Pennsylvania Personal Injury Blog

According to The Delaware County Times, on November 13, seven motorcyclists were involved in a collision in Ocotillo, CA. A Honda Accord triggered the motorcycle accident when he attempted to pass a dozen motorcycles, which forced another vehicle to swerve to avoid a head-on car crash. He lost control and killed 4 motorcyclists. The Honda Accord did not stop.

The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 4,000 deaths and around 76,000 injuries take place every year as a result of motorcycle accidents. If passenger vehicles don’t obey the rules of the road, they 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.

Motorcycle accidents have a variety of causes such as driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, driver error, poor weather conditions, and defective motor vehicle parts. A PA motorcycle collision with a car, truck, SUV or other motor vehicle will likely cause serious injury or death to the motorcyclist.

The police are still looking for the Honda driver who caused this tragic motorcycle accident. That driver can be held liable for the crash in a court of law. Families of accident victims have the right to seek damages from reckless motorists on behalf of lost loved ones, and the best strategy in doing so is to retain the services of an experienced accident attorney who will examine all circumstances surrounding an accident to determine the negligent parties involved. The Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP, understand the severity of motorcycle accidents and their life-changing effects. Call today for a free and confidential consultation.

For a motorcyclist, there is nothing like riding down the open road with the sun on your face and the wind at your back. However, a split second can change an enjoyable experience into a catastrophic injury or worse, death. Because motorcyclists don’t have the protective barrier that motorists in passenger vehicles and trucks do, motorcyclists have a higher risk of serious injury in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident. However, there are a few tips that riders can take in order to prevent crashes and keep themselves out of harm’s way.

• Always wear a helmet. While Pennsylvania law states that all motorcyclists must wear helmets unless they’ve reached the age of 21 and have at least two years of licensed riding experience OR have completed a motorcycle safety course, it is important to ALWAYS wear a helmet no matter your age or experience.
• Wear proper riding gear. Shorts and t-shirts are not proper riding apparel. Utilize riding boots, leathers, riding gloves and other riding gear. In the event of a crash where a rider skids on pavement, appropriate riding apparel can aid in protecting the rider from road rash and other injuries.
• Obey ALL traffic laws. Do not speed, ride aggressively or weave in and out of traffic. Do not ride in another motorist’s blind spot.
• Ensure that the motorcycle has been maintained and is in good working condition.

According to the NHTSA, in 2008, 5,290 motorcyclists were killed in U.S. crashes with another 96,000 injured. 227 motorcycle fatalities occurred in Pennsylvania and only 49% of those killed were wearing helmets.

If you or a loved one has been injured or wrongfully killed in a motorcycle accident in Pennsylvania, a skilled Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney can help. At Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP, we have the necessary resources to reconstruct your accident and determine the at fault party. If another driver’s negligence contributed to your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for damages including medical bills, damage to your vehicle, loss of income if your injuries prevent you from working and other damages. Call Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP today at (888) 684-7192 for a free consultation.

On August 27, two motorcyclists died in an accident in Bristol Township, PA. According to this article on Philly.com, there may have also been a mini-van involved who did not stop.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported that in 2008, there were 237 motorcycle riders killed. The National Highway Traffic Administration (NTHSA) reported that about 4,000 deaths occur nationally due to motorcycle accidents each year.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers these tips as well as many others on their website to help prevent motorcycle injury and fatality accidents:

• Have working headlights.


• Use reflective strips/decals.


• Be aware of blind spots.


• Flash your brake light when slowing down and before stopping.


• Use your horn when necessary.


• Wear a light-colored helmet and eye protection.


• Wear bright, protective clothing.

The Pennsylvania motorcycle crash lawyers at Cherry, Fieger, and Marciano understand the severity of Philadelphia motorcycle accidents and their life-changing effects. We understand the law inside and out, and have a track record of success, with positive verdicts and settlements for our many personal injury clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, we offer a free and confidential case consultation to help you further understand your legal rights and options.

