truckers with a major health problem from driving, but the guidelines don’t address numerous minor symptoms, the study authors said.

The researchers said the fact that occupants of other vehicles are hurt in three-quarters of injury crashes involving trucks makes this a public health issue.

According to study senior author Dr. Kurt Hegmann, director of RMCOEH, “If we can better understand the interplay between driver health and crash risk, then we can better address safety concerns.”

Big truck accidents are a big problem on America’s highways. One of the worst spots for these crashes is on the I-65 corridor from Chicago on south into Indiana. The attorneys at Tauber Law have represented dozens of people who have been victims of trucking accidents. Some are impaired for life. Others are killed. Many of these accidents could have been prevented.

Contact us at Tauber Law Offices if you or a loved one have been involved in an accident where the driver of the truck was at fault. The initial consultation is free. If we determine you have a case, we will fight aggressively until you get the justice and compensation you deserve. There is never a charge until you win your case.

Sources: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine ; University of Utah, news release, Jan. 16, 2017

Beware of Injuries to Your Children Due to Falling Furniture

Thu, 26 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

You may have seen the video of an IKEA dresser falling on a 2-year-old boy earlier this year. Over 1.5 million have looked and have learned just what can happen if a dresser is not properly attached to a wall. If you haven’t seen it, and you are a parent with small children, you just might want to watch it, as shocking as it is. CLICK to read the story.

In this case, there was good news. The child’s twin brother saved him. The boys had crawled on top of the dresser after pulling out the two middle drawers. The dresser fell over leaving one of them trapped. It was all captured on a “nanny cam” installed in the bedroom.

Last year IKEA made worldwide news after at least 3 children were killed by dressers purchased at the giant retailer. IKEA also recalled 29 million of those dressers.

By the end of 2016, lawyers representing the families of 3 toddlers killed by recalled Ikea dressers said the company has agreed to settle wrongful death lawsuits, paying the parents a collective $50 million. In addition, Ikea will donate $250,000 to various children’s organizations and increase funding for a campaign highlighting the dangers of tipping furniture.

In court, the families of the deceased children accused Ikea of knowing the danger posed by the dressers for years before the recall, while Ikea claimed the parents were negligent for choosing not to secure the chests to walls.

Ikea said that it clearly notes in materials supplied with dressers they sell that it is imperative that consumers attach the dressers to the wall and provides the hardware within the packaging. The company says they have been providing these warnings for decades.

While the parents received these monetary settlements, we can all agree that no amount of compensation can take the place of a lost child.

For that reason, the Tauber family urges you to read all safety materials carefully before putting any type of product to use.

Finally, if you believe you or a family members has been injured by a faulty product caused by the negligence of another individual or a company, we want you to come and see us at Tauber Law Offices. We will listen to you carefully and determine if we believe you have a case. If you do, our representation will continue until there is a fair and just settlement. There is never a fee for the initial consultation.

Watch for Flying Ice and Snow When Driving

Tue, 24 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Some people call them ice missiles. You’re driving down I-65 amidst the normal busy caravan of semi-trailer trucks. Suddenly, an avalanche of ice and snow slides off the roof of the vehicle and onto your windshield, blinding you. Even for a few seconds, it’s enough to cause a crash.

Many feel there should be a law. Truth is, there are no specific laws in Illinois that require operators of trucks and to keep the snow and ice clear from atop and around the vehicle – whether it be a truck or a car. In Indiana, there are also no specific laws, but Indiana Turnpike officials can order you off the road if there are ice/snow accumulations.

That seems to be changing around the country, however. More and more states, like New Jersey, now require snow to be cleared before vehicles can be driven. The penalty for commercial vehicles is as much as $1,500 and between $25 and $80 for others.

Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New York are among the states that have passed or are considering similar laws. Legislation is pending in many other states.

A spokesman for the American Trucking Association agrees that ice and snow on trucks can be deadly but claim it is difficult for drivers to keep up with the accumulation.

“We recognize that for passenger and commercial vehicles, excess snow is a hazard,” said Brandon Borgna, a spokesman for the trucking group. “We want to comply with the rules, but there’s often no way practical way to do so.”

Drivers cannot be required to climb up on their rigs and shovel without running afoul of worker-safety provisions, he said, adding that most trucks traveling in New Jersey were passing through. Thus, they are far from terminals, as their home bases are called, where snow-removal equipment may be available.

Experts continue to look for solutions to the problem, especially for the drivers of the big 18-wheelers, to help them more easily clear the ice and snow. While they are on the go, they can’t really anticipate how bad the weather might be.

