accident - O'Donnell Law

Motorcycle Accident in PA: What One Couple Did Right

Michael O'Donnell — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 23:09:10 +0000

Motorcycle Accidents Are Almost Always a Matter of When—Not If

When it comes to riding a motorcycle, it’s not a question of if you’ll be involved in an accident—it’s when. As personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen it time and again: even the safest, most experienced riders are vulnerable on the road. The reality is, the automobile almost always wins—and when a crash happens, the injuries can be life-altering.

Real Case: A Pennsylvania Couple’s Motorcycle Accident

I recently had the privilege of representing a husband and wife who were out enjoying a quiet Sunday afternoon ride on their Harley Davidson. As they traveled down a straight stretch of State highway with the right of way, a pickup truck pulled out from a side street and collided with them—striking the husband directly on his left leg. The force of the impact caused multiple fractures, including a compound fracture, where the bone broke through the skin.

There were no weather issues, no visibility concerns—just a driver who failed to observe two motorcyclists lawfully using the road.

Why Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Matters

Thankfully, my clients were prepared. They carried multiple first-party insurance policies with the same insurer—an often overlooked but critical form of protection. In motorcycle cases, we frequently see policies that lack sufficient coverage to handle the full cost of medical care, lost wages, and other damages. In this case, the at-fault driver had modest liability limits, meaning my clients had to rely on their own policies to pay for immediate expenses.

We were able to resolve all insurance claims at maximum value. While the compensation couldn’t take away the surgeries, the pain, the permanent hardware placed in his leg—or the anniversary trip they had to cancel—it did help restore some measure of stability. And that’s exactly what the civil justice system is meant to do.

Lessons for Pennsylvania Motorcycle Riders

Many riders never experience this kind of trauma—but some do. And when they do, preparation is everything. Max out your coverage. Stack your policies. Always wear protective gear. In this case, the wife escaped relatively unharmed thanks to her gear and her husband’s quick thinking. But it could have easily been a different story.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Wilkes-Barre Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Pennsylvania—including Wilkes-Barre, Kingston, Scranton, or Hazleton—don’t wait to get help. Contact O’Donnell Law Offices today for a free consultation. We’ll fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

The post Motorcycle Accident in PA: What One Couple Did Right first appeared on O'Donnell Law.

$1.3M Award in Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Case

Samuel O'Connell — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 01:30:57 +0000

Originally Published February 20, 2007

At O’Donnell Law Offices, we are proud to stand up for those whose lives are forever changed by motor vehicle accidents. One such example of our firm’s commitment to justice is the $1.3 million jury verdict secured on behalf of Officer Brian K. Horst and his family following a life-altering car crash in Wilkes-Barre.

Responding to an Emergency In Wilkes-Barre, Struck by Negligence

In January 2004, Officer Horst was responding to a call with emergency lights activated when a vehicle driven by another motorist turned unexpectedly and struck his police cruiser on Old River Road. The collision left Officer Horst with severe neck and arm injuries, including the need for surgery to insert a titanium plate in his neck. He has since been under continuous medical care and has not been able to return to work despite multiple attempts.

O’Donnell Law Offices Fights for Full and Fair Compensation

Attorney Neil T. O’Donnell of O’Donnell Law Offices represented Officer Horst and his wife Joann—parents of seven children—in a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and his insurer, Nationwide Insurance Company. The trial took place in Luzerne County before Judge Mark Ciavarella. The jury found in favor of the Horst family, awarding:

$185,000 for physical pain and suffering
$57,000 for past medical expenses
$100,000 for future medical expenses
$109,000 for past wage losses
$750,000 for future loss of earning capacity
$100,000 to Joann Horst for loss of consortium

“The jury was courageous and gave a true and just verdict. The collision caused severe harm and losses to the Horst family, and the jury did the right thing in this case.” – Attorney Neil T. O’Donnell

Your Local Advocates for Auto and Truck Accident Victims in Wilkes-Barre

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or truck accident in Wilkes-Barre or Northeastern Pennsylvania, know that O’Donnell Law Offices is here to help. With decades of experience and a track record of securing life-changing verdicts, our attorneys are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us put our experience to work for you.

About O’Donnell Law Offices

Located in Kingston, Pennsylvania, O’Donnell Law Offices has represented personal injury victims throughout Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding region for over 30 years. Our team has the experience, compassion, and results you need when navigating the legal aftermath of an accident.

The post $1.3M Award in Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Case first appeared on O'Donnell Law.

Neil O’Donnell Defends Hazleton Mom in Car Crash Case

Samuel O'Connell — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 23:23:55 +0000

Original Case Date: November 2000

At O’Donnell Law Offices, our commitment to justice spans decades—and some of the most powerful victories come not just from verdicts, but from defending the character and integrity of the clients we serve. One such case dates back to November 2000, when Attorney Neil O’Donnell played a pivotal role in protecting a Hazleton mother from a wrongful accusation of negligence.

The Case: A Child Struck by a Vehicle in Hazleton

In February 1996, a 9-year-old Hazleton child was struck by a Ford Bronco while crossing South Poplar Street. The incident left the child with severe injuries, including:

A fractured skull and femur
A broken jaw and clavicle
Extensive abrasions and permanent scarring

A personal injury suit was brought against the driver, who claimed the child had darted into the road unexpectedly, leaving him no time to stop.

Neil O’Donnell’s Role: Defending a Mother’s Name

In a surprising turn, the driver’s legal team attempted to deflect responsibility by filing a counterclaim against the child’s mother, Michelle, alleging she was negligent in supervising her child. Attorney Neil O’Donnell stepped in to represent the mother

O’Donnell successfully argued that she was a devoted and responsible parent who had taken every reasonable precaution to teach her child how to safely cross the street. The jury agreed—clearing her of all civil responsibility.

“She is a good mother who did everything right,” O’Donnell said at the time. “We think it was a tremendous verdict. The child deserves every dime, and we’re particularly delighted that my client was determined to be in no way negligent.”

The Outcome: A Just Result for the Family

The jury assigned full responsibility to the driver and awarded the young child and their family a monetary settlement in recognition of the child’s serious injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term medical needs.

A TRADITION of Advocacy

This case stands as a shining example of the advocacy Neil O’Donnell has brought to every courtroom throughout his career. Whether defending a family’s integrity or standing up for the rights of the injured, Neil’s unwavering commitment to justice continues to define the work of O’Donnell Law Offices.

Learn more about our firm’s history and how we continue to serve Northeastern Pennsylvania with compassion and strength.

Injured in an Accident in Hazleton, PA?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck, pedestrian, or other serious accident in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Our experienced attorneys at O’Donnell Law Offices have proudly represented clients throughout Luzerne County for over 35 years—securing justice, peace of mind, and fair compensation.

We understand how overwhelming the aftermath of an accident can be, and we’re here to help. From handling insurance companies to building a strong legal case, our team is ready to stand by your side every step of the way.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Click here to chat with our team now.

The post Neil O’Donnell Defends Hazleton Mom in Car Crash Case first appeared on O'Donnell Law.