Conlon Tarker, P.C.Butler Personal Injury Lawyer | Pittsburgh Accident Injuries Attorney2024-01-25T19:40:30Zhttps://www.conlontarker.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1502653/2019/12/apple-touch-icon-75x75.pngOn Behalf of Conlon Tarker, P.C.https://www.conlontarker.com/?p=511792024-01-19T16:12:48Z2024-01-19T16:12:48ZPennsylvania crash facts
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recently released the 2022 Crash Fact Book. During that year, the state had 115,938 reported motor vehicle collisions. These crashes injured 67,012 people and produced 1,179 fatalities among those traveling in vehicles. The collisions also wounded and killed many pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.
Several crashes involved young drivers. There were 172 drivers under 16 years old and 21,491 in the 16-20 age group.
Emphasizing road rules
Parents should be sure their young drivers understand the gravity of winter driving hazards. Reinforce the basics:
Avoid speeding.
Refrain from distractions posed by passengers and electronics.
Never drive while fatigued.
Always wear seat belts.
Never drive if intoxicated or while using mind-altering drugs.
These simple reminders can make a significant difference in preventing accidents.
Preventing and responding to accidents
Beyond instilling good driving habits, parents should share practical knowledge on accident prevention and response. Teach young drivers the steps to take in the unfortunate event of a collision: prioritizing attending to injuries, calling 911, promptly informing parents and collecting necessary information from other involved parties.
Instruct teens on how to gather evidence at the scene responsibly. Be sure they know not to admit fault for causing the collision.
Monitoring and safety measures
Parents can take proactive steps to monitor their young drivers. Consider installing tracking devices on vehicles or utilizing smartphone apps designed for this purpose. This allows parents to stay informed about their teenager's driving habits and location.
Letting young drivers use the newest cars with advanced safety features can provide an extra layer of protection in case of an accident.
Collaboration for safety
Collaboration between parents and young drivers is key. Establish an open line of communication, ensuring that you address any concerns or questions about winter driving. Encourage responsibility and accountability on the road, fostering a culture of safety that extends beyond the winter months.
Protecting your interests
If your child has an accident, contacting an attorney helps you to navigate the insurance claims process. Their assistance is particularly invaluable if anyone in the crash sustained injuries. Lawyers can begin an investigation immediately, gathering valuable evidence while it is still fresh.]]>On Behalf of Conlon Tarker, P.C.https://www.conlontarker.com/?p=511812024-01-18T22:22:47Z2024-01-18T22:22:47ZStore entrances
Store entrances are particularly susceptible to slip and fall accidents. Melting snow brought in by customers can create wet and slippery surfaces. Store owners should regularly clear these entryways, use absorbent mats and place warning signs to reduce the risk of accidents.
Parking lots
Parking lots are another danger zone during winter. Accumulated snow and ice pose significant threats if not cleared properly. Inadequate salt application further increases the risks. Maintaining well-lit parking areas and promptly addressing snow buildup helps to ensure safety.
Sidewalks and public spaces
Sidewalks and public spaces are often neglected, becoming hazardous areas for pedestrians. Failure to clear snow and ice from these walkways can result in severe accidents. Business owners and municipalities share the responsibility of ensuring that these spaces are adequately maintained for public safety.
Liability
Third-party companies often maintain sidewalks and parking lots. Determining who is liable for accidents in these situations is complex, but a competent lawyer knows how.
During ongoing storms, the responsible parties may be unable to perform this work safely. Pedestrians should exercise special care when ice, sleet and snow are still falling.
Potential injuries
The injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents during the winter can range from minor bruises to more severe consequences. Sprained wrists, twisted ankles, fractures and head injuries are common. The impact of these falls can have long-lasting effects on victims, affecting their daily lives and potentially leading to medical complications.
Safety tips
If you do not have to go outdoors, stay inside. To minimize the risk of slip and fall accidents during the winter, consider the following safety tips:
Choose shoes with slip-resistant soles to enhance traction on icy surfaces.
Minimize the risk of slipping by taking smaller and more deliberate steps.
When available, use handrails for support, especially on stairs or inclines.
Be mindful of your environment, watch for icy patches and avoid distractions while walking.
If you notice hazardous conditions in public places, report them promptly to property owners or relevant authorities.
Poorly lit areas make seeing hazardous areas more difficult, so try to avoid them.
Be careful
Although accidents and injuries may still occur, being aware of winter walking risks can help you avoid them.]]>On Behalf of Conlon Tarker, P.C.https://www.conlontarker.com/?p=511782024-01-05T19:03:57Z2024-01-05T19:03:57ZGathering digital data
The technology integrated in modern vehicles can clarify when airbags deployed, store speed data and even record braking and other response from the vehicle at the time of the accident. An accident attorney is familiar with this information and can gather these details to demonstrate the sequence of events and any contributing factors.
