Miller Sachs & Hess, PCSt. John Family Law Attorney | Northwest Indiana Personal Injury Law2026-05-25T19:24:10Zhttps://www.sachsandhess.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1102837/2026/05/cropped-msh-fav-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Miller Sachs & Hess, PC<![CDATA[Covering costs if a semi-truck crash causes a spinal cord injury]]>https://www.sachsandhess.com/?p=504502026-05-25T19:24:10Z2026-05-25T19:24:10ZEven commercial insurance may be inadequate
Spinal cord injuries are notorious for generating massive lifetime expenses. Trauma care, rehabilitative services, ongoing physical therapy and medical technology all contribute to total care expenses. The functional limitations produced by a spinal cord injury can also cause a lifetime reduction in earning potential.
Commercial transportation companies generally need to carry far more insurance than passenger vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires a minimum liability coverage amount of $750,000 for any commercial truck that weighs 10,001 pounds or more.
Many carriers elect to increase their coverage, but even large policies may not fully offset the total cost of a spinal cord injury. People must consider not just their existing medical expenses but also their lifetime care costs.
They also need to consider the lost wages they don't earn, the cost of modifying a vehicle for safe transportation and the expenses associated with making a house accessible. All of that could easily add up to a seven-figure lifetime price tag.
In such cases, a personal injury lawsuit might be necessary, as insurance alone isn't sufficient for all of the losses produced by the spinal cord injury. Drivers may be liable if they are independent contractors or owner-operators. Transportation companies often have liability as employers after drivers cause commercial vehicle crashes. There may even be outside parties that are partially liable for the crash.
Reviewing what caused a semi-truck collision, and the likely impacts of the spinal cord injury it produced, with a skilled legal team can help injured parties understand different options for pursuing compensation. Successful insurance claims and civil litigation can help defray the expenses produced by a commercial truck crash.]]>On Behalf of Miller Sachs & Hess, PC<![CDATA[What a “gap in treatment” mistake means in your injury claim]]>https://www.sachsandhess.com/?p=504482026-05-25T09:35:48Z2026-05-25T09:35:48ZThe insurance trap you should avoid
Days after the accident, you decide to visit the doctor because you have started feeling pain. They tell you that you have a serious injury. You may think that just because you have insurance coverage, it will cover your medical expenses.
However, if an adjuster sees a delay between your accident and medical evaluation, they will use it as leverage. Adjusters routinely argue that if you were truly injured, you would have sought immediate care. They may claim a pre-existing condition caused your injury, or perhaps a completely unrelated incident that happened after your crash.
What you must immediately do after an accident
To avoid a denied claim, here are steps you can take:
Visit a nearby hospital for immediate medical care.
Share what you felt during the collision to give your treating physician more context on your injury.
Seek copies of your medical records, including laboratory tests, doctor’s notes and hospital billings.
In Indiana, the courts hold injured victims to take reasonable steps to minimize the financial and physical harm caused by the accident. If an insurer successfully argues that your delay aggravated your injuries, a judge can reduce your compensation under the modified comparative fault rule.
Protect your health and rights with legal help
Navigating insurance tactics while trying to heal is exhausting. Seeking legal counsel from an experienced personal injury attorney is wise. They can review your case and provide insights on the options available to you.]]>On Behalf of Miller Sachs & Hess, PC<![CDATA[Rights of rideshare passengers when vehicles crash]]>https://www.sachsandhess.com/?p=504452026-05-21T14:59:28Z2026-05-21T14:59:28ZAccidents involving rideshare vehicles can leave passengers confused about their legal rights and who is responsible for covering their injuries and losses. Thankfully, passengers generally have the right to pursue compensation regardless of which driver caused the collision at issue. Whether a rideshare driver caused an accident, another motorist was responsible or multiple vehicles contributed to the crash in question, injured passengers may still be able to take advantage of legal avenues for compensation.
In many cases, passengers may file claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident while actively transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance coverage may also apply. Both Uber and Lyft maintain significant liability policies for drivers who are logged into the app and engaged in rideshare activity. These policies may provide compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other accident-related damages.Passengers are rarely blamed for contributing to a rideshare crash. Unlike drivers, passengers generally have no control over vehicle operation, traffic decisions or roadway conduct. This often strengthens injury claims because insurance companies typically cannot argue that the injured passenger caused the collision. As a result, passengers may have stronger legal positions when seeking compensation for their injuries and financial losses than they would have had they been driving at the time of a crash.
