Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Eight people were killed early on Friday morning March 5, 2010 when a passenger bus crashed on an Arizona interstate. The wreck occurred south of Phoenix at milepost 173 on I-10. The Department of Safety reports that there have been multiple fatalities and many catastrophic injures. Our hearts and prayers go out to the friends and families of those who were killed in this most tragic bus accident. We wish all of the injured victims a quick and speedy recovery. Though it is not clear from the initial news reports what caused this Arizona bus accident, one thing is clear bus companies owe their passengers the utmost duty of care which means that they must ensure that their passengers are transported safely.

As an experienced bus accident and common carrier accident lawyer, the victims would be well advised to seek experienced counsel to make sure that their rights are properly protected. They would be well advised not to speak to any insurance adjusters or give any statements.

An experienced bus accident lawyer will conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine who is at fault and responsible for their injuries. The experienced bus accident attorneys at Reiff and Bily will always do so with no obligation.

The experienced Philadelphia hit and run car accident lawyers of Reiff and Bily send their hearts and prayers out to three children and their families after they were struck by a vehicle at 12:10 p.m. at Marshall Road at its intersection with Littlecroft in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, November 24, 2009. According to the police, all three children were 7th graders at Beverly Hills Middle School. At least two of the children who were struck impacted the windshield of the car. Two of the children (Jemel Brunswick and Tyler Lowery) are in stable condition and the third is in critical condition with significant catastrophic injuries at Children’s Hospital stated Mr. Beyene, the child’s father. The police state that the 42-year old female driver of the striking vehicle attempted to leave the scene of the accident but struck several parked cars preventing her getaway. She was thereafter apprehended by the police and transported to Delaware County Memorial Hospital to be evaluated. The children were out of school due to early dismissal.

Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood stated that the hit and run driver will face charges pending toxicology reports. Certainly her actions were highly irresponsible and rise to criminal and felonious charges as she tried to leave the scene of this horrific accident. According to Chitwood, “She’s locked up right now”.

Unfortunately, as I have noted in my blogs for the past several years, there is an epidemic of hit and runs in the Philadelphia metropolitan area resulting in catastrophic injuries and fatalities to innocent pedestrians. In this case, three innocent children were impacted by a driver so irresponsible that she attempted to leave the scene. I will be curious to know whether the pending toxicology investigation reveals that she was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

As noted, our law has a loophole that rewards hit and run drivers if they were under the influence and for more information, see my previous articles on this topic. The families of these children would be well advised to seek the services of an experienced hit and run car accident lawyer to fully investigate this case. The hit and run lawyers of Reiff and Bily are strong advocates against this hit and run legal loophole and seek to prosecute offenders of hit and run vehicle claims to the utmost of our abilities while seeking compensation for the unfortunate victims. Please contact us at 1-800-421-9595 for a free no obligation consultation or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

As an experienced 15-passenger van rollover attorney and outspoken critic of the continued use of these vehicles, I find myself reporting on yet another disaster of a 15-passenger van crash. The 15-passenger Ford van was carrying 16 people from New Life Worship Center in Federal Heights and crashed in eastern Oregon this morning killing at least two people and catastrophically injuring several others. Those in the van were aged 18 to 22 years old and studying to be ministers at the Federal Heights church. The van was noted to be a 2002 Ford van and many of the passengers were ejected in the multiple rollovers. These vehicles have an extremely high roll over rate of 85% in a single vehicle crash with 10 to 15 occupants vs. 28% for vans carrying fewer than 5 people. 15-passenger vans are commonly used by church groups and student groups and have a high center of gravity when loaded with passengers. The operation of these vans requires specific knowledge and experience and an accident avoidance maneuver or a sudden driver action often results in a catastrophic loss of control.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the individuals injured and killed as a result of this tragic accident. I recommend that they seek the services of an experienced 15-passenger van rollover attorney to fully investigate this claim and recover proper damages that may be due to them as a result of a defective auto product design.

I woke up yesterday morning and turned on my television set only to see the results of a devastatingly tragic car accident that took the life of an innocent victim, 33-year old Joseph Sherlock of Upper Darby, PA. According to a Pennsylvania State Police news report, a police officer saw a red Ford Explorer irresponsibly speeding through a school zone on Route 352 at approximately 7:40 a.m. Other state troopers and officers saw the Explorer speeding on Route 352 but lost sight of it as it approached Dutton Mill Road. At the intersection of Knowltown Road, the speeding Explorer ran a red light and slammed into a black Honda in the intersection. When I saw the story on television, it looked like the front end of the Honda was severed on impact and the car was covered by a tarp. Our hearts, prayers and thoughts go out to the driver of the Honda, Joseph Sherlock, who was trapped inside and pronounced dead on the scene. The 18-year old driver of the Explorer, Jonathan Trueheart of Ambler, PA, was taken into custody and transported to Crozer Chester Medical Center.

Unfortunately this case represents a tragic incident of an irresponsible teenager speeding through a school zone without regard for the safety of innocent children or commuters during the busy rush hour. This experienced car accident attorney recommends that driver of the Explorer, Jonathan Trueheart, be charged with severe criminal penalties including but not limited to homicide. The family of Joseph Sherlock would be well advised to seek the services of an experienced car accident lawyer to fully investigate this claim and protect their legal rights.

According to news sources a woman in her forties riding a bicycle in center city was critically injured by a suspected drunk driver on Saturday evening at approximately 7:30 p.m. at 22nd and Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA. The operator of the truck continued after the impact but was flagged down and stopped by SEPTA police at 22nd and the Parkway. The victim was transported to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and reported in non-stabled condition with severe trauma. The driver of the truck, a 79-year old man, was arrested on the suspicion of driving under the influence.

I have been writing now for many years that the hit and run car accident situation is out of control in Philadelphia and enough is enough. Penalties are needed with more teeth in them. For the last year, we have noticed an interesting upward trend whereupon many cases of hit and run occur involving repeat DUI offenders with minimal insurance coverage or no coverage at all where innocent victims have been catastrophically injuried or killed. Believe it or not, the current law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania actually benefits those who leave the scene of an accident when intoxicated. DUI punishments and hit and run penalties need to be much harsher in Pennsylvania as DUI and hit and run accidents tear families apart. Pennsylvania has a significant loophole that actually rewards people who leave the scene of an accident while intoxicated.

