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“My number one safety tip for folks out on the golf course this summer—number one, stay hydrated. It’s getting hot. But number two, be careful on those golf carts. We’ve actually had a number of cases where people have been injured going down hills or taking sharp curves on the golf cart.”

Michael O'Connell

Attorney

The post Top 5 Injuries That Could Happen on a Golf Course (And How to Avoid Them) first appeared on O'Donnell Law.

As the spring season brings warmer weather, many people who own motorcycles are eager to take them out for a ride. With an increase in the number of motorcycles on the road, there is also an increase in the number of people injured while riding motorcycles. According to PennDOT’s 2022 Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics, motorcycle collisions account for 2.9% of all motor vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania, and 19.5% of fatal motor vehicle collisions. This number becomes even more staggering when you consider the frequency with which people ride their motorcycles, especially since motorcycles are typically in storage for the winter months in Pennsylvania. If you are injured in a collision while riding a motorcycle, it is important to understand the implications of your insurance coverage on your ability to recover from your injuries.

Oftentimes, people have a separate policy of insurance maintained specifically for their motorcycle. This can present some issues with determining the amount of insurance coverage available to you, in the event you are injured while riding. If your auto insurance policy is separate from your motorcycle insurance policy, there may be exclusions contained within the auto policy preventing you from obtaining coverage through your auto insurance. It is important to obtain your full automobile and motorcycle insurance policies to understand the limitations of your insurance coverage.

Unfortunately, sometimes people under-insure their motorcycle because of the frequency with which they ride it. This may leave an injured individual looking beyond their motorcycle policy to help compensate for their injuries. To prevent this issue, consider the severity of injuries that could result while occupying a motorcycle—not the frequency with which a collision could occur—when selecting motorcycle insurance. People injured in a motorcycle collision are typically more severely injured than individuals traveling in a car or truck.

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to understand what insurance coverage may be available. Give O’Donnell Law Offices a call. We can help you navigate the process of determining what insurance coverage and other avenues of recovery may be available for your claim.

Source: 

https://www.penndot.pa.gov/TravelInPA/Safety/Documents/2022_CFB_linked.pdf

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For most, the holidays are a joyful time of year, filled with holiday parties and gatherings. Oftentimes, these events include alcohol. According to the NHTSA, in 2020, between Christmas and New Year’s, there were 209 drunk driving related fatalities. If you are attending a holiday party and intend on drinking, be sure to have a plan in place, so you do not need to get behind the wheel.

If you are injured in a motor vehicle collision caused by a person under the influence of alcohol or drugs, give O’Donnell Law Offices a call. We can help you navigate through determining what avenues of recovery are available.

Important considerations in the event of a motor vehicle collision caused by an intoxicated driver 

If the individual causing the collision was under the influence of alcohol, there is likely to be a criminal suit brought against that individual by the District Attorney’s office. This may provide benefit to your claim and reveal necessary information pertinent to any civil suit you bring relative to the collision. Important information, such as which establishment provided the alcohol to the intoxicated individual is often obtained during the initial investigation.

It is best to contact our office as soon as possible, so that we can investigate the facts surrounding the collision. This will help to preserve crucial evidence, helping to further support your claim. Some important things to take note of for an initial meeting with one of our attorneys:

• The location of the collision.
• Which police department responded to the scene.
• Which EMS unit responded.
• Where you received treatment for your injuries.
• If there were witnesses present, or photographs or videos.
• If there are any businesses that are near the collision location.
• Your automobile insurance coverage.
• Any other individuals involved in the collision.
• Any information pertaining to the individual that caused the collision.
• If the individual causing the collision was intoxicated, it is important to know where they consumed their alcohol.
• There may be additional parties to your claim as well as surveillance footage at the establishment where the alcohol was served.

If the individual causing the collision was impaired, it may change your insurance coverage at the time of the collision. This may allow you to recover for injuries you might not otherwise have been able to recover for. There might also be coverage available through the establishment that provided the alcohol to the individual.

If you are unfortunate enough to be injured in a collision with an intoxicated driver, please give our office a call. Alcohol related claims can often be complex and involve sophisticated parties. Our office can help you navigate through these issues.

Source:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/drunk-driving/drive-sober-or-get-pulled-over-1#:~:text=Drunk%20driving%20is%20a%20problem,These%20deaths%20were%20100%25%20preventable

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For some individuals, they may suffer from catastrophic injuries that affect them for the rest of their lives. If you are seriously injured in a car accident, then it is imperative to seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

Serious injuries not only incur medical bills, they may keep you from working, temporarily or permanently. Compensation from a car accident lawsuit can help you pay for these expenses, or for costs associated with a loss in your family.

