Pennsylvania Personal Injury Blog

On November 23, a 16-year-old crashed his SUV and killed two teenage friends. The teen is accused of being under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash.

The Chester County Court Juvenile Master decided that the teen should remain at the Chester County Youth Center until an adjudication hearing.

The Assistant District Attorney argued that the teenager recently posted entries on Facebook indicating that he was unremorseful and still getting high. According to the article, the teen described using marijuana and getting drunk on New Year’s Eve.

A 17-year-old male and a16-year-old male, both 11th graders at Pottsgrove, died in the crash.
The teen motorist was charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, six counts of reckless endangerment, and driving without proper insurance. He was traveling westbound on Route 724 with five friends on November 23. He veered into the eastbound lane and traveled up an embankment. The SUV rolled over and landed in the eastbound lane, colliding with a Nissan sedan.

The teen driver and three passengers were injured. The Nissan’s driver also was injured.
The drive in this accident could be held both criminally and civilly responsible for the deaths of the two teenagers. Their families would be well advised to seek the advice of an experienced Pennsylvania wrongful death attorney.

The attorneys at Cherry, Fieger, and Marciano, LLP understand the devastating impact a Pennsylvania wrongful death can have on a family. They have assisted several families in finding justice and compensation for a loved one’s death in relation to Pennsylvania wrongful death car accidents.

The amount that can be claimed and the heirs who are allowed to file a Pennsylvania wrongful death lawsuit can vary widely depending on jurisdiction. In addition, statutes of limitation may come into play that limit the time a family has to file a wrongful death lawsuit. For these reasons and due to the complexity of these cases, it is recommended that families who think their family member’s death was wrongful first contact a wrongful death attorney for a case assessment. If the case is valid, the attorney can help investigate the claim, gather evidence, represent them in court, and collect the compensation they deserve.

Call today for a free case evaluation and more information on Cherry Fieger, and Marciano’s exemplary track record, documented legal skills, and unparalleled resources.

A woman and her two children survived a 60 foot fall when their car was bumped on I-79 near Waynesburg, an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Another driver had moved into the left lane on the highway and bumped the rear of the woman’s car, which sent it onto a jersey barrier where the car continued to travel for 30 feet. The vehicle then sailed 100 feet over the edge of the bridge before rotating in the air and falling 60 more feet to Route 188 below. The vehicle landed on its roof and all occupants survived with minor injuries.

Police say that summary charges may be filed against the driver who bumped the woman’s car, but that the investigation is still open and they are checking to see whether or not mechanical problems played a role in causing this Pennsylvania auto accident.

Considering the severity of this accident, it’s nothing short of amazing that the three occupants of the fallen vehicle walked away with non-life threatening injuries. Should the investigation determine that a mechanical defect was partially or fully responsible, the woman may want to consider filing an auto product liability lawsuit.

At Cherry, Fieger & Marciano LLP, our Pennsylvania auto product liability attorneys understand the complexities that go into an auto product liability claim. If you have been injured in an auto accident and a defective component or other vehicle defect contributed to your crash, please call us today at (888) 684-2374 to schedule a free and comprehensive consultation. You deserve to know your rights and we can help you hold negligent auto manufacturers accountable for their actions.

Several families of victims killed at a Washington County, PA intersection during the past two years are suing the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The lawsuits claim that the agency knew since 1994 that the intersection was dangerous and were negligent regarding its design, construction, and maintenance.

According to this article, there were 90 accidents reported to the police at the intersection of state Route 136 and Church Road in Somerset over the past 10 years. The families claim that PennDOT is liable for allowing this intersection to exist.

The intersection is on a highly traveled road and the grading and curvature of Route 136, makes it difficult for drivers approaching in both directions to see opposing traffic.

The wrongful death lawsuits also said that PennDOT failed to use adequate traffic control devices.

Cherry, Fieger, and Marciano have years of experience representing Pennsylvania vehicle accident cases. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident due to a dangerous road, the Philadelphia traffic accident lawyers at Cherry, Fieger, and Marciano will review all relevant facts to assist in determining which party was at fault and who should assume responsibilities. Some factors that may be of importance during this process may include road conditions, weather conditions, the condition of the vehicles involved (i.e., faulty or defective auto parts), and whether or not alcohol or drugs were involved.

If your vehicle sustained any damaged in the accident, repairs can be assessed by a body shop. Of course, your physical and emotional injuries associated with the PA auto accident are extremely important, and may result in compensation for pain and suffering, loss of future income, and loss of current income due to inability to perform job duties. For more information about how our skilled attorneys can help, please call us today for a free consultation.

Three men in their twenties, all from Philadelphia, were killed on June 25, 2010 when the vehicle in which they were traveling went off the Atlantic City Expressway in NJ and hit several trees, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.

The three men were killed after their vehicle went out of control on the expressway. It left the roadway and struck trees in the center median. The three men were pronounced dead at the scene.

A mother of one of the victims said that the men used her 2001 Saab to go to Atlantic City.

Unfortunately, the victims were not wearing seat belts. According to the PA Department of Transportation, the combination of lap/shoulder seat belts, when used, reduces the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants by 45% and the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50%. In fact in 2008, there were a total of 1,468 traffic deaths and 322 of those people would have survived if they had worn their seat belts.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, the Philadelphia traffic accident lawyers at Cherry, Fieger, and Marciano will review all relevant facts to assist in determining which party was at fault and who should assume responsibilities. Cherry, Fieger, and Marciano have years of experience representing Pennsylvania vehicle accident cases. Some factors that may be of importance during this process may include road conditions, weather conditions, the condition of the vehicles involved (i.e., faulty or defective auto parts), and whether or not alcohol or drugs were involved. They offer a free consultation with an experienced lawyer.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, 10 people were killed and 361 were injured in 712 crashes investigated by troopers across PA over the four-day Fourth of July travel period. The Patriot-News, reported that 72 of the crashes were alcohol-related, including three of the fatal crashes. Over the four days, troopers arrested 339 persons for driving under the influence.

In 2009, 9 people died over the three-day Fourth of July weekend and 206 people were injured in 447 crashes investigated by troopers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drinking and driving remains a top safety issue in Pennsylvania. In 2008, there were 12,752 alcohol-related crashes and 534 fatalities caused by alcohol-related traffic accidents.

Statistics showed 90% of the alcohol-related occupant deaths (drivers and passengers) were in the vehicle driven by the drinking driver; 75% were the drinking drivers themselves. On an average each day, 1.5 persons were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes.

In 2008, 14% of all holiday crashes involved alcohol use; however, 44% of deaths, which occurred during holiday weekends were related to alcohol use.

Anyone involved in an alcohol-related auto accident would be well advised to contact an experienced Philadelphia auto accident attorney familiar with Pennsylvania dram shop laws.

The skilled PA car accident lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP have the experience and knowledge that are necessary to represent clients involved in even the most complex car accident cases. When preparing your case, our skilled team of attorneys will review all relevant facts to assist in determining which party was at fault and who should assume responsibilities. Some factors that may be of importance during this process may include road conditions, weather conditions, the condition of the vehicles involved (i.e. faulty or defective auto parts), and whether or not alcohol or drugs were involved. Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more about your legal rights.

Here are some interesting statistics recorded by the PA Department of Transportation in 2006 regarding car crashes in the state of Pennsylvania. The report’s statistics are based upon reportable accidents, or any accident that was reported by the police. 1,300 Police Departments in Pennsylvania provide the Department of Transportation with this information. The report given cannot account for unreported accidents, which unfortunately leaves some accidents unaccounted for.

According to a 2006 report from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there are 67 counties made up of 2,500 municipalities in the state of Pennsylvania that are connected by over 120,000 miles of roads and interstates.

According to information gathered from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 128,342 reportable vehicle accidents in the year 2006. The department stated that along with the almost 130,000 accidents, there were 96,597 people injured, and 1,525 people killed. Despite these numbers, the number of reportable crashes has been its lowest in the last five years according to the Department’s report. This means that on average, 15 reported accidents occurred per hour, and about 352 reported accidents occurred each day. Of these car accidents in Pennsylvania, there were 265 people injured each day, at about 11 people per hour. Four fatalities occurred each day, or one every six hours.

Continue reading "Pennsylvania Car Accident Statistics" »

According to an article found on Public Opinion, a fatal accident occurred on Monday, June 21 in Southampton Township Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania state police reported that the accident involved two vehicles and occurred at the intersection of Thornwood and Orrstown Road at approximately 12:10 p.m. The man that was killed in the accident was driving his 2009 Jeep Wrangler southbound down Thornwood when he failed to stop at the intersection of Orrstown and Thornwood. After failing to stop, he entered the path of another vehicle heading westbound down Orrstown striking the vehicle at a deadly speed. The man was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead on the scene by the Franklin County deputy coroner. It was determined by the police that the man was not wearing his seatbelt.

The information above is another reminder of the devastating effects that an accident can have on your life and the lives of your family. Automobile accidents in Pennsylvania can have deadly consequences due to the combination of the massive weight of the vehicles involved and the speeds at which those vehicles are being operated. In a split second your life can be changed forever. If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident causing debilitating personal injury, you must seek help in obtaining the compensation that you deserve for your suffering.

Continue reading "Southampton Township Two Car Crash Proves Fatal" »

On June 13, a limousine filled with passengers was struck by another vehicle along Church Road in New Hanover, PA. According to this article in the Delaware County Times, eight people were taken to hospitals because of injuries.

The article reported that when police arrived on the scene on the 3300 block of Church Road, each driver was still trapped inside their vehicles.

Sean Lawrence, 25, was driving his 1988 Ford Mustang north on Church Road when he collided with a 2010 Lincoln Navigator limousine.

The passengers were preparing to get out of the limousine when the accident happened.

The impact forced the limousine into a wooded area just north of the residence’s driveway. One of the seven female occupants was ejected from the passenger area of the limousine.

The drivers and six passengers were transported to different hospitals with unknown injuries.

The injured victims would be well advised to consult a skilled Pennsylvania injury attorney who is experienced with auto accidents and multiple party claims.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, the Philadelphia Pennsylvania auto accident lawyers at Cherry, Fieger, and Marciano will review all relevant facts to assist in determining which party was at fault and who should assume responsibilities. Some factors of importance during this process may include road conditions, weather conditions, the condition of the vehicles involved (i.e., faulty or defective auto parts), and whether or not alcohol or drugs were involved.

If your vehicle sustained any damaged in the incident, repairs can be assessed by a body shop. Of course, your physical and emotional injuries associated with the PA vehicle accident are of the extremely important, and may result in compensation for pain and suffering, loss of future income, and loss of current income due to inability to perform job duties.

Cherry, Fieger, and Marciano have years of experience representing Pennsylvania auto accident cases, including motorcycle accident injury and truck accident injury cases. Call today for a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.

Seven people, including several members of a wedding party, were injured in a traffic accident on June 11. According to this article on Philly.com, the wedding had to be postponed due to the crash. The mother of the bride-to-be was critically injured and the bride’s stepfather was also injured.

Police are investigating the cause of the crash outside Primanti Brothers restaurant in the Pittsburgh suburb of Pleasant Hills.

