Blog Posts - Car accidents
Why is it time for drivers to start thinking about winter?
This week saw the first snowfall of the season at Seven Springs ski resort. It’s a good reminder for Pennsylvania drivers that winter is fast approaching. One of the tasks you need to get done before winter arrives is to prepare your vehicle. Leaving it until after you have already...
Read MoreExamples of distracted driving
It’s very dangerous to text and drive. In most places, it’s prohibited. Cellphones have massively increased the frequency of distracted driving, to the point that they are the first thing most people think of when considering distracted driving issues. But it is important to remember that cellphones are not the...
Read MoreOver 90% of car accidents have one cause
Did you know that most car accidents have just one root cause? Of course, there can be many different factors that contribute to the crash. A drunk driver could cause one accident, while a distracted driver causes another. A fatigued driver could nod off behind the wheel, while a speeding...
Read MoreHow comparative fault in a car accident works in Pennsylvania
Car accidents are often life-altering events that bring with them a multitude of challenges, especially when it comes to handling medical expenses. If you find yourself in a car accident in Pennsylvania and are partially responsible for the collision, you might wonder if you can still get help covering your...
Read More3 main categories for distracted driving
Distracted driving causes serious car accidents every day. People suffer major injuries and even pass away in these accidents. Authorities have tried to counter it in many ways, but the problem is that there are a lot of various distractions – using a cellphone, changing the radio station, interacting with...
Read MoreWhy is fatigued driving so dangerous?
Drivers must ensure that they’re in a fit mental state to drive. Being too exhausted to drive can lead to significant issues, including a longer reaction time and an inability to react appropriately to hazards. Many people don’t realize that going too long without sleep can have the same effect...
Read MoreWhat to do after a car accident 4 steps
A car accident can be sudden and startling. Most people will likely only be in a handful of accidents in a lifetime, if at all However, many people don’t know what to do once they’re in an accident. It’s important to act fast after a car accident. Missing a step...
Read MoreReasons to seek immediate medical treatment after a car accident
In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s crucial to prioritize seeking medical attention, regardless of the severity of injuries you’ve sustained. Delaying or avoiding medical treatment can result in serious consequences related to both your physical health and legal interests. By understanding the negative impact of not seeking medical...
Read MoreWhat is a safe following distance when driving?
Following too close to the vehicle in front of yours will increase the chances that you’ll crash into the back of it. Drivers can slow or brake suddenly, and the closer you are, the less time you’ll have to notice and react by braking yourself. Once you understand what a...
Read MoreWhat’s more dangerous? Turning left or turning right?
When you’ve decided to drive somewhere, you generally need to decide between multiple routes. Most people pick whichever option they think will get them to their destination the fastest. Yet, the delivery company UPS has altered its route planning systems to prioritize something other than speed — avoiding left turns....
Read MoreWhat Is Chambersburg’s Traffic Calming Policy?
Speeding vehicles in residential areas is a concern for everyone. It increases the likelihood of accidents involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and children playing. To combat the issue, the Borough of Chambersburg has implemented a traffic calming policy. How is traffic calming different from other methods of traffic control? When most people...
Read MoreWhat Is The Most Common Cause Of Fatal Car Crashes In Pennsylvania?
While cars are very useful tools, they are also incredibly dangerous, as they are a top cause of catastrophic injury and premature death in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, even those who are very fastidious about their own safety on the road will undoubtedly encounter numerous others who are not nearly so diligent....
Read MoreHow Will Cable Median Barriers Make Roads Safer Around Franklin County?
Staying safe on the roads requires a multi-faceted approach. One option that’s often used is high-tension cables that are placed on divided roadways. PennDot is currently adding a total of 29 miles of high-tension cable barriers in the medians of various roads in the state, including: Route 222 in Lancaster...
Read MoreWhy it’s so hard to avoid driving distractions
It’s very clear that driving distractions cause car accidents. It is sometimes hard to count the percentage of accidents that can be linked to distraction, in part because it may be difficult to prove. But there’s no question about the fact that it can lead to accidents and that it...
Read MoreHow Is PennDOT’s Green Light-Go Program Improving Traffic Safety?
For nearly a decade now, Pennsylvania has been using the Green Light-Go program. In November of last year, the application period was opened for the eighth year in a row. If the program is continued, it would likely reach its ninth year in late 2023. Overall, this program is designed...
Read MoreAre Pennsylvania Traffic Fatalities On The Decline?
Over 40,000 people die in road traffic collisions every year in the U.S. Sadly, over 1,000 of these deaths occur in the state of Pennsylvania. This number generally rises each year, however, there was a change in 2022. In 2022, the number of car crash fatalities fell by 4%. Thus,...
Read MoreHow Can AI Prevent Traffic Accidents?
Applications for artificial intelligence (AI) have dominated the technology news cycle in recent months. Since the release of the newest version of Chat GPT software and the introduction of several user interfaces for the production of AI artwork and photographs, public interest in this incredible form of technology has exploded....
Read More$78 Million Grant Will Help Fix One Of The Most Dangerous Roads In Pennsylvania
Although crashes can occur anywhere, some streets experience far more collisions than others. Researchers frequently evaluate where collisions occur and also how severe each crash is to determine the best ways to promote improved public safety. Sometimes, making changes to the design of an intersection or on-ramp for a highway...
Read More3 mistakes that can jeopardize your car accident claim
If you drive on a regular basis, there is a pretty good chance you have been involved in a car crash at some point. Even if it is a minor crash, a car accident can leave you disoriented, to say the least. If you are involved in a car accident...
Read MoreThink you’re safe on the road? What you don’t know might hurt you
You’re a safe and conscientious driver, always following traffic laws and looking out for unsafe driver conduct. Chances are, you are prepared to prevent and avoid car accidents, or so you may think. Traffic safety and conditions can change like the wind, leaving you ill-prepared to manage risky situations. The...
Read MoreWhy you should always seek medical attention after a car crash
There are a few important things you should do after getting into a car accident. For starters, you have to contact the police so a report can be made. Then, you should also consider taking picture evidence so that you can prove the damages dealt to your vehicle. One thing...
Read MoreIs in-car safety technology always a good thing?
Modern cars come with far more technology designed to prevent accidents than older ones did. For instance, adaptive cruise control and lane assist. Yet accident statistics remain high. Does this mean that the technology is not as good as manufacturers claim? No. Rather it means that drivers do not use...
Read MoreHow can you avoid a winter crash?
The next few months will likely see some hazardous driving conditions due to the winter weather. It’s probable that plenty of crashes will occur because of this. If another driver injures you in a crash, the other driver might blame the weather. Is this a valid excuse? No, because winter...
Read MoreWhat Mistakes Should I Avoid After A Car Accident?
It is human nature to plan for the things that you want to experience, like an upcoming vacation, and to put off planning for things that you would rather avoid, like considering your death to draft an estate plan. Many people put themselves at a disadvantage by not considering the...
Read MoreCan sleep inertia lead to a serious vehicle crash?
It is not uncommon for drivers to get behind the wheel while tired. Whether this is due to a long shift at work, dreary winter weather, a new baby in the home or insomnia, fatigue can have a detrimental impact on a driver’s ability to safely navigate traffic and avoid...
Read MoreNew study: Drivers are speeding less but more distracted
While the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed the way our streets and highways looked for most of 2020 and 2021, certain troubling patterns emerged even during those short spans. Researchers have started tabulating data and have issued safety warnings to drivers as the roads approach a pre-pandemic level of traffic. Cambridge...
Read MoreCan a sleep apnea diagnosis signal a driving risk?
Safety experts, law enforcement and insurance carriers caution drivers to stay attentive behind the wheel. Through television commercials, safety campaigns and informational pamphlets, these organizations often link risky behaviors to driving challenges. From distracted driving to impaired driving, motorists are aware of the dangers they face on the roads. Unfortunately,...
Read MoreWhat can hurt people do if the person at fault doesn’t have insurance?
Getting insurance is more than just a good idea, state law requires coverage for all drivers. Pennsylvania lawmakers took it a step further, encouraging drivers to have insurance by allowing for some pretty serious penalties for those who do not have coverage. These can include at least $300 in fines,...
Read MoreDocument everything after a motor vehicle collision
After a motor vehicle collision, drivers and passengers likely feel a combination of emotions. From frustration and anger to confusion and stress, vehicle occupants struggle to compartmentalize their feelings while handling the event in a professional manner. Insurance companies and safety experts agree that the best advice to follow in...
Read More3 reasons why ridesharing services could lead to more accidents
For many people, ridesharing apps have become a way of life. Whether it is running household errands or meeting up with friends, individuals often choose to use a service such as Uber or Lyft over other options. Unfortunately, these decisions could lead to serious motor vehicle collisions. Many people use...