Preserving evidence
Insurance companies are often eager to close out claims, which can lead to premature disposal of damaged vehicles. When the insurance carrier totals your car, you can lose vital evidence if they dispose of it too soon. Attorneys play a key role in protecting the integrity of the evidence from your car. They can keep the insurance company from disposing of the vehicle before they gather the necessary information.
Securing surveillance
Today’s urban landscape comes with extensive camera surveillance. Your attorney can secure surveillance footage from the area where the accident occurred. They can often obtain dash cam footage from involved vehicles as well. This evidence is valuable for reconstructing the events.
Communicating with police
Accident attorneys can request copies of the police reports and extract vital information that an inexperienced individual could overlook. This can make a difference in your outcome.
Time is of the essence after an accident. The sooner you consult an attorney, the sooner you preserve valuable evidence. The first 48-72 hours are crucial for gathering the necessary evidence to support your case. Since the average personal injury claim after an accident in 2020 was $20,235, you need as much evidence as possible to maximize your compensation. Contact us today for more information.]]>On Behalf of Conlon Tarker, P.C.https://www.conlontarker.com/?p=511742023-09-26T19:01:22Z2023-09-25T13:00:02ZUnderstanding the law
In many places, laws regarding school bus safety are strict. When a school bus stops to pick up or drop off students, drivers in both directions must stop as well. This law is in place to protect the children's safety. Ignoring these laws not only endangers lives but can also lead to legal consequences for the offending driver.
School bus safety tips
You can do your part to maintain a safe environment and protect your family by keeping in mind a few safety tips when driving near a school bus:
Know the rules: Familiarize yourself with your local traffic laws concerning school bus safety.
Stay alert: Keep an eye out for flashing lights, extended stop signs and children waiting at bus stops.
Maintain a safe following distance: When driving behind a school bus, maintain a safe following distance. This gives you ample time to stop if the bus suddenly halts to pick up or drop off students.
If you witness others disregarding school bus safety rules, consider reporting the incident to local authorities and raising awareness within your community.
The National Safety Council reports that school bus-related crashes killed 108 people nationwide in 2021. This includes incidents in which drivers behaved negligently when school children were getting on or off the bus. Spreading awareness of driver safety around school buses can help prevent pointless tragedies. If a loved one or someone you know has been injured by someone driving erratically around school bus zones, talking to a skilled personal injury attorney is a good first step.]]>On Behalf of Conlon Tarker, P.C.https://www.conlontarker.com/?p=511712023-07-14T13:57:18Z2023-07-14T13:00:15ZLeaving the scene
This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident in Pennsylvania.
Posting on social media
Posting on social media can put your case in jeopardy. Insurance companies can use social media posts against you.
Apologizing or accepting blame
Even though it is tempting, never say the accident was your fault. Once you admit fault, it is very difficult to retract your statement.
Not making notes
You should write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible. Write down the following:
Names
Dates
Place
Events
Recording all of these details will help you recall the event later on.
Not exchanging information
Even if the accident is minor, at the very least, get the name, address, license plate number and insurance information from the other party.
Not calling the police
A police officer is a third party that can legally take statements from witnesses and others. In addition, you may need to provide a police report if you file an insurance claim later.
Not seeing a doctor
Although you may not feel the need to go to the hospital immediately or call an ambulance, it is wise to follow up with your primary care physician for an overview of your injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain or other symptoms for hours or even days later.
If you were in a car accident and suffer from an injury, speak with [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] and try to avoid making any of these mistakes.]]>On Behalf of Conlon Tarker, P.C.https://www.conlontarker.com/?p=511692023-06-07T13:08:10Z2023-06-08T14:00:26ZYour car insurance covers you
You might worry that since your automobile insurance ties to the state where you reside, it might not cover expenses if you are in an accident in another state. However, as long as you have a valid policy in your state of residence, you do not need to worry about whether or not your car insurance will cover your injuries while out of state. Many people coming from Ohio or New York drive through Butler, and they can rest assured that their coverage still works in Pennsylvania.
You will need a local lawyer
If you sustained injuries in a car accident while traveling across the United States and want to file a claim to help with medical expenses, you might consider hiring a lawyer. It is necessary that you hire a local attorney rather than one back home since someone local will be aware of the specific laws pertaining to car accidents in that state.
Wherever you are, it is important to know what might happen in the event that you are in an auto accident. Of course, the most crucial thing you can do after seeking proper medical attention is talk to a knowledgeable attorney like those at [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"].]]>On Behalf of Conlon Tarker, P.C.https://www.conlontarker.com/?p=511542023-05-25T16:18:07Z2023-05-25T16:18:07Zdangerous drivers. Drunk drivers, distracted drivers, speeders, tailgaters, road ragers and others are out there, and riders are especially vulnerable in a collision with one of them.