The article said that members of the wedding party were in a car that was trying to turn into the parking lot when it collided with an oncoming pickup truck.

This crash was the third that day along that stretch of road.

The injured victims would be well advised to consult an experienced PA personal injury lawyer who is experienced with auto accidents and multiple party claims.

Continue reading "Pittsburgh Traffic Crash Injures 7, Including Wedding Party" »

Thomas Patrick Brandon was making a delivery to the Chester County Prison in Pennsylvania on the morning of April 13, 2009 when his delivery truck crashed into a car stopped for a traffic light on Route 202. According to this article in the Delaware County Times, it caused the car to burst into flames, killing its driver, Daniel Lopez, of Phoenixville.

Brandon, 48, of Penndel, Bucks County, will begin an 11½- to 23-month prison term for criminal charges resulting from that crash.

The article said that Lopez was on his way to work when the crash occurred on Route 202 at Greentree Drive in Thornbury. He was stopped for a traffic light in his Chevrolet Cavalier behind a Pontiac Sunbird.

A crash reconstruction team determined Brandon was traveling about 67 mph when his truck struck the rear of Lopez’s car. Investigators found no evidence that Brandon had tried to slow down until just before impact.

The force of the crash pushed Lopez’s car into the Pontiac.

Brandon’s blood test showed the presence of THC, the main psychoactive substance in marijuana, although the intoxication level was insufficient for authorities to prove it had caused the crash. Brandon was charged with homicide by vehicle while DUI.

Lopez’s wife is pursuing a civil suit against Brandon and his former employer for her husband’s wrongful death.

If you have lost a loved one in an auto accident, the Philadelphia wrongful death auto accident lawyers at Cherry, Fieger, and Marciano will review all relevant facts to assist in determining which party was at fault and who should assume responsibilities. Some factors that may be of importance during this process may include road conditions, weather conditions, the condition of the vehicles involved (i.e., faulty or defective auto parts), and whether or not alcohol or drugs were involved.

If your vehicle sustained any damaged in the incident, repairs can be assessed by a body shop. Of course, your physical and emotional injuries associated with the PA auto accident are extremely important, and may result in compensation for pain and suffering, loss of future income, and loss of current income due to inability to perform job duties.

Cherry, Fieger, and Marciano have years of experience representing Pennsylvania vehicle accident cases, including motorcycle accident injury and truck accident injury cases. Call today for a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.

On May 4, a head-on collision in Eastern Pennsylvania killed two elderly women and critically injured two other people.

According to this Tribune Democrat article on, the two women were in a car heading south on Route 873 in North Whitehall Township, PA when an oncoming car veered into their lane and hit the vehicle.

The article said that the 74-year-old woman and 83-year-old woman of Slatington died as a result of injuries from the PA accident. Another passenger and the driver of the other car were taken to a nearby hospital, where both were listed in critical condition the night of the accident.

Police are still investigating the vehicle accident in Pennsylvania.

Every day throughout the country families are devastated when innocent loved ones die as the result of traffic accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there were 33,963 auto accident related fatalities in the United States in 2009.

Continue reading "Eastern PA Crash Kills 2, Critically Injures 2" »

On April 2, one man was killed and two people were seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash near Millsboro, Delaware. According to this article on www.delawareonline.com, a 1998 Dodge Caravan westbound on Del. 24 collided with a 2004 Chrysler Sebring that was southbound on Careys Camp Road and failed to stop at a stop sign. The front of the Sebring struck the right front side of the Caravan.

A 77-year-old passenger in the front of the Caravan was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Caravan, a 53-year-old man from Lewes, was admitted to a local hospital with multiple injuries.

The driver of the Sebring, a 53-year-old woman, was also treated for multiple injuries.

Every day throughout the country families are devastated when innocent loved ones die as the result of traffic accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there were 33,963 auto accident related fatalities in the United States in 2009.

Continue reading "Two-Vehicle Delaware Crash Kills One, Injures Two" »

Police are investigating an accident that claimed the life of a 27-year-old man. He died in a three-car crash on Academy Road in Northeast Philadelphia last week. According to this article on Philly.com, a 2008 Honda Civic and a 1996 Honda Civic were traveling side-by-side northbound on Academy Road.

A woman was driving the newer car in the right lane, while a man was driving the older Civic in the left lane. According to the article, the drivers know each other personally.

The newer Civic veered to the left, striking the older car. Both vehicles then crossed the double yellow center line into oncoming traffic. The newer car collided head-on with a southbound 2007 Mazda 3. The 27-year-old driver of the Mazda suffered fatal injuries in the collision.

Investigators believe that one of the northbound vehicles may have been traveling in excess of the posted speed limit.

Every day throughout the country families are devastated when innocent loved ones die as the result of traffic accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 33,963 auto accident related fatalities in the United States in 2009, about 30% of traffic fatalities involved alcohol.

Continue reading "Northeast Philadelphia Car Crash Claims One Life" »

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash on April 6 with two cars that were drag racing. According to this article on Delcotimes.com, detectives believe that the two cars were street racing on Route 273 in Delaware.

The article reported that as the cars ran a red light, one of them struck a 16-year-old teen from Newark, DE and he died at the scene.

The drivers fled the scene of the accident and police are searching for the cars.

Wrongful death incidents are traumatic mainly because they are entirely preventable occurrences. When a death is caused by a hit-and-run car accident, families are often left to endure an even greater amount of grief.

Continue reading "Drag Racing Cars Hit and Kill Teen" »

The city of Chester is located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania and has an approximate population of 36,564. Chester is situated near the southeastern region of PA along the Delaware River and is right between Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware. Widely known for being a great spot for businesses looking for easy access to the Greater Philadelphia area, Chester attracts several new residents and visitors every year. In being such a highly populated area, those living in Chester, as well as visitors to the area, encounter a variety of personal injury accidents from time to time.

A person suffers personal injury when another individual’s negligence causes them physical harm, which often is associated with emotional trauma and financial strain. Personal injury incidents in Chester may involve automobile crashes, hospital malpractice, construction site accidents, elder neglect, on-the-job accidents, and many others. Personal injury victims may be able to seek restitution from those who caused their accident as a way to pay for medical treatment and care, pain and suffering, loss of earnings, and physical therapy.

Unfortunately, car accidents are one of the most frequently occurring personal injury incidents in Chester. Distracted and reckless drivers are responsible for a wide range of bus collisions, pedestrian accidents, truck crashes, motorcycle accidents, and other vehicle collisions. Car accidents may also result from faulty vehicle parts or dangerous roadways. No matter what kind of auto accident you have been involved in, if another person’s negligence is at the root of causation, a Chester car accident lawyer may be able to help you obtain compensation.

The skilled Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys at Cherry, Fieger & Marciano, LLP have dedicated several years to protecting the rights of those injured in auto accidents caused by another person’s negligence. We provide quality legal counsel and representation to our clients, conducting thorough investigations and gathering effective evidence. If you or a loved one have endured personal injury in an auto accident or another incident, please contact Cherry, Fieger & Marciano today for a free consultation. Call 1-888-684-7192 today to find out how we can be of assistance.

As the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is ranked at number six for the most densely inhabited city in the U.S. The city proper had a population of over approximately 1.54 million in 2008 and the Greater Philadelphia metropolitan region had about 5.8 million, making it the fifth largest in the country. Often referred to as “Philly” and sometimes “The City of Brotherly Love,” Philadelphia is the fourth-largest urban area by population in the nation.
In being home to several historical sites, Philadelphia has a culture and variety of neighborhoods like no other U.S city. However, similar to other cities, Philadelphia inhabitants and visitors may be afflicted by another person’s negligence in a wide range of personal injury accidents.

Personal injury incidents in Philadelphia may relate to car collisions, medical malpractice, construction accidents, nursing home abuse, work accidents, and several other instances where another person’s negligence imposes physical injury, emotional trauma and financial hardship upon an innocent individual. Those adversely affected by personal injury accidents may seek compensation from negligent parties to help cover medical bills, loss of past and future wages, pain and suffering, physical therapy, and much more.

One of the most common types of personal injury accidents in Philadelphia involves car accidents. Whether a person is injured in a bus crash, pedestrian accident, truck collision, motorcycle accident, or small vehicle accident, these incidents are often caused by distracted, negligent or reckless drivers. Some car accidents are also caused by defective auto parts or unsafe and improperly maintained roadways. A skilled Philadelphia car accident attorney works to obtain full compensation for auto crash injury victims by protecting their rights. Car accident victims need legal counsel and representation from an attorney who will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who was at fault as well as gather appropriate evidence to effectively support the case.

The experienced and knowledgeable Philadelphia personal injury and car accident lawyers at Cherry, Fieger & Marciano, LLP are dedicated to helping those whose lives have been significantly affected by another individual or group’s negligence. If you or someone close to you has been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else, please contact Cherry, Fieger & Marciano, LLP at our Philadelphia office for a free consultation. Call 1-888-684-7192 today to find out how we can be of assistance.

An early morning auto accident in Philadelphia on I-95 North left two state troopers and a tow truck operator with mild to severe injuries. News source philly.com reports that the pair of authorities had been working with the professional driver of a tow truck to remove a vacant car that had been obstructing a right highway lane near the Girard Avenue exit. As the three men were attaching the car to the driver’s tow truck, a 23-year-old man driving a Toyota Corolla full of passengers collided with the troopers’ patrol car, which was parked behind the abandoned vehicle.

The driver of the tow truck had been working underneath the abandoned automobile at the time of the collision and suffered injuries, but managed to escape quickly to help another who was clearly in pain.

One of the trooper pair had been standing behind the abandoned vehicle, and was immediately trapped between two cars as his patrol car was forced forward by the collision. The second trooper leaped out of the way of the reckless on-comer, but did not escape without his share of scratches and scrapes from the land.

The three men were rushed to a nearby hospital. The tow truck operator, who suffered damage to his upper-body, and second trooper were released early, but the remaining trooper was kept in the hospital for critical knee injuries.

Continue reading "Interstate Collision in Philadelphia Hospitalizes Three" »

Breaking news from the Associated Press reports that on Wednesday, February 10, 2010, the wife of a late Pennsylvania Senator testified in court against the alleged drunk driver who suddenly smashed into her and her husband’s car, killing the politician as they were on their way to an awards ceremony. The fatal car crash happened in autumn 2008 on Pennsylvania Route 209 between the traveling couple, who drove a Cadillac, and an auto mechanic who was driving a pickup truck.

The driver of the pickup rejects accusations of driving while intoxicated, but several witnesses say the mechanic’s breath reeked of alcohol and authorities report the man’s blood-alcohol levels tested 4 times beyond the state limit. Police also say the truck ran into the couple’s Cadillac so violently that the Cadillac spun around multiple times and caused damage to a minivan parked on the road’s shoulder. The minivan passengers were not physically harmed, but the Pennsylvania Senator reportedly died within 18 hours of the accident and his wife sustained critical injuries including a pierced lung, fragmented knee, and cracked ribcage.

Continue reading "Pennsylvania Senator Dies in Fatal Accident" »

An 18-year-old former female student at Central Bucks High School South who pleaded guilty to charges of vehicular homicide in the death of a schoolmate, was sentenced yesterday to an indefinite term at a disciplinary wilderness camp.