It can take professional help to untangle the insurance
Rideshare accidents can still become legally complicated, however. Insurance coverage availability may depend on whether the rideshare driver at issue was waiting for a ride request, traveling to pick up a passenger or actively transporting someone at the time of the crash. Multiple insurance companies may become involved, and each may attempt to shift responsibility to another party.Yet, rideshare passengers should never assume that they are responsible for handling complicated insurance disputes alone after a serious crash. To that end, an experienced personal injury legal team can help injured passengers determine which insurance policies apply, investigate liability issues and pursue the compensation they deserve. ]]>On Behalf of Miller Sachs & Hess, PC<![CDATA[Does Indiana grant divorces due to adultery?]]>https://www.sachsandhess.com/?p=504412026-05-18T17:16:52Z2026-05-18T17:16:52ZAdultery is not grounds for divorce
Although Indiana does recognize impotence, incarceration and incurable insanity as grounds for fault-based divorces, adultery is not a legal justification to file for divorce while blaming the other spouse. Those filing for divorce because they discover adultery typically only have the option of a no-fault divorce pursued on the basis of an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
The no-fault filing often prevents the courts from giving much weight to allegations of marital misconduct when setting terms for the division of marital property or child custody. The one time when infidelity could affect the economic terms of a divorce is when the person who cheated wasted marital income or accrued debts during the marriage to conduct their affair. People often spend hundreds of dollars monthly hiding their infidelity from their spouses.
In that situation, the spouse filing for divorce can present the courts with evidence of the inappropriate spending. The courts can exclude debts taken on for the purpose of conducting an affair from the marital estate, making them the responsibility of the unfaithful spouse.
They can also factor in the waste of marital income or the decision to gift marital property to an affair partner when dividing the marital estate. Adultery generally does not impact child custody terms, as the courts focus on the best interests of the children rather than the marital misconduct of the parents.
Sitting down to discuss one’s situation with a family law attorney can help frustrated spouses understand their rights. Those who understand Indiana’s approach to divorce can push for the best terms at the end of a marriage.]]>On Behalf of Miller Sachs & Hess, PC<![CDATA[Motorcyclists face many hazards on the road]]>https://www.sachsandhess.com/?p=504092026-04-27T09:41:32Z2026-04-27T09:41:32ZRiding a motorcycle gives the driver a sense of freedom that can’t be replicated in vehicles. That freedom comes with some risks for the motorcyclists. Motorcycles are open, which means that there isn’t any protection from a steel cage, seatbelts, airbags and other safety features. Even minor crashes can have devastating consequences, which means that a normal ride can turn catastrophic.
Understanding some of the challenges that motorcyclists face may help them to remain safe. It may also help other drivers on the roadways to ensure they aren’t doing anything that will put motorcyclists at risk.
Poor visibility
Most drivers scan the road to look for cars when they’re driving. They usually don’t think to look for two-wheeled vehicles. Motorcycles can easily vanish into blind spots or sun glares. They may also be hidden behind larger vehicles. Poor visibility is a primary cause of left-turn collisions at intersections because drivers may cut across the motorcyclist’s path due to not seeing the motorcycle.
Speeding
Motorcyclists and other drivers should always maintain a proper speed. Speeding will leave minimal time to respond when there are hazards in the roadways. This could mean that stopped vehicles, debris on the road, rough patches or cars switching lanes could lead to a crash. Driving at excessive speeds can also lead to drivers or motorcyclists underestimating how fast another vehicle is approaching, which is dangerous in turns or when changing lanes.
Road surfaces
Roads aren’t always smooth, which doesn’t make so much of a difference for a vehicle on four wheels. Hazards like deep potholes, scattered gravel or wet grass clippings can lead to a motorcyclist losing control of the motorcycle. Uneven road surfaces and vehicle fluid slicks are also dangerous.