The experienced hit and run car accident lawyers of Reiff and Bily feel strongly that with the rate of hit and runs and recidivism on the rise, minimal prison sentences and fines are not enough. The hit and run car accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily feel that anyone operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol is no different than a man carrying a gun who kills someone where the penalty is much higher.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run or car accident, please contact one of the experienced Philadelphia hit and run and car accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily for a free consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

According to news sources a two vehicle car accident in Chester County claimed the life of a 59-year old Maryland man on Monday, September 28, 2009 at approximately 4:37 p.m. in East Nottingham Township. According to the news sources, a 2004 blue Chevrolet Cavalier driven by Kristia McMichael, 34, of Rising Sun Maryland was traveling westbound on Forge Road approaching its intersection with Hopewell Road which had a stop sign. Terrance Duncan, 43, of East Nottingham Township was traveling westbound on Hopewell Road in a 1994 black Toyota Tacoma. Police noted that as Duncan entered the intersection, McMichael entered directly in front of his Toyota, which struck McMichael’s Chevy on the passenger’s side door. McMichael’s passenger, her father, Larry McMichael was pronounced dead at the scene and Kristia McMichael was taken to Christiana Hospital for moderate injuries. Duncan was uninjured. The investigation is continuing.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this tragic car accident. They would be well advised to seek the services of an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

The experienced car accident lawyers of Reiff and Bily have been successfully representing catastrophically injured victims of car accidents since 1979. For more information, please contact us for a free no obligation consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

According to news sources, a Philadelphia man, Russell Dawson 44-years old, was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide in the deaths of a 91-year old man and his 84-year old wife in a September 21st crash in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Police said that the investigation determined that “Dawson was the direct and substantial cause of the crash that fatally injured the couple on their way home." Police stated that the couple were headed north on Street Road when their car was struck by Dawson’s vehicle as he tried to make a left hand turn from Hulmeville Road.

This experienced Philadelphia car accident sends his heartfelt condolences to the family of Robert and Ann Clayton who were enjoying the golden years of their life until this tragic accident. The law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is clear that a vehicle making a left hand turn must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.

The families and survivors of the Claytons would be well advised to seek the advice of an experienced car accident attorney to investigate this claim in greater detail to determine the rights and remedies available to them under law.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a car accident, please contact one of our experienced car accident lawyers for a free no obligation consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

A violent two car accident tragically took the life of an 84-year old woman and her 91-year old husband on August 25, 2009 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. According to news reports, Robert Clayton was a passenger in a 2000 Chrysler driven by his wife, Ann, when it was hit by a van at the intersection of Hulmeville and State Roads at 3:15 p.m. on August 25th. Mr. Clayton of Bensalem died of head injuries and his wife passed away the following morning. The initial by the police revealed that a GMC van operated by Russell Dawson, age 42, was traveling south on Hulmeville Road before it attempted to make a left hand turn on Street Road towards I-95. The experienced car accident lawyers of Reiff and Bily send their heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the families of the Robert and Ann Clayton who died as a result of this tragic accident. We offer our deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Robert and Ann.

Based upon the initial report, it appears that the van making a left hand turn into oncoming traffic failed to yield the right of way and was at fault in this tragic Pennsylvania van and car accident. The law of Pennsylvania is clear that a vehicle making a left hand turn owes a duty to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. Failing to yield the right-of-way and making an unexpected left turn can often lead to tragic and fatal consequences such as presented in this case.

Since 1979, the experienced car accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily have recovered significant monetary damages for the unfortunate victims and their families in instances of left hand turn car accidents in Pennsylvania. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please contact one of our experienced attorneys for a free no obligation consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

The experienced Philadelphia car accident and motorcycle accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily send their heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the families of Ronald Eaton, 45, and his wife Peggy Eaton, 41, who were pronounced dead at the scene of a catastrophic and fatal motorcycle versus SUV accident in York County, Pennsylvania. On Sunday August 23rd, at 3:30 p.m., according to news sources, the eastbound SUV made a left hand turn in front of the motorcycle and collided with the motorcycle traveling westbound. Corporal William Tucker said that neither husband nor wife was wearing a helmet. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the law clearly states that any vehicle making a left turn must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. We offer our deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Ronald and Peggy.

Based upon the newspaper report, it appears that the SUV making a left hand turn into oncoming traffic failed to yield the right-of-way and was at fault in this tragic Pennsylvania SUV and motorcycle accident. It would be highly recommended that the families of these unfortunate victims consult with an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury and car accident lawyer specializing in motorcycle and car accidents who could properly advise them about their legal rights and options.

The Philadelphia car accident and motorcycle lawyers at Reiff and Bily have been analyzing car accident and motorcycle cases successfully since 1979. If in fact it is determined that the left hand turn of the SUV into oncoming traffic was the proximate cause of the accident then the owner and/or operator of the SUV could be held liable for the Eatons’ fatal injuries and the survivors of the Eatons would be entitled to collect monetary damages.

If you or a loved one has been injures as the result of a car accident or motorcycle accident, please contact one of our experienced car accident and motorcycle accident lawyers at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

As an experienced car accident attorney since 1979, I have long written and argued about teenagers, or for that matter any other driver, distracted from the roadway while texting, operating a cell phone or in this unfortunate case of catastrophic injury and wrongful death, fiddling with an iPod. According to news source, Nicole Gallo, age 19, died instantly on Friday, August 14, 2009 and her best friend Christine Bochanski, 20 years, was rendered in extremely critical condition after they were hit from behind by Rachel Jankins. According to news reports, Ms. Jankins struck the two friends while they were walking out of Delaware County Memorial Hospital at 11:15 a.m. on Friday, August 14th, as she was reaching down for her iPod and was not paying attention and lost control of her vehicle. Upper Darby Police Superintendent, Michael J. Chitwood stated that “This was a tragedy that happened because of stupidity and inattentive driving”. This experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney agrees with Police Superintendent Chitwood. A motor vehicle operated by someone not giving their full attention to the road ahead or multitasking can easily become an instrument of tragic consequences.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Christine Bochanski and Nicole Gallo. It is our hope that anyone who learns of this story understands the importance of focusing your full undivided attention on driving and only driving when operating a motor vehicle.

The experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers of Reiff and Bily have been representing catastrophically injured victims in Pennsylvania since 1979. If you or a loved one has been catastrophically injured or killed in a car accident, please contact us for a free no obligation consultation at www.reiffandbily.com or at 1-800-421-9595.

Our thoughts, hearts and prayers go out to the families of individuals who were catastrophically injured and killed as a result of a single vehicle15-passenger van rollover. According to news sources, the 15-passenger van rolled over several times and came to rest on its top in a ditch on the south side of I-70 in Columbia, MO. According to news sources, Evonne Manner-Wilson, 49, of Sanford, Florida was killed in the crash. Ms. Wilson was allegedly a passenger in the vehicle, seated in the third row on the passenger side. She was still inside the vehicle when it came to rest. The vehicle was a 2001 Dodge Ram van and the driver was identified as Kevin Leeks of Leesburg, Florida. He was inside the van as well and had to be extricated from the van by fire personnel. There were a total of 13 occupants in the van at the time of the crash and 7 of the occupants were transported to the hospital. The 15-passenger van was part of a caravan traveling from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota back to Florida. News sources state there was no indication that the driver was impaired by alcohol or any other substance.

For many years, the experienced 15-passenger van accident and SUV rollover lawyers at Reiff and Bily have been representing passengers who have been catastrophically injured or killed by traveling in a 15-passenger van that is perhaps the most unsafe vehicle on the roadway today. The rollover risk proposed by the 15-passenger van, including those predominantly used by church groups, school groups and other unsuspecting groups, makes it beyond question one of the most dangerous vehicles out on our roadways.

