What to Do if You're the Victim of a Hit and Run

Being injured in a car accident is often a traumatic experience. It can be especially challenging when you or a loved one is the victim of a hit-and -run driver. Many people who are hurt in hit-and-run accidents do not know where to turn or what to do to find the driver or to recover compensation for medical bills and other damages. Following a crash with a hit-and-run driver, it is vital to act fast to protect your health and finances.

Hit-and-Run Accidents Are on the Rise

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the number of hit-and-run crashes in the United States is rising at an alarming pace. In 2016, there were a total of 1,980 fatal hit-and-run accidents, which resulted in 2,049 deaths. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Pennsylvania. If a hit-and-run driver seriously injures or kills someone, it can be charged as a felony.

Steps to Take Following an Accident

If you are involved in a crash with someone who leaves the scene of the accident, call 911 immediately. The sooner you can give police a description of the vehicle, driver, and license plate (if possible), the better. Ask any witnesses for their contact information and write down everything you remember about how the accident occurred. Take photos of the scene, damage to your vehicle, and any injuries. Some injuries do not show symptoms right away, so it is best to get checked-out at the ER or physician’s office.

Taking these steps helps preserve valuable evidence that can lead to finding the negligent driver and provides proof of the accident and your injuries to your insurance company.

How to Recover Compensation When a Driver Cannot Be Found

Even if the hit-and-run driver is not found, your own auto insurance company may provide compensation through your PIP (personal injury protection) and uninsured motorist coverage (UM). Adding adequate amounts of this coverage to your car insurance policy is well worth the cost to protect yourself in the event of an accident. Your medical insurance may also cover all or some of your medical expenses.

When you call your insurance company, it is important to keep in mind that it is not looking-out for your best interests. Whether you are seeking coverage from your own policy or the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, most insurance companies try to pay minimal settlement amounts, and they may deny your claim. This is just one reason why contacting a car accident attorney is a good idea if you have been the victim of a hit and run.

Contact an Auto Accident Attorney

Dealing with insurance adjusters can be frustrating, especially when you are hurt and trying to heal. An auto accident attorney can handle all communications with your insurance company and negotiate aggressively to help you recover the maximum amount of compensation to which you may be entitled. Your accident lawyer will also ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and presented to support your claim.

Traffic camera footage, eyewitness accounts, vehicle and driver descriptions, and license plate numbers can help law enforcement find a hit-and-run driver. If police hit a dead end, your attorney may enlist the help of private investigators to track-down the negligent motorist.

If the hit-and-run driver is found, you may bring a lawsuit against him or her to recover compensation for your medical expenses, past and future loss of income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages. If the driver was intoxicated or acting in a reckless manner, you may be entitled to punitive damages as well. The best personal injury lawyers pursue all possible sources of compensation to help you get the care you need and to protect your financial future.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/what-to-do-if-youre-the-victim-of-a-hit-and-run/

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Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident

 

Property and business owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises safe, which includes outdoor areas such as sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots as well. Being hurt in a slip and fall accident can have serious repercussions. Injured victims often wonder how they will pay their medical bills, make up for lost time off work, and care for their families. If you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident that was due to someone else’s negligence, it is important to take certain steps to protect your rights.

Seek Medical Attention

After any accident, it is critical to receive medical treatment as soon as possible. Even if you believe you are not seriously injured, symptoms of a condition may not appear until days or weeks later. Visiting the emergency room or seeing a doctor soon after your injury can help to ensure you get the care you need, and provide valuable evidence that a good injury lawyer can use to back up your claim down the road. Keep all bills and receipts for any treatment and medications you receive, transportation to and from appointments, and any other accident-related expenses.

Take Photographs or Video

Photos and video of the premises provide concrete evidence of dangerous conditions. Take photos of the area in which you fell and any hazards that may have caused you to slip, trip, or fall. It is also a good idea to take pictures of your injuries. If you are unable to take photos yourself, ask a bystander or someone with you to snap a few pictures.