Distractions
Distractions are a threat to all drivers, but a distracted driver is more likely to overlook a motorcycle on the road. Even a brief lapse in attention can put the motorcyclist at a serious risk, especially if traffic is heavy. Motorcyclists who are involved in a crash will often need medical care for catastrophic injuries. They may opt to pursue a compensation claim from a negligent driver to help offset the financial damages that come from these wrecks.
]]>On Behalf of Miller Sachs & Hess, PC<![CDATA[How does a parent’s mental health diagnosis impact an Indiana custody case?]]>https://www.sachsandhess.com/?p=504072026-03-11T16:04:30Z2026-03-11T16:04:30ZHow Indiana judges evaluate parental ‘fitness’
The court prioritizes the "best interests of the child" above everything else. Judges look for a direct link between a parent’s condition and the child’s safety. If you manage your condition and it causes no harm, it may have little impact on the final order.
To get an objective view, the court often uses specific tools:
Rule 35 examinations: A court-ordered mental health evaluation where a licensed professional assesses a parent’s fitness.
Evidence and privilege: A review of medical records if a parent waives their physician-patient privilege or if the court finds the records essential for the child's safety.
Observed parenting time: A neutral observer watches how you interact with your child in a controlled setting to ensure a safe environment.
These evaluations move the case beyond emotional accusations toward admissible evidence. Reliable data helps the court build a custody arrangement that provides a stable environment for your children.
Protecting the child’s best interests
If things get complicated, the judge might appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL). This person does not represent you or your former spouse; they act as a party to the case representing the child's interests. They will visit your home, talk to relevant professionals and watch how your family functions.
The GAL then prepares a report for the judge’s review, information that helps the court decide if your mental health truly impacts your child's well-being. Their observations often carry significant weight in the final judicial decision.
Safeguarding parental rights
Indiana law seeks to protect both parents’ rights while ensuring the child remains in a safe home. When one parent’s mental fitness becomes an issue, the court must balance the right to keep medical history private against the need for transparency in the child's life.
The judicial process prevents one parent from hiding dangerous behavior behind privacy laws while preventing the other from using a mental health history to harass an ex-spouse.
A skilled child custody lawyer navigates the state’s evidentiary rules to ensure the court hears the truth. They work to protect your parental rights and maintain the vital bond you share with your children.]]>On Behalf of Miller Sachs & Hess, PC<![CDATA[How divorce courts value a business in Indiana]]>https://www.sachsandhess.com/?p=503852026-02-13T15:40:52Z2026-02-13T15:40:52ZCourts rely on expert valuations, not guesswork
Judges expect a formal business valuation from a qualified expert, usually a CPA or forensic accountant. That expert will choose a method that fits your business. Most commonly, that means an income-based approach that projects future earnings, a market-based approach that compares similar business sales or an asset-based approach that calculates what the business owns minus what it owes. If your records aren’t complete or your structure is complicated, the process can take longer and require more scrutiny.
Personal goodwill and future earnings may be excluded
Indiana courts don’t automatically divide your future income or professional reputation. If your business depends heavily on your personal skills or name, that “goodwill” may not count toward its marital value. What gets divided is the portion of the business that can be sold or transferred, not what you personally bring to the table.
Timing and documentation can make or break the outcome
Valuation usually happens near the time of filing, but if your business shifts in value often, that timing matters. Courts also take documentation seriously. Any signs of missing records, sudden losses or unclear ownership can raise red flags that delay or complicate the process.
What you do now affects what you get later
The earlier you prepare, the more control you’ll have, whether that means keeping finances clean, getting a private valuation or negotiating a buyout on your own terms. If your business is on the line, it helps to work with someone who knows how Indiana courts think and what strategies actually hold up.]]>On Behalf of Miller Sachs & Hess, PC<![CDATA[Can a truck accident cause traumatic brain injuries?]]>https://www.sachsandhess.com/?p=503832026-02-13T15:07:17Z2026-02-13T15:07:17ZThe causes of TBIs in truck accidents
A truck accident often causes violent impacts to cars, significant enough to make your brain rattle against your skull. Even if your seatbelt is fastened, you can still suffer from a direct trauma after hitting your head on the dashboard, window or steering wheel.