Continue reading "Another 15-Passenger Van Rollover Claims The Life Of An Occupant And Catastrophically Injures Others - Experienced Rollover Attorney Weighs In" »

According to a news sources, Meghan L. Obendorfer, 18, was exceeding the speed limit on a rain slicked creek road in East Brandywine Township at 4:30 p.m. on April 14th when she failed to negotiate a curve and slid into the path of a school bus in the opposite lane. Obendorfer’s passenger, Nicholette Pomon, 17, of Downingtown, who was 9 months pregnant, was pronounced dead at the scene and a certificate of fatal death was issued to her nearly full term baby daughter. The driver of the school bus was treated for injuries. The driver of the vehicle was charged with homicide by vehicle, reckless driving and marijuana possession. Phone records indicated that the driver Obendorfer received 39 messages and calls in the hour preceding the crash and text messages indicated she was en route to deliver marijuana.

I have written many times in the past about the dangers of text messaging and using a cell phone when driving and this is an extreme example of the dangers and resulting catastrophic injuries and wrongful death that can occur.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Nicolette Pomon and the experienced car accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily strongly urge Pennsylvania legislators to follow the lead in New Jersey and other states in banning the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle.

The family of Nicolette Pomon would be well advised to seek the services of an experienced car accident lawyer who can investigate this matter and protect the rights of Nicolette Pomon and her family. Please contact one of the experienced car accident lawyers of Reiff and Bily at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

According to a recent story I read results from a 2009 GMAC Insurance national driver’s test found that roughly 41,000,0000 licensed American drivers cannot pass a written driver’s test exam if taken today. While Ohio, Idaho and Wisconsin are the most knowledgeable drivers, Pennsylvania scored number 16 on the worst drivers in America. The finding is quite significant and alarming due to the fact that many licensed Americans continue to lack knowledge of the rules of the road, added to the fact that many accidents are occurring involving uninsured motorists/ drivers. Make sure that your automobile insurance policy properly protects you in the event you are a victim of a car accident.

For a free insurance check-up, please contact the experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

Many innocent victims and families are driving Chrysler and GM cars that have potentially dangerous defects that no one knows about yet. They are “ticking time bombs”. The Chrysler and GM bankruptcy rushes forward in a dangerous fashion to many unsuspecting Americans. The safety of the American public is being compromised by the existence a very dangerous ticking time bomb bankruptcy loophole. The GM and Chrysler bankruptcy plans contain legal loopholes that will shield Chrysler and GM from being held accountable for defective cars and products that are ticking time bombs for families. The bankruptcy plans take away a critical public safety protection that has been used to reduce the number of Americans hurt or killed from defective vehicles. Presently there are 40,000,000 Chrysler and GM cars on the road, some of which tragically will have defects that will injure or kill people. Historical data compiled through the National Highway Safety Administration indicates that 47% of all death and injury claims filed against automobile manufacturers involve Chrysler and GM cars.

In the last five years, research has indicated that these claims involve 3,497 casualties connected to Chrysler cars and 15,284 connected to GM cars. Examples of such casualties include seat belts that fail and strangle children, seat backs that collapse and cause brain injury, unstable vehicles that flip causing roofs to cave in crushing occupants, and cars with gears that “self shift” from park to reverse and end up running people over and gasoline or brake fluid containers that are improperly positioned and catch fire or explode severely burning or killing the occupants.

Continue reading "Experienced Pennsylvania Product Liability Lawyers Claim That Bankruptcy Of GM And Chrysler Severely Compromises Public Safety" »

On May 5, 2009, Arthur Burrus, age 49, tragically lost his life to an intoxicated hit and run driver. According to news sources, Luciano Rios, 30 years old, from Croyden, PA fled the initial scene of the accident, struck a barrier flipping his BMW, struck another car and twice more tried to escape police. Rios was speeding east on Erie Avenue in Philadelphia, PA at 8:30 p.m. when he struck Mr. Burrus who was walking southbound across Erie at 9th Street. Mr. Burrus was struck with such force that he was thrown 173 feet into the air and severed one of his legs, causing the 2007 BMW operated by Mr. Rios to go out of control secondarily striking a Dodge Durango occupied by 6 other people and then turned up right. A search of the criminal docket reveals that on February 19, 2005, Luciano Rios was also previously charged with DUI with a blood alcohol content of .10 to .16 to which he pled guilty.

I am noticing an interesting trend in my practice noting with particular interest that in the last few months we have seen many cases involving repeat DUI offenders with minimal insurance coverage or no insurance at all where innocent victims have been catastrophically injured or killed. In one of our recent cases, a gentleman with a substantial criminal record was traveling northbound on a highway at a high rate of speed while intoxicated and his vehicle flipped over, crossed the highway, killed the driver of the vehicle and placed the passenger in a vegetative coma.

Alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes kill an individual approximately every ½ hour and non-fatally but catastrophically injure someone in America every 10 minutes. Individuals driving while intoxicated, otherwise known as DUI, are responsible for more than 1/3 of all traffic deaths in this country. Believe it or not, the current law actually benefits those who leave the scene of an accident when intoxicated.

Continue reading "Hit and Run In Philadelphia - Enough Is Enough! Penalties Need More “Teeth”" »

Since 2005, more than a dozen pedestrians have been killed on Route 13 in Pennsylvania. Route 13 was deemed by PennDOT as the most dangerous road to walk across in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, this past Monday evening, a woman walking her bicycle across Route 13 in Bristol, Pennsylvania, was killed when she was struck by a vehicle in front STS Tire and Auto Center between Bath Road and Route 213. Ten days ago, another fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Route 13, less than a mile from the scene of Monday’s accident when a 28-year old woman was killed by an SUV as she was attempting to cross Route 13. That accident was hit and run and remains under investigation. The week before that incident, two pedestrians were seriously injured when they were struck by a car on Route 13 within blocks of Monday’s accident.

Unfortunately as I have written in the past, hit and run accidents are becoming epidemic in Philadelphia and many other surrounding suburbs. People drive irresponsibly and often leave the scene of the accident when they are intoxicated, uninsured or for some other no good reason. After all, why would anyone leave the scene of a hit and run accident when there is no good reason.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of Jennifer Harley, and the other innocent victims who have been injured or killed as the result of negligent drivers not paying attention on Route 13.

The Philadelphia car accident lawyers at the Philadelphia hit and run and uninsured motorist law firm of Reiff and Bily are committed to protecting the rights of car accident victims since 1979. For a free consultation, please contact us at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

As an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer representing hit and run victims since 1979, it seems that not a day goes by where I am not receiving a phone call or inquiry about a hit and run accident on the streets of Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the string of bad news continued when on June 3, 2009 another victim was claimed by a hit and run driver at approximately 12:03 a.m. as she was crossing Roosevelt Boulevard at or near Rising Sun Avenue. Initial reports indicate that the 30-year old victim was hit by a Gold or Silver Pontiac or Oldsmobile as one or both of two vehicles that were apparently racing each other down the Boulevard, struck the innocent victim and fled the scene. Like any other irresponsible hit and run driver, in this case both drivers kept running rather than stopping. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of the innocent victim and suggest that this family would be well advised to seek representation from an experienced hit and run lawyer to assist in investigating the situation and properly protecting their legal rights and interests. As stated before, there is never a good reason for not stopping after being involved in a car accident unless you are doing something wrong.