Meanwhile, let’s just conclude that out of common courtesy, we should all be aware of the need to keep our cars and trucks clear of the elements that are so common during these winter months. Many people also start driving before their own windshields are clear, which inhibits visibility, and a blocked back window can prevent you from seeing other vehicles behind you that may be trying to pass.

Remember, also, that the number of slip and fall cases goes up dramatically during this time of year and, with that, a high incidence of concussions. Again, walk carefully and, if you are a property owner, it is your responsibility to keep your sidewalks clear. Depending on your city and county laws and regulations, you could be fined for non-compliance, not to mention the chance of a lawsuit should someone get seriously injured on your property.

Trucking accidents that victimize the innocent are among our highest priorities here at Tauber Law Offices. Irresponsible drivers, faulty equipment and other factors are among the reasons for otherwise preventable accidents on our highways. If you feel you or a loved one has life-changing injuries as the result of an accident, please contact us immediately. If we believe you have a case, we will work aggressively to get you fair compensation for your suffering. There is never a fee until your case is successfully resolved.

A Multitude of Thanks | Tauber Law

Sun, 27 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

There really is a lot to be thankful for, even in this year of change and turmoil. Rhett, Tara and Jared are most gracious to be working together as a family and for the gifts of our own children, relatives and friends, food and shelter.

We count you as one of those friends and we so appreciate you being there for us. If we helped you through one of life’s challenges this past year, it is our hope that renewed peace and happiness will be yours during the holidays and for years to come.

We thank you also for voting us the #1 law firm in Northwest Indiana for 2016.

The Tauber family hopes that you take some time to look around and show gratitude for even the most little things that we have been given to make our lives more precious.

We would be remiss if we didn’t thank the brave men and women serving in the armed forces around the world; many of which won’t be home for the holidays. Also let’s give a special and heartfelt thank you for all of the people in law enforcement who also risk their lives to protect us night and day.

Finally, let’s remember those who are suffering, the hungry and the lonely – people across the country and around the world.

There is still no better way to say it than: Peace on Earth. Goodwill to All.

Experts Warning Doctors Not to Prescribe Codeine to Kids

Sun, 25 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMT

During September, The American Academy of Pediatrics strengthened its warnings about prescribing codeine for children because of reports of deaths and risks for dangerous side effects including breathing problems.

The academy’s advice was published in its medical journal, Pediatrics . This report echoes past warnings from the Food and Drug Administration about using codeine for kids’ coughs or pain.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) claims the pain medication can be ineffective, and the risk of side effects, including breathing problems and even death, are too large.

There is also a caution about the use of Acetaminophen, which is widely used as an active ingredient in Tylenol and many other products, including some cold medicines.

The study claims when used during pregnancy, the drug has been linked to childhood behavioral problems.

Codeine is an opiate drug once commonly used in over-the-counter cough syrups and as a painkiller, particularly after surgery. But the report notes that a rare genetic variation makes some people metabolize it too quickly, potentially resulting in excessive sleepiness and difficulty breathing.

In as many as one-third of patients, a different genetic variation makes the drug ineffective for pain relief.

Evidence suggests codeine is still commonly prescribed by doctors and dentists, though past warnings (and concerns about whether it actually works to relieve coughs) have advised it not be used. Codeine should not be prescribed to children who are under 12 years old, the AAP said.

In 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned the public about the potential danger for children who were “ultra-rapid metabolizers” of codeine. Between 1969 and May of 2012, the FDA reported 10 deaths and three overdoses associated with codeine. Many of those children were recovering from surgery to remove tonsils or adenoids, according to the FDA.

Your family and your children are important to us at Tauber Law Offices. If you believe that a loved one has been mistreated due to the negligence of anyone, including a physician, we would like to hear your story. There is no fee for that consultation. We will then determine whether you have a case. If so, we will fight aggressively for your rights and fair compensation.

Note: Some of the material in this blog was taken from Associated Press reports.

Warning: There could be a Time Bomb in Your Car | Tauber Law

Mon, 18 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Now, a product designed to keep you safe in your car or truck, is proving to be potentially dangerous for millions.

If you haven’t heard this on the national and local news, read about it now.

This is all about the largest airbag recall in U.S. history; one that has already caused dozens of injuries and 13 deaths (including 10 in the United States). Up to 80 million cars and trucks are in need of being recalled because their airbags could explode.

If you have an airbag in your car that could be deadly, you’d want to know about it. But according to an investigative report this month from WTHR in Indianapolis, millions of people now driving with a defective airbag won’t be warned about the problem for years. This despite strict government recommendations to those consumers affected that they need to get their airbags replaced as soon as possible. Virtually every major automaker has models with these defective airbags.

