Pillar Law Group LLPPillar Law Group LLP2026-10-29T17:41:51Zhttps://www.pillarlgp.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1605444/2026/07/cropped-favicon-pillar512-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Pillar Law Group LLP<![CDATA[Why truck accident claims are more complex than car claims]]>https://www.pillarlgp.com/?p=492592026-10-29T17:37:09Z2026-10-29T17:37:09ZA collision with a semi can change your life in seconds. The injuries may be severe, and the claim that follows often looks very different from a typical fender bender. If you suffered injuries in a commercial truck crash in Indiana, you may face a longer and more detailed process than a car accident involves.
Identifying all parties who may share responsibility
In a car accident, you often deal with one other driver. Truck crashes can involve several parties and each one may have its own insurer and its own lawyers. Depending on the facts, responsibility could rest with:
The truck driver
The trucking company that hired the driver
A maintenance provider that repaired the truck
A cargo-loading company that packed the trailer
Finding out who may be responsible usually takes a careful investigation. That work can affect who may owe you compensation.
Preserving evidence before it disappears
Commercial trucks produce a large paper and data trail. Companies may not keep every record for long, so timing could matter. Helpful evidence may include:
Driver logs showing hours behind the wheel
Electronic data from the truck's onboard systems
Maintenance and inspection records
Police and accident reports
A lawyer can often send a preservation letter that asks the company to keep these items. That step may help protect information you could need later.
Applying federal and state trucking laws
Trucking companies must follow safety rules that passenger drivers do not face. For example, federal regulations limit how many hours a commercial driver may work before taking a break. If a driver or company broke those rules, the violation could play a role in your claim. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault , which bars recovery only if a claimant is found to be greater than 51% or more at fault.
Calculating the full cost of serious injuries
Because trucks are so large and heavy, crashes may cause broken bones, spinal injuries, head trauma and other life-changing harm. Medical bills, lost income and long-term care needs can add up fast. Therefore, you may feel pressure to accept an early settlement offer. Those offers may not reflect what your recovery could truly cost over time, so it may help to speak with a lawyer before you sign anything.
Using trial experience to strengthen your claim
Large trucking companies and their insurers often have teams ready to limit what they pay. Pillar Law Group LLP brings trial experience to these cases and stands up for injured people in Indiana. A firm that is willing to go to court may give you more leverage when talks with an insurer stall.
Take the next step with confidence
Every truck accident claim is different, and this information is general in nature. It is not legal advice. If you or someone you love was hurt, you might consider talking with an Indiana truck accident lawyer who can review your situation and explain your options.]]>On Behalf of Pillar Law Group LLP<![CDATA[What if the insurance company blames you for a car accident in Indiana?]]>https://www.pillarlgp.com/?p=492712026-10-29T17:35:12Z2026-10-29T17:35:12Zcomparative fault system. If an insurer determines you were 51% or more at fault, it owes you nothing. If your assigned fault falls below that threshold, your compensation drops by that same percentage.
3 adjuster practices that can affect your claim
When an insurer disputes fault, how you respond to their initial outreach can directly shape what you recover. Understanding these three common practices is a useful starting point:
Recorded statements: An adjuster may call shortly after the crash and ask you to describe what happened on the record. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. They may later use your casual comments or rough estimates to assign a higher percentage of fault to you.
Early settlement offers: Adjusters often send a settlement offer before you complete medical treatment. Accepting one closes your claim permanently, even if new injuries appear later.
Broad medical releases: Some adjusters include a medical authorization form in their initial paperwork. Signing it gives them access to your full health history, which they may use to argue your injuries existed before the crash.
An attorney can help protect your rights and your interests before any of these practices affect your injury claim.
Evidence that shapes the determination of fault
These cases often come down to evidence. To establish what actually happened, insurers and legal teams look at:
Police reports: Insurance adjusters review the responding officer's report early in the claims process. While the written report typically cannot be used as evidence in court, the officer can testify in person about what they observed at the scene, such as road conditions and where the vehicles came to rest.
Witness statements: Statements from uninvolved bystanders carry strong credibility because they have no stake in the outcome. They can break a deadlock when two drivers give conflicting accounts.
Photographs: Photos of vehicle damage, skid marks and road conditions create a factual record that is difficult to dismiss.
