Grant & GrantGrant & Grant2026-06-03T16:18:50Zhttps://www.grantandgrant.net/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1503380/2022/12/cropped-Grant-Site-Icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Grant & Grant<![CDATA[How long does it take to get compensation for a car accident?]]>https://www.grantandgrant.net/?p=473282026-06-03T16:18:50Z2026-06-03T16:18:50Z car accident can leave you dealing with more than just injuries and the need to replace a vehicle. It can cause serious financial strain. Anyone who is in a crash and believes the other driver’s negligent or reckless actions caused the crash may wonder when they will get funds to help cover the costs that result from the accident. The answer can range from a few weeks to well over a year, depending on the facts of the case and the cooperation of the parties involved. While there is no universal schedule, understanding the common stages and the factors that slow or speed the process can help you set realistic expectations.
The typical timeline for a car accident claim
Most claims follow a predictable path. Some steps move quickly, while others depend on medical progress and negotiations. In general, you can expect these milestones.
Initial investigation and reporting (days to weeks): It is helpful to gather police reports, photos, witness statements and insurance notifications. Delays can occur if reports are not immediately available.
Medical treatment and documentation (weeks to months): It is generally wise to value the claim when your condition stabilizes. It can take weeks or longer to understand the impact of a condition like a traumatic brain injury. Settling too early can result in inadequate compensation.
Demand package and negotiations (weeks to months): You can submit a demand when you have a better understanding of the true damages. Negotiations may resolve quickly or require multiple rounds.
Settlement payment or litigation (weeks to years): After a signed settlement, payment is generally made within weeks. If a lawsuit is necessary, the timeline expands due to discovery, motions and court scheduling.
These steps explain why straightforward cases can resolve in a few months, while cases involving disputed liability or extensive treatment can take much longer.
What affects how fast you get paid
Several variables can impact when you will get the agreed upon compensation. The more complexity involved, such as disputes over liability or the presence of serious injuries, the longer it usually takes to reach a fair result. Knowing these factors can help to prioritize documentation and timing, especially when medical recovery is still unfolding.]]>On Behalf of Grant & Grant<![CDATA[Who gets the dog? Pet estate planning in Indiana]]>https://www.grantandgrant.net/?p=473242026-06-03T13:43:21Z2026-06-03T13:43:21ZA legal safety net for your animals
Indiana laws recognize a specific trust for care of animal to solve this problem. Unlike a simple will, a pet trust creates a legally binding set of instructions for a pet’s care, including appointing a trusted person to enforce it. The money you set aside in this type of trust is used specifically for the animal's needs. This legal arrangement continues until the last animal covered by the trust passes away.
Why a trust beats a verbal promise
Relying on a friend's promise to take in your pet can be risky because circumstances change. A formal trust offers several distinct advantages over informal agreements or standard Wills:
Immediate care: Trusts can take effect the moment you are unable to care for your pet, skipping the long delays of the probate process.
Detailed standards: You can specify everything from preferred food brands and veterinary clinics to daily exercise routines.
Financial oversight: A trustee manages the funds to ensure the caregiver uses the money as you intended.
These provisions help prevent family disputes and reduce the risk of your pet ending up in a crowded shelter. By formalizing these details, you provide clarity for your loved ones during a difficult time.
Setting the stage for a smooth transition
Setting up a pet trust can provide a roadmap for a pet’s happiness. When you name a dedicated caregiver and provide the necessary resources, you give your pet a stable environment during an already stressful time. A thoughtful estate plan ensures that every member of your household is protected, regardless of how many legs they have.]]>On Behalf of Grant & Grant<![CDATA[3 reasons to update your estate plan after the end of a marriage]]>https://www.grantandgrant.net/?p=473252026-06-03T13:37:46Z2026-06-03T13:37:46ZThe end of a marriage often brings major changes to daily life. Along with adjusting to new routines, financial responsibilities and family relationships, many people also need to review important legal documents. Estate planning may not seem like a priority during or after a divorce. However, an outdated plan can create confusion and problems later.
