Pennsylvania Personal Injury Blog

On Friday, March 11, Philly.com reports that a man from Darby Borough, driving without a license, was charged after he left the scene of a pedestrian accident in Ridley Township that seriously injured four teens.

According to the article, authorities detained the 52-year-old man approximately a mile away from the scene of the Pennsylvania pedestrian accident in a damaged van. It is believed the man ran a red light at the intersection of Morton Avenue and MacDade Boulevard shortly after 10 p.m. The teens were in the crosswalk and were struck by the van. The man, weaving and driving erratically, almost drove into oncoming traffic before he was pulled over several minutes later. When police spoke to him about the accident, he told them he thought he had hit a traffic cone.

The teens, one boy and three girls, are all between 14 and 15-years-old. They were all taken to a local hospital with serious injuries, with some requiring transport via helicopter. Since the pedestrian accident, two teens have since been released, but the other two remain in the hospital. One is under observation due to a concussion and the other is in intensive care.

The article states the man’s license was suspended last May due to an undisclosed medical condition. Following the pedestrian accident, the man was charged with causing an accident that involved injury and was held at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility instead of$150,000 bond.

At Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP, our Pennsylvania pedestrian accident attorneys have dedicated their practice to helping those who have been injured by another’s negligence. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania that you believe was caused by a driver’s wrongful actions, our lawyers can help protect your legal rights while working diligently to obtain the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and accident-related losses. To learn how we can help you, call our law office at 1-888-684-7192 to schedule a free consultation today.

A woman was severely injured in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident on Wednesday, February 2, according to The Delaware County Daily Times. Police are still searching for the driver.

The woman was walking along Cedar Lane on her way to the supermarket when she was struck from behind by a motor vehicle. She suffered several injuries in the accident, including hip fractures and brain injuries. She was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where she remains in critical condition.

According to witnesses, a dark-colored pickup truck was seen driving at a high rate of speed away from the scene at the time the woman was hit. The driver turned down a dead-end street, and then backtracked onto Cedar Lane. Police report the pickup truck should have sustained significant front-end damage in the Pennsylvania pedestrian accident and ask anyone with information to contact the Upper Darby detectives at 610-734-7677.

Unlike motorists, pedestrians have no protection from the full force of a collision with a car in an accident. Drivers can help prevent pedestrian accidents by looking carefully for pedestrians at intersections and along roads, especially in winter when sidewalks may be blocked by snow. Pedestrians can help protect themselves by wearing white or reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight at night.

If you have suffered injury in a pedestrian accident in PA, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Pennsylvania pedestrian accident lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP. Our attorneys will carefully examine your case and can help protect your legal rights while seeking compensation after an accident. To learn more, call Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP at 1-888-684-7192 today to schedule a free case evaluation.

A 51-year-old woman was struck and killed by a Delaware Department of Transportation snow plow on January 27 in Wilmington. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the woman was walking early in the morning when she was hit by the dump truck, which was equipped with a plow.

Because of their size and weight, it can be difficult for snow plows to maneuver or stop quickly, particularly when roads are slippery or snow-covered. Snow plow drivers may have difficulty seeing motorists and pedestrians that are too close to the plows because of blind spots. It is important for pedestrians to stay a safe distance away from snow plows, either behind them or on the sidewalk. In addition to pedestrians, motorists should also take precautions around plow trucks. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recommends that motorists allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks. For their own safety and the safety of plow operators, drivers should not try to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading treatment materials.

The family of the victim would be well advised to consult with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney. An experienced lawyer will investigate the accident to see if there was any negligence by the plow truck driver. The Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP have years of experience bringing negligent drivers to justice for pedestrian accidents. We offer a free consultation to anyone with questions about whether their loved one’s pedestrian accident could result in a valid lawsuit.