WTHR investigative reporter Bob Segall noted in his story that he has a Toyota mini-van with a defective airbag. He went to a government web site, put in his vehicle identification number and found out that his van is on the list. But here’s what’s really shocking. When he went to several dealerships, he was told by all of them that his vehicle was not on the list and not to worry.

As it turns out, many dealerships have not gotten accurate information from the manufacturer of the airbags, a Japanese company by the name of Takata. Thus, the owners of scores of vehicles on the list of makes and models with faulty airbag have not received a recall notice. This was the case for reporter Segall and a multitude of other consumers.

Unbelievably, it turns out Takata is rolling out recall notices over the next 3-4 years based on when car was built. If you have an older car, and especially if you live in a very warm climate, you’ll get a recall notice sooner. Newer cars might have to wait several years. What is even more unbelievable is that new cars are still being sold every day that may have a faulty airbag. Buyers won’t know for sure until they get a recall notice – maybe years later. In the meantime, there is potential disaster looming for the owners of these cars.

What’s complicating the situation even more is that Takata is now suffering financially and is having a difficult time making enough of the new and supposedly safe airbags on a timely basis.

So far, dealers have replaced about 9 million airbags. That means they have 70 million to go.

To find out if your vehicle is on the list, here is one source:

https://www.safercar.gov/

You’ll need your VIN number.

If your car or truck is listed, call your dealership and insist that they fix it. If they can get the part, that is. Remember, too, your dealership may not yet be aware of it, as some models of some vehicles are not yet listed. For sure, don’t wait for a recall notice.

We haven’t heard the last of this story. Let’s hope that this situation can somehow be resolved soon, before more injuries or deaths occur.

The lawyers at Tauber Law Offices work diligently each and every day to aggressively to protect you from harm due to companies like Takata.

Meanwhile, if you or a loved one has been caused serious injury or has even died as the result of a product you believe to have been safe, consult us immediately at Tauber Law Offices. If we think you have a case, we will act swiftly and aggressively to seek the settlement you deserve. There is never a charge for our initial consultation.

Roads Even More Deadly in 2015

Sun, 10 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

This is is the time of year when motorists hit the highways in heavy numbers because of vacations and other activities. It follows that this is also the deadliest time.

According to preliminary figures just out this month from the National Safety Council (NSC), traffic fatalities increased nationally by a shocking 7% in 2015 as compared with the year before.

Our region is no exception. In fact, both Indiana and Illinois traffic deaths are up by 12%. In real numbers, that means the number of Illinois fatalities on our roads and highways were up to 1034; Indiana’s number rose to 835. Again, these are preliminary (not official) numbers.

A statement from the NSC says, “We estimate 38,300 people were killed on U.S. roads in total, and 4.4 million were seriously injured, meaning 2015 likely was the deadliest driving year since 2008.”

This discouraging news comes after some optimism in 2014 when the fatality rate hit a record low.

New government data shows the surge was in part because drivers drove more than ever, lower gas prices and a generally improved economy.

Just as concerning was the number of non-motorist traffic deaths: Bicycle fatalities were up 13 percent; pedestrian deaths rose 10 percent, and motorcyclist deaths rose by 9 percent.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that while economic factors are certainly at play, driving deaths were up far more than vehicle miles traveled.

“NHTSA is conducting the data-gathering and analysis necessary to understand what is causing this unsettling rise,” the administration stated. “This trend is a warning sign to all of us: It is time to re-attack the behavioral factors that lead to highway deaths. We know that human error or decisions play a role in 94 percent of fatal crashes.”

To that end, NSC recommends several common-sense tips for staying safe on the road, including:

Making sure all passengers buckles their seat belts on every trip
Getting plenty of sleep and taking regular breaks
Designating a sober driver or arranging alternate transportation when drinking. Never use a phone or other mobile device while operating a motor vehicle.
It’s become a cliche but an important one: Watch out for the other guy.

A couple of points worth noting:

Studies show over half of fatal car crashes involve a driver who tested positive for alcohol or drugs.

“Motorcyclists are a bigger and bigger percentage of deaths each year. Motorcycle deaths have risen in part because of generally weak state laws* on wearing helmets,” said Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, which represents state highway safety offices. A majority of states no longer require riders to wear helmets, he said.

*NOTE: In Indiana, the law requires only those motorcycle drivers and riders under 18 to wear a helmet and protective glasses, goggles, or transparent face shields. There is no such law in Illinois.

