Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLPPersonal Injury Attorney | Workers Compensation Lawyer2024-03-18T14:48:23Zhttps://www.sholljanlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1203863/2023/09/cropped-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLPhttps://www.sholljanlaw.com/?p=2567242024-02-20T03:54:19Z2024-02-20T03:54:19ZPennsylvania's requirements are simply too low
The amount of insurance necessary to legally drive in Pennsylvania does not realistically reflect what a collision might cost. Drivers generally need to carry liability coverage for both crashes that cause property damage and crashes that cause injury to others.
Property damage coverage requirements in Pennsylvania are quite low. Drivers technically only need to have $5,000 in property damage coverage to remain compliant with state law. That is not nearly enough to replace a totaled vehicle and may not even be sufficient to repair damage to a vehicle.
The bodily injury coverage requirements are higher but still too low given the current costs of medical care. A driver in Pennsylvania only needs to provide $15,000 worth of bodily injury liability coverage if a crash hurts one person. The minimum amount of coverage necessary increases to $30,000 if a collision injures two or more people.
A single surgery after a car crash could easily cost more than $15,000. Given that bodily injury liability coverage also needs to reimburse people for lost wages, a driver with only the coverage required by the state could leave people with hundreds of thousands of dollars in uncovered personal losses.
Motorists can supplement their insurance coverage by adding underinsured motorist protection to their policies. They may also need to consider taking legal action if an uninsured driver causes a catastrophic crash. Acknowledging the most significant financial risks on the roads, and seeking legal guidance when necessary, may help people more effectively limit their risk in the event of a collision.]]>On Behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLPhttps://www.sholljanlaw.com/?p=2567292024-03-01T19:31:55Z2024-02-12T19:26:19Zdog bites accurately.
Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas, often perceived as less threatening due to their small size, can exhibit aggressive behavior, leading to biting incidents. This aggression is frequently attributed to fear or protective behavior rather than inherent viciousness. Their small size means they might feel more threatened or anxious, especially if they aren’t properly socialized. While other breeds are more likely to cause a human’s death, chihuahuas have an incredibly high chance of biting. It’s believed that many bites from these dogs go unreported.
German shepherds
German Shepherds, valued for their intelligence and versatility, can become aggressive if not properly trained or socialized. Their protective instincts can lead to biting if they perceive a threat to their family or territory. Proper training and socialization from a young age are crucial to prevent aggressive tendencies. This breed is considered the third most dangerous breed overall. They’re responsible for at least 15 human deaths since 2014.
Pitbulls
Pitbulls often face the brunt of negative publicity regarding dog bites. They were responsible for 41 deaths in the U.S. in 2022. This breed was involved in 22.5% of dog bites in an Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center study. The study looked at all dog bite information over 15 years. It's important to note that this is a generic term for several breeds, not a breed itself. While they can be strong and have a powerful bite, they can be very loving and loyal pets with proper training, socialization and care. Like any dog, their upbringing and environment significantly influence their behavior.
Dog attack victims often need considerable medical care. They may opt to claim compensation from the offending dog’s owner. Because of state law, this is a time-sensitive matter, so they should seek legal representation to get their case moving forward as soon as they can.]]>On Behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLPhttps://www.sholljanlaw.com/?p=2566342024-02-27T20:48:50Z2024-01-16T16:20:29Zdriver does wrong. Maintaining a speed that is too high, getting too close to other vehicles or improperly gauging the space needed for a turn could all cause preventable crashes.
Transportation companies do not always have control over what their drivers do. They can help prevent crashes by carefully selecting employees, offering appropriate training and having company policies that align with federal regulations. They could also decrease the severity of the crashes that do occur by ensuring the installation of proper safety equipment on their fleet.
Most underride crashes are preventable
Although trucking companies cannot prevent a semi-truck driver from striking a passenger vehicle or a passenger vehicle from colliding with a commercial truck, they can help prevent the worst-case scenarios when those crashes occur. Federal regulations currently require rear underride guards on the trailers of semi-trucks.