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a hit and run accident, please contact one of our experienced Philadelphia hit and run accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

Typically when we think of summertime, we think of perfect weather, sunshine, , relaxation, gin and tonics, picnics, days at the pool or beach and nothing but smiles. Unfortunately after Memorial Day weekend, the highways are more crowded as people flock to their beaches, picnics and social gatherings which also may be accompanied by increased drinking and other social libations that do not mix well with driving. Additionally with summertime comes bar and drinking season which is in full swing as people let loose after work and on weekends at outdoor cafes, night clubs and other social gatherings as they recover from the months of winter hibernation. Not so surprisingly, summertime is usually the time that sees the highest number of catastrophic injuries and fatalities as a result of car accidents, as well as motorcycle accidents. When driving on the highways in the summer, it is important to note that many asphalt roads and highways have an oil residue on their surface or beneath their surface which rises with increased heat from the sunshine. When it rains and the water contacts this oil residue, a very slippery surface is formed and if it has not rained in a long time, there is more oil on the road for the water to contend with creating a very unsafe oil/water reaction which also leads to hydroplaning and loss of vehicle control.

Continue reading "Summertime In Pennsylvania Brings More Crowded Highways And Also More Accidents" »

In an effort to keep our readers updated, the Philadelphia car accident attorneys of Reiff and Bily wish to call attention to the fact that now may be a better time than ever to purchase automobile insurance in Pennsylvania. An insurance.com, Insurance Rate Watch survey indicated that on average annual automobile insurance rates fell in March by $103 to $1872 a year, a welcome decrease from rates in October. The March Rate Watch data noted that automobile insurance rates dropped in 19 states. This decline represented a continued shift in the insurance cycle. As a casual observer and someone intimately involved in the business of representing car accident victims, I have noticed on television lately that a rate war seems to be existing between many insurance carriers, most notably 21st Century (the named successor to AIG). 21st Century has seemingly taken a very aggressive approach to marketing and selling automobile insurance.

I have also started to notice the presence online, most notably at shopathome.com, for discounts and coupons applicable to the purchase of automobile insurance. The availability of lower rates is causing many consumers to shop for new auto insurance policies forcing the insurance companies to be more competitive. I have found that when you shop for car insurance rather than renew your current policy, it is almost certain that your new rates would be lower on average than the old rates you were quoted by your present carrier.

Continue reading "Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney Jeffrey Reiff Notes That The Economic Downturn Creates A Buying Opportunity For Car Insurance At Decreasing Rates" »

On Friday, May 8, 2009, a woman was killed and four other people were injured in a single vehicle SUV rollover accident. The driver of a Ford Explorer lost control, crossed over the center line, left the roadway whereupon the SUV flipped over multiple times before striking a fence and landing on its side. All of the occupants of the vehicle were ejected during the crash. A female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. Another man was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition.

Marketing campaigns indicate that SUVs are safe and family friendly but the experienced SUV rollover lawyers at Reiff and Bily will tell you that they are anything but safe. SUVs are highly prone to tipping over, even during normal driving maneuvers because they have heavier bodies and higher centers of gravity. SUVs are the only motor vehicle with a rollover fatality rate higher than any other category of fatality indicated by this unfortunate situation. SUV rollover accidents are catastrophic and most often result in fatalities. Rollovers increase the chances that victims will be ejected from the motor vehicle. When someone is ejected the odds are normally increased that a victim will sustain a head injury or spinal cord injury with permanent catastrophic consequences.

If you have been injured in an SUV rollover or 15-passenger van rollover accident, you are legally entitled to financial costs. The experienced Philadelphia-based SUV rollover lawyers at Reiff and Bily represents clients throughout Pennsylvania and the United States in conjunction with other law firms works on a contingent fee basis, charging a small percentage of the recovery. We have successfully handled thousands of car accident and rollover accidents. Please call us for a free no obligation consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

Nine individuals were hospitalized with injuries after a high speed crash scene involving an SUV went wrong on the set of a film in New York featuring Nicholas Cage. An SUV operated by a well trained ans skilled stunt driver went out of control and smashed into a parked car on the set in Times Square in Manhattan, injuring crew members. This accident calls to note what the Philadelphia SUV rollover and car accident lawyers of Reiff and Bily have known for many years, mainly that SUV’s are more likely than other vehicles to be involved in accidents and rollovers.

SUV’s are more prone to tipping over even during normal driving maneuvers because they have heavier bodies and heavier centers of gravity. They are the only motor vehicle with a rollover fatality rate higher than any other category of fatality. Even with trained stunt drivers operating them, accidents are likely to occur.

SUV accidents normally result in catastrophic injuries and often result in a fatality. Not so surprisingly, SUV rollover victims are two times as likely to die or suffer serious and catastrophic injuries than motor vehicle collision victims involved in normal flat crashes.

Continue reading "Even Stunt Drivers Have Problems Controlling SUVs" »

I learned of a second hit and run car accident death in Philadelphia in just over two days. As an experienced hit and run car accident attorney in Philadelphia practicing since 1979, I believe that the number of hit and run deaths and injuries in Philadelphia is rising to almost epidemic proportions. This time a victim in his mid-20's was struck at about 2:00 a.m. in the northbound lanes of Roosevelt Boulevard at 9th Street in Logan. On Tuesday night, another innocent pedestrian was struck and killed on Erie Avenue in the Tioga Nicetown section of the city and was hit so hard by a speeding BMW that one of his legs was ripped off. Thankfully, the police were able to apprehend and charge an allegedly wasted driver identified as Luciano Rios of Croydon, Bucks County, in that fatality.

In Pennsylvania, a ”hit and run” accident is a crime committed by a fleeing driver. In most instances, the experienced Philadelphia hit and run accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily find that drivers may choose not to stop after being involved in a car accident for a number of reasons, including but not limited to, the driver may be driving without auto insurance or a driver’s license or there may be an outstanding warrant for the driver’s arrest or that the driver may be so wasted on drugs or other mind-altering substances that if he stopped he would be convicted of a crime. There is never a good reason for not stopping after being involved in a car accident.

Our hearts and prayers go out to these unfortunate victims of hit and run accidents. The Philadelphia hit and run injury law firm of Reiff and Bily has received many accolades from highly regarded organizations and has developed expertise in investigating and representing individuals and victims who have been catastrophically injured or killed in hit and run accidents. The experienced hit and run injury lawyers at Reiff and Bily are the recipients of Martindale Hubble’s prestigious “AV” rating. We work on a contingent fee basis, charging only a small percentage of the recovery.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a hit and run accident, please schedule a free consultation with the experienced Philadelphia hit and run accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily by contacting us at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

The experienced personal injury and car accident lawyers of Reiff and Bily have successfully handled thousands of cases since 1979 and have investigated or queried tens of thousands of potential insurance claim cases.