It is all too obvious that so many of these deaths on the roads can be prevented through the practice of these simple safety measures.

However, it is also well too obvious that there are people on the road who are dangerous and shouldn’t be driving. Others are just careless. You could be their next victim.

The lawyers at Tauber Law Offices take the issue of negligence on the highways very seriously – whether it is the fault of a truck driver, a motorcyclists or an operator of a standard car or SUV. It is a mission of ours to do all we can to reduce needless deaths on our roads. Even one is too many.

If you or a loved one is a victim of an at-fault driver that causes serious injury or even death, contact Tauber Law Offices immediately. We will listen to you carefully. If we believe you have a case, our lawyers will represent you and aggressively work to get you justice through a fair settlement.

Call us today.

Our 2016 Safe Summer Checklist For Kids & Parents | Tauber Law

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

It’s officially here. For the kids, summertime should be full of fun and made of memories. Too often it is not. The National Safe Kids Campaign estimates that every year, one in four kids ages 14 and younger will sustain an injury that requires medical attention. 40% of all injury-related emergency room visits, and 42% of all injury deaths happen between May and August.

Now the good news: “We can keep kids free from about 90% of these accidents by educating ourselves and our kids on how to stay safe while still enjoying summer vacation,” according to a report from the Safe Kids Campaign. It’s our responsibility as moms and dads to review a summer safety checklist, take the necessary precautions, and discuss them with your children.

This is hardly a complete list, but these are some of the major areas of concern:

Bikes & Helmets

Be sure your child wears a good, safety approved helmet to significantly reduce injuries. Also, be sure your child follows basic bicycling safety rules. Look right and left at an intersection, stay on the right side of the road and be careful around pedestrians. It’s also a good idea to have a bicycle go through a safety check at the start of the new season to make sure brakes and other devices are in good operating condition.

Concussions

A recent study notes that most kids’ head injuries go unreported. If your child suffers a hit in the head, whether falling at the playground or from a bicycle accident, it’s best to have him/her checked out. Some injuries don’t become evident until much later.

Stay alert for kids while driving

As much as we parents tell kids to be careful, remember that they are young and just don’t think maturely. For that reason, it’s up to us to be extra cautious. Kids on bikes can come out of nowhere. Be especially cautious in school zones and playground areas. Remember, some kids are still in school during parts of the summer. There are also day camps and Vacation Bible School.

Theme Parks – Amusement Parks – Fairs

Well-managed and well-known theme parks and amusement parks are generally safe.

This year, however, we’ve had some terrible tragedies at zoos and even at Disney World. These types of accidents are very uncommon, but they do happen. For this reason, even when you assume a place to be safe, it’s necessary to watch your children closely at all times.

More common accidents happen on rides such as roller coasters, water slides, bumper cars, and spinning rides. They cause thousands of injuries each year. Many times these accidents happen at traveling fairs and carnivals when the equipment is older. Use your judgement here. If you suspect a ride doesn’t look safe, don’t take a chance. Pass it by.

Playgrounds

There are many instances of kids getting hurt on older playground equipment that has not been inspected in a while. It’s always a good idea to pay close attention to the swings and slides. Again, if they seem old, squeaky and rusty, stay away.

Beware of Dogs

Kids and dogs just naturally love each other. Still, health officials say dogs bite or attack more than 4.5 million people each year, killing an average of 20 people. Young children are often the most vulnerable to these attacks, according to a report from CNN.

Teach your children to approach dogs with caution and always with adult supervision. And when it the sign says “Beware of Dog,” take it seriously.

Bug Bites

Most bug bites are harmless. Some are more dangerous, especially when a child has an allergy. It’s a good idea to have a bee sting antidote kit handy as part of your first aid kit. Also, a good insect repellent is effective. Some recommend those with DEET for older children. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends – as a DEET alternative – repellents that contain picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Both are non-toxic and able to reduce mosquito bites. Best advice: Check with your doctor for what’s best.

Swimming and Sun

Summer means swimming and sunshine. It brings to mind the old “3 second rule.” When you have young children swimming it can take only a few seconds for them to get into serious trouble in the water. You must keep your eyes on them at all times. Even when there is a certified lifeguard, he/she can sometimes miss a child in danger. Heed warning signs that say NO SWIMMING.

It’s always recommended to get the kids certification for swimming by the Red Cross or your local YMCA. Parents should consider learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Your CPR skills could save someone’s life.

If you have your own home pool, be sure you follow all legal requirements, such as having a four-sided fence around your pool. You don’t want the liability of having a child wander into your pool unsupervised.