A man was killed after he was struck by not just one, but two hit-and-run drivers on January 17 in Philadelphia. While someone was helping the man after he was hit by one vehicle, a car sped through the intersection and the man was run over again. According to the article on Philly.com, police are still searching for both drivers.

According to statistics, a pedestrian is killed every 120 minutes. Almost 18 percent of pedestrian fatalities involve a hit and run. About 70 percent of pedestrian fatalities happen in urban areas. In Pennsylvania, 136 pedestrians were killed in 2009, which accounted for 10 percent of all traffic accident-related deaths. Forty-six of those deaths were in the city.

In this particular case, both drivers can be held liable for this man’s death. It is a driver’s responsibility to immediately stop at the scene of an injury-causing accident. They could both face criminal charges for leaving the scene of the fatal Pennsylvania pedestrian accident. When negligence is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim, seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, and other related damages.

The Philadelphia pedestrian accident attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP advise injured victims or families of those killed in accidents in Pennsylvania regarding how to proceed following an accident. Call our lawyers today for more information during a free, confidential consultation. We can answer any questions you may have.

According to a recent article on Philly.com, there were 157 pedestrian deaths in 2009 in New Jersey. A total of 60 percent of the deaths occurred on heavy-trafficked roads that are part freeway and part Main Street. Both the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Pennsauken, NJ police department are encouraging people to use the designated crosswalks and overpasses.

Pedestrians are the second-largest group of car accident fatalities. There are many factors that can lead to these types of accidents, including time of day, what type of intersection, and driver recklessness. The age of pedestrians is also a factor. In fact, elderly pedestrians in particular may be especially at risk.

Alcohol can also be a factor in pedestrian accidents, in both the driver and the pedestrian. The NHTSA reported alcohol use in about half of car accidents nationwide. There were 1,184 deaths in 2008 in which the pedestrian killed had a blood alcohol content (BAC) higher than .08 percent. In 274 cases, the driver’s BAC was over .08 percent.

Drivers should be observant of pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks and remember that some may not be able to see or hear your vehicle if they are listening to music on an mp3 player or wearing a hat. Pedestrians should wear brightly colored clothing and carry a flashlight if walking in the dark so motorists are aware of their presence.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a tragic pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia pedestrian accident attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP can assess your case and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

On December 6, teenager Bruce A. Mutter was struck and killed by a car while waiting for his school bus in Newark, DE. According to The Delaware County Times, the driver, Malcolm Deshields, is facing criminal charges for the death of Mutter.

Police are still investigating the accident and if Mr. Deshields is found responsible for causing this tragic pedestrian accident, he can be held liable for having done so, both criminally and civilly. Mr. Mutter’s family would have the right to seek damages from this reckless motorist on behalf of their son. The best way for them to do so would be to find an experienced attorney who will examine all circumstances surrounding an accident to determine any negligence.

In Pennsylvania, younger pedestrians accounted for 36 percent of all pedestrian injuries. There were 11 fatalities involving teens between the ages of 15 and 19. In 2008, there were 525 injured in that age group. Nationally, children aged 15 and younger accounted for 7 percent of all pedestrian accidents and 22 percent of pedestrian injuries.

It is important to note that pedestrians should be cautious of motorists and make themselves visible with appropriate clothing. It is also important to avoid too many distractions, such as cell phones and headphones with music, so that you are aware of motorists and pedestrian accidents can be avoided.

The Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP have the experience necessary to help you if you have recently lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident. We understand that you may be left with medical bills and expenses for funeral arrangements and can help you recover compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Philly.com reports that a Chester police officer was struck by a car on Thanksgiving night while directing traffic around a traffic accident. He was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries to his head, neck, and back.

On average, one police officer is killed every month while conducting a traffic stop or helping a disabled motorist. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that the number of workers struck by cars has been rising over the past decade. Transportation incidents where a worker was killed accounted for approximately two-fifths of all the workplace fatalities in 2008. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were 2,053 total transportation-related fatalities, 322 of which involved a worker being struck and killed by a vehicle while on the job.