A 29-year-old motorcyclist was struck in Chester County, PA by a motorist who then left the scene of the accident. According to this The Philadelphia Inquirer, the motorcyclist suffered critical injuries.

The accident happened on Route 322 near Poplar Road in Honey Brook Township, PA. A large SUV or truck collided with the motorcyclist. He was forced off the road and thrown from the vehicle. The driver did not stop or report the accident.

Police are searching for a truck or SUV with damage to its front passenger-side headlight and will be missing a passenger-side rearview mirror. The driver of the SUV could be held both criminally and civilly responsible for the man’s critical injuries. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime.

About 4,000 deaths and around 76,000 injuries take place every year due to motorcycle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NTHSA). The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported that in 2008 in Pennsylvania, there were 237 motorcycle riders killed.

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. 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. 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.

A motorcyclist who is injured in an accident caused by other motorist’s negligence would be well advised to contact an experienced Philadelphia motorcycle crash injury attorney who understands the severity of Philadelphia motorcycle accidents and their life-changing effects. Contact the injury lawyers at Cherry, Fieger, & Marciano LLP today for a free consultation.

After 31 years of motorcycle riding with no accidents, Auntie Anne’s pretzel shop founder, Anne Beiler, went down for the first time last month, according to an article in the Intelligencer Journal. Luckily, Beiler was wearing her helmet and only suffered a couple broken bones.

The Auntie Anne’s founder and her husband were on their way home from a tri-state vacation when the Pennsylvania motorcycle accident occurred. About a mile from her home in Gap, PA, Beiler hit an oil slick and went down, losing consciousness for a short period of time. She attributes her survival to the fact that she was wearing a helmet and encourages all riders to do so.

According to the NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 5,290 motorcycle-related fatalities occurred in 2008, with 239 of them occurring in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania helmet law states that all motorcycle riders must wear helmets unless they have reached the age of 21 and have no less than 2 years of licensed riding experience or have successfully completed a DOT approved motorcycle safety course. It is, however, highly recommended that helmets be used each and every time a motorcyclist steps on a bike, regardless of age or number of years riding.

Continue reading "PA Motorcycle Crash Injures Founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzel Franchise" »

On July 2, a 24-year-old Ridley Township man died from injuries suffered when his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck towing a boat on a trailer July 1. According to the Delaware County Times, the motorcycle crash in Pennsylvania occurred about 9:45 p.m. at MacDade Boulevard and Gardner Avenue. The names of the motorcyclist or the 54-year-old man operating the pickup truck were not released.

The article said that the motorcycle was traveling southwest on MacDade when the truck turned into the intersection, to enter Gardner Ave. The motorcyclist struck the boat trailer and was thrown from the bike.

The motorcyclist died Friday, the day after the accident.

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 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported that in 2008 in Pennsylvania, there were 237 motorcycle riders killed. NTHSA also has reported increasing numbers of motorcycle deaths associated with alcohol-impaired driving in recent years.

The family of the motorcyclist who died would be well advised to contact experienced attorneys who understand the severity of Philadelphia motorcycle accidents and their life-changing effects. The PA motorcycle collision lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP offer free consultations to injury victims and family members of wrongful death victims. Please contact us today.

A 47-year-old Worthington man suffered serious injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident in Pennsylvania. According to the Kittanning Paper, the man had failed to negotiate a turn, causing him to strike a residence. Pennsylvania State Police reported that the man had been traveling east on Glade Run Road in North Buffalo Township.

He had lost control of his Buell Firebolt XB12R motorcycle, skidded across oncoming traffic and into a driveway and yard of a residence. The skid caused the man, who was still on his bike, to strike shrubs, an embankment, a cement retaining wall and a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo that was parked in the driveway.

The man was flown to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment of his severe injuries. The motorcycle had also been severely damaged. There have been no further reports as to the cause of the PA motorcycle crash.

Continue reading "Worthington Man Severely Injured in Motorcycle Accident" »

On June 20, two motorcycles crashed on a northern New Jersey highway, killing one Pennsylvania woman and critically injuring her companion. A New York man is facing drunken driving charges.