No matter what the age, guard against the hot sun and humidity. Use a good sun screen that blocks harmful rays. Take breaks every 20 minutes. Hydrate with sports drinks. Infants need to be covered up with clothing that helps their tender skin from the UV rays.Don’t forget allergies to bug bites!

Finally, two more necessary reminders in this world we live in today:

Always remind your children to stay away from strangers. If one approaches, tell them to run for safety and report this to an adult or police officer.
Summer is also a time kids may have more time on the computer. Monitor what they are looking at and who they are talking to. People who want to do your child harm may be closer to you than you think.

This safety list is provided as a public service by your friends at TauberLaw Offices. These tips are only meant to be guidelines and not any type of legal or official advice.

However, if by chance, one of your loved ones experiences serious injury from an accident this summer, caused by the negligence of others, please call Tauber Law Offices for a free consultation. The welfare of your children is incredibly important to us. We will fight for you and the rights of your child.

The more you keep safety in mind, the more likely you are to have a glorious summer to remember.

FINALLY — HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Summer Camp – Be Prepared

Sun, 12 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The kids are excited. Another school year has gone by, and many children are off to summer camp. There is vital information to keep in mind regarding summer camps. You want to make the experience a happy and safe one and provide a source of fond, life-long summer memories – and make it worry-free for you.

First, is it the right camp? Do your research.

If it’s your child’s first experience at camp, you might want to first consider a day camp before an overnight camp. Here they get many of the same activities and benefits without having to sleep away from home. Once they get the feel of it, maybe next year they can experience the adventure of actually staying at the camp.

Finding the right camp can be your first challenge. Of course, your church probably has one, and certainly there are the YMCA, YWCA and Boy and Girl Scout sponsored camps. There are many that are specialized, such as:

Traditional camps that offer a little bit of everything
Academic camps that focus on science, math, or even creative writing
Adventure camps that are all about outdoor hobbies like rafting or mountaineering
Arts camps that specialize in theatre, music, film, or painting
Religious camps that focus on faith and worship
Sports camps that let you sharpen your skills in tennis, soccer, or baseball
Special needs camps that are especially for kids living with an illness, such as cancer or diabetes, or a physical disability.

Check to see what activities they offer and if your youngsters are able to participate in them.

Is the camp accredited? Is it licensed?

The American Camp Association (ACA) has hundreds of standards that its thousands of member camps must meet in order to be accredited. Those standards include health, safety, quality of programs and more. The ACA works with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross and other youth-focused organizations to ensure your child’s camp experience is up to standards that will help children have an engaging, exciting time at camp while staying safe and healthy.

The Indiana State Department of Health is the governing body for camps in our state. There is no license needed for day camps in Indiana, but a license is necessary to operate a resident camp. However, there are no criminal background checks required by law for the staff of a camp.* Responsible camp operators will request them on their own. Be sure to ask. For a state-by-state list of regulations, click here .

*Correct as of May 5, 2016

Abuse Happens

You as a parent can educate your child to be aware of certain signs. Also, make them aware of bullying – either by a fellow camper or a camp staffer – and let them know it’s something they need to immediately tell you about or report to camp management.

Staff Training

You want to make sure the people taking care of your children are properly trained and have the necessary credentials and clearances. Are the camp counselors who will be guiding your children trained to handle emergencies? If they will be involved in boating, swimming, or other water sports, for example, you’ll want to know about such things as life jackets, supervision, and the CPR certification of instructors.

Other things to ask:

How old are the camp counselors? You want your child’s camp counselors to be 18 or older and to have proper training.
What’s the ratio of camp counselors to children? There are only so many children a camp counselor can keep track of safely. You don’t want your child to be able to wonder off alone.
What is the camp’s safety record?
What is the camp’s method of child discipline? Find another camp if you don’t approve.

Medical Provisions, including Homesickness

For starters, according to recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, a good camp will have written health policies and protocols. All children attending the camp should be required to have had a complete exam by a doctor in the past year and be up-to-date on all childhood shots.

Before camp starts, parents should make sure the leaders have a detailed health history of their child, including any significant illnesses, operations, injuries, allergies, and any current medical problems.

Don’t forget allergies to bug bites!

And not every problem is a physical illness or injury — you also might want to know how the camp handles outbreaks of homesickness. Eight out of 10 campers report being homesick at least one day at camp, according to American Camping Association statistics. The good news: Less than 10% of those cases are so serious — the child becomes so anxious or depressed that he stops eating or sleeping — that they are sent home.