According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the girl will serve at least six months at the facility and will be evaluated at six-month intervals to determine when she can be released.

In September, the girl was traveling nearly 30 m.p.h. above the speed limit when she lost control of her car in Warrington, PA. The vehicle slammed into a tree, killing a 16-year-old girl who was a passenger in the backseat.

The 18-year-old girl and another student in the car sustained minor injuries.

In December, the girl entered an admission in a nonadversarial hearing, which is the Juvenile Court equivalent of a guilty plea. She is on house arrest and undergoing therapy.

The girl was also sentenced to community service and ordered to continue therapy sessions.

Her driver’s license is suspended indefinitely and she must pay a fine.

Continue reading "Bucks Student Sentenced in Car Death" »

On November 23, a 16-year-old crashed his SUV and killed two teenage friends. According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, he is accused of being under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash.

The Chester County Court Juvenile Master decided that the teen should remain at the Chester County Youth Center until an adjudication hearing.

The Assistant District Attorney argued that the male teenager recently posted entries on Facebook indicating that he was unremorseful and still getting high. According to the article, the young man described using marijuana and getting drunk on New Year’s Eve.

A 17-year-old male and a 16-year-old male, both 11th graders at Pottsgrove, died in the crash.
The teen driver was charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, six counts of reckless endangerment, and driving without proper insurance.

The young man was traveling westbound on Route 724 with five friends on November 23. He veered into the eastbound lane and traveled up an embankment. The SUV rolled over and landed in the eastbound lane, colliding with a Nissan sedan.

The teen motorist and three passengers were injured. The Nissan’s driver also was injured.

Continue reading "Teen Driver in Deadly Crash to Remain in Custody" »

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has announced on its website that a record number of drivers are utilizing their seatbelts while on Pennsylvania roads, a whopping 88% of them. The previous high was reported in 2007 when 87% of drivers reported buckling up.

Secretary of Pennsylvania DOT, Allen D. Biehler, P.E., said, “The simple act of putting on a seat belt or properly restraining your child is the one step you can take to increase your chances of surviving a crash. PennDOT will continue to encourage every driver to buckle up and make sure everyone else in their vehicle does, too.”

Another factor for the record seatbelt use is that law enforcement has been boosted with 450 municipal and Pennsylvania State Police taking part in the statewide “Click It or Ticket” campaigns. Officials reported that more than 10,000 seatbelt citations were given this past year. Federal Funding provided the $2.5 million for the program that also included education in K-12 schools. Approximately 47,000 students are believed to have been reached.

Continue reading "Pennsylvania Buckles Up" »

Auto accidents on Pennsylvania roads happen on a regular basis and it takes a confident and savvy investigator to evaluate all types of the accidents, ranging from a simple fender bender to multiple -car wrecks involving fatalities. The website timesleader.com reported that a 39-year-old patrol sergeant for the state police accident reconstruction unit at the Wyoming barracks was in Forty Fort, PA to train members of the Pennsylvania State Police Citizen’s Police Academy. In addition to his car accident expertise, he has been certified as an inspection mechanic.

The sergeant explained that following an accident, investigators must spot every tire mark and every bit of evidence along the road with paint. Accident reconstruction specialists must also, establish resistance and speed, plot out the scene, and of course write down and record everything. The sergeant stated that a state police general investigation report should include a summary, field notes, vehicles and persons involved, measurements, conclusions, and aerial shots. Prior to concluding the first part of his training, the sergeant explained how investigators can find out the speed of a vehicle involved in an accident.

Continue reading "Pennsylvania State Police Citizens' Police Academy Hosts Accident Scene Sergeant" »

A 49-year-old veteran Chester County school bus driver was killed in a three-vehicle collision on Route 322.

According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the bus driver was traveling east on Route 322 to her job at the Krapf’s bus companies. She had stopped her Dodge Caravan to make a left turn onto Highspire Road when she was struck from behind by a pickup truck.

The impact of the crash propelled the woman’s vehicle into the westbound lane, where it was hit from the side by a Cadillac. The driver was wearing a seat belt. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The passenger and driver of the Cadillac and the pickup driver were taken to local hospitals for what appeared to be nonlife-threatening injuries.

The woman was an 11-year employee of Krapf’s. She drove Downingtown Bus 79, which served the Villa Maria Lower School in Malvern and SS. Peter and Paul elementary school in Exton. She drove school children of all ages.

Every day throughout the country families are devastated when innocent loved ones are injured or even die as the result of traffic accidents.

Continue reading "Veteran School Bus Driver Killed in 3-Vehicle Collision" »

A man from Ambler, PA was charged with third-degree murder in connection with a fatal car crash in Delaware County on November 10. According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the 18-year-old man allegedly was traveling at a high speed northbound in the southbound lanes of Route 352. He then drove his Ford Explorer though a red light at the intersection of Knowlton Road in Middletown Township. He collided with a car and broke the smaller Honda Accord into two pieces. The driver in the other vehicle died at the scene. The charged man was treated for injuries.

Drivers of two other cars caught in the pileup and a passenger also were hurt, but the Inquirer reported that their injuries were not life-threatening.

The 18-year-old also faces charges including aggravated assault, involuntary manslaughter, and recklessly endangering another person.

The 18-year-old should be held both civilly and criminally responsible for the motorist’s death and for injuring the other victims. The families of these victims would be well advised to seek the advice of an experienced wrongful death/personal injury attorney.

Continue reading "Ambler Resident Charged for Fatal Delco Car Crash" »

According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, a Levittown man whose car allegedly slammed into a parked police car, causing the cruiser to fatally run over an Officer, was “impaired.”

A paramedic and a police traffic investigator testified that the suspect behaved “oddly” right after the accident on January 29.

The 37-year-old officer became wedged under his cruiser and suffered a skull fracture and multiple fractures of the left leg.

He died of multiple injuries.

The driver went on trial November 9.

According to a fellow Officer and accident reconstructionist for the Middletown police force, the driver’s eyes were “red and glassy” and he was incoherent when interviewed by first responders.

The man is charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Court records have alleged that the man was high on methadone, marijuana, opiates and benzoylecgonine, a substance related to cocaine use.

Continue reading "Trial Over Officer's Traffic Death Address Impairment" »

On November 3, 8-year-old twins were mowed down by a hit-and-run driver in Crescentville, PA. According to an article in the Philadelphia Daily News, the sisters were on their way to a corner store at Cheltenham Avenue and Colgate Street when they were struck by a gray Lincoln Town Car that sped from the scene.

One of the girls suffered only bumps and bruises and was treated for minor injuries at St. Christopher’s hospital.

The other child’s injuries are much more severe than her sister’s.The article said that the Lincoln rolled over the little girl, leaving tire marks on her clothes and abdomen. She was listed in critical condition.

An arrest in the case is expected to come soon, as police found a car that they believe might have been involved.

The driver of the Lincoln should be held both civilly and criminally responsible for the girls’ injuries. The twins’ family would be well advised to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Continue reading "8-Year-Old Twins Injured in Hit-and-Run Accident" »

A man from central Pennsylvania has been charged with drunken driving and homicide by vehicle in a crash that killed a taxicab driver and one of his passengers in October. According to an article on Philly.com, the 31-year-old man is also charged with aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence and other counts.

The article said that his blood-alcohol level was above the legal limit, he tested positive for marijuana, and he told officers that he was texting at the time of the crash.

Police said the man’s car crossed the center line on Harrisburg’s Market Street Bridge on October 3 and hit the taxi head-on. The crash killed the 34-year-old male driver of Harrisburg and the 28-year-old female passenger of Camp Hill, PA. Her husband, a 31-year-old man, was injured.

Continue reading "PA Man Charged in Collision with Taxi that Killed 2" »

A New Jersey truck driver involved in a Route 9, NJ accident that led to the death of three people, has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of grossly negligent operation resulting in death. According to an article by The Associated Press, attorneys said they will ask a Vermont District Court judge to sentence the Deptford, N.J. man to one to 10 years in prison.

On April 16, 2008, the truck driver was driving a tractor-trailer on Route 9 in Woodford, NJ that overturned on a sharp, downhill curve. The truck hit two cars in the opposite lane, killing two men. A third man died five months later of injuries suffered in the crash.

The families of these victims deserve to be rightfully compensated for their tremendous loss. Every day throughout the country families are devastated when innocent loved ones are injured or even die as the result of traffic accidents.

Continue reading "Deptford Truck Driver Pleads Guilty in 2008 Triple Fatal Accident" »

A man from Tabernacle, PA said a defective Toyota seat belt contributed to his paralysis. According to an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, he thinks that the company may be withholding crash data that could prove it.

The injured man’s attorneys argued in court that Toyota had been evasive when asked whether crash-test videos still exist for the 1991 short-bed, deluxe pickup.

On January 4, 2005, as the plaintiff was heading to work, he stopped to make a left turn onto in Barnegat, Ocean County, NJ and was struck from behind and then by a second vehicle. He filed a year later against the first driver, Toyota, and the seat-belt manufacturer. The man’s legs are paralyzed, although he does have some upper-leg strength that allows limited walking with a walker or crutches.

The seriously injured man claims that he was wearing his seat belt because he always buckled the restraint before starting the vehicle, as required by his employer.

There are allegations in California accusing Toyota of withholding and destroying evidence during civil litigation in unrelated cases. The man’s attorneys said this may be indicative of a widespread practice to conceal damaging evidence.

On October 9, a Superior Court Judge ruled that the company had an obligation locally to clarify whether videos or other electronic information exist showing that vehicles have been properly tested and met all safety standards.

The plaintiff’s lawyers allege that the seat belt, with a design defect, opened upon impact and that he was thrown into the dashboard with such force that he fractured vertebrae. Had the seat belt worked properly, the man would not have been thrown from his seat.

One of his attorneys also alleges that Toyota engineers knew in 1991 the seat belts installed in some vehicles were defective and that they later installed a properly designed belt. But the company never issued a recall.

The case is scheduled for trial in February.

According to the article, attorneys for the injured man are questioning if the company has a broad practice of withholding evidence.

Continue reading "Burlco Man's Suit Has Toyota Safety Data at Its Center" »

A 27-year-old man from Maple Shade, NJ has been charged with killing his passenger and an oncoming motorist while driving under the influence of marijuana.

According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the driver was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of assault by auto in the Aug. 9 deaths of a 63-year-old from Mansfield, and a 22-year old from Maple Shade.

He was driving west on Route 38 in Mount Laurel, NJ on Aug. 9 when he accelerated to prevent a sedan in the lane to his right from merging ahead of him.

According to the article, he lost control, struck the median, and went airborne into oncoming traffic. His Chevrolet pickup truck struck two vehicles, killing the driver of a Toyota Highlander. The man’s passenger died later that day.

Police determined that the man’s vehicle had exceeded 80 miles per hour just before the crash and that he was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the collision.

Continue reading "Fatal Route 38 Collision: Driver Charged with DUI" »

The Obama administration reported on September 30 that nearly 6,000 people were killed and a half-million injured last year in vehicle crashes connected to driver distraction, an indication of the dangers of using mobile devices behind the wheel.