In Indiana, divorce can affect certain estate planning documents. Still, not every issue resolves automatically. Reviewing and updating an estate plan can help ensure that it reflects current wishes and protects the people who matter most.
1. Beneficiary designations may no longer match your wishes
Many financial accounts pass directly to named beneficiaries. These assets may include retirement accounts, life insurance policies and payable-on-death bank accounts.While Indiana law may automatically revoke some beneficiary designations after a divorce, that does not apply in every situation. Certain accounts may follow different rules, and federal law can override state rules for some employer retirement plans. Outdated paperwork can also create delays when funds are distributed.
2. Decision-making authority may need to change
Estate plans often include documents that give someone authority to make financial or health care decisions if a person becomes unable to act on their own. Many married people name their spouse for these roles.After a divorce, a person may want a different trusted individual in that role. Updating powers of attorney and health care directives can help prevent uncertainty during an emergency. It can also reduce the risk of disputes among family members about who should make important decisions.
3. Family circumstances may look very different
A divorce often changes long-term financial goals and family priorities. Parents may want to revisit guardianship nominations, trust provisions or inheritance plans involving children.Some people also need to address new property arrangements, support obligations or blended family concerns. An estate plan should reflect current circumstances rather than assumptions made during an earlier stage of life. Regular updates can help keep the plan in line with changing needs and priorities.A divorce can affect many parts of an estate plan. That makes a careful review an important step after the marriage ends.
Taking steps toward a fresh start
Updating an estate plan involves more than changing names on documents. It gives people a chance to create a plan that reflects their current and future goals, relationships and responsibilities. For guidance based on a specific situation, consider speaking with an experienced Indiana estate planning attorney.
]]>On Behalf of Grant & Grant<![CDATA[5 mistakes MVA victims often make that hurt their claims]]>https://www.grantandgrant.net/?p=473192025-11-10T15:38:31Z2025-11-10T15:38:31ZA serious car accident can change your life and daily routine. The shock, physical pain and uncertainty about your health often combine with the pressure of medical bills, insurance questions and legal paperwork. In these overwhelming moments, even well-meaning actions can create long-term consequences. Understanding the most common mistakes can help you safeguard your rights and strengthen your recovery process. Here are five missteps to avoid after a car accident.
1. Delaying medical attention
Some victims postpone medical care, hoping their pain will fade or assuming treatment can wait. Unfortunately, delaying an exam can not only worsen your injuries but also weaken your case. Prompt medical attention establishes a clear link between the accident and your condition, supporting both your health and your claim.
2. Admitting fault at the scene
After a crash, many people instinctively apologize or try to explain what happened. Even casual remarks, however, can be misunderstood as accepting responsibility. It is best to stay calm, avoid speculation and allow law enforcement and insurance investigators to determine fault based on evidence.
3. Failing to gather evidence
Evidence collected at the scene can play a decisive role in the outcome of your claim. Photographs, witness details and police reports help confirm what happened and who is responsible. Without this documentation, insurers may challenge your account or minimize the extent of your losses.
4. Accepting an early settlement
Insurers often make quick settlement offers before the full impact of an injury is known. What seems fair at first may not cover future medical needs, lost income or rehabilitation costs. Once a settlement is accepted, you generally cannot pursue further compensation, so it is important to evaluate all long-term effects before agreeing.
5. Managing the process alone
Handling a personal injury claim without legal support can be overwhelming. Insurance companies have experienced teams protecting their interests; you deserve the same. An attorney can help you navigate deadlines, build a strong case and negotiate for a fair result.Avoiding these common mistakes can greatly influence both your recovery and the outcome of your claim.
Protecting your rights after a car accident
Recovering from a motor vehicle accident is rarely straightforward. In Indiana, an experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the process, communicate with insurers and safeguard your rights every step of the way. If you have been injured, seeking legal advice early can help you make informed decisions and focus on healing.