Read MoreShocking alcohol-related crash statistics for Pennsylvania drivers
Pennsylvania drivers must navigate treacherous roads every time they get behind the wheel. Whether it is concerns centered on rapidly changing weather conditions or the threat of inexperienced drivers, city streets and highways alike can quickly become hazardous environments. Unfortunately, these dangers seem to magnify when drivers decide to attempt...
Read MoreCan Tesla drivers still play video games while behind the wheel?
In the early 2000s, DVDs were quickly becoming the most common form of popular media. From portable players to vehicle installation, DVDs were popping up everywhere for consumer consumption. Numerous protections were in place to ensure drivers had to deactivate the player while the vehicle was in motion, however, to...
Read MoreAre elderly drivers more vulnerable during the winter months?
Drivers throughout Pennsylvania often struggle with terrible road conditions during the winter months. Ice and snow can create slick surfaces and strong winds can lead to white-out conditions. Younger, less experienced drivers have historically been considered more at risk in these hazardous conditions. Recently, however, many organizations warn elderly drivers...
Read MoreWhy is a winter survival kit essential in a vehicle?
Drivers in Pennsylvania often find themselves struggling to stay safe during the winter months. From rapidly changing weather conditions to increased traffic due to holiday travel, roads can quickly go from calm to calamitous. Safety experts encourage drivers to maintain a safety survival kit throughout the winter months. Motor vehicle...
Read MoreDriving under the influence of . . . caffeine?
Historically, people have equated driving impairment with drugs or alcohol. In recent years, the devastating side effects of prescriptions or strong over-the-counter medications have come to light. Unfortunately, there are other substances that might seem innocuous, but, when taken in large doses, can negatively impact a driver’s perceptions and cognitive...
Read MoreAutumn beauty means dangerous driving conditions
Driver negligence is often the cause of devastating collisions, but this negligence can come in many forms. From a driver who is distracted by other activities while behind the wheel to a driver who has their reaction times dulled by a heavy dose of strong prescription medication, these individuals can...
Read MoreCan video games make teens safer drivers?
For nearly two generations, video games have represented a valid source of entertainment for individuals the world over. As a whole, video games can cut across age, education level and socioeconomic status. And while many games explore more violent, aggressive actions there are numerous titles that focus only on problem...
Read MoreHolidays mean more drunk drivers on the road
People generally consider the last few months of the year collectively as “the holiday season.” From Halloween and Thanksgiving to Christmas and New Year’s, there is no shortage of reasons to gather with friends and family. Unfortunately, this heightened level of mirth making can lead to dangerous roadway scenarios. While...
Read More3 risk factors for drowsy driving
Whether it is coming home from a late-night study session or driving to work after the baby kept you awake all night, fatigued drivers become a hazard to everyone on the road. Some individuals have become so accustomed to drowsy driving they do not even realize they are tired. Unfortunately,...
Read MoreAre some vehicle occupants in more danger than others?
Countless factors influence the property damage and injuries that result from a motor vehicle collision. From the size and speed of the vehicles to the direction of the impact, vehicle occupants can suffer serious injuries. In some situations, severe collisions can result in fatalities. One question, however, is whether an...
Read MoreDo a vehicle’s safety features ever put a driver in harm’s way?
As manufacturers edge closer to developing the fully autonomous vehicle, they continue to unveil safety features designed to keep car and truck occupants protected from roadway collisions. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are commonplace in newer vehicles, and designers make improvements continuously. Have these safety features made our highways and...
Read MoreHands-free phone calls are still driving distractions
While most states have some type of driver cell phone use restrictions in place, experts might fear that this creates a false sense of security around convenience features. For example, while nearly all states ban texting and many states ban the use of a hand-held electronic device, hardly any legislation...
Read MoreCan thermal expansion cause vehicle collisions?
As the summer months rapidly approach, Pennsylvania drivers must always be on the lookout for highly traveled roads buckling due to thermal expansion. With dramatic changes in temperature, materials such as concrete can expand or contract leaving noticeable cracks, buckles or other evidence of movement. Thermal expansion and contraction on...
Read MoreAre tire blowouts more common in the summer?
Whether it is a lengthy vacation or simply more time spent out of the house in the summer, individuals find themselves drving to and from destinations more than they might during the winter. Unfortunately, the extreme Pennsylvania heat can damage critical car components. As a result, seeing the shredded remains...
Read More5 things you didn’t realize were distracting you
Drivers must avoid distractions while behind the wheel to keep the city streets, county roads and highways safe. Distracted driving can lead to tens of thousands of motor vehicle collisions each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that more than 3,000 people were killed in crashes...
Read MoreUnexpected danger Inexperienced RV drivers
As we head into summer, drivers throughout Pennsylvania will start seeing more and more recreational vehicles (RV) on the roads. From a full-sized motorhome to an enormous towable pulled by a powerful pick-up truck, these large vehicles take up huge sections of already-crowded highways. Whether Pennsylvania is the destination or...
Read MoreCan prescription medication impair your driving ability?
Even though most individuals automatically equate impaired driving with people under the influence of drugs or alcohol while behind the wheel, impairment can be the consequence of various substances. In fact, many prescriptions and strong over the counter medications can hinder a driver’s ability to perceive danger and make quick...
Read MoreRetrospective: Did traffic deaths increase with fewer cars on the road in 2020?
While millions have been fully vaccinated in Pennsylvania, the COVID-19 pandemic still seems to be far from over. Even as workers have spent more than a year adjusting to telecommuting, traffic patterns are starting to show signs of increasing. Unfortunately, what should have been a quiet year for deadly vehicle...
Read MoreAlcohol-related crash fatalities on Pennsylvania roads
Motor vehicle accidents can be caused by nearly innumerable factors. Whether through environmental factors, driver negligence factors or product liability factors, serious collisions can lead to devastating injuries. Unfortunately, a significant number of crashes are caused each year by drivers who choose to get behind the wheel while their abilities...
Read More4 unexpected causes of motor vehicle collisions
Pennsylvania drivers must use caution whether they are traveling along city streets, county roads or busy highways. These surfaces can be crowded with inattentive drivers, distracted drivers or drivers who are impaired due to drugs, alcohol or strong prescription medication. Even though it might be easy to identify a driver...
Read MoreCan an HUD cause more distractions than it removes?
News reports and other media outlets often highlight the benefits of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These safety systems such as lane-keeping assist and collision detection are features that work in conjunction with safe driving habits to help drivers reduce distractions and avoid devastating crashes. Unfortunately, some systems can ultimately...
Read More4 reasons not to eat and drive
Modern life is full of conundrums. In a survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nearly half of the respondents agreed that eating and drinking while driving is a distraction and yet nearly all are guilty. Whether it is a travel mug of coffee on the way...
Read MoreCan safety features make a car unsafe?
As computer-assisted safety features become more and more complex on modern vehicles, is there a point at which drivers are unsafe because of their reliance on new technology? An argument can be made that the more safety features a vehicle possesses, the more likely a driver is to allow themselves...
Read MoreVehicle safety in a construction zone
Pennsylvania roadways are often clogged by construction projects. Whether it is a new overpass, new shoulders, widening lanes or installing a new exit ramp, drivers up and down the state’s highway system will likely have to deal with delays and lane switches. Unfortunately, driving in a work zone might be...
Read MoreDriver distractions: Talking to passengers
With the increased attention on distracted drivers, it is not uncommon for individuals to recognize their own personal distractions and actively work to stay safe. They will wait to eat breakfast until they arrive at work, they will put their cell phone into “do not disturb” mode, they will program...
Read Morecar safety systems can lead to distracted driving
As technological advances continue to be made, auto manufacturers dream of the day when the first autonomous vehicle is available for purchase. With this goal in mind, continued improvements to safety systems serve to protect drivers from harm during any trip. But are these improvements leading to problems in other...
Read MoreIs it illegal to drink coffee while driving?
Most people recognize distracted driving as the dangerous activity that it is. Nearly all states have initiated a ban on electronic messaging – texting and emailing, mainly – while driving in an attempt to curtail the trend. Some states have broadened these restrictions to include cell phone conversations unless a...
Read Moreattention residue and the myth of multitasking
Many drivers invite disaster by overestimating their own skill. Whether it is driving in poor weather, driving with defective safety equipment or driving with distractions, drivers tend to assume they can “handle” the challenge with little recognition they are actually putting other drivers around them at risk. One of the...
Read MoreWhat are the 4 most common types of vehicle accidents?
Numerous factors can contribute to a vehicle accident. Anything from defective parts to a distracted driver can cause serious accidents with catastrophic injuries. In general, motor vehicle accidents can be categorized in one of four different ways. Rear-end collisions: In what might be the most common type of accident, rear-end...
Read More5 common causes of vehicle accidents
While there are myriad factors that can contribute to a motor vehicle accident, some elements continue to appear over and over again. What are some of the most common causes of vehicle collisions? Distracted driving: Over the years, the list of driving distractions has grown exponentially. From humble beginnings such...