An underride guard is a metal bar that helps prevent a smaller vehicle from going under the trailer in a rear-end collision. While there is plenty of research showing that stronger and wider rear underride guards are the most effective, weaker models are sometimes chosen for cost reasons.
Additionally, some companies may not install side underride guards despite their importance for collision safety. Side underride guards are metal sheets that prevent smaller vehicles from passing under the side of a trailer between the axles. They are both an immediate cost for the company to purchase and a source of increased fuel expenses due to their weight, so some trucking companies prefer to budget elsewhere.
Those affected by severe collisions may have the option of filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit in some cases. Holding a transportation company accountable for poor fleet maintenance could potentially provide families with economic justice while – under certain circumstances – motivating more companies to invest in better safety equipment.]]>On Behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLPhttps://www.sholljanlaw.com/?p=2565142023-12-15T06:06:12Z2023-12-15T06:06:12Zmain categories are as follows:
Visual distractions: When a driver is looking at their cellphone or passenger, for example, rather than looking at the road or the other vehicles.
Manual distractions: When a driver takes their hands off of the steering wheel or the other controls, perhaps to pick up something on the floor or interact with unrestrained pets.
Cognitive distractions: When a driver is mentally distracted, perhaps because their mind is wandering or because they are listening to music.
There are many specific activities that someone can engage in that qualify as distractions, from eating in the car to sending a text message to talking to their children on a drive to school. As such, motorists need to think critically about all the ways in which their distraction-related behavior could endanger themselves and others.
Why distraction is so problematic
Distracted driving is dangerous for several reasons, mainly due to the fact that it takes a driver's attention off of the street. This diversion can significantly impair a driver's ability to react quickly and appropriately to potential hazards, leading to an increased risk of accidents and collisions.
When drivers are distracted, their attention shifts, which can lead to a driver missing critical visual and auditory cues on the road, like stop lights, cyclists, pedestrians, sirens, other vehicles and unexpected obstacles. On top of that, distractions can slow a driver's reaction time. It usually takes 1.5 seconds to see a hazard and start braking, but distraction could add entire seconds to that time, making an accident much more likely.
Overall, distracted driving significantly increases the odds of motor vehicle accidents. Texting while driving is especially problematic as it combines visual, manual and cognitive distractions, taking the driver's eyes, hands and focus away from driving all at once.
Have you been injured?
You can avoid distraction every time you drive and still be injured by another distracted driver who drifts over the centerline or runs a stop sign. Make sure you know how to seek financial compensation to help with medical bills, lost wages, ongoing care needs, etc. in the event that you sustain collision-related harm. When you’re driving safely and someone else is not, you don’t deserve to be burdened by the financial consequences of that reality.]]>On Behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLPhttps://www.sholljanlaw.com/?p=2565152023-12-11T15:45:07Z2023-12-11T15:45:07Zdangerous drivers than they would admit or possibly even realize. Maybe they excuse their bad driving habits or are ignorant that the things they do put other people in grave danger by raising the risk of a terrible auto wreck.
Four ways bad drivers put us at risk of bodily harm
While there are several bad habits that can cause a car accident, here are four of the worst.
Speeding. Exceeding the speed limit can make a driver lose control and reduce the time they have to brake for stopped traffic.
Drunk driving. Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol affects your awareness, judgment and reaction time.
Distracted driving. Using your phone, even just for a few seconds, can greatly increase the odds of causing a car accident. Not that smartphones are the only cause of distracted driving wrecks. Virtually anything that is not driving, such as food, toiletries and the radio can cause a serious distraction to the motorist.
Aggressive driving. Drivers who tailgate, race to beat red lights (or blow through them), weave between lanes and otherwise drive overly aggressively put everybody in danger.
Not only are these actions dangerous, they all are almost entirely preventable. Nobody has to drive drunk, distracted by their phones or over the speed limit. Driving negligently is almost always a choice -- one that disregards the lives and safety of other drivers and passengers on the road.]]>On Behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLPhttps://www.sholljanlaw.com/?p=2565162023-12-08T15:47:11Z2023-12-08T15:47:11Zintersections in the midtown and downtown neighborhoods as well as Derry and market streets, are wrought with crashes.