Reiff and Bily focuses its practice on serious personal injury claims throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and works with other law firms throughout the United States. When cases are presented to our office we provide a free initial consultation to review the merits of each personal injury and wrongful death claim and afterwards our staff thoroughly screens and investigates each potential case to evaluate its merits. We are extraordinarily selective in the cases that we accept so that we can fully dedicate our resources to cases that have the highest probability of achieving a successful outcome.

Lately, an interesting phenomena has started to occur with increasing frequency. I find that the downturn in the economy has resulted in an increase of calls by people whose claims have no merit and who are looking to a personal injury lawyer or the legal system as a quick fix for their economic troubles. Unfortunately, many of these claims are of a frivolous nature and scream of insurance fraud or “little white lies” that cause an increase in premiums for the responsible people who do not bring such claims. When I receive one of these calls, I think to myself “Are you serious?” It is quite unsettling to this writer how unscrupulous and how dishonest many people can be which ends up costing those who do the right thing more money. Even telling a small white lie to an insurance company constitutes fraud in the opinion of this lawyer.

Continue reading "Something Strange But Really Not So Strange In The Current Financial Environment Is Occurring With Regard To Increased Number Of Frivolous and Meritless Insurance Claims Being Filed" »

Michelle Kott of North Strabane Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania died after the car she was driving was hit by a trailer which came loose from a pickup truck and crossed over a median on Route 19. An investigation by the police revealed that the trailer became dislodged from the truck as the driver of the pickup truck applied his brakes causing the trailer to rotate around the driver side of the vehicle, causing it to break free of the truck and cross over a cement median. The truck went up over the hood of the Kott vehicle and through the windshield. The young mother sustained massive head fractures, eye and ankle injuries, and an abdominal blood clot. The driver of the pickup truck, Ryan Bier, told investigators in North Strabane that he “felt the trailer pulling hard on the side and then heard a loud pop”. Our hearts go out to the family of Michelle Kott and the passengers in her vehicle.

The experience defective trailer lawyers at the Philadelphia defective trailer law firm of Reiff and Bily have had extensive experience representing victims that have been injured or killed as a result of trailer accidents.

Continue reading "Trailer Breaks Free From Pickup Truck And Kills Woman After Going Through Her Windshield" »

According to my research, there have been approximately 5,000 cases of drivers leaving the scene of a car accident through May 3, 2009. Last year, there were 14,707 hit and run accidents where drivers left the scene. As an experienced hit and run accident and car accident lawyer since 1979, I can honestly state that I have never been so depressed with the state of affairs surrounding hit and runs as I have been lately. There is nothing more upsetting than when I am contacted by a parent who has lost a child or a family that has lost a father, mother or grandmother. In my opinion, nothing comes close to the loss of a child. A recent hit and run death in Philadelphia took the life of Calvin Wilkerson, an 18-year old, who was run down by a van on 9th Street and Hunting Park Avenue as he walked home last week.

Unfortunately, the current state of affairs with regard to Pennsylvania law encourages somebody to leave the scene of an accident. Under the current Pennsylvania law, the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident is one year in jail. But if the same driver stays at the scene to render assistance and is found to be under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substance, the penalty can be as much as five years. Obviously, a person irresponsible enough to drive under the influence of alcohol is irresponsible enough to leave the scene of an accident and if that person is apprehended after they have sobered up, they would be facing a much lesser penalty. Representative David Reed recently sponsored a piece of legislation raising the minimum sentence for fleeing the scene of an fatal accident from one to five years.

As an experienced car accident lawyer investigating hit and run accidents for over 30 years, I have noticed that many people leave the scene of a hit and run accident for many reasons. Most likely they have outstanding warrants, no car insurance or are drunk and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of an intoxicating substance. The applicable motor vehicle statute in Pennsylvania clearly states “the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the injury or death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to and in every instance remain at the scene of the accident so as to fulfill the requirements of Section 3744 of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code relating to the duty to give more information and render aid. Every stop should be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.”

Continue reading "Philadelphia Hit And Run Car Accident Epidemic And The Loopholes That Act As Enablers - Its Now Run Baby Run!" »

As springtime prom season and summer is upon us, more and more teenagers will be driving their vehicles. Many of them will be doing so irresponsibly and unlawfully under the influence of mind-altering substances or alcohol. As we all know, a car or other motor vehicle in the hands of an inexperienced operator brings with it its own set of problems and can be viewed by some as a weapon.

Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, The University of Pennsylvania and State Farm Insurance Companies commenced a massive effort known as the Keeping Young Drivers Safe project. The conclusion of the project was that most of the crashes involving teenagers are caused by distractions and/or inexperience. One of the biggest distractions to teenage drivers is the presence of other teens in the car and one study found that carrying one teenage passenger almost doubled the fatal crash risk of teen drivers. The risk increased unbelievably to five fold when two or more teenagers were in the car. As for inexperience, 16-year old drivers have crash rates three times higher than 17-year old drivers and 5 times higher than 18-year old drivers as the rate drops with age.

Continue reading "Car Accidents Are The Leading Cause of Death Among Teenagers" »

As noted in my previous blogs, the hit and run epidemic continues to plague innocent pedestrians and motorists on the streets and highways of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. Early this week an allegedly drunk driver from Bucks County tried three times to flee authorities after fatally striking a Philadelphia man crossing the street. According to news sources, Luciano Rios, 30 years old, from Neshaminy Road in Croydon, Pennsylvania fled from the initial accident on Tuesday, May 5th flipping his BMW, striking another vehicle, and twice more trying to escape police. Sources reveal that Rios was speeding east on Erie Avenue in Philadelphia at 8:30 p.m when he struck a man who was walking southbound across Erie at 9th Street. The victim was struck with such force that he was thrown 173 feet into the air and one of his legs was severed, after which the 2007 BMW operated by the hit and run driver went out of control secondarily striking a Dodge Durango occupied by six people, and turned upright causing it to stop. Mr. Rios, the operator of the hit and run vehicle, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and involuntary manslaughter, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence and related offenses according to authorities. Philadelphia police noted that the hit and run driver had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath when apprehended. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Arthur Burrus, age 49, who tragically lost his life to an intoxicated hit and run driver.

I have mentioned in many of my earlier blogs that hit and run accidents are reaching epidemic levels in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. Many times people fail to take responsibility for their actions most particularly when driving while intoxicated. We urge the family of Mr. Burrus to consult with an experienced hit and run car accident lawyer to fully investigate his case. There is a good chance that there is an underlying Dram Shop cause of action, as well as an action for third party negligence which would entitle his estate and survivors to receive financial compensation from the negligent party for injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost income and other associated damages.