If you have been injured while at work, you would be well advised to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Those injured on the job in Pennsylvania are entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim. That right extends regardless of who is at fault for the injury or how large or small your employer may be. Workers’ comp benefits can cover the costs of your medical expenses and replace lost wages if you aren’t able to work for a while. When a third party -- a company or person that you don’t directly work for -- is responsible for the injury, you may still file a workplace injury lawsuit while collecting workers’ compensation.

The Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP have represented countless Pennsylvania work injury victims with great success. Call today for a free and confidential consultation.

Twenty-five year old Jennifer Rose of Clifton Heights, PA was struck by a car while crossing the street on November 7 at Oak and Cambridge Avenues. The article in The Delaware County Times reports that John Durkin was driving a Jeep Liberty turning onto Oak from Cambridge when the he struck the woman.

Pedestrian deaths represented 9.7% of all crash-related deaths (2008). In 2008, there were 142 Pennsylvania pedestrian accident deaths and 4,389 pedestrians injured in PA. Most pedestrian crashes and deaths occur while pedestrians are “entering crossing/specified location,” meaning a pedestrian was most likely crossing the street at an intersection, mid-block crossing, or driveway entrance.

According to Pennsylvania law, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.

Based on the article, it appears that the pedestrian was legally using the crosswalk at the time. It’s not clear is why the driver failed to see the woman in time to avoid hitting her. Police will need to look into whether the driver was distracted, inattentive, speeding or otherwise negligent.

If you or a loved one has been in a Pennsylvania pedestrian accident, you should seek appropriate medical attention as soon as possible. Victims may suffer life-long complications, require ongoing medical attention, and can be scarred for life by their ordeal. It is recommended that victims of Pennsylvania pedestrian accidents contact a competent, reputable PA personal injury attorney with a good track record in order to pursue legal action against the person whose negligent behavior caused their injury. The right lawyer can help assess the case, gather evidence, negotiate between parties, and obtain compensation for the injuries and associated trauma and costs.

Ramifications of a Pennsylvania pedestrian accident can last a lifetime because the unshielded human body is just not designed to stand up to the impact of a passenger vehicle, truck, or other conveyance. The pedestrian can be flung and suffer severe impact, such as brain injury, paralysis, broken bones, even disfigurement or death. Call Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP today for a free consultation with a Philadelphia pedestrian accident attorney.

On October 26, 26-year-old Veronica Santiago was struck by a pickup truck while crossing Fifth and York Streets in Philadelphia. According to Philly.com, the pedestrian accident happened around 8:30 p.m. The driver of the pickup truck fled the scene of the Pennsylvania pedestrian accident. Ms. Santiago suffered severe head trauma and died hours later.

About 11% of all vehicle accidents are hit-and-run car accidents. In the United States there are about 700,000 hit-and-run car accidents reported each year. When a family loses a loved one in a pedestrian accident and the negligent driver is absent, they not only suffer emotionally, but also financially.

Cherry Fieger & Marciano , LLP have a long track record helping people bring negligent drivers to justice for Pennsylvania pedestrian accidents and they offer a free consultation to anyone with questions about whether their pedestrian accident could result in a valid lawsuit.

Pedestrians are the second-largest group of all car accident fatalities. In 2008, 4,378 pedestrians were killed and 69,000 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes in the United States. A pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash every 120 minutes and injured every 8 minutes. As was the case with this particular pedestrian accident, about 72% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas 70% were at night.

Ms. Santiago had young children. Her family would be advised to contact a competent, reputable Philadelphia pedestrian accident attorney who will investigate this tragic accident. Cherry Fieger & Marciano , LLP offer a free and confidential consultation.

A teenager has been charged in hit and run collision that killed an 81-year-old pedestrian Zitto Egitto of Willow Grove. According to the article in The Philadelphia Daily News, the 17-year-old was driving almost 80 mph in a 35-mph zone and trying a technique known as “drifting.”

