I was injured in a hit-and-run – now what?

If the driver didn’t stop after the collision, this is called a hit-and-run and can make recovering damages for your injuries more difficult.  Here is a quick checklist of the first things you should do if you are the victim of a hit-and-run:

1.      Call the police and make a formal report.  That way, the police can begin an investigation.

2.      Get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.

3.      Give all of the information you have collected to the police.

4.      Seek medical attention.

If you are later able to identify and locate the hit-and-run driver, or if the police are able to identify them from their investigation, it is critical that you discuss your options with a personal injury attorney, especially if you suffered significant injuries from the accident.  

Representing car accident victims requires a team of aggressive investigators and lawyers all devoting their maximum effort to their clients. At The Levin Firm, our Pennsylvania and New Jersey personal injury attorneys investigate every claim so that we may aggressively and zealously represent our clients and obtain the best possible results.

If you have suffered injury in a Philadelphia auto accident, your main concern should always be on your physical and mental recovery and you should not have to constantly worry about your legal case. For this reason, we make certain to regularly communicate with clients and will keep you up to date on any new developments in your case. We provide careful attention to each individual auto accident case and will always zealously advocate on your behalf. If you have suffered injury, please do not hesitate to call 877-825-8542 to schedule a free consultation with the experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers at The Levin Firm today.

Sources

1.      http://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/auto-accident/legal-options-hit-by-car-while-walking.html

2.      http://www.levininjuryfirm.com/practice-areas/automobile-accidents/pedestrian-car-accidents/

3.      http://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/auto-accident/damages-pedestrian-car-accident-case.htmlexpect.html

4.      http://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/auto-accident/tips-protect-legal-claim-after-car-accident.html

Should You Go The Doctor After a Motorcycle Accident Even if You Do Not Notice an Injury?

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Crash Facts and Statistics provides that in the year 2014, there were 3,281 motorcycle accidents in the State of Pennsylvania and that 184 of those accidents included fatalities.  That report also states that while the total number of motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania decreased in 2014 by 4.2%, the total number of motorcycle accidents involving a fatality increased by 5.1% ^[1].   The U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that through 2008, lower extremity injuries were the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents, followed by upper extremity and head injuries and that motorcyclists involved in accidents sustained more leg injuries with bone fractures being the most common type of injury [2].  These statistics remind us of the severity of the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, to both driver and passengers alike, and suggest that anyone involved in a motorcycle accident may require medical attention even if their injuries are not initially obvious. 

CALL A PHILADELPHIA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Even if you do not believe that you are injured, it is important to visit a doctor or other qualified medical professional as soon as possible following a motorcycle accident.  After you receive medical treatment, you should contact a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer to schedule a free consultation. 

Motorcycle accident victims, both riders and passengers, are often entitled to financial compensation under Philadelphia law. For this reason, anyone injured in a motorcycle accident should retain an experienced Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney.  At the Levin Firm, we understand how difficult it can be if you are involved in a motorcycle accident.  We know how to evaluate your situation based upon the facts of your case and to investigate these types of accidents.  We can assist you in dealing with insurance companies or to file a claim against any party that may be liable for your injuries so that you can receive the full amount of compensation that is owed to you.  Please call 215-825-5183 to schedule a free consultation today or call our toll free number at 877-825-8542.

References

[1]  http://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/Bureaus/HighwaySafety/Web%20Development/Crash%20Facts%20Book/2014_CFB_linked.pdf

[2] http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/810982.pdf

Truck Accidents in Adverse Weather

Truck drivers are expected to comply with all traffic laws, abide by regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA),¹ and to drive in a reasonably safe manner. What is considered to be “reasonably safe” can change depending on different factors, however. For example, safe driving behaviors on an open highway may not necessarily be safe in heavy traffic or in a construction zone. One important factor truck drivers must always consider when driving safely is the weather.

Rain, ice, fog, snow, and sleet can all make roads extremely dangerous. Truck drivers may drive through many different areas of the country and sometimes may experience several different weather patterns in one trip. This means they need to be prepared for any type of adverse weather and also must adjust their driving based n changing weather.

Unfortunately, truck drivers do not always slow down or take necessary precautions in adverse weather. They are driving the largest, heaviest vehicles on the road and, therefore, they may have more control than drivers of small passenger vehicles. This does not make it safe to drive faster than other traffic or to follow too closely. Instead, truck drivers should be well aware of what driving behaviors are prudent in adverse weather and what could lead to a collision. If a driver is operating a truck at speeds too fast for the weather conditions, they can be found negligent even if they were traveling within the posted speed limit. Negligent truck drivers and their employers can be held accountable for the losses of victims of accidents that may occur.

Schedule a free consultation with a Philadelphia truck accident attorney

Commercial truck cases are often challenging, as trucking corporations have attorneys and insurance companies working to dispute your claims and avoid liability. The Levin Firm has the resources to take on these companies to hold truck drivers and their employers accountable for their negligent actions so that you can fully recover financially for your losses. Consultations are always free of charge, so please call us at 215-825-5183 so we can get started on your case.

¹https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations

Do You Have A Concussion?

A concussion¹ is a form of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) though the qualifier “mild” can often be misleading. Simply because a brain injury is considered to be mild does not mean it may not have serious effects on your life or cause losses. “Mild” simply refers to the fact that symptoms clear up in a shorter amount of time than id the case with more severe TBIs. Even if your brain injury is minor, a diagnosis and treatment is necessary to avoid complications and ensure your recovery.

Were you in an accident?

Anytime you are in an accident that involves a hit to the head or a sudden jolt, there is the potential to sustain a concussion. Some accidents that commonly cause concussions include:

·         Hits in contact sports

·         Falls

·         Motor vehicle accidents

·         Pedestrian accidents

·         Bicycle accidents²

After any of these accidents, it is important to undergo a medical evaluation to identify a concussion or any other type of injury.

Are you experiencing symptoms?

Brain injury symptoms are not always immediately identifiable or recognizable to the victim. If you are experiencing any of the following, you should tell your doctor:

·         Headaches

·         Confusion

·         Cognitive problems

·         Physical coordination issues

·         Troubles with speech or senses

·         Loss of consciousness

There are many more possible symptoms so if anything feels out of the ordinary, you should err on the side of caution and seek a diagnosis.

Contact a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer for help today

At The Levin Firm, our legal team understands that even relatively minor injuries can have a significant effect on your life. Not only should you always receive the proper medical treatment you need for physical recovery, but we also know how important financial recovery from any responsible parties can be. Even victims of a concussion or other type of mild TBI can incur medical costs and may lose income due to missing work while their brain injury heals. You deserve to be compensated for any injury-related losses, so please call an experienced brain injury attorney at 215-825-5183 for a free consultation today.

¹https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/concussion.html

²http://www.nhtsa.gov/Bicycles