Dashcam and surveillance footage: Video captures vehicle movements and road positions in real time. Most businesses overwrite footage within seven to 30 days, so requesting it quickly matters.
If an insurer is blaming you for the crash, an attorney can investigate the accident and formally request that key evidence be preserved. They can also challenge a fault assignment that does not reflect the full picture. Indiana also enforces a two-year deadline to file a personal injury claim, and evidence can disappear well before that deadline arrives.
You have options beyond the adjuster's decision
An adjuster's fault determination is a starting point, not a final answer. If the evidence points to a different conclusion, you have the right to challenge it. Consider seeking legal guidance. Knowing your options is a practical first step toward understanding where your claim actually stands.]]>On Behalf of Pillar Law Group LLP<![CDATA[4 dangers of traumatic brain injuries after an Indiana car crash]]>https://www.pillarlgp.com/?p=488802026-10-01T14:47:30Z2026-10-01T14:47:30ZWhat is a traumatic brain injury?
A TBI happens when a forceful impact or sharp strike to the head interferes with how the brain operates. As an Indiana daily driver, you face this risk every time you get behind the wheel. TBIs can vary from minor head trauma to serious, long-term brain damage. No matter the level of severity, these injuries can affect your work, your relationships and your overall quality of life. Thus, knowing the specific dangers helps you catch warning signs early and seek care before things get worse.
Four TBI risks every Indiana driver should know
This is why understanding the types of TBI dangers is the first step toward protecting yourself after a crash. Here are four serious risks you should be aware of after a car accident in Indiana:
Brain bleeding and swelling: A violent crash can tear blood vessels in the brain, leading to dangerous blood clots or intense pressure inside the skull. For Indiana drivers, this can mean a sudden and life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Diffuse axonal injury (DAI): When a crash shakes your brain violently inside the skull, it tears nerve fibers and can cause prolonged comas or severe neurological damage. This type of injury can leave Indiana drivers unable to return to work or carry out basic daily tasks.
Cognitive deficits: A TBI can cause short-term memory loss, difficulty concentrating and trouble solving everyday problems. For Indiana drivers who rely on focus and quick thinking behind the wheel, these deficits can make daily life significantly harder.
Motor skill deficits: Depending on the part of the brain injured, you may face muscle weakness, poor coordination or even paralysis. Many TBI survivors require long-term physical or occupational therapy just to regain basic movement and independence.
These four risks show how deeply a TBI can disrupt your life after a crash. Knowing them is important, but knowing what to do next matters just as much.
Don’t ignore a headache after your crash
A TBI after a car crash can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to figure everything out on your own. Recovery takes time and understanding all of your options is a meaningful part of that process. If something does not feel right after a crash, trust that feeling and take the next step. The right guidance and support can make a real difference in your path forward.]]>On Behalf of Pillar Law Group LLP<![CDATA[What are the three standardized field sobriety tests in Indiana?]]>https://www.pillarlgp.com/?p=490732026-10-01T14:47:15Z2026-10-01T14:47:15ZHow does the horizontal gaze nystagmus test work?
The horizontal gaze nystagmus test is often the first field sobriety test officers administer. During this test, the officer asks you to follow the movements of a small object with your eyes. You must also keep your head still. The officer watches for involuntary jerking movements in your eyes, which can indicate impairment.
When a person consumes alcohol, their eyes may exhibit nystagmus or jerking movements at certain angles. The officer looks for three specific clues in each eye:
Whether your eye can follow a moving object smoothly
Whether jerking is distinct when your eye moves to the side
Whether your eye starts to jerk before it reaches a 45-degree angle
These observations help officers evaluate possible signs of impairment. They form one part of the overall field sobriety assessment.
What happens during the walk-and-turn test?
The walk-and-turn test asks you to take nine steps that are heel-to-toe in a straight line. Then you turn around and walk back the same way. The officer provides instructions and demonstrates the test before asking you to perform it. During this test, keep your arms at your sides and count each of your steps aloud.
This test evaluates your ability to follow directions and maintain balance simultaneously. Officers look for numerous indicators of impairment, which generally include:
Starting early before the instructions finish
Losing your balance
Stepping off the line
Using your arms for balance
Taking the wrong number of steps
Turning incorrectly
Officers consider these actions when assessing overall performance. Even small mistakes may be noted during the evaluation.