Overnight camps should at least have a licensed physician or a registered nurse on site at all times. Day camps should have phone access to dial 911 for an emergency. You will also want to ask how far away the nearest hospital is in case your child is injured and needs more medical care than medical staff can give your child at the camp.

By all means, ask for references

Do some research online to see what people say about the camp. Check their safety record. What’s the ratio of return for those who have attended the camp? If there is a high percentage of young people who attend once and then never return, you know something is wrong. Check with parents of other children who have gone to the same camp.

Tauber Law Offices care about the safety of your family. We have children ourselves and know how important it is to provide them with wonderful experiences during the summer months. If you are concerned about possible negligence or any of the other issues we have outlined here, please contact us immediately. Have a great and happy summer!

The Tauber Family Says Thanks To You!

Sun, 15 May 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Good Reasons to Carry an Umbrella

Fri, 06 May 2016 00:00:00 GMT

On a rainy day you carry an umbrella for protection. However, every day you should carry another kind of umbrella — an umbrella insurance policy, for a more serious type of protection.

There are basically two reasons to have umbrella insurance.

First, it’s necessary to protect you against liability. A few examples:

If you are a landlord and your tenant falls down the stairs due to a faulty railing.
You might be a business owner and someone slips and falls on a wet floor or icy sidewalk.
Maybe you have a swimming pool and a small child ventures into the water unsupervised and drowns.

When there are lawsuits in this situation, often the compensation you are responsible for far exceeds what you might have in an ordinary policy to cover you for this liability.

Another reason, and often the most overlooked, is to protect yourself in the event you are injured by another person who is negligent and is without adequate insurance coverage. This happens more times than people realize.

In both cases a successful settlement in a lawsuit could run into millions of dollars, depending on the situation and the severity of injuries.

“But I am not a wealthy person and I don’t think I could afford it,” you say.

The fact is, you can’t afford not to have one. The good news here is that an umbrella policy is generally available from amounts of $1 million to $5 million dollars and can actually be quite affordable in most cases.

The number of people driving without insurance is startling, even though it is a law in most every state.

A study by the Insurance Research Council a few years back found that about one of every seven drivers was uninsured. That’s about 14 percent nationwide.

In Indiana, individuals are required to have at least $25,000 of coverage per person and $50,000 per accident in order to legally operate a vehicle. Still, authorities estimate that one in every five Hoosier drivers is operating their vehicles without proper insurance.

Yes, you have to show proof of insurance to get or renew your driver’s license. The fact is, some people show that proof, then they later cancel the insurance, especially during tougher economic times.

While there are penalties for operating without insurance, often this discovery is made when it is too late, such as at the scene of an accident where the uninsured driver is at fault.

So you are definitely at risk. Tauber Law strongly recommends that you always buy uninsured motorist coverage in case you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have adequate coverage – or any coverage at all.

There are various levels and types of coverage that can cover physical injury, property loss, or both. Be proactive. Ask your insurance agent about an umbrella policy. Don’t wait for your agent to offer one to you.

Think beyond automobile accidents, as well. It’s smart to have an umbrella rider to protect you at your home or even if you operate a watercraft.

Do you have enough to cover a lawsuit against you resulting in millions of dollars in damages that you are responsible for? Further, if you are a victim of an uninsured or underinsured individual, can you afford to pay for care that might be needed for the rest of your lives? The answer to these questions are usually “no.”

Yes, your health insurance might cover a portion of the cost, but there are lifetime limits and co-pays that you might have to pay out-of-pocket. The sum total could be exorbitant. Generally, health insurance also won’t pay for lost wages or pain and suffering, or the costs of special modifications you may need in your home in case of a victim who becomes severely handicapped.

While we don’t sell insurance at Tauber Law Offices, we can guide you in making sure you have solid protection as we develop your estate plan. What’s more, if you are a victim of an underinsured and negligent individual – no matter what the case – we can help you in the recovery of as much compensation as possible. Still, the only way to assure adequate coverage in this type of case is to carry enough insurance yourself. Plan for the worst case scenario if you can.

Helping you with that plan is our mission at Tauber Law Offices. We’re a family of lawyers that treat you with understanding, compassion and aggressive representation that only ends when you receive fair compensation. Your initial consultation is always free.

April is Awareness Month for Distracted Driving Dangers

Sat, 23 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMT

How many times have you seen this while driving?

How about that man shaving while driving? A smoker fishing for a lighter? Not to mention people texting and using cell phones while driving? Let’s admit it, many of us have done it from time to time.

Bottom line: Distracted driving is mighty dangerous.