Read MoreWhat can cause a tire blowout?
A significant number of motor vehicle accidents can be attributed to driver errors like distractions, speeding, reckless driving, or driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, many collisions are caused by mechanical failures. In the past, media attention has been given to brake failure, electronic glitches, sudden...
Read MoreWhat risks are created by drowsy driving?
For most Pennsylvanians, driving is a necessary adventure. Whether it is running errands, driving to work, getting to school or shuttling children to various events, people spend a significant amount of their daily lives in a vehicle. Unfortunately, driving doesn’t always occur at opportune times – often requiring individuals to...
Read MoreCrashes caused by impaired drivers are on the rise
There seems to be no end to the causes of serious vehicle collisions. Unfortunately, victims of drunk drivers can point to the fact that not only was the other driver acting negligently – but also illegally. While drunk driving is an illegal activity, crashes caused by impaired drivers are on...
Read MoreDistracted driving is far worse than previously thought
If you’re like most Pennsylvanians, you use your smart phone a lot: looking up directions, texting your spouse or kids, snapping photos and keeping up with social media. Smart phones are great for those things. Unfortunately, they’re so addictive that many people keep using them while they’re in the car,...
Read MoreStaying safe when snowplows are on the road
Just as we were starting to get used to cool autumn mornings, big snowstorms appeared on the horizon. Many Mid-Atlantic states battle severe weather for nearly half a year. It can quickly become a treacherous time for drivers and pedestrians alike. It seems like every winter there is a snowplow-related...
Read MoreEating while driving – a deadly habit?
Distracted driving is a generally agreed-upon danger on Pennsylvania roads. From highways to county roads to city streets, drivers who are busy making phone calls, shaving, putting on makeup or reading are the causes of violent vehicle collisions and devastating injuries. One driving distraction that perhaps does not get the...
Read More5 tips to help you prepare for winter driving
Pennsylvania winters can be tough on everyone and everything. Drivers, however, should take steps to stay safe on snowy, icy, slippery roads. Here are five things drivers can do to winterize their cars and get ready for a stormy season. Many people work months or weeks in advance to protect...
Read MoreIs texting the most dangerous driving distraction?
Pennsylvania drivers face an unending string of distractions no matter the length of their commute or the type of road traversed. From eating to chatting with passengers to personal grooming, there are countless actions that can potentially pull a driver’s attention from the road. Even for a moment, anything that...
Read MoreWhat happens when Amazon vans crash?
Amazon has changed how Americans shop. When people order online, they now expect their deliveries to be fast – overnight, or two days at the longest. While Amazon’s logistics infrastructure is formidable, it comes with a hidden cost. Their drivers are under tremendous to deliver on time, which means they...
Read MoreHow will autonomous cars handle complex hypotheticals?
A decade ago, the idea of a self-driving car only existed in the realm of science fiction movies and novels. Now, however, technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning have advanced to the degree that nearly all new cars have a host of autonomous safety features and several companies have real-world...
Read MoreHow effective are distracted driving laws?
Everyone knows that distracted driving is a serious problem. The news is nothing new. Even as far back as 2014, the National Safety Council said that roughly 5% of all crashes involved texting. They said another 21% of crashes involved people talking on their phones. We’ve known about the problem...
Read MoreWhy are drivers addicted to their phones?
How many times have you been driving to work only to notice that a car ahead of you is moving slower than the traffic around it? You watch carefully as you pass, leaving as much room as possible, and see the driver looking at a phone held against the steering...
Read MoreProtect your teen from year-end hazards on Pennsylvania roads
Hundreds of people nationwide lose their lives in car accidents over the year-end holidays every year, including in Pennsylvania, and those left with serious injuries make up hundreds of thousands more. Sadly, many of these victims are young, inexperienced teenage drivers who were unprepared for the hazards posed by holiday...
Read MoreHow can you stay safe while driving at night?
Daylight Saving Time ended earlier this month, which means it is getting darker sooner. Driving on Pennsylvania roads at night is the most hazardous time to drive, and you might find yourself spending more time driving at night. The National Safety Council says fatigue, shorter days, compromised night vision and...
Read Morebe prepared for the hazards of a road trip this thanksgiving
Safety authorities in Pennsylvania and other states are spreading the word about the hazards of traveling during the coming Thanksgiving weekend. The American Automobile Association expects that over 51 million people will take to the nation’s roads for trips exceeding 50 miles. If you and your family plan to share...
Read MoreWhat if the minor bumper-bashing caused more than minor injuries?
If you were involved in a vehicle accident in Pennsylvania, you might find it difficult to make sense of it all. Crash victims often experience trouble focusing — almost as if their minds are foggy. It is only natural to suffer emotional disorientation and mental trauma, and you might not...
Read MoreTake charge of your safety on Pennsylvania roadways
Every time you see a wreck as you travel along Pennsylvania highways, you likely fear the day that you might be a victim of a car accident. An auto accident can happen to anybody, at any time. Even the most careful driver is vulnerable to unsafe roads or negligent drivers...
Read MoreHigh number of Pennsylvania teen drivers text behind the wheel
Texting and driving is a serious problem, and one that threatens the safety and well-being of every person on the road. A person who is texting and driving is cognitively, physically and mentally distracted, and poses a significantly higher risk for a car accident. Teens are particularly prone to engaging...
Read MoreWas the Pennsylvania driver who hit you distracted at the wheel?
When you navigate Pennsylvania roadways as a motorist or pedestrian, it may prove wiser to ask “where” a distracted driver might be rather than “if” one is nearby. In fact, approximately one out of every four motor vehicle collisions is distracted driving related. You may be a safe and cautious...
Read MoreAre you more of an aggressive driver than you think?
No matter how many years you have been driving, you have undoubtedly come across another driver who seems a bit aggressive. Whether he or she has yelled at you or other travelers, made inappropriate gestures or carried out other similar acts, you likely felt a bit uncomfortable and believed that...
Read MoreAre your post-accident symptoms a sign of traumatic brain injury?
If you’re used to navigating busy roadways in Chambersburg or other nearby Pennsylvania towns, you already understand how traffic-laden such areas can be. Nearby interstates are known for being high-risk areas for collisions. In fact, on a busy Friday afternoon when all you want to do is get home safely...
Read MoreWill you recognize a drunk driver if you see one?
The evening news often includes sad reports of a pedestrian, a child or an entire Pennsylvania family losing their lives or suffering catastrophic injuries in car accidents in which law enforcement expect the cause to be impairment of another driver. Are you or a loved one a victim of such...
Read MoreDelayed symptoms after an accident? You have options.
A Pennsylvania car accident can change your life in many ways, leaving you with injuries that will impact your life for years to come. However, many car accident victims find that they do not really understand the extent of their injuries until days or weeks after the incident. If you...
Read MoreWhat to do if you are in the path of a drunk wrong-way driver
You and every other driver in Pennsylvania have likely faced the dangers posed by drunk drivers. Sadly, it is often up to sober drivers to keep a lookout and avoid impaired drivers. Victims who are fortunate to survive drunk driving accidents may suffer the long-term consequences of spinal cord or...
Read MoreWhiplash injuries can have life-altering consequences
If you were involved in a rear-end or T-bone car accident, you might have suffered whiplash injuries. In many cases, victims of these injuries do not realize it, and neglect to seek medical evaluation immediately after the crash. Whiplash injuries result from the rapid forward, backward and sideways movements of...
Read MoreSteer clear of drivers who exhibit these behaviors
Perhaps you’re planning on visiting a beautiful lake, state park or historical town in Pennsylvania and want to research traffic information before finalizing your plans. A continual flow of tourists share state roadways with full-time residents on a daily basis. This state has so much to offer that the tourist...
Read MoreThe types of distraction that could be compromising your safety
Distracted driving is a problem that affects the safety and well-being of every Pennsylvania driver, yet it is a more complex issue than most people think. While distraction is commonly associated with texting, the reality is that there are many more things besides a phone that can divert a driver’s...
Read MoreHave you suffered compensable damages in a car accident?
If you experienced damages because of the involvement in a serious car accident due to the fault of another individual, you may wonder whether you could seek compensation for any or all of the damages suffered. Many damages that result from such incidents could qualify as compensable. Therefore, you may...
Read MoreGrounding drivers with a history of accidents can save lives
When an accident costs a life, the pain and loss for family and friends is unimaginable. If there is anything that can make this pain worse, it is the knowledge that the accident could have been avoided easily with a modicum of caution and common sense. A crash in Baltimore...
Read MoreDevice may reduce distracted driving accidents
The impact of technology on our roads cannot be denied. While it has provided many drivers with helpful features like GSP and a huge library of music, it has also been a primary source of distraction. As people have come to rely more and more on their cell phones and...