Jot Down or Dictate Notes

Write down everything you remember about how the incident happened while it is still fresh in your mind. If you do not have a pen and paper handy, use the recorder on your phone to document what happened.

Gather Contact Information from Witnesses

Ask any potential witnesses for their names and phone numbers. Even if a person did not see you fall, he or she may have seen the negligent act or dangerous condition that caused your injury. For example, if you are shopping in a grocery store and slip on water from a cooler that is leaking onto the floor, other customers and workers may have seen the water there before you fell and became injured.

Make an Incident Report

Ask to make an incident report with the manager or owner of the business or property. Provide only factual information on the report. Do not say anything that could be construed as a fault on your part. Make sure to obtain a copy of the report before you leave. If a manager or owner is not available, ask for their name and phone number.

Do Not Give a Statement or Sign Anything from an Insurance Adjuster

It is vital to remember that insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. They will do almost anything to pay as little as possible or deny claims altogether. If an insurance adjuster contacts you, do not speak to them, sign anything, or accept a settlement before contacting a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer.

Contact an Accident Attorney

An accident lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you of the most effective course of action to recover compensation. He or she will gather evidence to support your claim and handle all negotiations with the insurance company. Your lawyer will act as your staunch advocate and fight to help you get the maximum compensation you need and deserve. Personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so you do not have to worry about incurring any up-front costs, even if you do not move forward with your claim.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/steps-to-take-after-a-slip-and-fall-accident/

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Seeking Wrongful Death Damages after an Accident

 

Losing a loved one in an accident is one of the most difficult experiences a family can face. In addition to grieving and coping with emotional trauma, survivors may have to deal with financial and practical repercussions as well. Although no amount of money can bring a loved one back, if someone else’s negligence caused their death, you may be able to find recourse and hold them accountable by filing a wrongful death claim. A local injury lawyer can help you understand how wrongful death actions work in Pennsylvania and determine whether or not you have a potential claim.

What Is Wrongful Death?

Pennsylvania law defines a wrongful death as one that is "caused by the wrongful act or neglect or unlawful violence or negligence of another." Even If a person who caused a wrongful death is not criminally charged or convicted, you can still file a civil case for damages against them.

Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim In Pennsylvania?

Navigating the laws surrounding wrongful death in Pennsylvania is challenging. A civil wrongful death claim can only be filed by the personal representative of a decedent’s estate. The executor of the will or a personal representative appointed by the court brings the claim on behalf of the beneficiaries of the estate. If a claim is not filed within six months of the person’s death, a beneficiary is entitled to file a claim on behalf of all beneficiaries of an estate. Whether you are the personal representative of a loved one’s estate or a beneficiary who is filing a claim, it is vital to have a lawyer guide you through the process.

Common Types of Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death is often the result of a car accident, motorcycle crash, bicycle or pedestrian collision, or an accident involving a tractor trailer or drunk driver. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be liable for damages. For example, if a faulty truck part causes brake failure that leads to an accident, the parts manufacturer, trucking company, truck driver, or even a mechanic or maintenance company may be liable for injuries and losses stemming from the crash.

Damages in wrongful death claims often include:

• Medical expenses

• Funeral and burial costs

• Estate administration expenses

• Loss of income and benefits, including income that a deceased person would have reasonably earned and contributed to their family’s support over the course of their remaining work life.

• Compensation for the loss of comfort, society, and household services

• Loss of love, affection, and consortium

• Loss of moral guidance and support

• Pain and suffering

• Punitive damages

• Other applicable damages

Loss of companionship, support, moral guidance, and pain and suffering are meant to compensate surviving loved ones such as a spouse, children, or parents. Punitive damages are not awarded to compensate the deceased person’s loved ones, but to punish the defendant if their actions were particularly egregious or willfully harmful. Calculating damages in a wrongful death claim is a complex process that often requires the input of professionals such as forensic accountants and economists.