Finally, states are starting to crack down on violators. A new law in Illinois started on January 1 of this year. Now, you can be fined $80 if you are using your cell phone while driving in Illinois – unless you have a hands free device.

Indiana? Not as tough.

Indiana does not have a hand-held ban for all drivers, but it does ban all drivers from text messaging. However, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from all cell phone use

For those teens and young drivers the statistics are startling.

The simple fact is that thousands have died in car crashes involving cell phone use and other practices which distract a driver. The National Safety Council (NSC) observes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month to draw attention to this epidemic.

The NSC wants to empower you to put safety first and Take Back Your Drive.

What’s more, we always hear “watch out for the other guy.” This means that you can be following all of the rules of the road, and you can still be involved in a crash due to another distracted driver. These days, with all of the new distractions out there, it’s even more important to keep your eyes open and pay close attention to the road

According to a study by AAA, “nearly half of all people who say they feel less safe than they did five years ago say distracted driving by other drivers fuels their concerns.”

Another important fact from AAA research: “Distraction ‘latency’ lasts an average of 27 seconds, meaning that, even after drivers put down the phone or stop fiddling with the navigation system, drivers aren’t fully engaged with the driving task.”

Bottom line: It takes only seconds to turn your drive into a serious tragedy.

Statistically, there’s a good chance you will be in an auto accident in your lifetime. Hopefully it will be minor. However, if it’s more serious involving injuries that could be life-changing, and you suspect a negligent driver is at fault, please call us at Tauber Law Offices immediately. In the meantime, keep a record of all information and circumstances surrounding the accident and never, ever settle with the other driver’s insurance company without first talking to us.

We have decades of experience handing all types of injury accidents. If we feel you have a case, we will fight aggressively for your rights and compensation.

Tauber Law is here to help you. There is never a fee for your consultation.

Enjoy this spring and coming summer. But do drive with care.

Medical Malpractice Cap Raised In Indiana

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Way back in 1975, Indiana was the first state to enact malpractice reform legislation. That was a landmark move, but a cap on how much Hoosier victims can collect has been a burden in many malpractice cases ever since. Some recent progress has eased this burden.

Last month (March) lawmakers voted to increase the cap on damages Hoosiers can collect in medical malpractice suites . It was the first increase in 20 years.

Governor Pence signed the bill that raises the limit from $1.25 million to $1.65 million. The cap increases to $1.8 million by 2019.

Know What You're Buying

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

In our previous article we discussed the importance of getting the help from a highly experienced real estate attorney when making a transaction.

When purchasing or selling a business, a carefully crafted Asset Purchase Agreement is extremely important.

Let’s say you want to buy a business . What are you really buying? You need to get everything in writing. You may be buying more than just the building/real estate. You’ll certainly want a copy of their client list in most cases. What about key employees? Do they go with the sale? That’s something else that deserves serious discussion. Are you taking responsibility for contracts and bills payable?

Then there are the other material things. Office equipment, furniture, and vehicles need to be considered. Be sure the agreement lists tangible as well as intangible property that are part of the sale.

Every deal is different. Everything needs to be spelled out.

In order to protect you, we will review all title insurance policies and UCC records to ensure that you are purchasing real estate and property with clear title.

Tauber Law Office has decades of experience in the execution, revision, and review of complex business transactional documents. Let us help you with all of the legalities so you can have peace of mind and concentrate on running your new or expanded business.

Legally Sold

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

As the seasons change, lots of folks start thinking about putting their house on the market.

Maybe you’re thinking of selling or buying a house or property on your own to avoid having to pay a real estate commission of 6-7%.

Many people have done it successfully. Maybe you have. Most everyone would agree, though, that a real estate transaction can be tricky business, especially if you don’t have the proper knowledge and experience.

We have that experience at Tauber Law Offices and are fully qualified to work in the area of real estate law . There are many important reasons to consult with a qualified real estate attorney before you make a decision to take a real estate transaction into your own hands.

Let Tauber Law Offices handle the legal aspects of your next real estate transaction to avoid costly mistakes. Our goal is to give you peace of mind as you move into your new home or sell your existing home. The last thing you need is to find out later that certain aspects of your deal were not properly covered.

The Tauber attorneys offer a wide range of real estate services, including:

Preparation and Review of Purchase Agreements
Dealing with Title Companies
Representation at real estate closings and review of closing statements
Deed preparation
Landlord/Tenant relationships
Preparation of Leases
Commercial and Residential Evictions
Representation in Foreclosure Matters
Mechanic’s Liens

Of course, you can work exclusively with a real estate agent if you wish. However, sometimes the boilerplate agreements they provide do not contain the necessary protection for your unique situation.