The worst time of day for motorcycle deaths
A major motorcycle crash with a larger four-wheeled vehicle can happen anytime. But some days and times of day can be especially dangerous. Statistics show that about 26 percent of fatal motorcycle collisions occur on weekdays between 3 and 6 pm. A total of 1,263 weekday riders died during that time period in 2020. The 6-9 pm window is the second deadliest with 1,223 fatalities. For weekends, the 6-9 pm period had the most fatal accidents, with 676 deaths.
This timeline is in line with general overall traffic safety, as the same time period is one of the most deadly for all vehicles. Some of the reasons behind this spike include glare from the sun in winter and fall months, drivers leaving happy hours and general congestion.
No excuse for negligence on the road
It could be the high volume of evening commute traffic plus glare and shadows from the setting sun contribute to these tragic figures. However, conditions like these are not an excuse for causing a motorcycle wreck. They are reasons to slow down and be extra careful when changing lanes, merging or making a turn.
Motorcycles don't have seatbelts, airbags or crumple zones like cars, trucks and SUVs do. A crash puts riders at great risk of serious bodily harm that could rob them of their ability to work, their independence and quality of life. If you or a loved one have experienced an accident involving a motorcycle, contact us immediately to be certain your rights are protected.]]>On Behalf of Conlon Tarker, P.C.https://www.conlontarker.com/?p=511482023-03-07T16:40:02Z2023-03-07T15:00:42ZHow do high-tech features affect cars and drivers?
Progressive outlines several types of smart technologies in modern cars that statistically reduce accidents across the board. These include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning features.
However, tech can also negatively impact drivers by causing confusion or distractions. Advanced Bluetooth functionality and flashy heads-up display systems can do more harm than good. The reliance on touch screens can make simple actions like turning down the volume on the radio a major distraction.
Connected displays can show you text messages or deliver emails directly to your dash. These technologies make our lives easier but also distract us from the road.
What happens when smart technology fails to prevent an accident?
Smart technology can help drivers make better decisions, but you should not rely on it Over-reliance leads to confusion and panic when the technology stops working, inevitably resulting in an accident. Suppose another driver is guilty of causing a collision because they are reliant on high-tech driving features that fail, do not engage or otherwise do not act as intended. In that case, you have the right to pursue compensation for any damages you incur.
New car technology is equally capable of making us safer drivers and causing avoidable harm. It helps us make better, safer decisions but also might also result in overreliance that causes unnecessary accidents.]]>On Behalf of Conlon Tarker, P.C.https://www.conlontarker.com/?p=511472023-05-03T16:50:49Z2023-02-08T15:00:28ZLimited tort option
When you buy car insurance in Pennsylvania, you can choose between a full tort or a limited tort option. Limited tort usually has the advantage of offering a lower premium and less expensive fees overall. The drawback is that it will be harder to sue another driver, even when it is clear that they caused the accident. Your insurance company will cover medical bills, property damage and lost wages up to a certain amount, but it will be challenging to get compensation for emotional distress or pain and suffering. Ongoing injuries could end up costing you more than you realize, with no recompense.
Full tort option
While the full tort option can be expensive, it is an effective way to get around the limitations of Pennsylvania's no-fault policy. As long as you have documentation that can prove that the other driver caused the accident (such as photographs and witness statements), you can file a lawsuit and potentially get the compensation you deserve.
Living in a no-fault state can be confusing and stressful, particularly if you have been in an accident and are unsure who is responsible for what. It is important to understand the system so you can navigate it properly.]]>On Behalf of Conlon Tarker, P.C.https://www.conlontarker.com/?p=508092022-11-22T21:00:14Z2022-11-30T15:00:23Zcatastrophic trucking accidents come from the driver or the vehicle itself.
Driver-related causes
Behaviors and choices that impair a driver's ability to react and make decisions can lead to accidents for any size vehicle, including massive trucks.
Distracted driving
Reckless driving
Fatigue
Driving while intoxicated
Driving a large truck safely on the roads with other vehicles requires specific training. Poorly-trained truck drivers make bad decisions. They also may fail to get the amount of rest required by law.
Vehicle-related causes
Maintenance for large trucks is essential in keeping them safe on the roads. Brakes and tires must be routinely checked and repaired or replaced when needed to allow truck drivers to keep the large, heavy vehicles under control. Properly loading the trucks is also an important step in keeping the trucks stable. A heavy load that shifts unexpectedly while the truck moves can cause the driver to lose control.
Other causes
Additional common causes of trucking accidents include severe weather and bad road conditions. While proper training can help truck drivers handle changing conditions on the road, extreme weather conditions and unexpected hazards on the roadway can still cause accidents.
Truck drivers work for carriers who expect them to deliver their loads within a certain time. When drivers feel pressured to meet deadlines, they make poor decisions that can lead to accidents. Whether they break traffic laws by speeding or violate the law by purposely cutting their rest time short, every poor decision can lead to an accident. If you've been in an accident, talk to an experienced attorney today.]]>