Determining Whether You Have a Wrongful Death Claim

These types of cases require extensive investigation and the knowledge of car accident attorneys who are well-versed in handling wrongful death claims. The statute of limitations for bringing a wrongful death or personal injury claim in Pennsylvania is typically two years from the date of death, Although it could be earlier, so the sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better. The best accident attorneys offer a free initial consultation, so you can ask questions and find out your options at no cost to you.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/seeking-wrongful-death-damages-after-an-accident/

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Dog Bites and Personal Injury Law In Pennsylvania

Most dog lovers consider their canines part of the family. However, even the best-behaved dog can become aggressive and cause injury to others. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog bite, it is important to understand the nuances of Pennsylvania law and how it may apply in your case.

Pennsylvania Dog Bite Law

Hiring a skilled injury lawyer is vital if you are pursuing a dog bite claim. These types of cases often involve complex legal issues and may require extensive investigation.

Pennsylvania law requires owners and caretakers to retain reasonable control over their dogs at all times. This means that owners should confine their dogs on their premises and take extra precautions to prevent them from escaping. Even if there is no leash law in a particular town or area, if an unleashed dog causes injury or damage, the owner is typically liable.

In any personal injury claim, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s negligence caused their injuries. An injured victim may be able to recover compensation by proving that a dog owner violated Pennsylvania’s dog confinement or dangerous dog statute, but most dog bite claims can be considered what is known as a common law negligence claim. In these types of cases, the following elements must be proven by the plaintiff:

• The defendant had a duty of care to follow a certain legal standard of conduct to protect others from unreasonable risks

• The defendant failed to conform to the required standard

• The defendant’s actions (or inaction) resulted in the plaintiff being injured

• The plaintiff suffered damages or losses

Recovering Compensation in a Pennsylvania Dog Bite Case

Even if your dog bite case seems straightforward, seeking the counsel of a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney who understands how to prove negligence in a dog bite case can help to ensure you recover the full and fair compensation to which you may be entitled. Many homeowners and renters insurance policies cover damages for dog bites and other animal attacks, but insurers do everything they can to offer minimal settlements or to deny claims.

An insurance adjuster or attorney may attempt to blame the dog bite on the victim and claim that the injured person was hurt because they “provoked” the dog. There are all kinds of underhanded tactics they may use to avoid liability. Some policies have exclusions that do not cover injuries caused by certain breeds of dogs, such as pit bulls and rottweilers. In these types of cases, you may have to sue the dog owner directly instead of filing a claim with their insurance company.

An Attorney Will Accurately Value Your Dog Bite Claim

Dog attacks can result in long-term physical injuries and mental conditions. Victims who suffer from scarring, disfigurement, or chronic pain often deal with conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety as well, which can have a significant impact on their quality of life. Treatment for these types of injuries often comes at a high financial and emotional cost. The best accident attorneys know how to calculate these damages correctly. If you attempt to go it alone, you may find that the settlement you receive is not enough to cover the cost of medical care and loss of income, let alone provide compensation for damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and maximize your recovery.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/dog-bites-and-personal-injury-law-in-pennsylvania/

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Steps to Take If You Find Yourself in the Middle of A Custody Battle

Being involved in a child custody battle can be emotionally and financially draining. When things get heated, it is easy to lose sight of your objectives. Our custody attorneys advise clients on what to do and what not to do amidst a custody dispute. These tips can help you deal with tense situations and increase your chances of gaining custody while keeping your children’s best interests at the forefront. 

Note, if you are located in Southeastern PA or Northern Delaware, and looking for legal help with your custody issues, you can contact the law firm of Perna & Abracht here.

Hire A Child Custody Lawyer

In a contentious custody battle, it is not a good idea to go it alone. Family law in Pennsylvania is complex, and the best divorce lawyers are also skilled at dealing with child custody issues and matters, including child support. An attorney can evaluate your case, help you form a strategy, and guide you through the process every step of the way. Having a skilled lawyer in your corner can help to ensure that your rights and your children’s well-being are protected. 