When Should I Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?

In addition to determining whether you need an attorney, you should also know when you need one. Never wait after a car accident to contact an attorney. There are several reasons why waiting is a bad idea.

First, evidence can disappear from the scene of the accident in hours or days. You would not want evidence crucial to a car accident claim to be altered or destroyed, as it will impact your ability to recover compensation. An attorney can preserve evidence and uncover additional evidence shortly after the accident occurs.

Second, there is a statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania. If you wait too long and end up going past the statute of limitations, then you may be unable to recover compensation for your injuries or loss. An attorney can help you determine if you are past the statute of limitations.

The last reason you should never wait is because it is very easy to make mistakes that could jeopardize your claim. For instance, some people may talk with the other party’s insurance adjuster. Keep in mind, what you say to the adjuster could be used against you later to reduce the value of your claim or to deny the claim altogether.The same rule is true for social media. Be extremely, extremely cautious about what you put in writing.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

You should never make the mistake of being your own legal counsel. This rule also applies to car accident lawsuits. Simply put, an attorney with experience can use his or her knowledge of the law to argue for a settlement or verdict.

An experienced attorney also knows how to uncover and use evidence against the defendant (or defendants) on your behalf. Doing this on your own, especially if you are injured are grieving, is not a good idea.

What Should I Look for In a Car Accident Attorney?

You should look for an attorney with experience handling car and truck accident cases.Experience with product liability lawsuits could also help, especially if your accident was caused by a defective vehicle.

In Pennsylvania, it is important to choose an attorney with trial experience. Yes, it is common knowledge that most car accident cases settle before going to trial. However,reaching a settlement is not guaranteed. Each case is going to be different.Depending on what happens while your attorney is attempting to reach a settlement, it may be necessary to seek a jury trial.

You should also take a close look at the law firm or attorney’s settlements and verdicts page.Almost all personal injury law firm websites will list this information. Take a look at the site and see if the attorney handled cases that are similar to your case. If the attorney or law firm has a history of successful verdicts or settlements for cases similar to your own, then it should weigh into your final decision.

How Do I Find a Car Accident Attorney?

There are many ways to find an attorney to take your case. Referrals are one way. You can ask family members, the state bar association and personal injury associations in Pennsylvania. Other law firms may also refer you to an attorney who is most appropriate for your case.

Search engines are your friend when looking for a car accident lawyer. For instance, you could type “Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyer” into Google and check the results. You will want to make sure that you use geo-specific keywords to find an attorney in your state, or more specifically your county or city. Super Lawyers is another listing where you can find good attorneys. In fact, attorney Neil O’Donnell is listed as a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania.

There are also many online listings that personal injury attorneys use. Lawyers.com, Avvo and Martindale are good examples. You can search by practice area and location on these sites to locate the best lawyer for your case.

What Should I Expect After Hiring a Car Accident Attorney?

After you hire an attorney, he or she will likely try to reach a settlement with the other party.Your attorney will review the evidence for your case and develop a strategy for how to use that evidence to negotiate an adequate settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, there are other options, such as a jury trial, your attorney could pursue.

The process for obtaining compensation is not guaranteed to be expedient, regardless of who you hire. Keep in mind, the circumstances surrounding your case and what occurs after you hire an attorney will determine how long the process takes.

About Our Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Lawyers

The Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyers at O’Donnell Law Offices have extensive experience with auto accident and wrongful death lawsuits. For a free consultation, call 570-821-5717 or use our online contact form.

NO COSTS UNLESS YOU WIN

The post Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident? first appeared on O'Donnell Law.

With more dangerous weather on the way, it’s crucial that Northeast Pennsylvania residents understand how to stay safe. Our Wilkes-Barre personal injury law firm has compiled helpful tips that may improve your safety and protect your property during harsh winter weather.