According to an article, the Transportation Department was bringing together experts over two days for what was called a “distracted driving summit” to take a look at the highway hazards caused by drivers talking on cell phones or texting from behind the wheel. Secretary Ray LaHood said the administration would be developing ways of curbing distracted driving.

Transportation officials said in a research report that 5,870 people were killed and 515,000 were injured last year in crashes where at least one form of driver distraction was reported. Driver distraction was involved in 16 percent of all fatal crashes in 2008.

The panel of government officials, safety advocates, researchers and lawmakers hoped to develop a consensus on the roadway hazards and hear warnings from young adults who caused car accidents because they were texting while driving.

The new data underscored the major problem of distractions involving young drivers. The greatest proportion of distracted drivers were those age 20 and under. Sixteen percent of all under-20 drivers involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving, the government said.

Continue reading "Almost 6,000 Deaths Caused by Driver Distraction" »

A 79-year-old man accused of hitting a female cyclist was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of an accident. According to an article on Philly.com, the female bicyclist was hit on October 2 by a truck in Center City and is in critical condition. Initially the driver was charged with suspicion of driving under the influence.

The woman who was injured is believed to be in her 40s. She was hit about 7:30 p.m. at 22d and Market Streets. The article stated that SEPTA police stopped the truck at 22d and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The driver of the truck should be held both civilly and criminally responsible for the woman’s injuries. She and her family would be well advised to seek the advice of an experienced Pennsylvania bicycle accident attorney.

Continue reading "Cyclist Injured in DUI Hit and Run Accident" »

A 42-year-old man was critically injured on Jan. 11, 2008 after getting hit by a car right after stepping off a SEPTA bus in Frankford, PA. According to an article in the Philadelphia Daily News, he is suing the transit agency and the drivers of the bus and car.

The injured man was struck unconscious and is now confined to a wheelchair with limited mobility in his arms and legs.

The article stated that instead of pulling over into the bus lane, the driver stopped in the traveling lane to let passengers off at Bridge Street.

After the man got off the bus, he was struck by a Mazda that was trying to pass the bus on the right.

The lawsuit says that as a result of the defendants’ negligence and intentional acts, the man suffered “neurological damage, paralysis, speech impediment, loss of motor function, excruciating and agonizing pain.” The lawsuit was filed September 22 in Common Pleas Court. The suit seeks a jury trial and more than $50,000. The injured man said he has and will incur enormous medical bills in excess of one million dollars.

Continue reading "SEPTA Drivers Sued Over Auto Accident" »

On September 12, a Lower Township, NJ man was killed, and his wife and teenage daughter critically injured, when a man’s car crossed the center line on a curve and hit their car. According to an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, the driver of the vehicle responsible for the accident was charged with death by auto and driving while intoxicated. This is his eighth drunken-driving arrest since 1996.

For 13 years, the legal system has tried to stop this particular man from drinking and driving. He was sent to alcohol treatment and to jail and his driver’s license was taken away. Yet the Philadelphia resident continued to get arrested.

On Saturday, September 12, a 50-year-old father of four was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, minutes from his home on Route 9 in New Jersey.

His wife was taken to Atlantic City Regional Trauma Center, and their 13-year-old daughter was taken to Cape Regional Medical Center. Both remain in critical condition.

According to the article, the man who caused the accident had been through the system many times in Philadelphia and had been given numerous opportunities for rehabilitation. They took the man’s license away, but he was still driving. Many people have been killed by repeat offenders.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is pushing for tougher legislation to target repeat offenders because the recidivism rate among drunken drivers is so high. After a third conviction in New Jersey, drivers are required to install ignition locks that prevent anyone from starting a car without first passing a breath test.

Continue reading "Man Responsible for Fatal Accident Had Series of Arrests" »

A Philadelphia man was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide in the deaths of a 91-year-old man and his 84-year-old wife in a Sept. 21 crash in Bensalem. According to the an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, he was also charged with reckless endangerment and other offenses.

The article stated that the charged man “was the direct and substantial cause” of the crash that fatally injured the couple on their way home.

The man responsible for the wrongful death car accident should be held both criminally and civilly responsible for the death of the two individuals. Their family would be well advised to seek the advice of an experienced wrongful death attorney.

Continue reading "Philadelphia Man Charged for Double Fatal Crash in Bucks" »

An 18-year-old from Delaware County was asleep in the backseat of a friend’s car when an SUV driven by a drunken driver crashed into the car, severely injuring his spinal cord and leaving him paralyzed.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that on September 22, the driver of the SUV was sentenced to three years and eight months to 14 years and six months in prison. On Aug. 17, the driver pleaded guilty to aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, fleeing police, and other charges. He has been ordered to pay about $35,000 in restitution.

According to the article, the driver had numerous legal charges, including underage drinking, curfew violations, fighting, and harassment. He was truant from school and had his driver’s license suspended for juvenile drug charges. He was ordered twice by the courts into drug rehabilitation.

On April 29, 12 days after getting out of rehab, the man stole the family SUV and drove drunk. The police followed him for 1.7 miles and attempted to stop him as he swerved back and forth and blew through stop signs and a red light before crashing into the car carrying Jewell and two other Ridley High School teens.

The injured victim is still in pain from the accident and is dependent on others for most of his care.

The driver in this incident should be held both criminally and civilly responsible for the victim’s injuries. His family would be well advised to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Continue reading "DUI Crash Leaves Victim Paralyzed: Delco Driver Sentenced" »

The operator of a motorcycle whose passenger was ejected from the rear seat and thrown over the railing of a highway bridge into the Schuylkill has been charged with vehicular homicide in her death. According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the 21-year-old man was speeding on a stolen motorcycle when he struck the rear of a car while trying to pass it. The accident happened on the Dannehower Bridge on Route 202 in Norristown on June 23. The 19-year-old passenger from Norristown was thrown off the bike and over the side of the bridge, suffering fatal injuries.

The operator of the motorcycle suffered serious injuries but survived. He was charged with vehicular homicide, driving with a suspended license, receiving stolen property, and other offenses.

The man in this motorcycle wrongful death accident should be held both criminally and civilly responsible for the death of his female passenger. Her family would be well advised to seek the advice of an experienced Pennsylvania wrongful death attorney.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Charged for Wrongful Death of Passenger" »

A federal investigation concluded that a bus driver is to blame for a school bus crash in Bucks County, PA that injured 20 students, including a girl whose leg had to be amputated.

According to an article from phillyburbs.com, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the January 2007 accident happened when the driver hit the wrong pedal.
The bus drove into a crowd outside Pennsbury High School. It hit a retaining wall and injured the students.

In March 2007, police said the accident happened due to unintentional acceleration after the bus driver confused the gas and brake pedals. The driver said that he didn’t hit the wrong pedal and that the bus suddenly lurched forward.

The families of the injured victims here would be well advised to obtain the services of an experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable personal injury attorney who will do a thorough investigation.

Continue reading "Federal Board Blames Driver for 2007 Bus Crash in Bucks" »

The Delaware County driver who lost control of her car while reaching for an iPod, killing one woman and injuring another, was found to have drugs in her system. According to an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, the 20-year-old female of Havertown tested positive for marijuana and Difluoroethane, an ingredient found in Dust-Off, a can of compressed air used to clean computers.

The Upper Darby superintendent of police said they are recommending the District Attorney’s office charge the young woman with homicide by vehicle involving DUI, manslaughter, and other related charges. On August 15, two females, a 19-year-old and a 20-year-old, were struck from behind by the car the intoxicated driver was operating.

The 19-year-old was killed instantly; and the 20-year-old was hospitalized with multiple injuries. She is now at home recovering. According to police, the driver was heading south on Lansdowne Avenue when she lost control of her car, crossed two lanes of traffic, drove onto the sidewalk for 30 feet before striking the women. There were no skid marks at the accident scene.

The driver in this case should be held both criminally and civilly responsible for the death of the young teenage woman and for the injuries of the other female. Their families would be well advised to seek the advice of an experienced wrongful death attorney.

Continue reading "Driver Who Killed Woman Had Been “Huffing”" »

A 29-year-old male motorcyclist was killed in a crash on September 5 on Route 1. State police are searching for a vehicle that may have caused the accident. According to this article in The Delaware County Times, the motorcyclist from the Drexel Hill section of Upper Darby, lost control of his motorcycle on Route 1 north approximately a quarter-mile north of Route 352.

A witness told police that a black sedan changed into the right lane and cut the motorcyclist off, causing him to brake hard and lose control of the motorcycle. The motorcycle did not make contact with any other vehicles. The Pennsylvania State Police (Media Barracks) are still investigating.

The motorcyclist’s family deserves to be rightfully compensated for their tremendous loss. They would be well advised to contact a skilled Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney.

Though motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania have a variety of causes, common causes include unsafe road conditions, inclement weather, defective motorcycle parts, driver fatigue, drunk drivers, and driver error. The latter is the most common cause of motorcycle accidents.

Continue reading "Route 1 Accident Kills Motorcyclist" »

A Georgetown couple and their daughter died after a crash in Milton, DE. The couple’s other daughter remains in critical condition. According to an article in the Delaware County Times, a New Castle, DE man crossed into oncoming traffic on Del. Route 30 on August 23 and hit the family’s car.

The 33-year-old man and his wife, 32-year-old, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their 14-year-old daughter was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Their other daughter, an 8-year-old, was listed in critical condition at another hospital in Delaware.

The driver of the other car, a 22-year-old man, is charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and one count of vehicular assault. The accused driver should be held both criminally and civilly responsible for the deaths of the parents and their daughter. The victims’ family would be well advised to seek the advice of an experienced wrongful death attorney.

Continue reading "Delaware Couple and Their Daughter Die in Crash" »

On August 14, a 20-year-old driver who was distracted by her iPod struck two young women who had just walked out of Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Upper Darby, PA, killing one. According to an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, the car struck a 19-year-old from Clifton Heights, and a 20-year- old from Lansdowne, from behind.

The 19-year-old was killed instantly and the other pedestrian was stabilized at the hospital and then transferred to an area Medical Center and was in “extremely critical condition.”

The driver, who is from Havertown, was treated for minor injuries.

According to police, the driver was heading south on Lansdowne Avenue when she lost control of her 2003 Hyundai Accent, crossed two lanes of traffic, traveled up onto the sidewalk for 30 feet, and struck the women. The car became trapped between a large tree and a brick wall.

The driver told police she was reaching down for the iPod, wasn’t paying attention, and lost control of the car.

The female driver could be held criminally and civilly responsible for the accident and for the death of the pedestrian. The families deserve to be rightfully compensated for their tremendous loss. They would be well advised to contact a Philadelphia wrongful death attorney who will file a wrongful death claim on their behalf and fight for their rights.

Continue reading "Driver Distracted by IPOD Hits Pedestrians" »

The University of Utah has settled a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the families of seven Chinese scholars killed in a 2003 van rollover auto accident in Pennsylvania.

According to an article, State officials agreed to pay nearly $500,000 to the plaintiffs, including three men injured in the crash.

In April 2003, the crash occurred in Pennsylvania during the Chinese delegation’s trip in the U.S., which the university organized. It involved a cross-country road trip from Utah.