Dangerous intersections
Situated in the heart of downtown Harrisburg, the convergence of Market Street and 2nd Street presents a significant challenge for drivers. Heavy pedestrian traffic, intricate roadways and constant construction make this intersection a potential hotspot for accidents.
Front Street and Walnut Street, running along the picturesque Susquehanna River, may seem serene, but the reality can be quite different. The proximity of popular attractions and the ebb and flow of river-related events make this intersection prone to congestion, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
PA-230, designated as Cameron Street, is one of the city’s north-south routes, so naturally, it’s heavily traveled. The most dangerous section of Cameron Street is between Elmeron Avenue and Fort Hunter Park, north of I-81. Cameron Street is particularly dangerous because it services many residences and businesses.
Contributing factors
Being such a compact city, Harrisburg experiences a lot of traffic, making dangerous intersections even more perilous. For instance, thoroughfares like Front Street and 3rd Street see heavy traffic almost every day.
It also doesn’t help that the city is located at the intersection of several U.S. and state highways and three interstate highways. This translates to the presence of many semi-trucks and high-speed vehicles, which can worsen traffic and make the roadways potentially murderous.
In the winter, Harrisburg can get up to 26 inches of snow and experience up to 120 days of precipitation. These extreme weather conditions can create the perfect conditions for fatal accidents, especially around already dangerous intersections. Suppose a driver decides to drive too fast for the road and weather conditions in such a congested city; such recklessness can cause injuries and fatalities.
Being aware of the most dangerous intersections in the city is the first step toward ensuring a safer commute. From understanding the local landscape to staying vigilant and practicing defensive driving, these insights can make a significant difference.
]]>On Behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLPhttps://www.sholljanlaw.com/?p=2565172023-12-06T14:30:40Z2023-12-06T14:30:40ZSidewalks must be cleared
One of the most important things is for property owners to clear sidewalks and parking lots. Expecting people to be able to walk on icy and snowy surfaces is a recipe for disaster and legal liability. Shoveling and salting sidewalks and parking lots can help to keep people safe. The need to clear sidewalks is so serious that many municipalities have specific ordinances about when this must be done. Typically, this is done by issuing a time limit when the wintry precipitation slows down or stops.
Pedestrian safety is important
During the winter months, pedestrians will have to keep up with their regular vigilance and must watch for slippery areas on the walkways. Slip and fall incidents can occur because of the slippery surface of snow and ice. Another critical situation that they must watch for is that vehicle operators may lose control.
Seeking medical care and legal guidance is critical
Any pedestrian who’s injured while they’re walking may need medical care. Some situations, such as being struck by a vehicle, may lead to catastrophic injuries. It’s possible that some, such as brain injuries, may be present without having noticeable symptoms.
When a pedestrian is injured, they can potentially seek compensation from a liable party. If a slip on a sidewalk or in a parking lot, the property owner is likely the liable individual. A person who’s struck by a vehicle may hold the driver liable. Either way, seeking necessary medical and legal guidance is generally very wise in the wake of a pedestrian accident.]]>On Behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLPhttps://www.sholljanlaw.com/?p=2565182023-12-02T03:34:41Z2023-12-02T03:34:41Zbadly hurt by a negligent driver, your instinct could be to trash the driver and chart your recovery on your social media accounts. But this can be a huge mistake. If you aren't careful, what you post online could cost you some or all of the financial settlement or trial verdict to which you are entitled.
Evidence of lying?
That is because the insurance company you filed your claim with is determined not to pay. Instead, it will search for any evidence that you are exaggerating or lying about your injuries as an excuse to deny the claim -- including social media photos and videos that seem to depict you as healthy and uninjured.
Such posts can be misleading. For example, a brief video of you standing or walking could show the absolute limit of your current physical abilities. Or a posting about purchasing a new car could be the result of a high-interest loan, not proof that your ability to earn an income has not been affected. But the insurance company and its attorneys will take the worst possible interpretation of such posts.