Read MoreHelp your kids avoid pedestrian accidents
Since automobiles have been a regular part of society, and possibly even earlier, parents have been telling their kids: “Be careful and look both ways before crossing the street.” However, kids are not careful enough when it comes to traffic. In school zones especially, far too many kids are being...
Read MorePennsylvania is one of the top states for deer-related accidents
While hunting season ramps up in Pennsylvania more people will be encountering deer in the roads. Fall is the peak time of year when deer-related accidents are at their worst, especially in this state. Pennsylvania is in the top three states with the most deer-related motor vehicle accidents in the...
Read MoreProtect your children this summer
School is out, and so are the kids. Younger children are riding their bikes through the neighborhoods and the older kids are out driving during the day when they would otherwise be in school. This is a dangerous combination that can drastically increase the likelihood of vehicle and bicycle collisions....
Read MoreYou are the most important factor in your personal injury case
Of course, working with a skilled, experienced lawyer is critical to success in a motor vehicle accident, medical malpractice or other personal injury claim. And yes, it is important to gather all of the detailed information you can to bolster your case. But the most important factor in a personal...
Read MoreDrunk driving accident victims deserve justice and compensation
Anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car knows, or at least should know, about the dangers of drunk driving. However, drunk driving accidents are frequent in Florida. Especially during the spring and summer seasons, when more young people are out celebrating their school breaks, the likelihood of being...
Read MorePreventing motor vehicle accidents caused by teen drivers
Pennsylvania readers likely know that teen drivers are inexperienced, immature and often unable to effectively handle the sudden hazards that can present themselves to drivers. Considering this, parents should be overly concerned with how their kids drive, teaching them important safety measures and educating them on how to prevent motor vehicle accidents....
Read MoreKnow your rights after a distracted driving car accident
There are many threats to driver safety in Pennsylvania, and distracted driving is one of the most serious of these concerns. With technology constantly changing, even improvements made in the name of safety, such as hands-free capabilities, can be a distraction and danger. Those harmed in a distracted driving car accident...
Read MorePreventing motor vehicle accidents caused by distraction
Pennsylvania readers should be well aware of the dangers posed by distracted driving. Despite widespread awareness of the dangers of this behavior, it continues to be a problem, placing many motorists at risk for accidents and serious injuries. In order to reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents related to distraction,...
Read MoreFaulty airbags increase risk of accident injuries and death
Pennsylvania readers may be aware of the scandal that has plagued the automaker Honda and a company called Takata, which makes airbags for several major automobile manufacturers. The scandal is over faulty airbags. Honda initiated a recall ultimately affecting 8.5 million vehicles because of a defect with the airbags that could...
Read MoreDoes distraction increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents?
As many Pennsylvania readers know, distracted driving continues to be one of the most dangerous threats to drivers in the state and across the country. While people know that it is an issue, and despite the statistics that seem to indicate a startling number of drivers operate a vehicle while...
Read MoreMotor vehicle accidents and whiplash: a common problem
Pennsylvania readers know that car accidents can cause serious physical harm, but many injuries that are seemingly minor are often overlooked. Whiplash is one of the most common types of injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents. Although it is a rather common type of injury, victims who are left dealing...
Read MoreWhen are accident injuries grounds for a personal injury claim?
Car accidents can cause a myriad of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to major trauma that leaves Pennsylvania victims with lifelong disabilities. While accident injuries are not uncommon, it can be difficult to know what constitutes valid grounds for a personal injury claim. Some injuries, specifically those to...
Read Morecar accident victims what you need to know about whiplash
If you were diagnosed with whiplash after a car accident, you know how hard it can be to move forward while dealing with lingering pain and medical bills. While whiplash is a relatively common car accident injury, the effects of this type of medical problem should not be underestimated. After an...
Read MoreDistraction leading cause of motor vehicle accidents for teens
Distracted driving is a major problem for young Pennsylvania drivers. Teen drivers are at a particularly high risk of being involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents because of distractions behind the wheel. In fact, this particular problem is such an issue across the nation that the term “intextication” has been coined...
Read MoreVictims of whiplash and other accident injuries have rights
Whiplash is a common, yet commonly misunderstood, type of car accident injury. Accident injuries of all kinds can have a long-term impact on Pennsylvania victims, including any type of damage to the neck or back. Whiplash is thought to be a minor injury, but it can be painful and costly...
Read MoreIs road design to blame for motor vehicle accidents on Route 272?
A recent fatal accident along Route 272 has raised questions from Providence Township residents regarding the safety of this particular stretch of Pennsylvania road. Before the most recent accident, these few miles were the scene of at least 22 accidents from 2010 to 2014. For many years, people have wondered how...
Read MorePennsylvania driver wins settlement from Ford over car accident
A Pennsylvania court recently upheld a huge settlement against Ford Motor Company granted to a victim for his pain and suffering following a car accident. The man filed the lawsuit against the major American automaker after a car accident left him paralyzed because his airbag did not deploy. The claimant stated that...
Read MoreBrain injury and motor vehicle accidents: the impact on children
In the past, it was thought that children did not suffer from brain injuries in the same way that adults do. Research indicates that this is not correct, and children who suffer brain injuries in motor vehicle accidents could suffer life-long consequences, even from a minor impact. Understanding brain injuries...
Read MoreDrowsy driving may be the underlying cause of your car accident
Drowsy driving is a common problem and the source of many car accidents, even if it is rarely acknowledged as a major issue. Drunk driving and distracting driving are problems that garner a lot of attention in Pennsylvania, but there are other prevalent issues that are underreported. As a result, other...
Read More6 people suffer accident injuries in multiple vehicle crash
A car accident involving multiple vehicles has left six people with injuries, including a Pennsylvania law enforcement officer. The accident occurred along Lincoln Drive in Philadelphia, leaving two victims trapped inside the wreckage. Six victims were taken to the hospital for treatment for their accident injuries. According to witness accounts, the...
Read MoreTeen drivers may be at a higher risk for motor vehicle accidents
Young drivers are less experienced, facing a higher risk of accidents and injuries in Pennsylvania and across the country. Their inexperience and propensity to distraction place others in or near the road at risk of motor vehicle accidents. It is important for teen drivers to be properly trained in order to protect...
Read MoreCan you recover lost income after suffering a brain injury?
Car accidents can leave victims with varying types of injuries, all ranging in severity. Some of the most common types of car accident injuries, though initially diagnosed as minor, can have a profound and lasting impact on a person. In some cases, a Pennsylvania victim could be left with significant medical expenses...
Read MoreMany suffer accident injuries in tour bus accident
A recent bus accident in Pennsylvania sent a number of victims to the hospital for treatment for a myriad of injuries. The collision occurred along I-70 when the bus collided with a smaller vehicle, causing the bus to flip over. During the crash, the driver of the bus was ejected from his...
Read MoreOlder Driver Safety Awareness and when to give up the keys
The increase in older drivers on the road has led to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Aging and Insurance to increase their efforts to improve safe driving among seniors. This week is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, so it only seems fitting to discuss what Pennsylvania is doing to address...
Read Morecar defect could lead to higher risk for a car accident
Pennsylvania readers will note that Ford has initiated a recall that affects the 2009 and 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. These vehicles have problems with fuel leaks, which could place drivers at a higher risk for a car accident or other issues. This recall affects vehicles that are driven...
Read MoreFaulty car parts increase likelihood of car accident
Pennsylvania residents may be aware of the fact that certain Hyundai vehicles are being recalled for a possible problem with the brakes. The manufacturer recalled about 305,000 of the 2011 and 2012 Sonatas because of an issue with the transmission that could allow the vehicle to move out of park...
Read MoreHolding drunk drivers accountable for accident injuries
Drunk driving is an inexcusable, irresponsible behavior that can have devastating consequences. When people in Pennsylvania suffer serious injuries — or worse –because of a drunk driver, these drivers may be held accountable for the damages and accident injuries that follow. Sadly, many people do not take legal action to...
Read MoreSmartphones a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents
It will come as no surprise to Pennsylvania readers to learn that smartphones are one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. Despite safety measures, new technology and new laws, drivers are still at a higher risk of motor vehicle accidents due to the use of phones. In fact,...
Read MorePedestrians in wheelchairs face serious risks on the road
Pedestrians face serious risks when crossing the street. A new study highlights the dangers, especially for pedestrians in wheelchairs. The researchers reported that individuals in wheelchairs are more likely to be killed in an accident with a motor vehicle than other pedestrians. Government reports show that roughly 5,000 pedestrians are...
Read MoreLiving with a brain injury after a car accident
When a person has sustained a brain injury as the result of a car crash, it can change his or her life forever. Even a minor injury can have a lasting impact on a person, leaving a family with medical bills and other effects long after the car accident. These...
Read MoreCar accident claims the life of Pennsylvania woman
It is always tragic when a car accident claims the life of an innocent individual. It is especially sad when the circumstances that caused the car accident could have been avoided. Distracted driving, reckless operation of a vehicle or drunk driving can cause serious injury or death to other motorists and...