Elderly pedestrians are very likely to be killed if struck by a car. Statistics show that pedestrians aged 75 and over represent a sizable portion of pedestrian deaths. In 2008, about 26 people in that age range died and bout 170 were injured in pedestrian accidents. The fatality rate for pedestrians age 65 and older was 2.07 per 100,000.

Drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 are the least experienced drivers and they are also prone to over zealous driving performance, perhaps due to their youth and peer pressure. Recently, there are news reports of teenagers trying the “drifting” maneuver, in which the driver pulls on the emergency brake and turns the wheel to slide the car sideways.

Because of the negligence of this driver, an innocent pedestrian lost her life. “Drifting” is just one of many forms of reckless driving, including traveling over the posted speed limits.

Mr Egitto’s family should contact a Pennsylvania pedestrian accident attorney who will look into the accident. Cherry Fieger & Marciano can help families who have lost loved ones bring negligent drivers to justice for pedestrian accidents and they offer a free consultation to anyone with questions about whether that accident could result in a valid lawsuit.

On October 6, a blind man and his seeing-eye dog, were struck by a pick-up truck on Camden Avenue in Moorestown, New Jersey. Mr. Parks was wearing a reflective orange vest. According to Philly.com, he is reported to be in critical condition.

Every eight minutes a pedestrian is hurt in a traffic accident and about 5,000 pedestrians die every year in pedestrian accidents. In Pennsylvania, nearly 45% of pedestrian injuries occurred in areas other than intersections. It was reported that in 2009, New Jersey pedestrian accident deaths increased by 34%.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, drivers should yield the right-of-way to any totally or partially blind pedestrian carrying a clearly visible white cane or accompanied by a guide dog and shall take any precautions necessary to avoid injuring or endangering the pedestrian.

Individuals who are injured in Pennsylvania pedestrian accidents should seek appropriate medical attention as soon as possible. It is recommended that victims of Pennsylvania pedestrian accidents contact a competent, reputable Pennsylvania personal injury attorney who will look into whether the driver was impaired, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision.

Cherry Fieger, & Marciano, LLP have a long track record helping people bring negligent drivers to justice for Pennsylvania pedestrian accidents. We offer a free consultation to anyone with questions about whether their pedestrian accident could result in a valid lawsuit.

On September 25, a 2-year-old and his mother were struck by a hit-and-run driver while crossing Washington Avenue in Philadelphia. According to an article in the Philadelphia Daily News, the toddler was killed and his mother was seriously injured in the Philadelphia pedestrian accident. The driver fled the scene.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were approximately 2.7 million injuries sustained in auto accidents and 43,443 accident-related fatalities in the United States in 2005. The NHTSA also reported that the rate of hit-and-run car accidents increased by fifteen percent from 1998 to 2002 throughout the United States.

Individuals who are deemed responsible for causing a wrongful death in a Pennsylvania car accident can be held liable in a court of law. Families of accident victims have the right to seek damages from reckless motorists on behalf of lost loved ones.

Continue reading "Toddler Killed in Philadelphia Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash" »

An elderly man was struck and killed by an Amtrak train headed from Harrisburg to New York City, according to a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer. The train was scheduled to stop in Philadelphia at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 30 and struck the man at around 11:20 a.m. near the Ardmore Station. According to witness statements, the train was going so fast that it traveled about half a mile before coming to a complete stop.

There were about 100 passengers on board the Keystone Corridor train headed eastbound. Riders of the train were kept on board for 45 minutes before being directed to a trolley station nearby.

At the time this article was written, the deceased man’s identity had not been released, nor was there any further information as to why he would be walking near the train tracks or if there was any error on the part of the train operator. Rail service was suspended from the time of the accident until 1 p.m., a SEPTA spokesman said.