]]>On Behalf of Grant & Grant<![CDATA[How can new car tech reduce the risk of side-impact collisions?]]>https://www.grantandgrant.net/?p=473172025-09-26T15:24:24Z2025-09-26T15:24:24ZSide-impact collisions, often called T-bone crashes, can cause serious harm because the sides of vehicles offer less protection than the front or rear. Recent advances in automotive technology aim to lower these risks by giving drivers more awareness and even intervening before impact occurs.
Blind spot warning and intervention
Blind spot warning systems use sensors or cameras to detect vehicles that may not be visible in side mirrors. If a driver begins to change lanes while another vehicle is in the blind spot, the system issues an alert. Some models go further with blind spot intervention, which can apply light braking or steering corrections to guide the vehicle back into its lane, helping prevent a potential collision.
Lane keeping and lane centering assistance
Drifting out of a lane can put a vehicle directly in the path of a side-impact crash. Lane departure warnings alert drivers when the vehicle starts to cross lane markings unintentionally. Lane keeping and lane centering assistance take this a step further by gently steering the vehicle back into the proper position. These systems work best on highways, where unintentional lane changes pose a major safety risk.
Side airbag and curtain airbag protection
Even when a collision cannot be avoided, new airbag designs help reduce injuries. Side airbags, located in doors or seats, protect the torso, while curtain airbags deploy from above windows to protect the head. Studies have shown that side airbags lower the risk of death in driver-side crashes by over 30%, as reported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. These technologies help cushion the impact and reduce contact with hard surfaces.
Moving forward with safer roads
Automotive safety continues to evolve, with each new innovation aimed at reducing preventable crashes and injuries. As more vehicles include advanced driver assistance systems, combined with proven protections like airbags, drivers and passengers stand to benefit from greater peace of mind on the road.]]>On Behalf of Grant & Grant<![CDATA[Should you update your estate plan after a child turns 18?]]>https://www.grantandgrant.net/?p=473162025-08-28T15:52:56Z2025-08-28T15:52:56ZAs your child transitions into adulthood at age 18, it's important to reassess your estate plan. The shift in legal and financial responsibilities that comes with adulthood can significantly alter how your estate plan functions. Here’s a closer look at what needs updating.
Legal rights and responsibilities
When your child turns 18, they gain full legal rights and responsibilities, including the ability to make their own medical and financial decisions. If your estate plan includes provisions such as powers of attorney or healthcare directives for your child, you may need to update them. Prior to this age, you could make medical or financial decisions for them, but now they are legally entitled to handle those matters themselves. It’s essential to revise your plan to reflect this newfound autonomy.
Financial considerations for an adult child
At 18, your child becomes eligible to inherit assets and take control of their finances. If your estate plan was set up with the assumption that your child was a minor, you may need to adjust it. You might want to ensure that your child can manage their inheritance responsibly, whether by granting them full access to assets or by setting specific guidelines for managing the funds. Trusts are often used for this purpose, helping to protect the inheritance until the child matures.
Healthcare decisions and privacy
Once your child reaches 18, they are no longer considered a dependent for purposes of health insurance in many cases. Additionally, medical privacy laws, such as HIPAA, grant them privacy regarding their health information. If you wish to maintain the ability to make healthcare decisions on their behalf in case of an emergency, you may need to revise your healthcare directives or establish a durable power of attorney for healthcare. This ensures that you remain involved in their medical care should the need arise.Adjusting your estate plan to reflect your child’s adulthood ensures that your intentions are carried out effectively, while also addressing new legal and financial considerations.]]>On Behalf of Grant & Grant<![CDATA[Has the Clock Run Out on My Subrogation Claim?]]>https://www.grantandgrant.net/?p=473142025-08-27T12:06:08Z2025-08-27T12:06:08ZUnderstanding the difference between a statute of limitation and a statute of repose is often crucial in determining whether an insurance carrier has a viable property subrogation claim. It is key to know if a claim is time barred before incurring the time and expense to retain experts and investigate a large property loss claim.