Read MoreMotor vehicle accidents and pedestrians: a dangerous problem
There are many reasons why a Pennsylvania resident would choose to travel by foot. Whether it is for necessity, convenience, exercise or recreation, pedestrians have the right to expect that drivers will safely share the road. Sadly, many drivers choose to engage in risky or negligent behavior, causing motor vehicle accidents...
Read MoreDistracted driving: an increased chance of a car accident
The dangers of texting and driving are well-documented, but this dangerous behavior continues to be a problem in Pennsylvania and across the country. One reason that this behavior is so dangerous is that it involves all three types of distraction: cognitive, manual and visual. Drivers who text behind the wheel...
Read MoreJogger hurt in drunk driving car accident
Drunk driving is a danger to all drivers and passengers on Pennsylvania roads, but it also poses a unique risk to pedestrians, cyclists and joggers. A recent drunk driving car accident resulted in the serious injury of a jogger, underscoring the danger of this irresponsible and inexcusable action. When Pennsylvania residents...
Read MorePedestrian vs. car accident kills 1, injures 2 others
There are certain procedures that are usually followed by Pennsylvania law enforcement officials and prosecutors after a fatal car accident. First, a toxicology sample from the driver or drivers must be taken and analyzed. Then, the information gathered by police regarding the car accident is given to prosecutors to determine...
Read MoreDistraction is one the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents
Distracted driving, namely texting and driving, is one the leading causes of accidents in Pennsylvania and across the country. Since the invention of cell phones, distracted driving has been a major cause of motor vehicle accidents, but recent technology makes distraction even more of an issue. Common sources of distraction to...
Read MoreAmerican Idol hopeful dies in car accident on I-95
Fans of the reality television series “American Idol” may remember that auditions were recently held here in Pennsylvania for the upcoming season. People came from other states in the area just to audition. One of those hopefuls ended up becoming the victim of a car accident. Police reported that she...
Read MoreThe impact of a car accident on a child’s life
Children are particularly susceptible to suffer injuries when they are in an accident, and sadly, the impact of these injuries can last years. A recent study of young traumatic brain injury (TBI) sufferers found that children can display symptoms of trauma more than a year after a car accident or other traumatic event....
Read MoreSeek compensation for lost income after a car accident
There are many costs associated with a car accident, financial and otherwise, that can impact a Pennsylvania family for months and years to come. A car accident can leave an individual unable to continue his or her job, drive or perform the same physical tasks as before the crash. Those...
Read MoreSettlement granted to victim of Pennsylvania car accident
A Pennsylvania judge has granted a settlement to five different plaintiffs in a lawsuit over a car accident. The defendant was ordered to pay $30,000, split between the five defendants, for his actions that led to personal injuries and financial loss. According to a report, the five men were riding as...
Read MorePennsylvania motor vehicle accidents may cause injuries, death
A tragic accident recently led to one person’s death as well as injuries to four passengers in Pennsylvania. The car accident took place on a recent Thursday morning. Sometimes fatal or injurious motor vehicle accidents happen because of the carelessness of one individual, which is grounds for a civil suit. The...
Read MoreExploding airbags could cause serious accident injuries
Pennsylvania drivers, as well as millions of others across the country, may be at risk for injuries due to unsafe airbags. Two major airbag manufacturers are currently under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after reports of exploding airbags. Drivers whose vehicles contain these defective parts could...
Read MoreWas your car accident caused by distracted driving?
It is no secret that distracted driving is a growing concern across the country. In fact, a recent survey of drivers found that most drivers feel less safe on the road than they did just five years ago, despite anti-texting laws and safer vehicles. The widespread use of cellphones is one...
Read Morecar accident leaves pennsylvania teenagers injured
Four Pennsylvania teenagers have been critically injured in a recent accident that took place in Robinson Township. The car accident took place after midnight. At this time, law enforcement officials are not sure what factors contributed to the crash. There were five teenagers in the car during the accident, three of...
Read MoreTexting and driving increases chance of a car accident
For readers in Pennsylvania, it comes as no surprise to learn that recent data collected by researchers indicates that texting and driving increases the chance of an accident. Interestingly, this study found that texting and driving may place drivers at a higher risk for a car accident than drunk driving. In fact,...
Read Morecar accident leaves pennsylvania biker with serious injuries
A Pennsylvania woman was flown to York Hospital after sustaining serious injuries in a collision. She was riding her motorcycle along Anthony Highway when another vehicle made contact with her motorcycle. The injured biker came to a rest on the side of the road, and the driver who caused the...
Read MoreLong-term pain and suffering possible after a serious car wreck
Pennsylvania residents know that a car accident can cause both short and long-term problems for a victim. Certain serious injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, can leave a victim with pain and suffering, both mentally and physically, that can have an impact for years after a car accident. These medical...
Read MoreMore traffic expected this Memorial Day holiday
Millions of Americans will be traveling this Memorial Day weekend, and that is just the beginning of what is expected to be a busy summer travel season. With gas prices remaining low, AAA projects that more than 37 million people will travel this weekend at least 50 miles or more....
Read MoreTragic late-night crash leaves two PA teens dead
Driving is difficult and complex activity made all the more dangerous by our overwhelming familiarity with that very same activity. We grow up in cars, literally, moving from a car seat to a booster seat and finally the driver’s seat. Children are at home in cars, often eating, drinking, sleeping...
Read MoreI-81 crash and ejection causes major injuries
Whether it is officials from the federal department of transportation, the Pennsylvania State Police or the Chambersburg police, one of the most frequently iterated safety tips is that all occupants of any vehicle should always used the seat belts provided. Seat belts are old technology and not especially sexy or...
Read Morealmost half of vehicles exempt from defect reporting
Here’s the good news. Cars, in general, are better made and last longer than ever before. This means there are more older vehicles on the road. Now for the bad news. Defects involving those older vehicles do not have to be reported because of an arbitrary 10-year cutoff within the...
Read MoreSome DUIs need more than jail time
Car accidents caused by drunk drivers remain a threat to every driver in Pennsylvania, and no matter where or when they driver. While some times, like weekend nights and major holidays, present an increased risk, there are probably a surprisingly large number of intoxicated drivers on the roads of the...
Read MoreNo surprises here more distracted drivers on PA
The courts in Pennsylvania have reported that they are seeing more citations for texting while driving than in previous years in spite of the statewide ban enacted in 2012. Slightly more than 1,400 drivers were cited last year for texting law violations. Nationwide, more than 3,000 individuals died in car...
Read MoreA coffee cup, a parrot and a guardrail
In recent years, concerns over cellphone use and texting have become prominent, as insurance companies, police and politicians have become worried over Americas love affair with portable electronic devices. Cellphone, and more worryingly, smartphones provide for a special distraction that is problematic. Because they are more accurately small computers, their...
Read MoreTrooper faces long road in recovering from crash injuries
Car accidents range from deadly to trivial. While the fatal motor vehicle accidents grab the headlines, and rightly so, there are millions of non-fatal crashes in the U.S. and thousands of those crashes in Pennsylvania, and which leave victims who survive, but may never be the same. A Pennsylvania State...
Read MoreAre drivers lying about their texting?
Probably. In recent years, we have all seen the various campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of cell phone use in motor vehicles in general and texting in particular. Cellphone use possess a uniquely satisfying attribute, in that it fulfills a basic human desire for a “reward,” and receiving...
Read MoreI-81 crash causes three fatalities near Greencastle
Driving along on the interstate can be sometimes somewhat soothing. The lack of stoplights and in rural parts of the country, even few interchanges can leave your mind with little to think about beyond keeping your car between the solid line on one side and the dotted line on the...
Read MoreThink distracted driving caused your crash? Prove it
Yesterday we posted about teen drivers and distracted driving. A recent study found that teenage drivers change clothes, put on makeup and even do their homework while driving, showing that they may not fully understand the risks associated with being distracted behind the wheel. Unfortunately, their behavior can cause serious...
Read MoreStudy shows teen drivers may not understand risks of distraction
When it comes to driving, teens in Pennsylvania are at a bit of a disadvantage. As with any other skill, it takes time and practice to improve. With no more than a few years under their belts, it is certainly not surprising that many teens are not as road-savvy as...
Read Morean ambitious goal
Traffic fatalities cost the U.S. a great deal. There are the accidents themselves, which kill and injure motorists, resulting in costs as varied as the repair costs to sections of highway infrastructure damaged in the crashes, to the loss of income to a family from a husband or wife death....
Read MoreWhich master are they serving?
There is a concept known as a “conflict of interest.” This occurs when someone or something is attempting to serve two masters. Attorneys are strongly cautioned to never accept representation of two parties who are adverse. The presumption is that if one is a zealous advocate for one side, one...
Read MoreIs hands-free any safer?