What does the one-leg stand test measure?
The one-leg stand test asks you to stand on one foot about six inches off the ground. You then count out loud for 30 seconds. You must keep your arms at your sides and watch your elevated foot during the test. This test checks your balance and your ability to follow instructions while moving. Officers typically watch for four specific indicators:
Swaying while balancing
Using your arms for balance
Jumping to help you keep your balance
Putting your foot down before the 30-second mark ends
These behaviors may show poor balance or trouble focusing. Officers document their observations as part of the investigation.
Understanding your options during a traffic stop
Knowing the three field sobriety tests can help you handle a traffic stop with more knowledge and confidence. By knowing what officers look for during each assessment, you can gain a clearer understanding of how impairment evaluations work. This way, you can put yourself in a position to make safer, more informed decisions in case the police pull you over.]]>On Behalf of Pillar Law Group LLP<![CDATA[Can police search your home without your consent?]]>https://www.pillarlgp.com/?p=492002026-10-01T14:46:17Z2026-10-01T14:46:17ZSearch warrant requirements and limits
A valid search warrant gives officers authority to enter without your permission. To obtain one, police must show a judge probable cause, and the warrant must identify the place to be searched and the items sought.
Officers must stay within those limits. For example, a warrant to look for a large item does not justify searching a drawer too small to hold it. If the warrant has a defect or officers exceed its scope, you can ask the court to exclude the evidence, though exclusion is not automatic.
Emergencies permitting entry
A genuine emergency can justify entry even after you refuse consent. Courts call these exigent circumstances, and examples include:
A suspect flees into the home while officers are actively pursuing them.
The possibility that a home contains evidence, on its own, does not create an emergency. Officers need a concrete reason to enter immediately; without one, the entry is open to challenge.
Consent from another occupant
Another adult who shares your home can consent to a search of areas you both use, such as the living room. But if you are present and clearly object, that person’s permission alone generally does not authorize entry.
Police may rely on someone who reasonably appears to share control of an area. That authority does not automatically extend to a container or belongings kept for your private use.
Indiana adds another protection when police ask someone in custody to consent to a home search. Officers must first advise that person of the right to counsel’s presence and advice. Without that warning, the consent is open to challenge.
Challenges to seized evidence
When police seize evidence from your home, an attorney first examines the basis for entry. If officers had a warrant, counsel reviews its supporting affidavit and compares what they searched with what it authorized.
Without a warrant, the focus shifts to the exception officers relied on. An emergency that permits entry, for example, does not give them permission to search the entire home.
A pretrial motion to suppress lets counsel identify the disputed items and explain why the court should exclude them. Indiana law also requires a timely trial objection to preserve the challenge for appeal.]]>On Behalf of Pillar Law Group LLP<![CDATA[What is Indiana’s implied consent law and why is it important?]]>https://www.pillarlgp.com/?p=492012026-10-01T14:46:46Z2026-07-15T13:54:32ZHow does Indiana's implied consent law work?
When you drive in Indiana, you automatically agree to take a chemical test if law enforcement believes you are intoxicated. These tests may include your breath, blood or urine. They measure your blood alcohol concentration or check for controlled substances.
Indiana's implied consent law applies whether you drive on a highway, a neighborhood street or in a parking lot. If an officer has probable cause to believe you are intoxicated, the officer can ask you to submit to testing. Under state law, licensed drivers have already agreed to testing in these situations.
Implied consent exists to discourage impaired driving and improve road safety. Although the law places responsibilities on drivers, it also protects the public from drunk driving.
What happens if you refuse testing?
Refusing a chemical test can lead to serious consequences in Indiana. The state automatically suspends your standard driver's license even without an OWI conviction, though you may still be eligible to petition a court for specialized driving privileges if you install an ignition interlock device.
Your first refusal results in a one-year license suspension. However, if you have a prior conviction for OWI, a subsequent refusal will result in a two-year suspension.
Additionally, your refusal can be used against you. In court, prosecutors may argue that you declined chemical tests because you expected to fail. This argument can make your case harder to defend at trial.
Why understanding implied consent matters
Indiana's implied consent law affects every licensed driver. Knowing how it works allows you to make more informed decisions before or during a traffic stop. Understanding the rules and the consequences of refusing a chemical test can help you protect your driving privileges and know what to expect during an OWI investigation.