Continue reading "Amtrak Train Strikes, Kills Elderly Pedestrian near Station in Ardmore" »

On July 9, an elderly pedestrian was struck and killed by a pickup truck in western Pennsylvania. According to this article on Philly.com, a 79-year-old man was struck as he was crossing a city street. He died of blunt force trauma.

The man lived at an assisted living center in Altoona, PA.

The article did not report if the 28-year-old man driving the pickup was injured.

Pedestrian accidents account for 9.7% of all traffic crash deaths, according to the PA Department of Transportation. Elderly pedestrians, although involved in fewer pedestrian crashes, are more likely to be killed if struck by a moving vehicle. Twenty-six pedestrians over the age of 75 died in 2008. And, 69% of all pedestrian deaths that year were males.

Continue reading "PA Pedestrian Accident Involving Pickup Kills 79-Year-Old" »

A woman in her 60s was hit by a SEPTA bus on June 22 near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. According to this article on Philly.com, the Route 32 bus was traveling south on 21st Street when it struck the woman as it was turning east on Winter Street. The woman was walking north on 21st and was crossing Winter.

She was hospitalized with head and foot injuries.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, pedestrian accidents account for 9.7% of all traffic crash deaths. Elderly pedestrians, although involved in fewer pedestrian crashes, are more likely to be killed if struck by a moving vehicle.

Individuals who are injured in pedestrian accidents in Philadelphia should seek appropriate medical attention as soon as possible. While insurance companies often get involved, a quick-fix settlement isn’t always a good idea for the victim, who may suffer life-long complications, require ongoing medical attention, and can be scarred for life by their ordeal. It is recommended that victims of Pennsylvania pedestrian accidents contact a competent, reputable PA personal injury attorney with a good track record in order to pursue legal action against the person whose negligent behavior caused their injury. The right lawyer can help assess the case, gather evidence, negotiate between parties, and obtain compensation for the injuries and associated trauma and costs.

Cherry, Fieger, and Marciano offer a free consultation to anyone with questions about whether their pedestrian accident could result in a valid lawsuit. Call our skilled accident lawyers today at 888-684-7192.

According to this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, a 20-year-old man from South Philadelphia was sentenced to seven to 14 years in prison for the incident in which he was driving under the influence of marijuana.

The driver ran down two women after a Phillies game in 2008. One of the pedestrians was killed and the other woman was permanently disabled.

Police say the two women left the stadium after the baseball game to go to dinner. They were crossing Broad Street at Curtin Street when they were struck by the car.

The motorist was stopped at the red light behind two cars when he swerved around the stopped cars, drove through the light, and hit the two women at high speed as they were in the crosswalk.

The article reported that the man had a string of seven previous arrests before the crash, as well as his own admission that he smoked marijuana after he had been freed on bail and was awaiting his trial.

The driver should be held both criminally and civilly responsible for the female pedestrian’s death and the other woman’s catastrophic injuries. When needless death occurs due to negligence of another party, a PA wrongful death claim 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.

Continue reading "Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident, Driver Sentenced" »

On March 7, a man from Colwyn and a woman from Upper Darby, PA were critically injured when an alleged drunken driver slammed into them as they crossed MacDade Boulevard. The victims are hospitalized are undergoing treatment for severe injuries.

According to this article in the Delaware County Times, as the man and woman crossed MacDade Blvd., a woman was driving toward them at a high rate of speed.

The police chief said the female victim initially landed on the car, bounced off, then fell to the ground where the motorist ran over her again.

The driver also struck an SUV with two people inside after she hit the pedestrians. It is not known if anyone inside of the SUV was injured.

Both victims have compound fractures to their legs and many serious injuries. The article reported that the victims will likely survive, but their recovery will likely take a long time.

The female driver is charged with DUI, driving with a suspended license, careless and reckless driving.