You’ve seen them driving through Chambersburg, on side streets and on I-81 heading towards Harrisburg. You may notice them when you are sitting at a stop light. The light changes and you wait. And wait. And finally, the head looks up and the car lurches forwards. Maybe on the interstate,...
Read Morea story you do not want to write
A lot can happen in a short time in a motor vehicle. Driving on an Interstate highway, such as I-81 near Chambersburg, you find the speed limit is 65 miles per hour. Often, you may find drivers exceeding that “limit.” And when you drive long distances at those speeds, you...
Read MorePractice make perfect
Athletes understand practice. No matter the sport, there are very few elite athletes, whether football players, figure skaters, soccer players, downhill skiers or NASCAR drivers who do not know the tedium of hours and hours honing their craft. When a professional golfer hits a 300-yard tee shot that lands within...
Read MoreWhat’s in that cloud of snow you are following?
As the winter of 2015 drags on with yet more heavy snow in Franklin County, drivers will have another opportunity to experience the thrill of having snow and ice from other vehicles fly off and strike their windshield. While commons sense would suggest all drivers would clear all of the...
Read MoreEvidence after a crash
Car accidents often are not accidents. They really are mostly negligence. Sometimes the negligence is the driver’s fault. They could be drunk. Or sleepy. Or texting on their phone. Or driving too fast on a snowy and icy road. But they are not doing what someone driving three- to six-thousand...
Read MoreLegislation would help DUI victims receive compensation
Pennsylvania has come a long way in the fight against drunk driving. Like the rest of the nation, drunk driving laws at one time were insubstantial and drivers often got behind the wheel intoxicated. This had horrific impact on highway fatalities in the state. In the US, much of the...
Read MoreRoads and bridges still face problems in Pennsylvania
There are a great many factors that go into keeping Pennsylvania’s motorists safe. Or, in the alternative, there are lots of things that can go wrong, cause an accident and leave a driver injured or worse, dead. A new study from the Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission evaluated issues related to...
Read MoreAnother chain-reaction crash on a Pennsylvania interstate
As arctic air and more snow move into Pennsylvania this week, another multiple-vehicle chain-reaction crash on I-80 in the central part of the state should serve as a reminder to all drivers that winter driving can bring the unexpected at any point during your journey. The car and truck collisions...
Read MoreDo as I say…
Driving is one of those fascinating examples of human nature, where even though a motorist may be reasonably well acquainted with the risks of certain behavior, many of them still engage in just such behavior. The AAA Foundation surveys American drivers every year to obtain a snapshot of their views...
Read Moreanother death attributed to the takata airbag
The recalled Takata airbag appears to have claimed another victim last month when the airbag inflator in a 2002 Honda Accord ruptured and metal shrapnel from the blast killed the driver. This would be the fifth death linked to the defective inflator. Honda has confirmed 3 deaths and 52 injuries...
Read MorePennsylvania has 5,000 structurally deficient bridges
When you buy a new home, one of the best features is that all of the major systems are new, and will not require maintenance or major repairs for years. But, sadly, one day, that roof or furnace will no longer be new, and you will have to come up...
Read MorePhil forecasts no early end to winter driving conditions
Pennsylvania’s most famous weather forecaster foresees no early spring, when the officials who handle Punxsutawney Phil reported his forecast in spite of the lack of sun that would seemingly inhibit Phil seeing his shadow. The announcement was made as rain changed to snow on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney to a...
Read MoreAfter a crash, who will respond?
As you drive about the Chambersburg area and central Pennsylvania, enjoying the rolling hills and rural countryside, or if you are rushing up I-81 towards Harrisburg to work, you may never give a thought to the prospect what happens if your car crashes. This time of year, weather creates an...
Read MoreDon’t let snowy weather knock you out this weekend
Winter weather will again potentially cause problems on roads in the Chambersburg area and throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. Snow is expected overnight Friday and again Sunday night. While it is unclear if there will be a repeat of last weekend’s “flash freezing” that caused numerous crashes and five fatalities on roads...
Read MoreWhy are speed limits set the way they are?
On occasion, as you drive through Chambersburg and head out on U.S. 30 to Gettysburg or up I-81 to Harrisburg, you may wonder how speed limits are determined. Interstates are designed to speed traffic across country, so high speeds make some sense, but in smaller towns and cities, the speed...
Read MoreAre more recalls a good sign for carmakers?
A former member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and now the head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests that in 2015 we could see even more recalls from the auto manufacturers, and that this will be a good sign. This comes on the heels of...
Read MoreWhiteout on I-80 causes 18-vehicle pileup, two deaths
Weather is always a wildcard when driving throughout Pennsylvania. Local roads and Interstate highways can be transformed in seconds from corridors of transportation to smoking wreckage and damaged car parts when a chain reaction crash occurs. These types of car and truck accidents can happen any time, caused by darkness,...
Read MoreCar crash leaves a piece of vehicle in man’s arm for 51 years
Car accidents can lead to devastating outcomes, often leaving motorists with severe and life-long injuries. Seemingly minor crashes can still cause chronic pain from neck and other soft-tissue damage, while severe collisions can result in traumatic brain injuries and other serious injuries that may leave victims permanently disabled. Great advancements...
Read MoreFather facing consequences after daughter’s car accident
A Pennsylvania father is facing serious consequences after his teenage daughter caused a fatal car accident. The daughter was 15 at the time of the crash, which claimed the lives of three teenage victims. The father has been officially charged with endangering the welfare of children and involuntary manslaughter due...
Read MoreDetermining fault and liability for motor vehicle accidents
Motor vehicle accidents can take a toll on a victim and is or her family for years to come. Despite severe injuries and extensive medical bills, Pennsylvania victims may not realize that they could be eligible for financial compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death suit. By understanding fault...
Read MoreCompensation for lost wages due to accident injuries
When a Pennsylvania worker is suffering from accident injuries, it can lead to economic loss from both medical expenses and missed wages. Fortunately, a victim has certain legal options after a serious accident. A personal injury lawsuit may be a reasonable option in order to recover some or all of the...
Read MoreParent responsibility for teen drinking parties
One of the leading causes of fatal car accident is drunk driving. While about 30,000 people die every year in motor vehicle accidents, about one-third of those deaths are alcohol related. And a portion of those death involve teen or underage drivers. While most states prohibit the consumption of alcohol...
Read MoreWhy are car manufactures so stingy with safety?
Car manufacturers are large operations. They build millions of vehicles every year, and with the average vehicle’s price now north of $30,000 per unit, that adds up to a significant sum of money. So, a headline that notes Chrysler is “grudgingly” adding vehicles to the recall is both unsurprising and...
Read MoreThey rarely are accidents
One of the reasons we refer to collisions between motor vehicles as motor vehicle accidents is the element of random chance as to the participants. While there are some cases, such as those involving alcohol and resulting in charges of criminal vehicular homicide, few drivers intend harm when they set...
Read MoreFive fatalities on Pennsylvania roads to begin holiday season
The holiday season is always so full of promise, of family get-togethers, of Currier and Ives images of homes and hearths decorated for the season. But it is also full of the promise of negligent driving, of motorists driving too fast and too intoxicated to control their vehicles, leading to...
Read MoreState court decision impacts damages injured persons may get
There are few things more troubling to Pennsylvania residents than the thought of a child being injured. Worse yet is when injuries occur to a child on the way to or during school. This unfortunately was the case for one child who was run over by a school bus. The...
Read MoreHead-on collision kills 21-year-old Chambersburg man
When tragic incidents occur to Chambersburg residents, it is only natural that individuals want to find out who is responsible for the incident. This is not only important to gain an understanding of what happened, but also to hold those who are responsible accountable for their actions. However, it can...
Read MoreSleeping truck driver crashes, kills two motorists
Drowsy driving does not always receive as much publicity as it deserves. It may be even more insidious than drunk driving. To become intoxicated, you have to intentionally go to a bar or restaurant and order alcoholic drinks. Or if you are at home, you have to at least pour...
Read MoreDeer crashes through Chambersburg driver’s car windshield
We have noted before that November is a dangerous month for car-deer collisions in Pennsylvania, and that point was reinforced this weekend when a young woman was rendered unconscious after her car struck a deer on the Warm Springs Road just outside Chambersburg. She was driving on Warm Springs Road...
Read MoreSeemingly trivial accident still leaves AG with concussion
Car accidents are brutal in many aspects. They leave millions injured, and tens of thousands dead every year. But, they are unfailingly democratic. It does not matter how rich or how poor, if you are powerful or not very powerful at all, if you drive or ride in an automobile,...
Read MoreFirst time DUI interlock law stuck in PA House
Drunk driving is bad. One can describe it in many more ways, but at its core, it is simply bad. It is so insidiously dangerous, because it both leaves a person with diminished ability to operate a motor vehicle and it enables it to happen by reducing one’s capacity to...