]]>On Behalf of Pillar Law Group LLP<![CDATA[4 dangers of traumatic brain injuries after an Indiana car crash]]>https://www.pillarlgp.com/?p=492022026-09-29T10:57:08Z2026-07-10T13:53:42ZWhat is a traumatic brain injury?
A TBI happens when a forceful impact or sharp strike to the head interferes with how the brain operates. As an Indiana daily driver, you face this risk every time you get behind the wheel. TBIs can vary from minor head trauma to serious, long-term brain damage. No matter the level of severity, these injuries can affect your work, your relationships and your overall quality of life. Thus, knowing the specific dangers helps you catch warning signs early and seek care before things get worse.
Four TBI risks every Indiana driver should know
This is why understanding the types of TBI dangers is the first step toward protecting yourself after a crash. Here are four serious risks you should be aware of after a car accident in Indiana:
Brain bleeding and swelling: A violent crash can tear blood vessels in the brain, leading to dangerous blood clots or intense pressure inside the skull. For Indiana drivers, this can mean a sudden and life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Diffuse axonal injury (DAI): When a crash shakes your brain violently inside the skull, it tears nerve fibers and can cause prolonged comas or severe neurological damage. This type of injury can leave Indiana drivers unable to return to work or carry out basic daily tasks.
Cognitive deficits: A TBI can cause short-term memory loss, difficulty concentrating and trouble solving everyday problems. For Indiana drivers who rely on focus and quick thinking behind the wheel, these deficits can make daily life significantly harder.
Motor skill deficits: Depending on the part of the brain injured, you may face muscle weakness, poor coordination or even paralysis. Many TBI survivors require long-term physical or occupational therapy just to regain basic movement and independence.
These four risks show how deeply a TBI can disrupt your life after a crash. Knowing them is important, but knowing what to do next matters just as much.
Don’t ignore a headache after your crash
A TBI after a car crash can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to figure everything out on your own. Recovery takes time and understanding all of your options is a meaningful part of that process. If something does not feel right after a crash, trust that feeling and take the next step. The right guidance and support can make a real difference in your path forward.]]>On Behalf of Pillar Law Group LLP<![CDATA[Can you get an Indiana OWI for sleeping alcohol off in your car?]]>https://www.pillarlgp.com/?p=492032026-09-29T10:59:04Z2026-07-10T13:03:44ZHow Indiana defines operating a vehicle
Indiana law does not require you to be driving to face an OWI charge. If you have the ability to control a vehicle, police may consider you to be operating it. This definition is broader than most people realize and it carries significant legal implications. In fact, even sitting in a parked car with easy access to your keys can qualify as operating under certain circumstances. Because of this, knowing exactly which factors officers evaluate can make a real difference.
Four factors officers consider
Knowing what officers look for can help you make smarter decisions. When an officer approaches your vehicle, they typically assess these four factors:
Engine status: Running the engine, even just for heat or AC, can raise concerns.
Key location: Keys in the ignition or within easy reach suggest you are in control of the vehicle.
Your position: Sitting in the driver's seat is riskier than resting in the back seat.
Vehicle location: Parking on a highway shoulder draws more scrutiny than stopping in a private parking lot.
No single factor guarantees an OWI charge, but each one carries weight in an officer's assessment. With that in mind, there are practical steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Simple steps to reduce your risk
The safest option is always to call a sober friend or use a rideshare app. If you must stay in your car, move to the back seat, turn the engine off and place your keys in the trunk or outside the vehicle. These measures can reduce the likelihood that an officer interprets your situation as operating a vehicle. Even so, taking precautions is only part of the picture. Knowing your rights under Indiana law is equally important.
Stay protected on Indiana roads
Indiana's OWI laws can be complex and the details matter. The most valuable thing you can do is familiarize yourself with your rights before a situation ever arises. This is why understanding the law puts you in a stronger position since no one should have to face an unexpected legal situation without the right knowledge on their side.]]>On Behalf of Pillar Law Group LLP<![CDATA[What are the three standardized field sobriety tests in Indiana?]]>https://www.pillarlgp.com/?p=492042026-06-19T10:32:21Z2026-06-19T10:32:21ZHow does the horizontal gaze nystagmus test work?