5 Ways You Can Winter-Proof Your House

1. Upgrade your windows and doors. If you have old and worn-down windows and doors in your home, you could experience cold drafts that may affect your family’s health and increase your electricity bills. Invest in a storm door and double or triple-pane windows.
2. Check your insulation. Quality insulation can help reduce drafts and cut down on your heating expenses. If you have an older home and you notice your heating is not working, then check your insulation and replace it if needed.
3. Take care of your fireplace and chimney. Over time, the wood rack in your fireplace can become misshapen from the heat. It’s important that you buy a new rack once you notice this. Also, don’t forget to close the flute so heat doesn’t escape. Check for any cracked bricks along your chimney.
4. Keep walkways clear. Deadly accidents can occur if you or a guest slip on the walkway due to ice or snow. Make sure to shovel the snow near your house and use salt to create some friction on iced-over steps and sidewalks.
5. Protect outdoor furniture. Make sure you bring any chairs and tables indoors before heavy snow, ice or strong winds occur. These weather conditions can damage your outdoor furniture.

The Wilkes-Barre personal injury lawyers at O’Donnell Law Offices want to make sure you have a safe winter. Our firm offers free consultations for car accidents, truck accidents and slip and fall cases, so call us today if you are injured during this winter season due to icy or snowy weather conditions. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for further updates on the winter weather in your area.

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7 Safety Tips to Avoid a Car Accident on Thanksgiving

1. Prepare your car for long-distance travel. Before you and your family head out on the road, you should make sure your vehicle is ready for a long drive. Check your wipers and oil, and make sure your radiator and cooling system are functioning properly. Performing a quick maintenance check on your vehicle before your long road trip will prevent many issues that could leave you and your family stranded on the side of the road.

2. Know your limits. Many drowsy driving accidents occur on Thanksgiving night after a delicious turkey meal. You should stay hydrated and get plenty of rest before your drive. This will help you drive at your best. Don’t hesitate to pull over if you feel too drowsy to drive.

3. Leave early and avoid risks. Try to leave as early as possible to reduce any anxiety and avoid the brunt of traffic congestion. Leaving early is also best if you are traveling in a large group. You will also be less likely to feel sleepy while driving if you leave in the early morning hours.

4. Be cautious of the weather. Late November can introduce snowy and icy weather, so you should ensure that everyone is prepared for the elements before getting on the road. Clear your windows and roof of snow to make sure you have the best visibility during your drive. This will also prevent a potential hazard for any drivers behind you.

5. Slow down and buckle up. The chance of a car accident during a road trip almost triples if the driver is speeding or driving faster than surrounding traffic. Seat belts can save lives as well, so buckle up to ensure minimal injuries if there happens to be a collision.

6. Don’t drink and drive. Driving during a road trip is a large responsibility, and it is up to you as the driver to ensure you are being safe and attentive.

7. Understand how to drive near trucks. You are likely to pass many trucks during your road trip travels, and truck accidents are common on long highway drives. Stay aware of large trucks’ blind spots, and pass on the left where the truck’s blind spot is smaller. Try not to cut quickly in front of a truck.

If you experience a car accident during the Thanksgiving holiday due to another driver’s negligence, you should speak with a personal injury attorney who can give you a free case evaluation. Call our Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at O’Donnell Law Offices today.

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,313 people were killed in school transportation-related accidents from 2006 to 2015. Over 100 of these victims were classified as school-age pedestrians. Sixty-four percent of the children that were killed were hit by a school bus.

Are School Buses Safe?

NHTSA believes that school bus safety is crucial, and that safety standards for school buses should be regularly updated and reviewed by safety experts. Here are some common questions that families and parents in Pennsylvania could have when it comes to school bus safety:

• Shouldn’t my child wear a seat belt on the bus? School buses are designed differently than normal passenger vehicles. NHTSA found that the best way to give crash protection to passengers in large school buses is through a concept called “compartmentalization.” This engineering technique provides extra protection for occupants who may not be wearing seatbelts. However, compartmentalization is not perfect, and seat belts are still recommended by NHTSA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

• How can bus stop accidents be prevented? Many hit-and-run accidents with child pedestrians happen at school bus stops. Your child should arrive at the stop at least 5 minutes early, and they should be a few feet away from the curb while they wait. Your child should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before getting on, and he or she should never walk behind or cross in front of a moving bus.

• Are bus drivers liable for bus accidents? Bus drivers should receive proper training on how to safely back out of a driveway and drive in school zones. Drivers are also required to follow all school bus laws, including flashing the correct lights and extending the stop arms to alert other drivers. Depending on the circumstances, a bus driver could be liable for an accident.

If your child has been injured in a school bus accident in Pennsylvania, your family could recover compensation. Contact the Pennsylvania bus accident attorneys at the O’Donnell Law Offices today for a free case evaluation.

The post After Several Deadly Bus Accidents, Are Your Children Safe? first appeared on O'Donnell Law.