Read MorePennsylvania State Trooper severely injured in collision
For Pennsylvania State Police, one of the riskiest jobs they perform may be one of the most mundane and uninteresting. When debris is on the road, from either a car or truck collision or items that have fallen off a bed of a truck or trailer, it is often a...
Read MoreVehicle safety defect mount on way to record year for recalls
Is a record year for the auto industry. But not in a good way. This year is likely to mark the greatest number of recalled vehicles every, potentially topping out at more than 50 million vehicles. Why? A number of factors are at work. The General Motors defective ignition switch...
Read MoreSleeping driver’s crash caught on video
Have you ever been driving behind a car or truck in or around Chambersburg and thought to yourself, “What is going on with that driver?” Maybe they are driving slow, then they speed up, or perhaps they go and pass your vehicle well above the speed limit. Or they are...
Read MoreThe cost of a deer collision can be dear
Last time, we mentioned some of the dangers posed by fall weather and driving conditions, which included low sun angles blinding drivers to slippery road conditions caused by early morning frost and wet leaves on the road. Another concern for drivers in Pennsylvania during the October, November and December are...
Read MoreHeaded for a fall
With the beginning of October, a chill in the air returns to Pennsylvania. The days grow shorter, and the number of risks that drivers face increase. As you drive in and around Chambersburg, you need to remember that the long days of summer, with dry payment and ample daylight are...
Read MoreDid someone forget a guardrail?
A student at Penn State died this week when the van he was driving for a local hotel in State College struck a highway signpost. The driver was a Penn State senior and was returning to the hotel in Innovation Park on East Park Avenue when his vehicle missed the...
Read MoreWe may soon see a texting radar gun to curb distracted driving
Driving is a complex task that demands all of a motorist’s attention. Failure to do so can lead to catastrophic consequences, from accidents that leave their victims suffering life-long injuries to those that cause the deaths of one or more of those involved. Distracted driving has become an increased concern,...
Read MoreNHTSA accountability-where should it start? Part 3
With the growing complexity of motor vehicles about to become even more complex with the appearance of cars that can communicate with each other and contain ever more automatic collision avoidance systems, it will become all the more critical that NHTSA has the ability to properly implement, monitor and regulate...
Read MoreNHTSA accountability–where should it start? Part 2
The Toyota unintended acceleration issue has demonstrated, determining why systems fail in complex mechanical and software related interactions is no easy matter. NASA was brought in to assist NHTSA on that matter, and they concluded there was no defect in the electronic throttle control system. Toyota attempted to disarm allegations...
Read MoreNHTSA accountability–where should it start?
The General Motors defective ignition systems led to the deaths of at least 19 people in crashes of vehicles, and the death toll could be much higher. The internal investigation provided to GM’s Board after the carmaker eventually recalled vehicle’s equipped with the defective ignitions was scathing, pointing to GMs...
Read MoreSleeping through a car accident
The dangers of drunk driving have been well understood for a long time. Organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have worked for decades to raise awareness to the problem and state laws punishing use of alcohol by drivers have been considerably strengthened during that time. However, drunk driving is...
Read Moreanother distracted driving fatality near chambersburg
It’s hard to tell if car are becoming safer or more dangerous. Sure, they have better, more effective safety equipment. They come with airbags, seatbelts, ABS brakes, all-wheel drive, traction control, and crumple zones. Some vehicles have crash avoidance systems like forward-looking radar and systems to help keep drivers in...
Read More15-year-old girl behind the wheel in fatal Poconos crash
A terrible crash over the Labor Day weekend involving six teenagers has left three boys dead. The car accident occurred in the Poconos of northeast Pennsylvania, and the Wayne County District Attorney has reported that a 15-year-old girl was driving the vehicle. At the time of the car accident, the...
Read MoreDrive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign in place for Labor Day
The Labor Day weekend begins officially at 6 pm tonight in Pennsylvania, and with comes the grim prospect of drunk driving accidents and deaths. The Pennsylvania State Police, local police and PennDOT are all working together in an attempt to minimize those numbers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)...
Read MoreDistraction and driving-more than cellphones
Distracted driving remains a problem here in Pennsylvania. With thousands of accidents attributable to distracted driving every year, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation created a website to help educate drivers about the hazards of distraction. Currently, there is a high-degree of concern with the use of cellphones and other electronic...
Read Moreautonomous vehicles would lead to fewer organ donors
As an illustration that every “solution” brings with it additional and often unforeseen, problems, is the suggestion that with driverless, or autonomous automobile (the auto?), would radically reduce the number of highway fatalities and would exacerbate the problem of individuals in need of an organ donation. There is little doubt...
Read MoreNew 12-year transportation plan approved for Pennsylvania
A new transportation plan in Pennsylvania will allow some major construction projects in the Chambersburg area, including a new interchange on I-81 between Swamp Fox Road and Wayne Avenue, with construction be slated to begin after 2018. Other projects identified in the 12-year plan include maintenance on I-81 towards the...
Read MoreCan we now predict where car accidents will occur?
When we discuss the topic of traffic accidents, most of the time the “accident” part of the discussion is due the vehicle crashes occurring in unpredictable locations and to random motorists. Of course, in the strictest sense, they are not random. If they were, insurance companies would no ideas on...
Read MoreMan charged with murder in fatal I-81 car crash
Car crashes can create many legal tangles. In a minor accident, parties may be able to rely on the insurance coverage of the responsible party to handle property damage. When the accident is more severe, you may have to hire an attorney to protect your rights to compensation. In the...
Read MoreNJ may stop enforcement of out-of-state camera tickets
Most states are always in a tension between how much traffic enforcement they employ and questions of safety. Obviously, if Pennsylvania had a state police trooper stationed every couple of miles along the roads and highways, few people would speed, drive drunk or engage in other unsafe driving violations. On...
Read MoreSections of Pennsylvania Turnpike to see higher speed limits
Speed limits are a never-ending source of controversy. Since the 1970s, when the nationwide speed limit was lowered to 55 mile per hour to conserve fuel due to the oil embargo, there has been a constant debate over what constitutes the ideal speed limit. Safety advocates argue that lower speed...
Read MoreSimulator allows teen drivers to experience car accident
Driving is dangerous, in part, because it is so common. This causes both a great deal of exposure, and leads to habituation by drivers. At the same time, for many younger drivers, there is a lack of experience with handling various road conditions and situations, which leaves them at risk...
Read MoreTree falls on car, killing two children
We often speak of “car accidents” when we mean a crash or collision involving one or more vehicles. In reality, most of those so-called accidents are no accidents, at least in the sense that they are not foreseeable. If an individual consumes a dozen alcoholic drinks in a short period...
Read MoreTraffic researcher finds work frightening
In Greek mythology, a woman named Cassandra was doomed to know the future and have no one believe her. Highway safety advocates probably feel a bit Cassandra-like when the release the findings of their studies of distracted driving and the risk posed by electronic devices. According to one researcher who...
Read MoreMunicipal radar–safer roads or more speed traps?
Because highways are so integral to how we live in the U.S., issues affecting all aspects of highway transportation are political. From how we fund road projects, to where they should be built to the safety equipment required in vehicles, are all matters that can become political when they are...
Read MoreImprovements and challenges for teen drivers
Teen drivers encounter many challenges as they begin their lifetime of driving. While they have the advantages of youth, with good health, eyesight and reflexes, they must face a significant disadvantage when they get behind the wheel; that of not having driven before. Sure, they have ridden in cars as...
Read MoreAuto-braking systems becoming more common
Technology has led to improvements in many areas of life. In recent times, one thing in particular that technology has been turned towards is the prevention of auto accidents. There are a wide variety of different driving safety systems out there. One such system that auto companies offer as an...
Read MoreMyFord Touch system failures allow class action to move forward
Imagine that you are driving through a heavy rain storm when your windshield wipers suddenly stop working. Within a matter of seconds you are unable to see the roadway or even the vehicle in front of you. This causes you to become involved in a serious crash that causes you...
Read MoreIn a serious car accident, do you know how much is enough?
When a truck or car accident happens, you may hope for the best. If the other driver was clearly responsible, you may think that you can rely on their insurance company to offer you a fair settlement that fully compensates you for the damage and harm you have suffered. Whether...
Read MoreDrunk driver could serve up to 40 years for Chambersburg crash
Driving a motor vehicle gives a person a great deal of freedom. As long as you can buy gas, you can drive anywhere you want at any time. With that freedom, however, comes a substantial responsibility. When operating a car or truck, you have a duty to all the other...
Read MoreDrowsy driving accidents have increased in Eastern Pennsylvania
Operating a car is a complex task and demands your full attention. One reason why drunk driving is so deadly and why there has been a decade’s long campaign by law enforcement and other highway safety groups is that alcohol not only impairs your cognitive and motor reflexes that you...