The common types of brain injuries
TBIs do not manifest the same way as other injuries. These are often invisible to the naked eye, but their effects can change your life forever. Examples can include, but are not limited to, the following:
Concussions: A blow to the head that causes temporary brain dysfunction or loss of consciousness
Contusions: A bruise on the brain tissue
Skull fractures: A crack or break in the skull
Intercranial hematoma: A damaged blood vessel that causes bleeding or pooling inside the head
Penetrating injury: An injury involving a foreign object that penetrated the skull
These require immediate medical care due to their severity. If left untreated, TBIs can result in permanent life changes, such as functional limitations and cognitive impairment.
Your path to recovery and compensation
In Indiana, TBIs count as compensable damages. This means you can seek recovery for everything from immediate emergency room bills to long-term rehabilitation and the emotional toll on your quality of life.
You can file a personal injury claim against the driver’s trucking company. However, the process can be complex because of the state’s modified comparative fault system. Additionally, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to submit a claim. If you are struggling with the aftermath of a crash, speaking with a dedicated attorney can help ensure your rights remain protected while you focus on healing.]]>On Behalf of Miller Sachs & Hess, PC<![CDATA[Can divorcing parents address their child’s social media use in parenting plans?]]>https://www.sachsandhess.com/?p=503402026-02-05T17:27:19Z2026-02-05T17:25:25Z today is much different than it was for previous generations. Instead of worrying about the kids playing outside after dark we worry about them taking a wrong turn online and ending up in the dark web. Parents today need to balance teaching children how to use these tools while keeping them safe online. Add in concerns about social ostracization because the child is not on social media while also going through all the family changes that come with a divorce and it is no surprise that divorcing parents feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, there are ways parents can address these frustrations – even when they are going through a divorce.
One tool that can help: the parenting plan.
What is a parenting plan?
Parents who are going through a divorce in any state are generally encouraged to put together a parenting plan. This document can help to address how the divorcing couple will continue their role as parents. Mental health experts encourage parents to opt for co-parenting whenever possible. This involves the parents having their own relationships with the children but agreeing to uphold core principles when raising the children. This can be as general as encouraging extracurricular activities or as specific as set bedtimes. Although the provisions with the plan can vary, more and more parents are including language about social media use.
How can parents include social media use within a parenting plan?
The particulars will depend on the age of the child and the parent’s goals. It is also helpful to review specific social media sites for policies regarding age and use. Age restrictions listed within a specific platform can serve as a starting point for the conversation. The rules that you chose to include in your plan can be relatively generic and dictate overall screen time limitations or, if the parents can agree, more specific and outline ages that the children can start using social media platforms. This is just one of many discussions parents should have when putting together parenting plans and custody agreements during a divorce. Addressing these concerns during the divorce process can help provide clarity as children transition to family life after the divorce is finalized. ]]>On Behalf of Miller Sachs & Hess, PC<![CDATA[Why do people say January is the most popular divorce month?]]>https://www.sachsandhess.com/?p=503192026-01-19T15:39:26Z2026-01-19T15:39:26ZWhat makes January different?
There are two main factors that contribute to the spike in divorce activities in January. The first is the beginning of a new year. Many people spend the last days of December and the first days in January thinking about their circumstances and considering what might improve their lives.
For those in stagnant or unhappy marriages, divorce may seem like the best possible option. Many people eventually reach the decision in January that improving their lives requires a drastic change to their family circumstances.
In cases where the divorcing couple has children, the holidays might be why January is the month they take action. Parents want to give their children one last happy holiday season with the whole family together. Even those without children may wait until after the holidays. They may hold out hope that their spouses might do something over the holidays to improve their marital dynamics.
Occasionally, the inverse is what inspires divorce. One spouse utterly fails to consider the other during the holiday season or doesn't take responsibility for any aspect of giving gifts to family members, arranging for travel or planning get-togethers. Disappointment in the holiday season after years of unmet expectations can leave people ready to move on and start a new chapter.
Some professionals disagree with the trend of calling January divorce month. They point out that there isn't a significant statistical increase in divorce filings or finalizations in January. However, quite a few family law attorneys notice an uptick in initial consultations in January every year.
If a disappointing holiday season or a desire for a better future has inspired thoughts of divorce, spouses may need to learn more about their rights and the laws that apply. Scheduling a consultation with a divorce attorney could be the smart decision for those in struggling marriages accordingly.]]>