Continue reading "Allegedly Drunk Driver Commits Hit and Run Accident Killing Philadelphia Man Crossing The Street And Tries To Flee Authorities Three Times - Hit And Run Epidemic Continues In Philadelphia" »

The experienced Philadelphia vehicle rollover lawyers at Reiff and Bily extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Zachary Stasik, an honor student at Kings College, who tragically lost his life in a single vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 81 in Pittston Township, Pennsylvania. According to news sources, Zachary Stasik and his girlfriend and another friend were on their way for an evening of enjoyment at the Scranton Cultural Center in Pennsylvania. Zachary Stasik, who was a back seat passenger in the car, was ejected when the car began rolling over a grassy median. I hope and pray that the other injured victims and passengers will get through this tough time and make a complete and quick recovery. The family of Mr. Stasik and the other injured victims would be well advised to contact an experienced car accident and rollover attorney who can help determine who was negligent and at fault for this single vehicle accident. It may turn out that there was a defect with this motor vehicle which caused the rollover.

A skilled car accident and rollover attorney will conduct an extensive investigation and accident reconstruction to determine who was at fault and will provide a free no obligation comprehensive consultation to any of the passengers and their families. Single vehicle rollover accidents are not uncommon and often result in catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths. A rollover also increases the chances that a victim such as Zachary Stasik will be ejected from the motor vehicle.

The Philadelphia based lawyers at the law firm of Reiff and Bily represent clients throughout the United States and Pennsylvania and work on a contingent fee basis, charging a small percentage of the recovery. We do not get paid unless there is a successful recovery. We have handled thousands of automobile accidents since 1979 and multiple rollover cases with significant outcomes and have fought hard against the automobile manufacturers for catastrophic injuries and emotional damages sustained as a result of single vehicle rollovers. Please contact one of our experienced rollover attorneys if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident or single vehicle rollover at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

At the Philadelphia car accident law firm of Reiff and Bily, our experienced lawyers have been handling traumatic brain injury cases for almost 30 years. Many times when one is involved in a serious car accident, an impact to the head results in an injury to the brain where it is located opposite to the side of the impact. While many people who sustain a traumatic head or brain injury appear to be fine after their accident, just as the recent case of Natasha Richardson revealed, many of these individuals will rapidly develop a variety of symptoms including headaches, nausea, dizziness, ringing in ears, blurred vision and problems with memory and concentration.

A brain injury can have a life-altering impact and long term consequences if not treated or properly diagnosed. Many times an injured individual is not even aware that he or she has suffered a traumatic brain injury and is often mis-diagnosed at an emergency room or by
a family physician.

Statistics reveal that over 50% of those who sustain a traumatic brain injury are diagnosed improperly which is a most frightening factor. It is stated that in excess of 53% of patients in the emergency room for the first time with a brain injury will fail to be diagnosed properly and may suffer an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage according to a study published by The New England Journal of Medicine. Many times negligence of the health provider involves a failure to obtain or accurately interpret a diagnostic test which would have revealed a brain injury.

Continue reading "Rising Car Crash Statistics Across The Nation Also Results In Increasing Rate Of Traumatic Brain Injury" »

With the recent and growing economic downturn, many Americans, particularly those in Philadelphia and in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, have taken steps to reduce expenditures and it appears that one of the first areas being cut is automobile insurance. I find that many people have increased their insurance deductibles as well as selected lower coverage points and many motorists have opted not to purchase uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage often resulting in disastrous consequences for otherwise innocent and unsuspecting victims.

I had a situation with a client yesterday who sustained catastrophic injuries with the proper estimation of her case valued in excess of $1 million dollars. Unfortunately, the wrongdoer had minimal assets and our client had erroneously selected not to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage which would have paid her the full value of her claim in the appropriate forum. Obviously, this client was unhappy with her insurance agent and her attorney and could not believe that she was in this situation due to her own choice. Unfortunately, we find ourselves dealing with this scenario with increasing frequency.

A recent study has revealed that at least 16% of those with one vehicle households reported canceling or not renewing coverage for a vehicle in response to the economic downturn. Additionally, almost one third of those canceling automobile insurance coverage also reported selling their vehicles as a way to save money and an additional 14% of renters declined insurance coverage.

Continue reading "The Rate of Uninsured Motorists Is Increasing At An Alarming Rate In Philadelphia and Pennsylvania" »

For many years, the experienced Philadelphia car accident attorneys at Reiff and Bily have been representing catastrophically injuried individuals, as well as wrongful death cases resulting from people driving a vehicle while on a cell phone and not paying attention to the rules of the road.

Last week, the legislators of Pennsylvania, for some reason which I cannot comprehend, voted to add a $50 fine for drivers who are caught using a cell phone while driving carelessly. This experienced car accident attorney would have preferred to have seen a law with more teeth in it.

I salute the efforts of Republican Josh Shapiro, a Montgomery County Democrat, who stressed that he wanted to enable police to give a driver a $50 ticket if they were caught chatting on a hand cell phone or sending text messages while driving. However, a majority of his colleagues did not agree. As Representative Shapiro is aware, there have been thousands of accidents that have occurred on Pennsylvania roads due to cell phone usage since 2002. As I have previously blogged studies such as The New England Journal of Medicine has noted that being on the phone while driving makes people four times as likely to crash as those who are simply driving.

I am personally involved in a case at the moment where a gentleman has lost his arm due to the fact that he was a passenger in a vehicle where the driver was sending a text message while operating his vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll over and eject the passenger. Any person can understand that usage of a cell phone while driving causes a cognitive distraction significant enough to degrade the driver’s performance.

Continue reading "Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney Strongly Disagrees With Pennsylvania Legislature’s Choice Not To Ban Cell Phone Use While Driving" »

The catastrophic personal injury lawyers at the Philadelphia personal injury law firm of Reiff and Bily call attention to a story posted in The New York Times on March 31, 2009 in an investigative article entitled ”Exams of Injured Workers Feed Mutual Mistrust” detailing the abuse of such exams in the New York Workers’ Compensation system.

Since 1979, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Reiff and Bily have been zealously protecting their clients’ rights by fighting against insurance companies. When one purchases insurance coverage, it is expected that the claimant will be paid when the need arises. Unfortunately, according to another study published by the American Association for Justice this past summer, insurance companies continue to emphasize profits over policyholders’ interests and the name of the game is deny, delay, defend - do anything in fact to avoid paying claims.

The New York Times article revealed clear bias on the so-called “independent” medical exam. At our law firm, we do not refer to these medical examinations as “independent” but consider them company or defense examinations. Some of the highlights of The New York Times article are:

1. Quote from an IME doctor who was videotaped in an exam making positive findings directly contradictory to the report he later submitted. “If you did a purely poor report, you would be out on your ear and the insurers wouldn’t pay for it. You have to give them what they want, or you are in Florida. That’s the game, baby.”

2. “You go in and sit there for a few minutes, and up comes a six page detailed exam they never did.”

3. “There are some noble things you can do in medicine without treating. This ain’t one of them.”

4. “Physicians have regrettably moved away from being neutral observers. They have moved toward one camp or the other.”

5. Often IME doctors are hired by brokers that then have clerical staff prepare reports based on dictation or checklists completed by the doctors who often do not read reports before signing them. This article gives examples of doctors signing reports and exams they never performed.

