Posted On: November 30, 2012

Person Crossing Street Gets Hit by Car, Insurance Company Attorney Argues that Victim At Fault for Wearing Dark Clothing–Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney Weighs In

After practicing automobile accident law in Philadelphia for over 33 years, it never ceases to amaze me the lengths that insurance adjusters and their attorneys will go to unscrupulously delay, deny, and defend an insurance claim that should be paid with certainty.

In a recent case, a victim was knocked into a state of unconsciousness by an automobile traveling down the highway. There was extensive property damage to the striking vehicle and it was stained with blood and flesh. Clearly the factual circumstances indicated that the striking vehicle was at fault. However, the defense of the case is based upon the fact that the victim was dressed in dark clothes and was not able to be seen by the striking driver prior to impact. Defense counsel argued a charge of negligence cannot be substantiated against the striking driver. The pedestrian was struck on a roadway that was well lit and the striking vehicle had its head lights on with nothing to obstruct its view.

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Posted On: November 26, 2012

Car Defect Lawyer Weighs in On Tire Safety and Time Limitations

More and more, I learn about catastrophic car accidents occurring due to the fact that the tires on the vehicle have outlived their safe life.

Vehicle manufacturers typically recommend a tire replacement every six years and most tire manufacturer warranties cover the tire for six years. However, many tire manufacturers and industry experts recommend replacement of tires before ten years.

Over a period of time as air migrates through a tire, the effectiveness of the chemical compounds added to the rubber allow the tires to become soft and flexible, which weakens the tire, causing it to become brittle and lose strength. In the South and Southwestern United States and other areas where the tire is more likely to be exposed to heat and ultraviolet rays from the sun, structural changes are more likely to be found than in more moderate climates.

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Posted On: November 9, 2012

Chrysler Alerts Public of Potential Inadvertent Airbag Inflation and Issues Recall

Close to a million older model Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs worldwide have been recalled by the Chrysler Corporation for a problem with their airbags.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website indicated that a part could fail within the airbag control computer and the front and side airbags can potentially inflate while the SUVs are being operated.

Last year, an agency investigation revealed 258 inadvertent airbag deployments which caused 81 injuries. Chrysler has indicated that they will install an electrical filter free of charge until all of the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s and Liberty SUVs have been found to have the problem.

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Posted On: November 7, 2012

If You Are in a Car Accident in the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area, It is Important to Document the Facts

Many times after a car accident, victims can be confused, anxious, or overwhelmed and do not think about the important documentation needed to prove their claim for property damages and injury.

In Philadelphia, many times the police do not arrive at the scene and sometimes participants in the accident who you assume are honest may get in their car and leave the scene. Our experienced Philadelphia car accident attorneys always recommend taking photographs with a cell phone or camera if one is available to document the property damage to the vehicles. It is important to take a picture of the license plate on the other vehicle, as well as the scene where the accident took place.

In an age of rising insurance premiums with insurance companies continuing to delay, deny, and defend claims, you should record all of the details of the accident, including the speed you were going, any traffic signals, a complete description on how the accident occurred, and the names and addresses of any witnesses. If you have any suspicion that you or one of your passengers has been injured, get to a hospital emergency room immediately for an evaluation.

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