The interplay between the statute of limitations and statute of repose can often be complicated, and it is important to consult subrogation counsel as issues in this area arise. However, we hope this article will provide some understanding of the issues as it relates to both product liability and construction losses.
Statute of Limitations
Provides the time limit or deadline for which a Plaintiff can file a lawsuit for recovery. A statute of limitation begins to run from the date of the loss. Example:Ind. Code § 34-20-3 (Indiana Product Liability Act): Plaintiffs must bring claims within two years after the action accrues—after an injury or property damage occurs. If more than two years runs from the date of the injury or property damage, a lawsuit CANNOT be filed for recovery.
Statute of Repose
A specific time period that limits a party’s exposure to liability based on the age of the product or construction project. The statute of repose for a product begins to run on the date that the product was put into the market. For a construction defect or negligence claim, the statute of repose begins to run when the work is substantially completed. If the loss does not occur within the statute of repose period, then all claims are barred against a manufacturer or contractor. Examples:Ind. Code § 34-20-3-1 (Product Liability): “…a product liability action must be commenced…within ten (10) years after the delivery of the product to the initial user or consumer.” Indiana Code § 32-30-1-5 (Construction Claim): “…an action to recover damages…for a deficiency…in the design, planning, supervision, construction, or observation of construction of an improvement to real property…may not be brought against a designer or possessor unless the action is commenced within the earlier of ten (10) years after the date of substantial completion.”
How Do the Statute of Limitations and Statute of Repose Interact?
Bottom Line: If your loss occurs within the statute of repose, then you still have the full amount of time provided in the statute of limitations to file a subrogation lawsuit. Product Liability: “…if the cause of action accrues at least eight (8) years but less than ten (10) years after that initial delivery, the action may be commenced at any time within two (2) years after the cause of action accrues.” IC 34-20-3-1(2) Construction Defect Claim: “If an injury to or wrongful death of a person occurs during the ninth or tenth year after substantial completion of an improvement to real property, an action in tort to recover damages for the injury or wrongful death may be brought within two (2) years after the date on which the injury occurred…. however, an action may not be brought more than…twelve (12) years after the substantial completion of construction of the improvement.” IC 32-30-1-5 (d)(3)Be aware—not all statute of repose issues are clear-cut: Consider a product that has repairs and alterations in the ninth year; then three years later it fails due to a defect related to its original design that was incorporated in the repairs. Is the claim barred by the statute of repose? In a situation like this, relying on experienced subrogation counsel will be crucial to evaluating any likelihood of recovery. If you have additional questions regarding this article or any recovery issues, please do not hesitate to contact one of our Subrogation Attorneys.]]>On Behalf of Grant & Grant<![CDATA[How can you avoid rear-end collisions in heavy Indiana traffic?]]>https://www.grantandgrant.net/?p=473132025-08-04T18:04:27Z2025-08-04T18:04:27ZNavigating Indiana’s congested roadways during peak hours can test even the most patient drivers. Rear-end collisions remain among the most frequent—and preventable—traffic accidents. Employing proactive driving techniques can significantly reduce your risk, even in stop-and-go conditions.
Maintain an appropriate following distance
Following too closely behind another vehicle is a primary cause of rear-end collisions. Aim to maintain a minimum three-second buffer between your vehicle and the one ahead. This cushion should increase in adverse weather or low-visibility conditions. Anticipate changes in traffic flow by watching several cars ahead, particularly near intersections, ramps, or construction zones.
Eliminate in-vehicle distractions
Using a cellphone, adjusting the GPS, or eating while driving diverts attention from the road. In dense traffic, conditions shift rapidly, leaving little room for error. Stay focused by keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the environment. Resist the urge to multitask—even momentary distractions can result in a collision.