According to this article, the motorcycle crash occurred around 1:15 a.m. on eastbound Route 78 in Bedminster.

Nicole Widener, 45, and Paul Shelly, 56, both of Stewartsville, Pa., were riding on a motorcycle that Shelly was driving when it was struck by another motorcycle driven by 36-year-old Maurice Smith of Patchogue, N.Y.

Widener was thrown into the roadway and then run over and killed by a car that left the scene. Shelly was hospitalized in critical condition with leg and other injuries.

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 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported that in 2008, there were 237 motorcycle riders killed in Pennsylvania. NHTSA also has reported increasing numbers of motorcycle deaths associated with alcohol-impaired driving in recent years, especially among persons aged >40 years.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Highway Crash Kills 1, Injures 1" »

An off-duty police officer was killed on May 8 when his motorcycle was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Lakewood, NJ. According to this article on Philly.com, Angelo Vasile, 36, a Harvey Cedars police officer from Beachwood, NJ, was riding south on Route 9 when the accident occurred. He was pronounced dead a short time later.

The car involved in the collision was abandoned not far away and no arrests had been made. The Lakewood, NJ police are investigating the accident.

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 Philadelphia 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.

Continue reading "Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Collision Kills Off-Duty N.J. Officer" »

With healthcare becoming a national topic and the economy on a continuous downward spiral, doctors at Allegheny General Hospital have released a report detailing how motorcyclists are not only endangering themselves but are costing the state money when they are involved in an accident which requires transport, many times on helicopter, and medical treatment. The details outlined on the website pittsburghlive.com report that since the Pennsylvania helmet law was repealed in 2003 there has been an increase of motorcycle riders coming into the emergency room with serious facial and head injuries. A doctor at Allegheny General Hospital stated that treatment from facial and head injuries have doubled within the last five years.

Officials at AGH hospital reported encountering 122 motorcycle-linked facial injuries from September 2003 to August 2008, when they only had 10 from 1998 to September 2003.

Dr. Joseph E. Cillo, an AGH oral and maxillofacial surgeon, said, “Riding a motorcycle without a helmet is just risky behavior. Pennsylvania repealed the universal helmet law in 2003, but mandating helmet use to motorcyclists under 21 and riders having less than 2 years experience.”

Continue reading "PA Study Concludes Motorcyclists without Helmets at Greater Risk" »

The widow of a motorcyclist killed when he collided with a western Pennsylvania housing agency’s truck, has won more than $1.6 million in a wrongful death verdict. According to an article, a jury found the Mercer County Housing Authority and an employee negligent in the death of the woman’s husband who was 52-years-old.

The widow’s husband was killed May 8, 2007 when his motorcycle crashed into a housing authority pickup truck. The truck had started to turn left and stopped a few feet into the man’s lane when the crash occurred.

The driver was cited for a left turn violation and paid a fine. The man’s widow settled separate claims against PennDOT and other defendants.

Continue reading "Widow Wins $1.6M from PA Housing Agency" »

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 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" »

Officials in Norristown, Pennsylvania, are investigating what caused a motorcycle accident, which killed a 19-year-old woman. According to this news article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the woman who was a passenger on the motorcycle had been thrown off the vehicle and off the Route 202 Dannehower Bridge. Divers found the woman's body in the river. According to news reports, officials believe that another vehicle was involved in this fatal accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 4,000 deaths and about 76,000 injuries occur every year in the United States as a result of motorcycle accidents. There are a number of reasons why Pennsylvania motorcycle accidents occur. But the most common causes include dangerous roadway conditions, defective motorcycle parts, alcohol, driver error and driver fatigue. Some passenger vehicles simply don't comprehend the rules of the road and hit a motorcycle while making an unsafe lane change. Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries including brain injury, broken bones, spinal cord injuries and even death.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, please do not accept a "quick fix" settlement insurance companies may try to talk you into. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident or any auto accident as a result of someone's negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical expenses, loss of earnings, long-term medical care and other related damages.

Continue reading "Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Kills Woman" »

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.

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.

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" »