Resources

We frequently receive calls from individuals injured in a car accident caused by a driver that did not stop or who left the scene of the collision before exchanging driver and insurance information. In Pennsylvania, leaving the scene of an accident involving damage to another vehicle or property is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for not more than 90 days. Leaving the scene of a collision involving injury or death to a person can carry a minimum sentence of three years in jail, in addition to any punishment imposed for other criminal offenses. Additionally, Pennsylvania imposes a duty on a person involved in an accident resulting in injury or death (regardless of who caused the collision) to render aid and reasonable assistance, including making arrangements for the medical treatment, if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or if medical assistance is requested by the injured party. If you are involved in any type of collision, even where the damage seems minor, the best practice is to pull over to the side of the road, exchange driver and insurance information and ask the others involved if they are injured. If someone is injured; or there is debris on the roadway; or the vehicles are not drivable, call 911. But what happens if you pull over and the other driver takes off? Not only is it stressful to be involved in a car accident, but when the other driver flees the scene, insult is added to injury. Below are […]

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A recent snowstorm caused a United States Senator to endure a twenty-seven (27) hour commute from his home in Virginia to the U.S. Capital.  He was one of hundreds of drivers trapped in freezing temperatures on a 50-mile stretch of I-95 following a multi-vehicle crash, which brought traffic to a standstill.  Could you survive such an ordeal?   Here are some simple tips to help you comfortably wait for traffic to start moving again or for help to arrive. Pack a Bag If you must travel during a snowstorm, it is important that you are prepared.  In winter, always keep some snacks, such as granola bars, and bottled water in your car.   If traveling with children or pets, be sure to keep food and supplies for them, too.  Bringing essentials such as food, water, and a charged cell phone can make a huge difference if you find yourself stuck on the road. Beyond these essentials, it would also be helpful to bring survival gear such as blankets, winter garments, boots, sleeping bags, flares, medications, a first-aid kit, a shovel, an ice scraper, jumper cables, and a full tank of gas. Stay Warm If you find yourself stuck on the road during a snowstorm you should not leave your car. Your car is the safest place to be until the storm subsides. It will always be colder outside your car than the air temperature within.  Don’t leave your car unless help or assistance is within a short distanced of your vehicle Focus […]

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The holidays are supposed to be festive with happy children, good food, presents under the tree, annual holiday shows, college sports, and fellowship with family members and friends. Nonetheless, it can also be a dangerous time. Accidents that happen while traveling may increase if drivers are thinking about what gifts are suitable for who, what to serve for Christmas dinner, what your New Year’s Eve plans are, and other holiday-related distractions. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), an estimated 427 people may die on U.S. roads during this holiday period, and an estimated 48,700 people will suffer from injuries that will result from crashes during this time.

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According to the U.S. Department of Communication’s Federal Highway Administration, there are over 5,891,000 vehicle crashes each year. About 21% of these crashes, nearly 1,235,000, are weather-related. Weather-related crashes are defined as those crashes that occur in adverse weather; in other words, rain, sleet, snow, fog, severe crosswinds, blowing snow or sand or debris, or on slick pavement, including wet pavement, snowy, slushy, or icy pavement. On average, nearly 5,000 people are killed and over 418,000 people are injured in weather-related crashes each year.

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Self-driving vehicles appear to be poised to assume a commonplace role on our roadways. The designations “self-driving vehicles, also known as “driverless” or “autonomous” vehicles, are often used interchangeably, but there are some important distinctions.

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With the loss of an hour due to daylight savings time, this week we can expect an increase in everything from car accidents to heart attacks. According to a 2014 study by the University of Colorado, auto accidents increase, due to the fact that it takes about 6-7 days to adjust to the darker morning commutes, coupled with the fact that the loss of an hour of sleep causes drivers to be less alert. According to the study, there is a 6.3% increase in traffic fatalities in over the six days following the March time change.

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When you are hosting a private party, should you have to worry about the amount of alcohol your guests are drinking? Are you required to “cut them off?” Of course nobody ever wants anyone to get hurt, but is it your legal responsibility as a host to pay attention to everyone’s alcohol consumption?

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Most of us know what to do when we’re involved in a vehicle accident on the roadways. But what if the accident occurred on private property, such as a parking lot? After all, parking lot accidents are quite common, especially when there are area events. 

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In Pennsylvania, if you are involved in an automobile accident in which property is damaged or someone is injured or killed, you must stay at the scene and exchange information with the other driver. Anyone who leaves the scene of an accident can face serious consequences.

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As personal injury attorneys,  this most recent snow storm, reminds us again of the dangers of snow and ice flying off the back of moving vehicles.  The dash-cam video below shows how this dangerous this driving hazard can be.

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