The suit sought at least $3.5 million in damages, and claimed the university acted negligently by contracting with an unlicensed travel business in New York, which in turn hired an unqualified van driver.

Continue reading "University of Utah Settles Suit Over Deadly Pennsylvania Crash" »

A man of Kennett Square pleaded guilty to a vehicular homicide that happened on October 2, 2008. He crashed his car into a tree, killing his friend, while allegedly fleeing from police. According to this article on Philly.com, the 22-year-old was charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, DUI, and causing an accident involving death. He was not properly licensed and he also fled or attempted to elude an officer.

The young man was high on marijuana and driving without a license that day when an officer tried to pull him over in Chester County for an expired registration. When the officer approached the car, he accelerated suddenly and forced the officer to move out of the way to avoid being struck. The car crashed soon afterward.

The man’s front-seat passenger and friend died from the car crash in Pennsylvania.

The driver in this case should be held both criminally and civilly responsible for the death of his passenger. The DUI victim’s family would be well advised to seek the advice of an experienced wrongful death attorney. The amount that can be claimed and the heirs who are allowed to file a Pennsylvania wrongful death lawsuit can vary widely depending on jurisdiction. In addition, statutes of limitation may come into play that limit the time a family has to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Continue reading "West Chester DUI Accident Kills Driver’s Friend" »

A man was killed in a Montgomery County car accident in PA after a driver crossed into opposing lanes of traffic and struck his vehicle. According to a CBS news report, a 23-year-old man was heading west in a 2002 Buick station wagon when for an unknown reason, he crossed over to the eastbound lanes striking a 2006 Suzuki sedan. The driver of the Suzuki was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Buick and a 50-year-old passenger were hospitalized with injuries.

Traffic accidents occur for a variety of reasons. In this particular case, it's not clear what caused the driver of the Buick to cross over to opposing lanes of traffic. These accidents could occur due to driver error – possibly an impaired, speeding, reckless or distracted driver. Or they could occur because the car had a mechanical problem. If such an accident were to be caused as a result of the driver's fault, the injured party or his family could seek compensation from the "negligent" driver.

Continue reading "Fatal Montgomery County Auto Accident" »

Eight people suffered injuries in a two-car accident in Pennsylvania’s Peters Township, according to this news report. According to Pennsylvania State Police, a 44-year-old woman suffered moderate injuries while four children suffered minor injuries. A 60-year-old man in a Ford Taurus sustained minor injuries while his passenger – a 22-year-old man – suffered moderate injuries. A baby girl in the car, who was secured in a car seat, escaped with minor injuries. Police are still investigating the cause of this injury auto accident in Pennsylvania.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, you would be well-advised to consult with a skilled Philadelphia car accident attorney, who can analyze all aspects of the accident, identify the negligent parties and hold them accountable. If the other party was driving negligently, recklessly or under the influence, then you may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, physical therapy and even long-term care where catastrophic injuries are involved.

Continue reading "Pennsylvania Car Accident Injures Eight" »

The family of a bicyclist who was killed two years ago after being hit by a drunk driver in a bicycle accident in Pennsylvania, has entered into a settlement with the driver and the restaurant blamed for selling alcohol to her even after she was intoxicated. According to this news report the fatal bicycle accident occurred Feb. 11, 2007 when the woman was driving after celebrating her birthday at a local restaurant with family members. Her blood alcohol content (BAC) was more than three times the legal limit, which is 0.08 percent in Pennsylvania. Last year, the woman pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle and was sentenced to six years in state prison.

The lawsuit, filed in Lancaster County Court, asked for $100,000 in damages from the defendants. The lawsuit alleged that the restaurant sold liquor to the driver and her husband even after they were visibly intoxicated and failed to make sure that they had an alternative way to get home so neither one of them would have to drive. But attorneys for the restaurant argued that the woman did not appear intoxicated when she was at the restaurant.

Pennsylvania dram shop liability laws usually cover places of business that serve alcohol including liquor stores, bars, restaurants and clubs. These laws impose liability on businesses when they serve alcohol to someone underage or an individual who is already intoxicated who then goes on the break the law or cause an auto accident in Philadelphia that injures themselves or others. These cases are complicated because the indicators of intoxication can be contested as they were in this particular case.

Continue reading "Lawsuit in Fatal DUI Bicycle Accident Settled" »

Lower Merion police identified a 75-year-old woman they believe is responsible for a hit-and-run accident that injured a Bryn Mawr boy on July 15. According to this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the woman responsible is from Villanova, PA. Investigators impounded her gold 2002 Volvo station wagon, which had damage to the windshield on the passenger side.
The woman admitted her role in the auto accident in Pennsylvania when confronted by investigators and told them she thought she had struck a deer.

The 13-year-old boy was riding his bicycle west on New Gulph Road near Morris Road in Villanova when he was struck. After the collision, the driver didn't stop. The boy was air-lifted to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in critical condition with a head injury. He is now recovering at home.

An anonymous tip led detectives to a garage in Villanova where they found the vehicle. The female driver is likely to be charged with causing an accident involving death or personal injury, a third-degree felony, and failure to render aid.

Continue reading "Hit-and-Run Driver Identified by Lower Merion Police " »

A Philadelphia woman has been charged with driving while intoxicated following a Sunday car crash that killed her daughter’s friend.

According to this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, a 47-year-old woman from Philadelphia was returning from a family reunion in Atlantic City when she lost control and swerved into a guardrail along the Atlantic City Expressway near Pleasantville.

Her maroon Buick sedan flipped over, trapping her and her 18-year-old passenger who sadly died at the crash scene.

The female driver’s 19-year-old daughter and two other young girls were also passengers in the car. One underwent surgery for a ruptured spleen following the accident and the other was evaluated for a lung injury.

The driver responsible for this auto accident should be held both criminally and civilly responsible for the death of the teen. Her family would be well advised to seek the advice of an experienced wrongful death attorney.

Continue reading "Philadelphia Woman Responsible for Fatal Crash" »

A 12-year-old girl was critically injured in South Philadelphia on July 19 when the car she was in was broadsided by a drunken, unlicensed teen driver who fled the scene on foot. According to this article in the Philadelphia Daily News, the car accident in Philadelphia occurred at 10th and Bigler streets when a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by a 19-year-old of West Philadelphia ran a red light and smashed into a Hyundai Elantra, two parked cars, and a fence surrounding a football field.

The teen driver was able to free himself from his car and subsequently ran, but was captured shortly after.

A witness said the driver’s side of the impacted car was smashed in and that firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to free the operator.

According to the article, the driver of the Hyundai Elantra, who is in his 50s, and an adult female passenger in the car, were taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

A 12-year-old girl in the car was not as lucky. She suffered critical internal injuries and several broken bones. She remains in critical condition since the accident.

The under-aged teen driver who caused the accident by running the red light was found to be intoxicated and is not licensed to drive.

Continue reading "South Philadelphia Car Crash Injures 12-Year-Old Girl" »

On July 16, a driver in University City, PA struck three construction workers — including flipping one onto his hood and smashing his windshield — then drove around the block to argue with them. According to this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the man was driving a Chevrolet Malibu east on Chestnut Street approaching 30th Street in Philadelphia when he got stuck in traffic.

The traffic was caused by a construction crew directing trucks loaded with supplies onto a site next to the intersection. First, the angry driver confronted a 33-year-old flagman who was stopping traffic and screamed at him to get out of the way. He then sped into the construction crew and caused a rare case of a pedestrian and work accident in Philadelphia.

The flagman was flipped over the hood of the offender’s vehicle and hit the windshield head first, breaking it. The driver then ran down two other construction workers and drove around again to confront the construction workers one more time. He was arrested and charged with three counts of aggravated assault.

Continue reading "PA Construction Workers Injured by Angry Driver" »

Four people suffered serious personal injuries after an out-of-control cab ran on to the curb outside the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, CBS News reported in a story. Eyewitnesses told officials that the cab was speeding when it swerved to avoid another car changing lanes. The taxi clipped the side mirror before completely losing control and running onto the curb. The cab then struck a bicyclist before crashing into a light pole.

The impact of the collision sent the cab spinning into a pedestrian waiting to cross the street. He suffered severe leg injuries and the female bicyclist is reportedly in the hospital in critical condition with a skull fracture. A passenger in the cab was also treated for injuries and the cab driver is apparently in the hospital with serious injuries.

If you are a Philadelphia vehicle accident victim and have been seriously injured as a result of another person's recklessness or negligence, you have legal rights that should be upheld while a valid investigation is affectively conducted to find the cause of the accident. Some factors of determining the cause of an accident include examining road conditions, the condition of the vehicle involved (mechanical problem or auto product defect) or alcohol consumption (DUI).

Continue reading "Philadelphia Car Accident Causes Multiple Injuries" »

A man and a female bicyclist were seriously injured after they were hit by a cab that jumped the curb in front of the Kimmel Center while swerving to avoid another car on June 24. According to this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the injured man may lose one or both legs after suffering serious fractures from the pedestrian accident in Philadelphia.

A police report said that the red Victory cab was headed southbound on Broad Street in Philadelphia and swerved to avoid a car changing lanes. It then jumped the curb and hit a lamp post and the bicyclist before spinning back into the street, striking a man crossing the street.
The bicyclist suffered head injuries and was reported in critical condition.

The driver and his passenger also were taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The police also are viewing videotapes from surveillance cameras in the area to see if they show what happened.

Continue reading "Kimmel Center Pedestrian Accident Critically Injures 2" »

A 23-year-old Indiana County man died and a teenage girl suffered major injuries after the all-terrain vehicle they were in crashed into a utility pole, according to this news report. Ryan Dixson Henry was driving around the borough with a 15-year-old passenger when he drove off the road near 3rd and Main streets. Pennsylvania State police officials said Henry first struck a newspaper box and then a utility pole, causing both him and the girl to get thrown from the vehicle in this PA wrongful death accident. Neither person was wearing a helmet. Henry was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after the ATV crash. He apparently died of head and chest injuries. The girl, who has not yet been identified, suffered serous injuries, the report stated.

ATV auto accidents in Philadelphia can cause serious injuries and even deaths. In this case, it is unfortunate that both the rider and the passenger were not wearing helmets. Safety gear is a must while riding an ATV. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 750 deaths and 146,600 injuries reported in 2006 as a result of ATV accidents in the United States. Officials say that at least one-third of ATV accident victims are children under 16 years of age.

ATV accidents can happen because of driver error, inattention or simply inexperience. However, often times, ATV crashes also occur because of a manufacturing or design defect. If you believe you have been seriously injured in an ATV accident because of a product defect, you would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Pennsylvania product liability attorney. You may be eligible to receive compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings and other related damages. If you have been seriously injured as a result of a product defect, please call Cherry, Fieger & Marciano LLP. for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Michael Tangora of Hookstown died after a two-vehicle collision in Chester, Pennsylvania on U.S. Route 30, the Herald Star reports. Hancock County Sheriff's officials said the head-on collision occurred when an eastbound truck on the highway traveling at a high rate of speed crossed the center line and struck a car. Two others – Anita Benz and Glenn Robert Krugle III, were airlifted to Pittsburgh area hospitals for treatment of injuries they sustained in the car crash. This fatal auto accident is still under investigation.