6. The best protection against this sort of thing is to record or videotape an IME.

Continue reading "Independent Medical Exams By Insurance Carriers Are Really Not So Independent At All - Many Times A “Sham”" »

The Philadelphia Bulletin published an article on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 noting that police related auto accidents have claimed many victims on Philadelphia streets. So the Police Academy is boosting efforts to curb the number of crashes and save lives.

At the experienced Philadelphia car accident law firm of Reiff and Bily, we are all too familiar with car accidents caused by careless police chases or other police car involvement. According to the statistics released, last year there were 731 police vehicle accidents compared to 710 in 2007 and 625 in 2006.

Recently the experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily undertook representation of the estate of an innocent uninvolved driver killed during a high speed police chase. Our unsuspecting decedent exercised the right-of-way to enter an intersection when she was broadsided by the vehicle being chased by police. The “jaws of life” were required to extract this beloved grandmother from her vehicle. As a direct rsult of the horrific collision caused by the police initiated high-speed chase, our decedent sustained catastrophic injuries which ultimately resulted in her untimely wrongful death.

Catastrophic and fatal accidents can raise questions about the propriety of the underlying chase and conformity to the applicable law. We salute the efforts of the Philadelphia Police for initiating the Advanced Mobile Operations Simulator (AMOS) training program in recognition of the increasing problem of police vehicle related accidents and we hope that similar preventable accidents will be avoided in the future.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a car accident, please contact the experienced Philadelphia car accident attorneys at Reiff and Bily for a free no obligation evaluation of your case at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com. We have successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases since 1979.

Philadelphia car accident and uninsured/underinsured motorist accident lawyers at the Philadelphia law firm of Reiff and Bily have consistently watched as the tight economy fuels a surge in the amount of uninsured and underinsured drivers. Statistics now reveal that odds are increasing nationally that a driver involved in a catastrophic car accident is uninsured. David Corum, Vice President of the Insurance Research Council, (IRC) states that company and state officials are expecting an increase of uninsured and underinsured motorists in the next year. Mr. Corum stated “As unemployment rates go up, you have to expect more drivers to take that risk”. Nationally, the 2007 estimated percentage of uninsured motorist drivers was 13.8% and is projected to reach 16.1% this year. The number of uninsured drivers in Pennsylvania is expected to climb even higher.

Unfortunately, as the economy tightens, people look to save and want to believe that they are never going to be in an accident. In the list of priorities, they would rather keep the house and lose the car and since many of these people are already “under water” with debt to equity ratio of their homes, it really doesn’t matter in their minds if they get in an accident because they are already buried in debt and what difference will it make?

Statistics show that there are an ever growing number of drivers who are unable to show financial responsibility and more concerning do not even have the money to pay to have their driver’s license reinstated after suspension or revocation. Many insurance agents I speak to regarding the situation have noted that many of their clients are calling in to see what they can do to save money and most of the time, in this attorney’s opinion, are erroneously taking cheaper coverage, asking for limited tort instead of full tort, as well as dropping collision and comprehensive, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and if it is an older vehicle, they are just taking the risk. We have even noted that many insurance agents are advocating and selling deficient insurance products that do not fully protect their clients and are recouping higher commissions. Unfortunately, this is not discovered by the injured client until it is too late.

Continue reading "Pennsylvania Uninsured Motorist Crisis Continues To Worsen - Don’t Always Listen to Your Insurance Agent" »

Over the next few weeks, many colleges, high schools and universities will have numerous students traveling on the roadways for spring break holidays. Roads will be more congested and there will also be more usage of 15-passenger van and SUV, the vehicle of choice for many.

Unfortunately, another single vehicle van rollover accident occurred last week. A Toyota Sienna passenger vehicle enroute to California for vacation with a driver and four of his college friends attempted to change lanes and in the process there was a car in his blind spot. The operator of the vehicle swerved back to the right lane and overcorrected back to the left and went rolling through the median in a typical single vehicle van rollover situation. The impact from the collision caused severe injuries to the passengers in the van.

What many students and drivers fail to recognize is that many of the SUVs and 15-passenger vans on the road today are unsafe in an accident avoidance and over-correction situation. When operating these vans, you must pay close attention to dangerous handling characteristics and make sure that before changing lanes you have a clear passageway and make adjustments before they escalate into catastrophic problems.

Most rollover accidents seem to be catastrophic. Rollover victims are more than twice as likely to die or suffer catastrophic injuries than typical motor vehicle collision victims involved in flat crashes.

Philadelphia based SUV rollover and 15-passenger van rollover lawyers at Reiff and Bily represent clients throughout Pennsylvania and the United States and are committed to holding the manufacturers of these vehicles responsible for physical injuries and associated financial costs that could have easily been prevented.

If you have been injured in an SUV or 15-passenger van rollover, please call us for a free no obligation evaluation of your case at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

As an experienced rollover attorney, I have noted on my blog in the past that all utility terrain vehicles are extraordinarily dangerous and improper usage often results in catastrophic and disabling injuries including amputations and death.

Recently a report entitled “Citizen Report On UTV Vehicle Hazards ”(report) was submitted by victims of UTV rollovers including the parents of children who were injured or killed in automobile accidents, as well as adult victims to The Trauma Foundation and The Center For Auto Safety.

In our opinion, the Yamaha Rhino is one of the most unsafe of the UTVs and reports have been sent to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Consumer Products Safety Commission and to key members of Congress, as well as The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association which represents UTV manufacturers. Many lawsuits have been filed against Yamaha, the manufacturer of the Rhino, claiming that it is rollover prone with numerous safety defects. Yamaha was aware of problems and risk of injury and offered to install half doors free of charge for all 2004 to 2007 Rhinos. Yamaha never issued a recall of the vehicle and as a result, it is estimated that there are many Rhinos being operated with a design inadequate to prevent many injuries that Yamaha knows occurs when these vehicles rollover. Yamaha rollover accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries. These injuries are life altering and can leave the victim unable to work, making costly medical bills even more of a financial burden.

If you have been injured in a Yamaha Rhino rollover, SUV rollover or 15-passenger van rollover, you are legally entitled to hold the manufacturer responsible for your physical injuries and associated costs. Reiff and Bily has achieved an excellent reputation in the area of product liability and rollover accidents and in recognition of their accomplishments both Jeffrey Reiff and Raymond Bily have been named Superlawyers for seven consecutive years by Law and Politics Magazine and Philadelphia Magazine. If you have any questions regarding a Yamaha Rhino rollover, you can reach an experienced rollover attorney at Reiff and Bily by calling us at 1-800-21-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

It is now becoming commonplace in my law practice to review cases involving catastrophic injuries and fatalities that involve the operator of a motor vehicle sending a text message while driving. Unfortunately, too many bad things happen to good people that could have been easily prevented and although text messaging while driving is dangerous, it is legal in all too many states and jurisdictions.