Tauber Law is glad to work with your real estate agent to be sure you can be secure in the transaction – sometimes the most important one you’ll ever make.

Or we can work with you exclusively without the involvement of an agent. Contact us for more details.

Tauber Law Offices Argues Against the IHSAA Regarding Sanctions Against Schools

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Case Summary

During a February 2015 boys varsity basketball game between Griffith High School and Hammond High School, an on-court fight broke out involving players. The Commissioner of the Indiana High School Athletic Association (“IHSAA”) sanctioned both schools as a result. The sanctions included canceling the remainder of the schools’ seasons, suspending them from participation in the state tournament, and imposing probation for the 2015-16 school year, as well as educational requirements for each coach and athlete. Both schools appealed the Commissioner’s decisions to the IHSAA’s Review Committee, which upheld the decisions. The schools then sought a preliminary injunction in court. Following a hearing, the trial court preliminarily enjoined the IHSAA from enforcing its suspension of the schools from participation in the state tournament. Griffith went on to play in the 3A State Championship game. The IHSAA brings this interlocutory appeal, contending the trial court erred in granting injunctive relief.

Tauber Law Offices is representing Griffin Public Schools and the individual members of the boys basketball team in the case against the IHSAA. Oral arguments were held on Tuesday, February 16, 2016. A decision is expected in the coming months.

See a video of the oral arguments here, including Jared R. Tauber from Tauber Law Office.

https://mycourts.in.gov/arguments/default.aspx?&id=1904&view=detail&yr=&when=&page=1&court=app&search=&direction=%20ASC&future=False&sort=&judge=&county=&admin=False&pageSize=20

See a report on the appeal here courtesy WRTV-6, Indianapolis .
https://www.theindychannel.com/news/local-news/ihsaa-appeals-ruling-that-lifted-hammond-griffith-suspensions

Big Trucks Can Mean Big Trouble

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Already in this New Year, we’re hearing about many tragic accidents involving big trucks in our region – and already some fatalities. If a big truck hits your vehicle, you are usually the loser considering the monster size and weight of an 18-wheeler versus a passenger car or motorcycle.

The statistics are a bit staggering in our region, especially this time of year when winter snows and ice cause dangerous additional hazards.

Northwest Indiana combined with South Chicago is one of the busiest set of commercial trucking routes in the country. We are right in the middle of it.

The stretch of I-65 between Crown Point and Lafayette has become especially dangerous.

As we stated in an article last year:

“In 2014, (the last complete statistics available) here in the Lowell State Police District alone (which includes Jasper, Lake, La Porte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski and Starke counties), there were 904 collisions, most of them resulting in property damage, according to Captain Dave Bursten, Information Officer for the Indiana State Police. There were a total of 190 total injuries reported; 18 resulted in an incapacitating injury. 10 people were killed.

Over time, as noted in a late 2011 article in the Northwest Indiana Times, an analysis of U.S. Department of Transportation records showed that 8,042 heavy trucks on our regional roads involved the deaths of 218 people during a nine-year period.

Nationally, according to Truckinfo.net, about 5,000 people are killed in truck accidents annually in the United States.

Simply put, big truck accidents are a serious problem.

Causes of Truck Accidents

About half the time the cause of a big truck accident is, in fact, the negligence of the driver of the other car or motor vehicle involved in the collision.

However, too often, an accident is caused by brake, tire or manufacutring defects in the truck itself, such as:

Failed brakes
Improper tires for the weight of the truck
Worn tires causing a blow-out
Overloading the truck

Truck Driver Error

Most trucking accidents where the truck driver is at fault are caused simply by operator error. These include:

Driving under the influence of alchohol, prescription or over-the-counter drugs
Driving too fast for the conditions
Becoming distracted by something, including texting and driving
Driver fatigue
Misjudging the speed of other vehicles
Following vehicles too closely

If you, a family member or friend is seriously injured as a result of a big truck accident caused by the negligence of the driver, contact Tauber Law Office immediately. Do not ever agree to a quick settlement offered by the trucking company or its insurance provider before talking to us first.

We at Tauber have generations of experience in helping people fight the trucking companies in order to obtain fair compensation for their injuries and/or property loss.

In fact, just last year Tauber Law Offices reached a $5.9 million settlement against an Edinburgh, Indiana, trucking company whose driver was involved in a crash on Interstate 65 that seriously injured two women from Highland and Merrillville. We want you to enjoy your drive, but please be careful. Those big trucks are a lot bigger than you are.

The Tauber family is ready to help you today.