Evansville Legal Issues Blog

Oftentimes when Hoosiers are charged with a criminal offense, prosecutors rely on physical evidence to build their case. This evidence is typically gathered by police officers as part of a search and seizure. However, the police cannot just stop and search individuals and their residences at random, as the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution protects citizens from unlawful search and seizure.

So what makes a search and seizure lawful? In short, a police officer may only search an individual or property under three situations. First, an individual or property may be searched if a valid search warrant is obtained. Second, if the search is incident to arrest, then it is likely legal. Third, if an officer has probable cause to conduct a search, then he or she may have an argument indicating that the search was legal.

If you find yourself instinctively increasing your caution when you notice a commercial truck in the next lane, you have good instincts. Semi-trailer trucks present several unique dangers on the road. Knowing about them can help you stay safer.

The size and weight of a typical big rig can both contribute to causing an accident and aggravate any accident it becomes involved in. Size and mass make it harder for trucks to maneuver. Many make wide turns and can take up several lanes as they turn or merge. Their large mass also increases inertia, leading them to be slow to stop or speed up and making it more difficult for truck drivers to react to changing traffic conditions. Use heightened caution when dealing with poor visibility or icy roads. While these conditions increase risks for all drivers, a truck that goes out of control can wreak immense damage.

Last week on the blog we discussed a new technological device that detects whether a text message was sent or read in the moments leading up to a car accident. It may seem like a strange concept, but the truth of the matter is that distracted driving is far too common, most frequently taking the form of texting and driving. Motorists who choose to take their eyes off the road in order to engage their mobile devices put themselves and others at risk, as they may swerve into another lane, blow past a stop sign, or fail to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk. The saddest part of these wrecks is that they are completely preventable, which is what the textalyzer is trying to show.

People in Indiana rightfully expect to receive safe and effective medical care when they go to the doctor. After all, these medical professionals have years of education and on-the-job training, and most doctors have several years of experience tucked under their belt. Yet, no amount of education, training, or experience can fully prevent medical errors. Doctors and nurses work when they are tired and distracted, and sometimes they make mistakes that fall below the applicable standard of care. When this happens, a victim can be seriously injured or killed. Surviving family members of those lost in these incidences can pursue compensation via a wrongful death lawsuit, but they may be going up against a strong defense.