Last week Mississippi lawmakers passed a Senate bill with an amendment that bans text messaging while driving for those with intermediate licenses and temporary learning and driving permits. I feel that the ban on text messaging should apply to all motor vehicle operators. Any critics of the ban on texting while driving state that it is an example of over government regulation. However, when you sit in the shoes of this experienced car accident attorney, there is a lot to learn when you see cases involving amputations, wrongful deaths and traumatic brain injury due to the fact that the operator of the vehicle was not paying attention. A motor vehicle operated by someone who is not paying complete attention to the rules of the road is just as dangerous as a gun or any other weapon. Driving a motor vehicle is a privilege and not a right and there should be certain rules and regulations passed that insure that one safely complies with this privilege.

If you or a loved has been injured as the result of a car accident, please contact the Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

As an experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney, I have written in the past noting that the holidays, particularly St. Patrick’s Day is an invitation for drunk drivers to take to the road. Periods following the holidays are often busy times in our office consulting with innocent victims who have been injured due to an automobile accident caused by an intoxicated driver. Thankfully, PennDOT has announced that they will be stepping up drunk driving enforcement efforts in many of the Pennsylvania counties. There may be sobriety check points, roving DUI patrols and undercover police in bars and speed and seat belt enforcement according to PennDOT. Quite simply, I need not repeat myself that drinking and driving do not go together.

Sadly in Pennsylvania many wrongful deaths and catastrophic injuries occur during holidays, particularly St. Patrick’s Day, which should be a time of enjoyment not resulting in emergency room trips or fatalities. In Pennsylvania, people who are harmed by drunk drivers may file lawsuits against irresponsible and reckless bar owners, as well as intoxicated drinkers.

Pennsylvania Dram Shop and alcohol related injury lawyers at the Philadelphia car accident law firm of Reiff and Bily have fought against drunk driving and resulting catastrophic injuries and fatalities since 1979. It is important that people who irresponsibly sell alcohol to individuals on St. Patty’s Day or any other day for that matter can be held financially responsible for resulting injuries and fatalities for selling alcohol to an intoxicated individual.

The experienced Dram Shop and Philadelphia car accident law firm of Reiff and Bily have the knowledge and personal experience necessary to investigate drunk driving accidents and hold owners of bars, restaurants, hotels, social hosts and individuals responsible for the injuries or deaths caused by drunk drivers.

If you or a loved one has been killed or injured as a result of a drunk driving accident, please feel free to contact us for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

The Philadelphia car accident and Dram Shop lawyers of Reiff and Bily continue to be astounded when people fail to take responsibility for their actions, particularly while driving when intoxicated. In our opinion, these individuals are the worst offenders and deserve to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law criminally and civilly for the damages and harm that they cause. Recently, an Easton, Pennsylvania man identified as 44-year old Scott Allan Witmer, who represented himself in a court hearing, stated that the police lacked jurisdiction to pull him over and furthermore stated “I live inside myself not in Pennsylvania” and stated there was no victim in the crime. This is according to news sources published March 10, 2009 in the Daily Item, Easton, Pennsylvania. ((news article)

What this gentleman fails to recognize is that the drunk driving laws of Pennsylvania apply to everyone and are intended to deter such irresponsible behaviors which often lead up to catastrophic injuries and fatalities to innocent victims.

Unfortunately thousands of people die on Pennsylvania and national highways ever year as the result of alcohol related incidents. In Pennsylvania, people who are harmed by drunk drivers may file a law suit against irresponsible and reckless bar owners, as well as an intoxicated driver. An intoxicated person who causes a catastrophic accident or fatality while operating a motor vehicle, as well as a business or personal establishment or social host who gave alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person, is legally responsible for any damage that person may cause.

Continue reading "A Man Suspected Of Driving Under The Influence States That The Laws Do Not Apply To Him And The Court’s Have No Jurisdiction Over Him In Pennsylvania" »

The Philadelphia SUV rollover lawyers at Reiff and Bily have been handling and researching single vehicle SUV rollover cases for many years and written about their inherent dangers in previous articles. On March 8, 2009, four teenagers, ages 16 to 19, were critically and catastrophically injured when the SUV they were driving spun out of control and flipped over in Southwest Philadelphia. Two female passengers were found ejected and the two male passengers were found inside the overturned vehicle. Police state that the cause of the accident was unknown.

Thousands of deaths occur each year in the United States due to SUV rollovers. My heart and prayers go out to the four teenagers and their families. I constantly monitor single SUV and 15-passenger van rollovers when compiling “other similar incidents” for our SUV rollover research and SUV rollover legal practice. I am astounded that these vehicles are notorious for the tendency to rollover and cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities and continue to be so prevalently used. The families of these injured teenagers would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Pennsylvania auto product defect and SUV rollover lawyer who will have an expert examine the vehicle for product defects (well noted and documented) in SUV rollovers. A knowledgeable Philadelphia car accident attorney would also advise the owner of this vehicle to preserve it in its current crash condition so that it can be examined for mechanical malfunction, product defects and other evidence.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an SUV rollover accident, please contact the SUV rollover lawyers at Reiff and Bily at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

Automobile accidents can be devastating, destroying the lives on many innocent victims. Crashes can have a large impact on both physical health and mental health. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports vehicle traffic accidents. More deaths were caused by motor vehicle traffic accidents than homicide, suicide, and heart disease. The Pennsylvania auto accident lawyers at the Philadelphia law firm of Reiff and Bily have been researching and handling thousands of automobile accidents cases since 1979.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reports that in 2005, there were 100,381 injuries and 1,616 crash related deaths in Pennsylvania. There was an estimated total of $5.298 billion in economic loss due to automotive deaths.

Continue reading "Auto Accidents Can Be Devasting" »

The Philadelphia 15-passenger van rollover attorneys at Reiff and Bily salute the State Department of Health and Human Resources of West Virginia which now requires daycare centers to make sure all vehicles used to transport large numbers of children meet the same safety requirements as school buses.

Even though this mandate does not go into effect until September 1, 2012, the State of West Virginia has recognized the hazards of 15-passenger vans. Upgrading to the new standards will make sure that the vehicles transporting our precious cargo (children) are less prone to rollovers. According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollovers are reported in 63% of all fatal accidents involving 15-passenger van occupants between 1997 and 2006. NHTSA data revealed a significant increase of rollovers when the vans were fully loaded. Most of those killed in 15-passenger van rollovers were not properly restrained. Other factors contributing to rollover incidents include improperly inflated tires, poor tire condition and inexperienced drivers.

Continue reading "Philadelphia 15-Passenger Van Rollover Lawyer Applauds West Virginia Law Requiring Daycare Centers To Replace Or Upgrade Passenger Vans" »

Many individuals who are involved in car accidents, swimming accidents, assaults or other incidents that may cause trauma to the head, suffer from invisible closed head injury or brain trauma. Many times brain injuries go undiagnosed because those who suffer from brain injuries continue to look the same. However, the brain simply does not function as it did prior to the incident. The brain is the nerve center of the body and sometimes when it does not operate correctly, affected individuals act in strange ways, get headaches, have memory loss, seizures, say things that they really don’t mean and act in emotional ways that cause them to lose control.

Continue reading "Invisible Brain Injuries Are More Common Than Breast Cancer" »