Continue reading "Woman Charged with DUI after Running Down Pedestrians in Darby " »

It is normal and a very common thing to take a walk when visiting a new city especially with your significant other. Unfortunately, a tragic story unfolded on the streets of New York City recently when a husband and wife from Britain were run down by a garbage truck driver who forgot to take his anti-seizure medicine, according to a story on the nypost.com website. The avoidable accident happened in February 2008 and now the 58-year-old driver of that truck has been found guilty by a jury and sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. The couple, both age 47, were enjoying a nice walk near Pennsylvania station when the driver lost control of the garbage truck, smashing his way onto the sidewalk where the couple happened to be walking.

The judge said that by not taking his medication, the man had become “a time bomb ready to explode.” Prosecutors stated that the man had failed to disclose his illness at the time of hiring. Without question, this story highlights the flawed hiring procedures by the city. How can a person be given the keys to a multi-ton vehicle without being tested to see if they are fit to operate such heavy duty equipment?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents are a serious problem throughout the world and the United States has a particular problem with pedestrian deaths and injuries. Not surprising is the fact that older pedestrians are more likely to be injured or killed when struck by a motor vehicle than younger pedestrians.

Continue reading "Garbage Truck Kills Two Pedestrians" »

On November 24, a woman swerved across three lanes on Marshall Road in Upper Darby, PA to get around a traffic jam and slammed her car into two school children. She then drove on at high speed and hit a third boy, which threw him against a building and left him in a coma. According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, a 12-year-old is in critical but stable condition at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

A 13-year-old and another 12-year-old were in serious condition being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The boys were leaving Beverly Hills Middle School when they were hit. Two of the boys were waiting to cross Marshall Road. The woman driving a Dodge Charger then swerved. When her car plowed into the two boys crossing Marshall Road, one of the boys was tossed into the air and bounced off the windshield, shattering it.

The car continued 15 yards and struck the other boy. The impact sent him into the side of an auto-parts store. The car did not stop.

The Dodge returned to the eastbound lanes, where it traveled 50 more yards before striking a Subaru station wagon. The force drove the Subaru into a parked Mercedes-Benz. The Dodge continued for an additional 20 yards before stopping. According to the article, police believe she was trying to get away. Police took the woman into custody and took her to Upper Darby police headquarters.

Every eight minutes a pedestrian is hurt in a traffic accident – that’s up to 65,000 injuries a year. And 5,000 or more pedestrians die every year in pedestrian accidents.

Continue reading "Darby Crash Injures 3 Boys" »

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" »

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”" »

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" »

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 62-year-old man, Ahilefs Kalaitzi, was struck by a car and killed in a pedestrian accident on June 1 in Evesham Township, NJ. This was the township’s third pedestrian fatality this year.

According to this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Kalaitzi was walking south on the shoulder of N. Elwood Road, near his home, when he was hit by a northbound car driven by 19-year-old Anthony Schepis III.

Kalaitzi was pronounced dead at Virtua Marlton Hospital. The driver, Schepis only suffered minor injuries.

According to the article, the incident remains under investigation.

Every eight minutes a pedestrian is hurt in a traffic accident – that’s up to 65,000 injuries a year. And 5,000 or more pedestrians die every year in pedestrian accidents.

It is recommended that victims and families of victims of Pennsylvania pedestrian accidents contact a competent, reputable and skilled PA personal injury lawyer with a good track record in order to pursue legal action against the person whose negligent behavior caused their injury. The right lawyer can help assess the case, gather evidence, negotiate between parties, and obtain compensation for injuries, associated trauma and costs.

The attorneys at Cherry, Fieger, & Marciano know how stressful and frightening pedestrian accidents can be, but we can help you during this difficult time. We have a long track record helping people bring negligent drivers to justice for pedestrian accidents - and we offer a free consultation to anyone with questions about whether their pedestrian accident could result in a valid lawsuit. Don't sit back and let someone get away with endangering your life, your happiness, and your financial future. Call our Philadelphia pedestrian accident attorneys today for a free and completely confidential evaluation.