Sock puppets and phony 'friends'
It's important to note that deleting a post does not really make it disappear. Insurance company investigators can sift through your accounts' metadata and pull up files you deleted. They often also create phony "sock puppet accounts" to pose as sympathetic strangers, or even pose as a trusted friend or relative, to try to get accident victims to write or post something that damages their own case.
The easiest way to deal with snooping and manipulation on your social media from the insurance company is to stay off completely, at least until your case is settled or decided by a verdict. If you give insurance investigators nothing to work with, they cannot twist your posts against you. If you must use social media, never discuss your case and think twice about anything you post. Is it something you would be comfortable being presented in court?
Your personal injury attorney can discuss social media strategy with you in more specific detail.]]>On Behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLPhttps://www.sholljanlaw.com/?p=2565192023-11-14T08:09:22Z2023-11-14T08:09:22ZSleep apnea
A largely sedentary lifestyle and a dependence on fast food for many meals may lead to weight gain in commercial drivers. Sleep apnea often follows obesity and affects someone's quality of rest. Those struggling with sleep apnea may have more pronounced issues with fatigue than the average motorist and could very easily doze off at the wheel, with potentially tragic consequences.
Cardiac issues
A sedentary job combined with high-stress work conditions can put a lot of strain on someone's heart. Cardiac issues are common in the trucking industry, and they are one of the issues that medical professionals check for during annual physicals. A sudden cardiac event could render someone unconscious or, at the very least, otherwise incapable of maintaining control over a semi-truck.
Neurological disorders
In theory, health professionals screening commercial drivers for risk factors should report neurological conditions to employers. However, it is possible for even otherwise diligent healthcare professionals to miss the early warning signs of conditions including Parkinson's disease, especially if a driver is not forthcoming about their cognitive and physical challenges.
Commercial drivers may not have persistent symptoms and may choose not to provide thorough information about their day-to-day health because they want to continue earning money. Those decisions might then lead to a preventable collision that results in tragic consequences.
Members of the public cannot easily identify drivers in commercial vehicles with any of these health conditions. However, learning that a commercial driver has certain health issues may strengthen an injury victim’s claim for compensation after a crash involving a semi-truck. In this way, becoming familiar with collision risk factors may help members of the public better advocate for justice after a wreck.]]>On Behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLPhttps://www.sholljanlaw.com/?p=2565202023-10-11T04:11:08Z2023-10-11T04:11:08Zthose in the 1970s, for example. Cars have become much safer as a lot of safety technology has been developed over the past few decades, including cutting-edge tech like lane departure warning systems, blind spot monitors, automatic braking systems, etc.
The still-evolving development of all of this technology suggests that fatalities should continue to keep going down over the years without exception. Slowly but surely, the roads should be getting safer. Instead, researchers have determined that recently, the opposite is happening. Over the last few years, there have been consistent increases in fatalities, by as much as 10% in a single year. Why is it that fatal car accidents are becoming so much more commonplace?
Higher speeds
Over the past few years, traffic levels have been lower than average for a variety of reasons. Although there are those who predicted that this reality would lead to fewer fatalities, they found out that it actually led to more. One of the reasons given is that people were driving faster since there weren’t as many cars on the road. This meant that accidents happened at a higher speed, on average, meaning they were more likely to cause fatal injuries.
An increase in reckless driving
Some studies have also determined that reckless driving has been on the rise. People have been running red lights intentionally, for example, excessively breaking the speed limit, texting and drive, engaging in road rage and driving while impaired at disturbing rates as of late. All of these things happen every year, but an increase in these activities seems to have contributed to an increase in fatal accidents.
What options do you have after an accident?
It’s important to focus on driving safely, but you could still be injured or lose a loved one in a car accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver. Statistics suggest that this is becoming a more frequent occurrence. When facing the aftermath of a wreck, you’ll need to know about all of your legal options in re: seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other crash-related costs. Pursuing compensation can help to ensure that you aren’t burdened by financial challenges that should be rightfully assumed by those who caused your harm.]]>