law firm - 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.

Top 5 Injuries That Could Happen on a Golf Course (And How to Avoid Them)

Michael O'Donnell — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:41:01 +0000

Summertime in Northeastern Pennsylvania means golfers are back on the greens enjoying the fresh air and friendly competition. With beautiful courses across Luzerne County and Lackawanna County, it’s easy to forget that golf—while low-impact compared to other sports—still presents risks for serious injury.

At O’Donnell Law Offices, we’ve seen firsthand how a relaxing round of golf can take a dangerous turn. Personal injury attorney Michael O’Donnell offers this reminder:

“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

Below are the top five injuries golfers in NEPA should watch out for:

1. Golf Cart Accidents

Golf cart crashes are more common than you might think. From tipping on sharp turns to losing control on steep hills, these incidents can lead to serious injuries like broken bones, concussions, or spinal damage. In Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties, where hilly terrain is part of the landscape, extra caution is required.

Tip: Drive slowly, especially when going downhill or turning. Avoid distractions and never overload the cart.

2. Slip and Fall Injuries

Wet grass, uneven paths, or poorly maintained walkways can cause golfers to slip or trip—often resulting in twisted ankles, knee injuries, or even head trauma.

Tip: Wear golf shoes with good grip and watch your step around tee boxes, bunkers, and cart paths.

3. Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion

With rising summer temperatures across Northeastern PA, staying hydrated is more important than ever. Symptoms of dehydration can escalate quickly into heat exhaustion or even heat stroke, especially during long rounds.

Tip: Bring plenty of water, wear a hat, and schedule early tee times to avoid peak heat hours.

4. Struck by a Ball or Club

While rare, stray golf balls or accidentally swung clubs can cause serious injuries, including eye damage and facial fractures. These incidents are more likely on crowded courses or during tournaments.

Tip: Always be aware of your surroundings, and never tee off if players are within range ahead of you.

5. Repetitive Stress and Overuse Injuries

Golfer’s elbow, back strain, and wrist injuries can develop over time due to poor swing mechanics or inadequate warm-ups. These chronic conditions may not seem urgent but can sideline a golfer for months.

Tip: Stretch before every round, and consider lessons to improve your form and reduce strain on joints.

Injured on the Course? We’re Here to Help.

Whether you’re golfing in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, or anywhere in Northeastern Pennsylvania, accidents can happen when you least expect them. If you or a loved one is injured on a golf course due to someone else’s negligence—such as unsafe conditions, faulty equipment, or reckless driving—O’Donnell Law Offices is here to help.

We’ve served clients across Luzerne and Lackawanna counties for over 35 years. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the trusted legal guidance you deserve.

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

Pedestrian Injuries: Know Your Rights and Stay Safe

Gerard Gaughan — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:20:56 +0000

The weather is warming up, and more and more people are spending time outside to enjoy the fresh spring air. However, as more people spend time outside, they will be sharing the road with motor vehicles. This presents a safety risk to pedestrians, and there are some things you should remember before you go out for a stroll.

Pedestrian Rules in Pennsylvania

While out walking, you are considered a pedestrian. However, it is still important to follow the rules of the road when walking down or crossing roadways. If you need to cross a roadway, the safest place to do so is at an intersection with a defined crosswalk. In many cases, these are controlled by crossing signals.

If you are walking along a roadway, Pennsylvania law requires that pedestrians use the sidewalk where one is provided and its use is practicable. When there is no sidewalk available, the law requires pedestrians to walk only upon a shoulder, and as far as practicable from the edge of the highway. Finally, where there is neither a sidewalk nor a shoulder, pedestrians must walk as near as possible to the outside edge of the roadway, and against the flow of traffic where possible.

Tips for Walking Safely

It is important to remember that, under the laws of Pennsylvania, except where in designated pedestrian areas like sidewalks and crossings, pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles. However, you can increase your visibility and your safety by taking a few simple steps.

Try to constrain your outdoor activities to the daytime hours where visibility is higher for drivers.
If you want or need to walk at night, invest in some simple safety devices, like a reflective vest or shoes, a head lamp, or even light-up leashes for your pet.

Injured While Walking? We Can Help.

While you can minimize your risks of injury as a pedestrian, you can never make it zero. If you are injured while out walking this spring or beyond, give O’Donnell Law Offices a call and we can evaluate your claim. O’Donnell Law Offices has decades of experience representing injured pedestrians, and we will help you understand your rights in recovering for those injuries.

What is a Personal Injury Case?

In this video, Attorney Gerard Gaughan explains what a personal injury case is and what it means for someone who has been hurt due to someone else’s negligence. With years of experience representing injured clients across Northeastern Pennsylvania, Gerard breaks down the basics—so you can better understand your rights and what to expect if you’re considering a claim.

Pedestrian Safety in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Wilkes-Barre is a vibrant city with walkable neighborhoods, active downtown areas, and local colleges that bring many pedestrians to its streets daily. However, high-traffic zones like Public Square, River Street, and the areas around Wilkes University and King’s College also present significant risks for those on foot.

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents in Wilkes-Barre are not uncommon. Busy intersections, limited crosswalk visibility, and distracted drivers all contribute to the danger. That’s why it’s critical for walkers to understand their rights and responsibilities under Pennsylvania law—and to stay alert, especially when crossing roadways or walking at night.

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Wilkes-Barre, O’Donnell Law Offices can help. Our firm is based right here in Luzerne County, and we have decades of experience representing injured pedestrians throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. We understand the local roads, the common causes of these incidents, and how to pursue justice on your behalf.

The post Pedestrian Injuries: Know Your Rights and Stay Safe first appeared on O'Donnell Law.

Neil O’Donnell Defends Hazleton Mom in Car Crash Case

O'Donnell Law Offices — 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.