Read MoreAre there really any minor car accidents?
We often differentiate between car and truck accidents, with some being seen as “minor” while others are deemed “serious.” We all understand the tragic of a serious accident, where the victims die and their families are left with the pain and emptiness of their death and the prospect of potentially...
Read MoreDon’t make Memorial Day too memorable
Pennsylvania endured what may have been the worst winter in living memory for many people, and so with Memorial Day marking the start of summer, or at least the summer driving season, many are ready to get on the road and go somewhere, anywhere. And those people will have a...
Read MorePregnant women have higher crash risk
When you drive, there are a great many things on your mind. You need to be aware of the road conditions, the other vehicles that surround you, the movement of opposing traffic, stoplights and other traffic signs and signals. You receive many admonitions regarding things not to do when driving,...
Read MoreTires falling off vehicles are rarely accidents
We call them accidents. Car accidents. Truck accidents. Accidents. The generic implication of the word accident is that it was not intentional. But of course, we all know some accidents are really not accidental. Drunk driving, always has the volitional act of taking that first drink, no matter how lacking...
Read MoreFatal crash knocks pedestrian off elevated street
A horrific accident a pedestrian was killed in the University City section of Philadelphia, when a speeding car ran a red light, collided with another vehicle and stuck the traffic signal pole the pedestrian had attempted to climb in an effort to avoid being hit by the careening car. The...
Read MoreThe long road back from a car crash down a hill
Most people, faced with the prospect of spending 36 hours hanging out of a crashed car’s window may not think of themselves as lucky. A woman from Delaware, however, understands how lucky she is; she lost control of her car, and it rolled down a hill, finally coming to rest...
Read MoreSpeed still kills
At one time, there was a highway safety awareness campaign that used the simple, two-word slogan, “Speed Kills,” as its centerpiece. From a marketing perspective, it was to the point, and clear, with no equivocation. It was not “Speed kills if you’re not paying attention.” It was not “Speed kills...
Read MoreMedical condition may have caused Philadelphia car and bus crash
A car accident that occurred this month in Philadelphia involving a passenger car and a SEPTA bus may have been due to a medical emergency that was suffered by driver of the car. The car ran a red light at the intersection of 11th Street and Vine Street, where it...
Read MoreHow a distracted driving discussion can help parents and teens
The day their child gets their driver’s license is something of a bittersweet occasion for most parents. While they are undoubtedly proud of their son or daughter for their achievement, they may also have real anxiety about letting them get behind the wheel all by themselves. The good news, according...
Read MoreHit-and-run leaves pedestrian with serious injuries
Pennsylvania’s motorists should be aware of pedestrians at all times. Failing to do so could result in a tragic, injurious or even fatal accident. These victims then often have to deal with the hardships associated with recovering from such a wreck. This often includes excruciating physical pain, mental turmoil and...
Read MoreOne dead, one injured in I-70 head-on car accident
Another tragic accident has occurred on Pennsylvania’s roadways, leaving one dead. The crash occurred on Interstate-70 when an eastbound vehicle was hit head-on by an oncoming vehicle that had crossed the median when it lost control. The driver of the eastbound vehicle was killed and his passenger was injured. These...
Read MoreTeen injured in Pennsylvania car accident
Sadly, negligent drivers plague Pennsylvania’s roads. These errant drivers can turn a routine drive or walk into a nightmare in the blink of an eye, leaving unsuspecting individuals injured in their wake. Pedestrians are especially susceptible to harm as they do not have the protections afforded by seat belts, air...
Read MoreFatal crash occurs after driver runs a stop sign
A woman was killed and another man injured in an accident along the Pennsylvania-Ohio border. The accident occurred on Jan. 11 at 8:00 p.m. According to the Lawrence County coroner, the accident site was being treated as a crime scene. Police reported that a driver traveling in a northerly direction...
Read MoreHit-and-run driver in fatal accident had suspended license
An arrest has been made concerning a Pennsylvania hit-and-run accident that resulted in the death of a 69-year-old man and his dog. Bail was set for the individual arrested at $1 million. Prosecuting attorneys had charged him with an accident involving death or personal injury. However, charges may be upgraded....
Read MorePennsylvania drunk driver sues bar that over-served him
Under Pennsylvania law, a business that provides alcohol to someone who is clearly intoxicated can be held legally responsible for damage that person causes. This applies when a bar or restaurant serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron, and that patron then causes a drunk driving accident. The victims of...
Read MoreWinter driving tips for Pennsylvania residents
Winter has arrived in full force here in Pennsylvania and numerous car accidents have recently taken place throughout the state, including the massive 50-car pileup that occurred outside Philadelphia. Winter driving certainly presents challenges, but there are a number of things that Pennsylvania drivers can do to help prevent car...
Read MoreFeds mull over ‘silver’ rating for cars that protect gray drivers
The number of licensed drivers over the age of 65 is growing rapidly here in Pennsylvania and throughout the country as the baby boomers approach retirement age. According to the Associated Press, about 25 percent of today’s drivers are 65 or older. While aging does not necessarily impact one’s driving...
Read MorePennsylvania multiple car accident caused by mules
Many families in rural Pennsylvania own livestock. Sometimes that livestock escapes from its pasture, wreaking havoc on the roadways. It is the responsibility of the livestock owner to ensure this does not happen and that the animals do not cause a car accident. Unfortunately, mules that escaped from their pasture...
Read MorePennsylvania woman killed in car accident; driver left the scene
There is a saying that no good deed goes unpunished. Unfortunately, that seems to have come true for a Pennsylvania woman. She and her boyfriend were picking up a dead deer off the road that had been hit by another vehicle when she was struck by a box truck. The...
Read MoreIs it time for seat belts on commercial buses?
When commercial buses are involved in collisions, the results are often tragic. Bus accidents often result in fatalities, life-changing injuries and immeasurable pain and suffering. One reason for the serious consequences of bus accidents is the fact that the people on board are rarely wearing seat belts. In recent decades,...
Read MoreChambersburg Police look for hit-and-run driver
Being injured in a hit-and-run accident is extremely difficult for victims and their families. In addition to dealing with pain and suffering and facing medical expenses and property damage, it is very frustrating for victims when the person who is responsible for all of this runs away from the consequences....
Read MoreSurvey suggests that Internet use behind the wheel is on the rise
If you are a Pennsylvania driver who texts or checks emails behind the wheel, unfortunately you are not the only one. Many drivers have these very dangerous habits, and a recent survey suggest that the number of drivers who use smartphones while driving is increasing. And, it is not only...
Read More7 hurt 10 vehicle car accident on I-83 in southern pennsylvania
A massive 10-vehicle car collision shut down Interstate 83 northbound in southern Pennsylvania, a major traffic artery for commuters coming out of Baltimore. The chain reaction auto accident injured seven people and backed up traffic for hours, according to news reports. The scene was chaos, twisted metal from with multiple...
Read MorePennsylvania woman injured in accident in Worcester
A 54-year-old woman from Souderton was injured in a crash involving two vehicles on Sept. 18. The car accident occurred in Worcester Township around noon when an 18-year-old driver of a 2003 Jeep Liberty struck the woman’s vehicle. The driver of the Jeep was traveling south on Potshop Road when...
Read Morefewer motorcycle car accidents in pennsylvania with new info
Pennsylvania motorcycling enthusiasts may find interesting one psychologist’s findings that show drivers turning into the path of a motorcycle or smashing into it during a left turn may be due more to judgment errors in the human brain than to carelessness or bad driving. The Texas psychologist’s new study was...
Read MoreWedding crasher arrested in Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania man showed up to a wedding uninvited and caused more trouble than anyone might have thought possible. When the intoxicated wedding crasher was asked to leave the event, he got into his vehicle and allegedly caused two different types of car accidents before his evening ended. A motive...
Read MoreRunning of stop sign results in injuries to child
Failing to pay attention to traffic control signs, including stop signs, can result in car accidents. Such was the case in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, recently, when a driver making a left-hand turn ran a stop sign and was broadsided by another car. A third vehicle crashed into the passenger side of...
Read MoreMore than 2 dozen face recovery after bus accident
Sometimes, the cause of an accident isn’t immediately known. Accident investigators are left to try to determine whether the cause was due to some sort of negligent action on the part of a driver or whether the accident occurred due to a defective product. This was the case recently with...
Read MoreDUI suspected in Middle Paxton Township car accident
Authorities believe that alcohol may have been a factor in a recent fatal car accident in Middle Paxton Township. The early morning accident happened when a driver went the wrong way on the road, heading westbound in the eastbound lanes, and collided head-on into another vehicle. The wrong-way driver was...
Read MorePastor dies after Pennsylvania car crash
Of the many unsettling facts about car accidents is the truism that none of us, no matter what walk of life we come from or profession we practice or economic stratum we belong to, is immune from their dangers. What brings this sobering truth to mind is the news that...
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