Use smooth braking and early signaling
Abrupt maneuvers confuse other drivers and increase the likelihood of a crash. Begin decelerating well before reaching a full stop, and lightly tap your brakes to alert drivers behind you. When changing lanes or turning, use your turn signal in advance to communicate your intentions clearly. Predictable driving behavior promotes safer conditions for everyone.
Adjust to the flow of congested traffic
In heavy traffic, patterns of sudden stops and surges are common. Observe the movement of multiple vehicles ahead rather than focusing solely on the car directly in front of you. Keep your foot positioned over the brake pedal and avoid aggressive acceleration. These practices help you adapt quickly and reduce the risk of a chain-reaction crash.Rear-end accidents often stem from inattention and inadequate spacing. By staying vigilant and making deliberate choices, you enhance your safety and contribute to smoother traffic flow throughout Indiana’s high-traffic corridors.]]>On Behalf of Grant & Grant<![CDATA[Can a deed help solidify an estate plan for a home?]]>https://www.grantandgrant.net/?p=473032025-06-29T23:50:11Z2025-06-29T23:50:11ZDeeds can protect co-tenants
Perhaps an aging adult lives with their adult child who acts as their caregiver. They may intend to leave that home to their child after they die. Maybe they cohabitate with a spouse or another romantic partner who plans to remain in the home after they pass.
By executing a deed to add a co-tenant to the title of the property, testators establishing estate plans can help ensure that the person living with them directly inherits their share of the property after their passing. If people hold titles to their homes as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, whoever outlives the other inherits the deceased individual’s interest in the property without the home passing through probate court.
Deeds can allow for rapid transfer
In scenarios where people do not want to share ownership while they are alive or where their beneficiaries do not live with them, deeds can still be powerful estate planning tools. While not every state allows homeowners to execute transfer-on-death deeds to keep their homes out of probate court after their passing, Indiana recognizes these legal instruments.
The owner of real property can execute a deed during the estate planning process that their loved ones can record after their death. A transfer-on-death deed allows for a selected beneficiary to promptly assume control of real property without the delays inherent in probate proceedings. Transfer-on-death deeds can help protect a property from sitting vacant and can prevent probate disputes over who inherits the house.
Taking appropriate steps to address valuable assets is critical for those who want to leave a meaningful legacy. Homeowners may need to consider utilizing creative estate planning solutions to transfer their equity to specific beneficiaries after they die.]]>On Behalf of Grant & Grant<![CDATA[Why divorce is an ideal time to update an estate plan]]>https://www.grantandgrant.net/?p=473022025-06-06T14:25:45Z2025-06-06T14:25:45ZDivorced people may need more support
An individual's marital status influences everything from the distribution of property after their death to the type of support that they have in an emergency scenario. People who may have previously relied on their spouses for assistance and advocacy in an emergency scenario may need to draft completely new documents.
They may need an advance directive explaining their personal medical preferences and medical powers of attorney naming someone they trust to act as their agent. They may also require financial powers of attorney in case they ever experience protracted incapacitation that prevents them from paying their bills on time.
Divorced adults do not have the same protection and support as married individuals in a personal emergency. They need to plan in advance in case something unexpected happens.
Achieving a specific legacy may require more effort
Obviously, after divorce, the person who recently divorced likely needs to remove their spouse from their will and other estate planning documents. They do not want their property to become the property of a former spouse if they die. They may also need to file new beneficiary designations with financial institutions and life insurance companies.
They may also need to consider strategies to preserve inherited property for their children. Unless the divorce occurs later in life, there could be reason to worry about children not receiving the inheritance intended for them.
Even if a divorced parent removes their spouse as a beneficiary, their former spouse could have control over their property if they die while their children are still minors. Those hoping to preserve resources for their children in a tragic situation may need to establish a trust.
Divorce is one of several situations that can inspire people to create estate plans and may make it necessary to significantly revise existing documents. Ensuring that personal paperwork reflects current circumstances can provide people with protection and peace of mind regardless of how their circumstances change.]]>