The horizontal gaze nystagmus test is often the first field sobriety test officers administer. During this test, the officer asks you to follow the movements of a small object with your eyes. You must also keep your head still. The officer watches for involuntary jerking movements in your eyes, which can indicate impairment.
When a person consumes alcohol, their eyes may exhibit nystagmus or jerking movements at certain angles. The officer looks for three specific clues in each eye:
Whether your eye can follow a moving object smoothly
Whether jerking is distinct when your eye moves to the side
Whether your eye starts to jerk before it reaches a 45-degree angle
These observations help officers evaluate possible signs of impairment. They form one part of the overall field sobriety assessment.
What happens during the walk-and-turn test?
The walk-and-turn test asks you to take nine steps that are heel-to-toe in a straight line. Then you turn around and walk back the same way. The officer provides instructions and demonstrates the test before asking you to perform it. During this test, keep your arms at your sides and count each of your steps aloud.
This test evaluates your ability to follow directions and maintain balance simultaneously. Officers look for numerous indicators of impairment, which generally include:
Starting early before the instructions finish
Losing your balance
Stepping off the line
Using your arms for balance
Taking the wrong number of steps
Turning incorrectly
Officers consider these actions when assessing overall performance. Even small mistakes may be noted during the evaluation.
What does the one-leg stand test measure?
The one-leg stand test asks you to stand on one foot about six inches off the ground. You then count out loud for 30 seconds. You must keep your arms at your sides and watch your elevated foot during the test. This test checks your balance and your ability to follow instructions while moving. Officers typically watch for four specific indicators:
Swaying while balancing
Using your arms for balance
Jumping to help you keep your balance
Putting your foot down before the 30-second mark ends
These behaviors may show poor balance or trouble focusing. Officers document their observations as part of the investigation.
Understanding your options during a traffic stop
Knowing the three field sobriety tests can help you handle a traffic stop with more knowledge and confidence. By knowing what officers look for during each assessment, you can gain a clearer understanding of how impairment evaluations work. This way, you can put yourself in a position to make safer, more informed decisions in case the police pull you over.]]>On Behalf of Pillar Law Group LLP<![CDATA[From Parent to Bystander? How POA Keeps You Involved After 18]]>https://www.pillarlgp.com/?p=488532025-07-29T04:12:21Z2025-07-29T04:08:38ZThe thought of your 18-year-old, newly minted, high school graduate sitting down with an attorney to make an estate plan may seem a little strange. After all, they have no assets to divide and no spouse or children to provide for.
However, as a young adult heading out into an unpredictable and sometimes dangerous world, there are two vital “estate planning documents” that young adults should have in place before heading to college, or wherever life may take them.
1. Medical Power of Attorney
In the State of Indiana, eighteen is a significant age in which children become adults. That means that on their eighteenth birthday your child has control over their own medical decisions, and as their parent, you lose access to their protected medical information. As a parent sending your child off to college, a medical emergency involving your child is your worst nightmare. While unlikely, appendicitis and car accidents can happen. If an emergency arises, the best way to step-in, gather information, and help make medical decisions for your child is for them to execute a Medical Power of Attorney when they turn eighteen.
2. Financial Power of Attorney – sometimes referred to as a Durable or General Power of Attorney.
Along the same lines, having the financial assistance of a parent can be very helpful to our kids as they launch into adulthood. A Financial Power of Attorney, if execute correctly, can do just that. There are many financial decisions that are thrust upon young adults when they turn eighteen. Whether buying a car, applying for a credit card, enrolling in college, or signing a lease, there may be instances when a young adult needs their parent to communicate directly with a third party on the child’s behalf. Emergency situations can also necessitate a parent stepping in to handle a child’s financial affairs. Keep in mind that a parent must always act in the child’s best interest and should never exceed the power given in the document.
If your child desires to execute either of these documents, they need to be the one in control of the process. They will be the “client” in the attorney-client relationship, and they should make the decision as to who their “agents” in both documents will be. You should never attempt to force or coerce your child (or anyone else) into signing Powers of Attorney – it must be a decision they make on their own accord with a full understanding of the power these documents convey. If you child does decide they would like to execute Powers of Attorney, please contact our office for a consultation.]]>