The consequences of an auto accident in Philadelphia can be devastating. As it occurred in this case, major injuries or death could occur as a result of an auto accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approximately 40,000 people die in the United States as a result of traffic accidents.

Also as in this case, auto accidents can occur as a result of someone's negligence or error. In this case, one of the drivers crossed over the center line and collided head on with the other vehicle. Distracted driving, reckless driving or driving under the influence is also considered "negligence" in Pennsylvania. If you have been seriously injured in a Philadelphia car accident by a negligent driver, you need to get in touch with an experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorney, who can analyze the case thoroughly, determine the facts, identify the negligent parties and hold them accountable.

At Cherry, Fieger & Marciano LLP., our skilled PA personal injury lawyers have obtained fair compensation for auto accident victims who have suffered major injuries or families that have lost loved ones as a result of another motorist's negligence. Call us today for a free consultation and evaluation of your Philadelphia personal injury claim.

A Pennsylvania motorcyclist was killed after crashing head-on into a minivan on Route 352 in Delaware County, according to this CBS News report. According to Pennsylvania State Police, the motorcycle was traveling southbound on Route 352 when it veered into the northbound lanes and struck a Dodge Caravan. The motorcyclist, 53-year-old Jeffrey Hoyle, was thrown from the motorcycle and was pronounced dead at the scene of the PA auto accident. Five people inside the van, including a 2-year-old child and a 91-year-old man, were taken to an area hospital with unknown injuries.

Motorcycles are increasingly becoming a popular means of transportation in the United States and here in Pennsylvania especially given the current economic pressures and rising gas prices. But unfortunately, riding motorcycles is risky. Very often, when it comes to motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania, it is the motorcyclist who suffers major injuries or death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 4,000 deaths and 76,000 injuries each year in the United States can be attributed to motorcycle accidents.

Motorcycle accidents can occur due to many reasons including the motorcycle's error, use of alcohol or drugs, a product defect in the motorcycle, a dangerous condition on the roadway or because of the other motorist's negligence. Motorcyclists can lose control of their vehicles also because of a mechanical malfunction or a product defect, which can trigger a mechanical malfunction. If your motorcycle accident is caused as a result of a product defect or another person's negligence, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, damages and loss. If you have been injured in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident, please call the experienced Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers at Cherry, Fieger & Marciano LLP. to find out more about your legal rights and options.

A Michigan truck driver faces reckless driving charges after his big rig hit a traffic cone and then struck a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation worker on April 30, 2009, according to a report. Truck driver Donald Minehart apparently did not realize that he hit the cone, which then struck a PennDOT supervisor who suffered injuries as a result. Minehart continued to driver and was stopped by troopers. The auto accident occurred in a work zone on Interstate 81 near exit 141.

This is not the first time a PennDOT worker has been injured by a careless driver. In May 2001, Richard Bradley, a PennDOT worker from West Hazleton, died when a teen driver struck him and three others on East Butler Drive in Butler Township. In this particular case, the worker was fortunate to get away without major injuries. However, this workplace injury serves as an important reminder for motorists to drive with caution along freeway construction zones.

Workers who get injured on the job are eligible for workers compensation from their employer. But very often, Pennsylvania workers compensation benefits are not sufficient to pay for medical expenses, loss of earnings or other related costs, especially when it comes to serious injuries. If you have been injured in a Pennsylvania workplace accident, please contact our experienced Philadelphia workers compensation lawyers at Cherry, Fieger & Marciano for a free consultation. Our skilled Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys will fight for your rights and make sure you get fair compensation for your injuries, damages and loss.

Rubiel Sanchez-Ramirez caused a fatal car accident in Clayton, NJ on June 2. According to this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, he was charged with causing a death while driving without a license and cited for several lesser violations. His bail was set that same day at $100,000 in Gloucester County, NJ.

Sanchez-Ramirez was driving an SUV in Deschler Blvd. in NJ when he struck and killed Mary P. Rogers, 52, of Williamstown, NJ.

According to the article, Sanchez-Ramirez, 25, received only minor injuries.

He was detained in Gloucester County Jail by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency because of his alleged status as an illegal alien from Mexico.

Sanchez-Ramirez should be held both criminally and civilly responsible for the accident and the death of Mary P. Rogers. Her family deserves to be rightfully compensated for their tremendous loss. They would be well advised to contact a Philadelphia wrongful death attorney who will file a wrongful death claim on their behalf and fight for their rights.

When needless death occurs due to negligence of another party, Philly wrongful death lawsuits can be filed. In these lawsuits, the decedent’s heirs sue the negligent party or parties for damages related to the loss of life and their own pain and suffering.

Cherry, Fieger, and Marciano understand the devastating impact a Pennsylvania wrongful death can have on a family. Call 888-845-2706 today for a free case evaluation and more information.

Eleven spectators were injured when two school buses crashed into a restraining wall at a demolition derby-style race in Ohio.

According to this article, the accident happened on May 23 when the buses were racing in figure eights around the Columbus Motor Speedway track. The race was one of several taking place at a Crash-A-Rama event.

One spectator had to shield her 18-month-old daughter from flying debris and saw people get hit by chunks of concrete from the 4-foot-high wall.

The article said 11 people were taken to nearby hospitals with cuts, bruises, and some ankle injuries as a result of the bus accident.

The injured victims here may need the the services of a skilled personal injury attorney who will do a thorough investigation into this accident. Their attorney should be looking causes for this accident.

The experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at Cherry, Fieger & Marciano use their knowledge, their aptitude and their ability in pursuit of obtaining considerable damages for the injured party.

Experts of the medical and technical fields are called in to provide much needed insight with subject matter including structural engineering, environmental engineering, general and specified medicine as well as accident reconstruction. Working with these experts greatly helps in the building of a strong case. If you or someone you know has been injured due to negligence in Pennsylvania, we can assist you in evaluating your case. Contact a skilled Philadelphia personal injury attorney at Cherry, Fieger & Marciano today.

On May 25, a 53-year-old Glen Riddle, PA resident died and six people were injured when a motorcycle collided with a van on Route 352 and Gradyville Road in Delaware County, PA.

According to the article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, the crash occurred at about 8 p.m. when Jeffrey Hoyle, operating a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, headed southbound on Route 352, crossed into oncoming traffic.

The motorcycle hit a Dodge Caravan driven head on. The van was driven by Evelyn Hill of Philadelphia. Hoyle was thrown from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene. Hill and five passengers were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The family of Jeffrey Hoyle would be well advised to obtain Philadelphia's skilled motorcycle accident attorneys so they may be compensated for their loss.

Though motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania have a variety of causes, common causes include unsafe road conditions, inclement weather, defective motorcycle parts, driver fatigue, drunk drivers, and driver error. The latter is the most common cause of motorcycle accidents. Some passenger vehicles simply don't understand the rules of the road and may hit a motorcycle while changing lanes, may disregard their presence on the road, or ignore right-of-way laws. Unfortunately, the toll is usually on the side of the motorcyclist in these cases. Due to the inherent lack of protection while on a motorcycle, catastrophic injury often occurs, ranging from broken bones and minor lacerations and bruises to disfigurement, brain injury, paralysis and even death.

The National Highway Traffic Administration (NTHSA) estimates that 4,000 deaths and around 76,000 injuries take place every year due to motorcycle accidents.

The attorneys of Cherry, Fieger, Marciano understand the severity of Philadelphia motorcycle accidents and their life-changing effects. They have what it takes as personal injury attorneys to conduct discovery, gather appropriate testimony, stand up for you in court, and get the compensation you deserve —and they are offering a free case consultation today.

On May 27, authorities identified a motorist killed in an Evesham, NJ auto accident over Memorial Day weekend as a resident of that township, 19-year-old Shawn English.

According to the article on Philly.com, Thomas Thorn Jr., 22, of Tabernacle, NJ was driving a pickup truck when he struck English’s vehicle as it was crossing Route 70 on Maple Avenue around 1:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 24.

The article said that a preliminary investigation showed that Thorn, who is in stable condition, disregarded the traffic signal before his truck hit English’s vehicle. No charges had been filed yet as the investigation continued.

Every day throughout the country families are devastated when innocent loved ones are injured or even die as the result of traffic accidents.

The aggressive and skilled Philadelphia car accident attorneys at Cherry, Fieger and Marciano, LLP, represent clients who have been seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents throughout the state of Pennsylvania. They have the experience and knowledge that are necessary to represent clients involved in even the most complex car accident cases. When preparing your case, their skilled team of attorneys will review all relevant facts to assist in determining which party was at fault and who should assume responsibilities. Some factors that may be of importance during this process may include road conditions, weather conditions, the condition of the vehicles involved (i.e., faulty or defective auto parts), and whether or not alcohol or drugs were involved.

If you or a loved one has suffered severe physical injuries in an automobile accident in Pennsylvania, please call Cherry, Fieger and Marciano, LLP for a free case evaluation.

An 8-year-old Camden, NJ boy was seriously injured in a vehicle accident on April 27 after he was hit by a NJ Transit bus and trapped beneath it.

According to this article from philly.com, the boy was riding the handlebars of a bicycle with a 17-year-old boy in April when the bus struck the bicycle at the intersection of Haddon Avenue and Cooper Street. Police said the younger boy was caught underneath the bus and had to be freed by rescue crews. He was taken to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, where he underwent surgery.

There were no passengers on the bus. According to the article, the bus had just completed all stops on the 419 line, which runs from Burlington City to Camden. The bus was headed to a garage when the auto accident happened.

The family of this boy will need the services of an experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable personal injury attorney who will do a thorough investigation. Their attorney should be looking at other causes for this accident like a dangerous intersection, bad brakes, and so on.

The skilled Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at Cherry, Fieger & Marciano use their knowledge, their aptitude and their ability in pursuit of obtaining considerable damages for the injured party.

Experts of the medical and technical fields are called in to provide much needed insight with subject matter including structural engineering, environmental engineering, general and specified medicine as well as accident reconstruction. Working with these experts greatly helps in the building of a strong case. If you or someone you know has been injured due to negligence in Pennsylvania, we can assist you in evaluating your case. Contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer at Cherry, Fieger & Marciano today by calling 888-845-2706.

Several people suffered injuries in a multi-vehicle auto accident in the Olney section of Philadelphia, CBS News reported in a story. The car crash in Philadelphia occurred at 5th and Chew Avenue and involved at least two vehicles. One of the vehicles was reportedly sent careening onto a nearby sidewalk during the accident. At least five people, including a 10-year-old child, were taken to local hospitals with injuries. However, the injuries are said to be non-life threatening. Traffic investigators are trying to determine whether alcohol played a role in this crash. No one has been arrested pending a criminal investigation.