For the second time in one week, a pedestrian was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver while crossing a busy Philadelphia intersection.

According to this article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, the unidentified man was on Ninth Street and Roosevelt Boulevard in Hunting Park.

The victim was pronounced dead at 2:22 a.m. on May 8 at Temple University Hospital.

The man was crossing Ninth Street and stepped into an outer lane of the Boulevard when a northbound vehicle hit him.

The intersection has a traffic light with a camera, so authorities may be able to determine who had the signal and whether that camera or any others in the area captured helpful images.

According to the article, the vehicle was believed to be a minivan, possibly a dark-gray Chrysler Town and Country, with tinted windows. There was heavy damage to the front passenger side, where a headlight and the windshield were broken, the hood damaged, and the antenna ripped off.

An investigation continued into another pedestrian accident in Philadelphia that week that killed another person 1.3 miles away at Erie Avenue and 19th Street in Tioga.

Luciano Rios, 30, was charged with leaving an accident, involuntary manslaughter, homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, and related offenses.

Rios should be held criminally and civilly responsible for the accidents, injuries and the deaths of these victims. There families would be well advised to contact a skilled Pennsylvania wrongful death attorney. 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 attorneys at Cherry, Fieger, Marciano 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.

Philadelphia police and SEPTA officials are continuing their investigation into the death of a man in a wheelchair, Milton Boneta, who was struck by a SEPTA bus at Eighth Street and Girard Avenue in Philadelphia on April 17.

According to this article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, 61-year-old Boneta was crossing Eighth Street in his motorized wheelchair when the bus hit him while making a left turn.

Boneta already lost a leg in September when a SEPTA bus hit him near the same location, which is why he was in a wheelchair.

Police are sorting out the details and have interviewed about 35 witnesses.

The SEPTA driver remains at work, but has been taken off his route.

Witnesses to the bus accident in Philadelphia said the wheelchair had gotten lodged under the bus and dragged about 100 feet before the bus veered onto the curb-less sidewalk and came to a halt. Boneta was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s family would be well advised to contact a competent and skilled PA personal injury attorney with a good track record in order to pursue legal action against the person whose negligent behavior caused Mr Boneta’s death. The right lawyer can help assess the case, gather evidence, negotiate between parties, and obtain compensation for trauma and costs.

There are up to 65,000 injuries a year due to pedestrian accidents. And 5,000 or more pedestrians die every year in pedestrian accidents.

The unshielded human body is just not designed to stand up to the impact of a passenger vehicle, truck, or other conveyance. The pedestrian can be flung and suffer severe impact, such as brain injury, paralysis, broken bones, even disfigurement or death. Though urban areas increase higher pedestrian accident rates than the country, rural pedestrian accidents can be even more tragic due to crashes that occur at high velocities. Males are far more likely to be injured in pedestrian accidents, most of which occur on the weekends.

The Pennsylvania pedestrian accident attorneys at Cherry, Fieger & Marciano know how stressful and scary pedestrian accidents can be. They have a long track record helping people bring negligent drivers to justice for pedestrian accidents. They offer a free consultation to anyone with questions about whether their pedestrian accident could result in a valid lawsuit.

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 15-year-old boy admitted in Family Court this week that he was high on marijuana on Christmas Eve when he hit and killed William Wrigley, 73, with his mother’s SUV in this tragic pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania.

According to the article in the Philadelphia Daily News, Wrigley was crossing M Street near Erie Avenue in Kensington, PA on Dec. 24 when he was struck by the teen.

The teen pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle while DUI, involuntary manslaughter, committing an accident with serious bodily injury while not properly licensed, and leaving the scene of an accident.

He will be sent to a secure state juvenile-placement facility for two years. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed to not seek to have his case tried in adult court.

Continue reading "Pennsylvania Fatal Pedestrian Accident Taken To Court Finds Teen Guilty" »

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" »

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.