Resources

This Sunday, most of us will be “springing forward” one hour.  In the week that follows this change, the loss of an hour due to daylight savings time, has been linked to increases in car accidents, medical errors, hospital admissions and heart attacks. According to a recent 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 over the six days following the March time change.

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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.

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Back Injury Lawyers Serving Clients in Bethlehem and Throughout Pennsylvania Catastrophic injuries — including those that affect the back, spine, brain, and other critical body systems — can give rise to complex litigation, as the injured plaintiff’s claim is likely to be substantial given the significant impairments and losses.

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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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Most cases settle out of court, which means the parties involved don’t have to go to trial. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean your settlement is fair. Commonly, the plaintiff receiving the offer settles for less than they actually deserve. Still, under certain circumstances, the defendant pays a premium to settle the case. So, how do you know when to settle? The short answer is: Speak to a skilled Bethlehem accident attorney to find out if you’ve received a good settlement offer.

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Driving at night is dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the passenger vehicle occupant fatality rate at nighttime is about three times higher than the daytime rate. Furthermore, during nighttime, among passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes, alcohol involvement, speeding, and single-­vehicle crash fatalities were all higher when compared to daytime.

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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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If you have been involved in an accident, the first thing to remember is that your insurance company is not on your side. They are in business to make money, and to do this, they will try to give you the lowest settlement possible. 

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Many law firms offer a “free consultation.” It sounds good, as does anything with the word “free” in it. But what exactly is it, and how do you prepare for it? For answers to all of your questions, contact a Bethlehem accident attorney for help. What Is a Free Consultation? The primary purpose of a free consultation is for a client to get to know the law firm, and see if they will be a good fit for the client’s legal needs. Typically, the discussion will include: The nature and details of your legal issue, Your legal options, Whether and how the attorney can assist you, Your chances of success, and The amount of work that will likely be required to achieve your goals, and the cost associated with such work. To the relief of most potential clients, initial consultations are confidential, and attorneys are bound to this confidentiality by ethical rules. However, although the law firm of Drake, Hileman & Davis keeps your information confidential as a matter of policy, if other people are present during your consultation, the confidentiality is not protected under the ethical rules. It’s best to have your consultation exclusive between you and your attorney. How to Prepare for An Initial Consultation Write down all of your questions ahead of time so that you do not forget to ask them. Bring a laptop or even a notepad to take notes. Write down anything you feel your lawyer should know and be sure to tell them, […]

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If you have recently visited a campus town, you already know how difficult parking can be. It is not uncommon for students to pay hefty fees for designated parking spaces that are thousands of feet, and maybe even one or more miles, away from campus.  With such limited parking and an increasing interest in sustainability, many campus administrators and student leaders are encouraging the use of alternative transportation, with electric scooters as one of the most, if not the most, popular modes of alternative transportation. In fact, Penn State is ranked as the 10th most scooter-friendly campus in the country by College Magazine. The school provides 16-plus designated parking areas for scooters. Penn State students pay only $62 for an annual parking permit, a relative bargain. Unfortunately, as with any new type of personal transportation, accidents are far too common. If you have been involved in a scooter accident, either as an automobile driver or a scooter rider, a Bethlehem accident attorney can help. Avoiding Scooter Injuries in Pennsylvania Many states and campuses are just beginning to develop safety measures for electric scooters, which typically travel between 10 and 18 m.p.h., although some can reach speeds up to 30 m.p.h. While the road rules and regulations are being rolled out, there are a few simple safety measures that scooter drivers can take, including: Wear a helmet to avoid head injuries. Also, keep in mind there is a difference between owning a helmet and wearing a helmet. If you’re not going […]

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