In any auto accident, it is extremely important to get the facts of the case and determine whether there was negligence or wrongdoing involved. If you were seriously injured by a drunk driver, then he or she should be held civilly and criminally responsible for such negligence. It is against Pennsylvania law to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Pennsylvania auto accident, you will be well-served to contact an experienced Philadelphia auto accident lawyer at Cherry, Fieger and Marciano, LLP. Our skilled team of personal injury lawyers will evaluate and review all relevant facts to help determine who was at fault and who should be held responsible. Such factors may include road conditions, weather condition, the condition of the vehicles involved (defective auto products or mechanical malfunction) and whether drugs or alcohol were involved. Please call us today for a free consultation and evaluation of your Pennsylvania auto accident case.

A driver who allegedly caused a Kensington crash that injured eight people, including a pregnant woman, has been charged with simple assault and reckless endangerment, according to this CBS report. David Ramos, 30, was reportedly driving a Mitsubishi Eclipse near B and Tioga streets when he lost control and crashed into seven cars. Eight people, including a woman who was six months pregnant, were injured in this car crash in Philadelphia. Philadelphia police say Ramos was traveling at a high rate of speed. He also apparently faces trial in two separate cases including a charge from a January DUI case.

If you have been injured in a Philadelphia car accident because of someone else's negligence, then you have rights. You could receive compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of income or future earnings, treatment for disabilities and other related damages. If you have lost a loved one as a result of negligence or wrongdoing on someone's part, you may want to file a wrongful death claim, which will compensate families of deceased victims for medical/funeral expenses, loss of wages, loss of companionship and other related damages.

If you have been in a DUI auto accident or any Philadelphia car accident that involved a negligent driver, please contact an experienced Pennsylvania traffic accident lawyer at Cherry, Fieger and Marciano LLP. We will provide a free evaluation of your claim, protect your legal rights, and make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and loss.

A man in a motorized wheelchair was killed in a Philadelphia pedestrian accident, according to this news report in the Philadelphia Inquirer. The wheelchair-bound man was reportedly crossing Eighth Street from the west when a westbound bus turning left on to Eighth from Girard Avenue struck the man. The wheelchair lodged in the bus' undercarriage and the man was dragged about 100 feet before the bus came to a halt.

The victim suffered severe injuries and died at the scene. SEPTA's systems safety engineers are looking into the condition of the bus' brakes and other aspects of its equipment. The bus driver has apparently been a SEPTA bus operator for 16 years. The driver is also being questioned and tested for drugs and/or alcohol. In this case, if the bus driver was found to have been driving recklessly or operating under the influence, both he and his employer, South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), can be held liable.

SEPTA can also be held liable if it is determined that they did not maintain their vehicles properly and that their bus suffered a mechanical malfunction as a result of that lack of vehicle maintenance. If that Philadelphia intersection is determined to be a dangerous roadway or intersection, the city could be held liable for the bus accident in Pennsylvania.

In such auto versus pedestrian accidents, the victims' families would be well-served to consult with an experienced Philadelphia auto accident attorney, who will be able to thoroughly examine the investigative reports and determine exactly who should be held accountable. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Philadelphia auto accident, please call Cherry, Fieger and Marciano LLP for a free consultation and case evaluation.

A New Jersey family injured in a head-on car crash in 2006 was awarded more than $17 million by an Ocean County jury in a civil trial. According to an article, Jennifer Roden, her husband, Alvin, and their three young children were driving to a car dealership in August 2006 when another car crossed over the center line on Route 9 in Tuckerton, NJ and struck them.

All three children were hurt. One suffered a spinal injury that left her with permanent leg paralysis.

The other driver, Corey Clifford, was on his way home to Little Egg Harbor, NJ. He wasn’t criminally charged.

Every day throughout the country families are devastated when innocent loved ones are injured or even die as the result of traffic accidents.

The aggressive and experienced Philadelphia auto accident attorneys at Cherry, Fieger and Marciano, LLP, represent clients who have been seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents throughout the state of Pennsylvania. They have the skills and knowledge necessary to represent clients involved in even the most complex car accident cases.

Continue reading "$17 Million Awarded to Family Injured in NJ Car Crash" »

On Jan. 23, a tractor-trailer plowed into stalled traffic on the Schuylkill Expressway, killing a father of three. According to the article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the tractor-trailer had been cited repeatedly for faulty brakes and was operating with a fraudulent inspection sticker.

After a seven-week investigation of the truck accident, authorities charged the driver, Valerijs Belovs of Northeast Philadelphia, as well as the co-owner of the 18-wheeler and a garage owner, with vehicular homicide.

Montgomery County District Attorney said the truck’s worn-out brakes prevented it from stopping in time before it plowed into halted east-bound traffic on the Schuykill. The truck went over the top of one car, killing its driver, David Schreffler, and injuring an occupant, Joseph John Maylish, and smashed into three other vehicles in this fatal auto accident.

Although the 18-wheeler bore current state inspection stickers certifying the tractor and trailer to be in good working order, the crash police mechanics found the rig’s brakes to be defective. None of the 10 brake assemblies worked efficiently, and three brake assemblies “failed completely.”

Continue reading "Montgomery County Truck Accident Charges Driver " »

A Chambersburg Area School District bus was rear-ended by a power company’s utility truck on Mont Alto Road. According to a recent news report in The Record Herald, Jeffery Lynn Kriner, 46, of Chambersburg was driving an Allegheny Power bucket truck northbound on Mont Alto Road when he struck the parked school bus.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, the truck versus bus collision happened as the school bus had stopped to pick up two students when Kriner crashed into the rear of the bus. Three Fayetteville Elementary students who had suffered minor injuries were treated at area hospitals. Kriner was taken to York Hospital for treatment and has been released since. The bus driver and other children in the bus were not injured in the accident. Kriner has been cited for traffic violations including failure to drive a vehicle at a safe speed, careless driving and meeting or overtaking a school bus, the report said.

Based on this account, Kriner can be held liable for causing the accident and the injuries to the three children. If it is determined he was on-the-job at the time of the crash then his employer may be held responsible as well. A skilled Pennsylvania bus accident attorney will help the injured victims and their families identify all the negligent parties and hold them responsible.

Cherry, Fieger and Marciano is a law firm that is experienced in Pennsylvania motor vehicle accident cases. Our top Philadelphia auto accident attorneys will evaluate your case promptly to determine the facts and who or what was responsible for your injury accident. If you are a victim of an auto accident that you believe was the result of another motorist’s negligence or failure to follow the law, then you should contact our Philadelphia lawyers to set up a free initial consultation. As the injured party, you deserve to be compensated for pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of wages and other related expenses.

A Gloucester County two-car collision that occurred at the intersection of Route 42 and Tuckahoe Road has injured the drivers of both the vehicles, reports the CourierPostOnline.com in a recent article. Britain Matchner, 51, of Williamstown was driving a 1988 Ford pick-up truck when he rear-ended 49-year-old Stefanie Hecksher.

According to officials, Franklinville resident Hecksher had parked her Lincoln Town Car at a resting stop in Washington Township at County Route 555 when she was hit by Matchner’s truck. The Lincoln reportedly caught fire, but police were able to rescue Hecksher before any major burn injuries. Both Matchner and Hecksher have been admitted to area hospitals for treatment of their injuries. Authorities are still investigating the auto accident in Pennsylvania and have not filed any charges at this time.

Based on this account, we don’t know what exactly caused the collision. It is not clear if Matchner was speeding or if he was distracted and inattentive. Also, the report does not say whether the right lane of the road on which the Lincoln was parked was a designated spot meant for use as a resting spot. Rear end auto accidents in Philadelphia are very common and typically tend to cause whiplash injury. It is estimated about 20 percent of people involved in rear end collisions exhibit symptoms of whiplash. The National Safety Council puts the annual figure for reported rear end collisions at more than 2.5 million.

The skilled Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at Cherry Fieger and Marciano have the experience and the skill to help those seriously injured in an auto accident and get victims back on their feet again. Our PA vehicle accident lawyers will use all their resources and aggressively pursue the negligent parties to get you your rightful compensation. Call one of our experienced Philadelphia car crash lawyers to schedule your initial consultation and find out more about your legal rights and option at no charge.

A Bucks County high school teacher faces vehicular-homicide charges in an October accident that killed a motorcyclist in Lehigh County. According to this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Larry Angney II, 37, of Center Valley, PA is accused of killing Lori Smeltzer, 45, near her home in Upper Saucon Township. The article said that his vehicle struck Smeltzer’s motorcycle from the rear and ran over her before speeding from the scene. She died the next day.

Angney turned himself in the day after the car accident in Pennsylvania, saying he thought he had hit an animal or a street sign.

He was charged Friday with vehicular homicide.

Angney should be held criminally and civilly responsible for the accident, injuries, and the death of Smeltzer. Smeltzer’s family deserves to be rightfully compensated for their tremendous loss. They would be well advised to contact an experienced Philadelphia wrongful death attorney.

Though motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania have a variety of causes, common causes include unsafe road conditions, inclement weather, defective motorcycle parts, driver fatigue, drunk drivers, and driver error. The latter is the most common cause of motorcycle accidents. Some passenger vehicles simply don't understand the rules of the road and may hit a motorcycle while changing lanes, may disregard their presence on the road, or ignore right-of-way laws.

Continue reading "Lehigh County Motorcycle Accident Kills Woman" »

Lewis Leon, 26, seriously injured a woman after he struck her car, which was stopped at a traffic signal at Somerset Street and Park Avenue in North Philadelphia. According to this article in the Philadelphia Daily News, the impact of the Philadelphia car crash pushed the car through the intersection and into a pole and then ejected the female driver from her vehicle.

The woman suffered head trauma, broken bones, and extensive bruising. According to the article, she is in critical condition at an area hospital due to this drunk driving accident in Philadelphia.

Leon allegedly continued driving after the crash and struck two more vehicles before coming to a stop at a pole. He was arrested and charged with driving while under the influence of intoxicants, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, and related offenses.

Continue reading "Philadelphia Drunk Driving Accident Seriusly Injures Woman" »

Two former University of Rhode Island students have settled a lawsuit that accused them of causing the death of a college student from Richboro, Bucks County, Pa., who was crushed by a bus in Newport, R. I. in 2004 in a bus accident.

According to this article by the Associated Press that appeared on Philly.com, the two students, Jarrad Rocheleau and Loren Welsh, reached the agreement with the parents of Francis J. Marx V, who accused them of scuffling with their son early on May 20, 2004. The accident caused the Fairfield University senior to fall into the path of a bus being used for a pub-crawl.

The wrongful death lawsuit began two weeks ago in Superior Court and was resolved before closing arguments on February 10.

Rocheleau and Welsh admitted no wrongdoing as part of the settlement. The article stated that the settlement was for less than the $5 million sought by Marx’s parents.

After a formal dance at one of Newport’s mansions with his girlfriend, Marx got into a heated argument with a group of URI students celebrating their impending graduation with a pub-crawl.

Continue reading "Pennsylvania Suit Settled In Student Bus Death" »

A 3-year-old female pedestrian was struck and killed on Route 129 when a fire truck crashed into a pickup truck, causing the pickup truck to careen into the crosswalk center median and create the pedestrian accident. The pickup truck then struck the child, dragging her several feet down the southbound lanes of the highway.

According to this article that appeared in the Delaware County Times, the accident happened on January 30 around 7:20 p.m.

Several pedestrians were also injured when the fire truck careened into a light pole that then toppled over and landed on top of them.

The article stated that two adults, the 3-year-old girl, and a male juvenile were standing on the intersection’s median pedestrian crosswalk when the trucks collided and caused the Pennsylvania pedestrian accident.

Continue reading "Trenton 3-year-old Killed In Pedestrian Accident" »

Federal investigators are looking into what caused a tour bus accident on February 1 on a rural Arizona highway. The crash killed seven Chinese tourists and injured 10 others.

According to this article on Philly.com, tourists left Las Vegas for the Grand Canyon the Friday before the accident. They were returning from their trip when the bus went across a median and rested along the southbound lanes of the highway.

The National Transportation Safety Board spokesman said the investigative team would be measuring and photographing the site, evaluating the condition of the highway, and looking for skid marks.

After inspecting the bus accident site, the investigators will evaluate the bus, including checking whether the wheels and brakes were in good working order and if any mechanical malfunctions may have caused the accident.

Continue reading "Investigators Comb Tour Bus Crash Site For Clues" »

New Jersey has paid $2 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Maria Caiafa, a Cape May County woman, whose daughters died in a car crash with a state trooper. According to this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the state made no admission of culpability.

The settlement was signed in May, but the family didn’t announce it because publicity over the wrongful death case makes it hard for them to manage their daily lives.

Christina, 19, and her sister, Jacqueline, 17, were returning home after picking up milk when authorities say trooper Robert Higbee ran a stop sign and hit their minivan.

Continue reading "N.J. Pays $2M In Trooper Crash That Killed 2 Daughters" »

The Pennsylvania auto accident that killed two Drexel University students and seriously injured four others Sunday is still under investigation.

According to the article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the students were on a fraternity trip in Lycoming County, PA when the driver’s SUV struck a “rock cut” along the mountainside around 3:30 a.m. that morning.
Ian Alexander, 22, of Royersford, president of Drexel’s Alpha Chi Rho fraternity, and John Patrick “Johnny” Williamson Jr., 21, of Havertown, died in the accident.

Police would not say whether alcohol was a factor in the crash, or whether the two who died had been wearing seat belts. Police are still investigating the accident.

Williamson’s mother was told by police that alcohol was not a factor in the car accident. Police also said that the four survivors, including the driver, Andrew Cardamone, 19, of Philadelphia, were all wearing seat belts. Cardamone and passengers Eric Rayburn, 18, of Quakertown, and Kevin MacDonald, 18, of Philadelphia, were taken to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, where they remained in serious condition last night.

Continue reading "Pennsylvania Car Crash That Killed 2 Drexel Students Poses Questions" »

Robin J. Yeager, a 49-year-old Voorhees woman was struck by a car and killed in a pedestrian accident in Voorhees on January 12 as she crossed White Horse Road.

According to this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, she was crossing the street shortly after 6 a.m. She was hit by a Pontiac Grand Prix driven by a 21-year-old man whose name has not been released by police.

The driver stopped his car, called authorities, and waited at the scene until they arrived. Yeager was pronounced dead at Underwood-Memorial Hospital.

The driver, who was not injured, had a suspended license. The man may face criminal charges depending on the investigation following this fatal Voorhees auto accident.

When needless death occurs due to negligence of another party, a wrongful death can be filed. In these lawsuits, the decedent's heirs sue the negligent party or parties for damages related to the loss of life and their own pain and suffering.

With the help of a wrongful death attorney, the family can sue the negligent person in court and receive monetary compensation for the wages the decedent would have earned had he or she lived, the loss of support to the family, even money related to pain and suffering and loss of consort.

The Cherry, Fieger, Marciano attorneys understand the devastating impact a Pennsylvania wrongful death can have on a family. They can help you find justice and compensation for your loved one’s death. Your case consultation with one of the Philadelphia, PA wrongful death attorneys is free of charge and completely confidential.

Motorist expects charges in state senator's death

The driver of a vehicle that killed state senator James Rhoades three months ago expects to face both criminal charges and a Pennsylvania wrongful death claim by the lawmaker’s widow and estate.

The senator represented a northeastern Pennsylvania district and was the longtime chairman of the Senate Education Committee. According to this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The senator and his wife, Mary, were headed to an event in the Poconos in October when the Cadillac he was driving collided with a pickup truck driven by Thomas Senavitis, 45. Rhoades died the following day.

An attorney for the late senator’s son-in-law informed Senavitis that a claim for personal injury and wrongful death is being made against him by Mary Edith Rhoades and the estate of James J. Rhoades.

Continue reading "PA Car Accident That Killed Senator James Rhoades Brings Wrongful Deah Suit " »

Federal regulators are now taking steps to get medically unfit truck and bus drivers off the road, in an effort to limit dangerous auto accidents on our nation's highways.

According to this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration approved a rule that states must combine commercial truck and bus drivers' licenses and their medical examination certificates into a single electronic record.

This rule will make it easier to check whether drivers have met medical requirements to operate commercial vehicles.

The administration has also proposed creating a registry of medical examiners qualified to award certificates to drivers. Examiners who do not meet minimum standards could be barred from issuing fitness-to-drive certificates.

According to the article, agency officials were reprimanded at a House hearing earlier this year for ignoring the problem of medically unfit drivers despite repeated warnings from Congress.

The rule finalized on December 1 addresses some of a series of recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board in 2001 in response to a motorcoach accident two years earlier in New Orleans that killed 22.

Continue reading "New rules for medically unfit truck and bus drivers" »

A state appeals court revoked a New Jersey bar’s liquor license for serving alcohol to a man who ended up killing 2 people in a 2000 automobile accident.

On November 14, the court upheld the decision by the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to revoke the license of Cheerleaders, in Brooklawn, NJ. The bar will have six months to sell its license and pay a fine to the ABC, once the ABC determines what that fine should be.

According to a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the court agreed that on April 15, 2000 the bar served alcohol to 23-year-old Humberto Herrera-Salas even though he was intoxicated.

Herrera-Salas was eventually ejected from the bar, drove south in the northbound lanes of Route 130, crashing head-on into another car and killing two people and injuring two others.
Herrera-Salas was sentenced to 22 years in prison.

The owner of Cheerleaders tried to have the ABC's ruling reversed, but the appellate panel focused on the fact that although bar employees forced Herrera-Salas to leave and called him a taxi because he had become drunk and abusive, no one stayed outside to make sure he got in the cab.

Continue reading "Court revokes bar’s license after crash" »

Delco woman faces DUI-related homicide charges

Roisin O'Neill, 22, of Newtown Square, had a blood alcohol content of .197 percent and was under the influence of marijuana when she drove up the off-ramp onto Interstate 476 on Sept. 19, traveling more than three miles in the wrong direction before striking a car operated by Patricia Waggoner, 63 in a fatal Pennsylvania head-on auto accident.

According to a Philadelphia Inquirer report, Waggoner, who was headed to Media to visit family, was pronounced dead at the crash site at 2:30 a.m. Sept. 19. She died of cerebral and chest trauma.

O'Neill’s injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said O'Neill was "falling down drunk" when she sped down the Blue Route in the wrong direction flashing her headlights at oncoming drivers. According to the article, Roisin O'Neill met friends just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 18 at Brownies 23 East in Ardmore, PA. She later admitted to police that she had two whiskey drinks before she arrived at the bar and a "beer or two" after she arrived.

Police said they interviewed five drivers who swerved to get out of her way as she drove, flashing her high beams, at high speed in the wrong direction for more than three miles. Waggoner also attempted to get out of the way of the speeding Ford Escape. She swerved her car right just as O'Neill swerved left and head-on into the smaller car resulting in a deadly Pennsylvania SUV accident.

Continue reading "Head-on Auto Accident in Pennsylvania Kills 1, Sends Another to Jail" »

A state appeals court ruled that Sevastia Podias, the widow of a motorcyclist who was struck by a car on the Garden State Parkway can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against two passengers in the car who failed to stop and help him.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the lawsuit against Andrew Swanson, Jr. and Kyle Charles Newell, the two passengers in a car that hit Antonios Podias, may now go to trial.

A trial judge originally dismissed the case against Swanson and Newell in 2006, but that ruling was reversed last year when a state appellate court ruled that the two men had a legal obligation to help Podias. The judge had ruled in March that Podias couldn't sue for the bulk of monetary damages against Swanson and Newell because she had already settled out of court with the driver and other defendants for an amount greater than what a jury had determined was appropriate.

Podias’ husband, Antonios, was riding his motorcycle on the Garden State parkway when he was struck from behind by a car driven by Monmouth University student Michael Mairs, whose blood alcohol level was .085. Mairs, Swanson, and Newell were returning to the Monmouth campus from a party in Matawan.

Mairs' car crashed through a guardrail and stopped on the grass near the highway express lanes following the motorcycle accident. The three men then drove away, and a car driven by Patricia Uribe, another Monmouth student, ran over Podias, killing him.

Court records showed that Mairs, Swanson, and Newell never called for emergency assistance. According to Sevastia Podias’ attorney, experts testified that Antonios Podias suffered some injuries from the impact with Mairs' car but likely would have survived those injuries had the young men called for help.

Continue reading "Wrongful Death Lawsuit Allowed To Be Filed By Widow of Auto Accident Victim" »

A man was killed in a Middle Paxton Twp. auto accident on Saturday, October 11 after he lost control and was ejected from his vehicle. State police at Harrisburg said, the man, whose name was withheld pending notification of his family, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on state Route 322, two miles east of state Route 325.

Police say the man was driving east on state Route 322 at about 1:30a.m. when he lost control of his 1995 Plymouth Voyager. The vehicle slid sideways for 153 feet, hit a guardrail, spun and ejected the driver, who most likely died instantly.

Dangerous auto accidents involving minivans are not an uncommon occurrence. Minivans roll over frequently due to their higher center of gravity and narrow wheelbase compared to regular sedans. Despite their high rollover risk, minivans do not have proper roof structures and most do not meet the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration roof safety standards for automobiles.

Continue reading "Middle Paxton Auto Accident Claims Driver’s Life" »

A 36-year-old woman was seriously injured last week when a hit and run driver struck her car and pushed her into oncoming traffic. Not only was the driver driving a stolen car, but he was also under the influence of Xanax during the auto accident.

According to an article in the Delaware County Times, Michael Fabrizio, 21, stole a vehicle parked in Drexel Hill that its owner left running. He then picked up a 16-year-old boy and while driving at a high rate of speed in Upper Darby, smashed into a 1999 Hondo Civic. The Honda was then pushed into oncoming traffic and hit a van head-on. Fabrizio fled the scene of the accident.

Fabrizio is being charged with recklessly endangering a person, receiving stolen property, aggravated assault by vehicle under the influence, accident involving death or personal injury, accident involving damage to attended vehicle, duty to give information and render assistance, and driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood said the 36-year-old driver of the Honda civic suffered severe long-term injuries, including fractures to her femur, collarbone and sternum, and injuries to her head. Although police noticed a baby seat in the back of the woman’s car, luckily her children were safe at home. The driver of the van injured his hand.

Chitwood said it was a “miracle” that the victim survived, and that had the children been in the car they would have died.

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