Be Objective

There is no doubt that emotions run high when it comes to issues involving children. Try not to get wrapped-up in the drama of the situation – practicing compassion and putting yourself in the other parent’s shoes can go a long way in resolving custody issues. It is also important to ask yourself what your motivations are. Are you doing what is best for your children? Sometimes the answers to these questions can be hard to swallow, but can also make things easier and more pleasant for everyone in the long run. Because your attorney is not emotionally attached to the situation, he or she can provide an objective perspective that may help you see things in a different light. 

Gather Evidence and Documentation

It is vital to have evidence that supports your case. This can be anything from keeping a record of your co-parent’s involvement in school or other activities, their interactions with you and your children, and even witness testimony. The more you know about your children, the better. Make sure you are up on what is going on in their lives, whether it is knowing the names of their teachers, the subjects they like studying, any hobbies or sports they enjoy, or more serious matters such as their medical needs. Do not attempt to stretch the truth or fabricate evidence in your favor. Honesty is always the best policy, even if you fear that a custody agreement will not turn out exactly as you wish. 

Try Alternative Dispute Resolution First

Settling a custody dispute out of court can help save you time, money, and aggravation. Not only that, it is better for your children as well. Even if you are angry with your co-parent, being flexible can help you come to a reasonable agreement in a more timely manner. If you and your co-parent have a hard time with civil communication, your attorney can handle negotiations and act as your advocate.  

Present a Positive Image

When you’re going through a child custody battle, your image and behavior are under a microscope. Your role as a parent and attentiveness to your children will be scrutinized, so it is important to conduct yourself with dignity. Do not badmouth your co-parent to your children or anyone else. It can have a negative impact on your kids, and you never know when your words may come back to bite you. Avoid using social media if you can. Do not post anything about your divorce or custody case. It is also important to refrain from posting pictures that show you consuming alcohol or drugs. Even an innocent photo of you enjoying a glass of wine after work can be misrepresented as a problem. 

Whether you are in mediation or a courtroom, always dress conservatively, be polite, and be on time. These seemingly-little things can make a significant impression on judges, social workers, and others who may be involved in your case. 

Even in the best of circumstances, issues surrounding child custody can arise. A child custody lawyer in Pennsylvania can assist you with your case, improve your chances of a successful resolution, and take some of the burden off your shoulders during challenging times. 

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/steps-to-take-if-you-find-yourself-in-the-middle-of-a-custody-battle/

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Questions to Ask When Looking for a Divorce Attorney

Finding a divorce attorney who is right for you can be daunting. Ending a marriage can be emotionally and financially draining as it is, so it is important to hire an attorney who has your best interests in mind.  Arming yourself with knowledge before you begin your search can help you feel more confident about your decisions and help you understand the divorce process. Asking some questions can also prepare you for what lies ahead and help you find a divorce lawyer who meets your needs and meshes with your communication style. 

Do you know that the Perna & Abracht legal team is always available to answer your divorce questions here, without any obligation?

Experience & Qualifications

There are a few questions to ask that can give you an idea of whether or not a lawyer is experienced in handling divorce cases, including:

• How long have you been practicing family law? 

• Is divorce your specialty?

• How many divorce cases have you handled? How many were settled out of court?

• Are you familiar with local family court judges, lawyers, and other officers of the court?

• Do you have experience handling cases that involve child support, alimony, business valuation, and significant assets? (This question will depend on your specific circumstances)

• Are you skilled in alternative dispute resolution such as mediation or collaborative divorce?

• How many of those cases were you able to settle out of court?

Strategy

• Do you think it is better to mediate and negotiate than go to trial?

• Will you ask my opinion before planning a strategy?

• What is your strategy for my case?

• Will I be able to negotiate directly with my spouse?

• How long do you think it will take to resolve my case?

• Based on the circumstances, what do you think the best possible outcome could be for my case? The worst?

Availability

• Will you or another attorney handle my case? If someone else is handling it, what is their experience?

• Can I meet others from the firm who will be involved in my case?

• Will you be readily available via phone, email, or text? 

• What is the best way to contact you if I need help with an urgent matter? What do you consider an emergency?

• Will I be kept informed of all developments in my case?

Legal and Tax Implications

• How are marital assets divided in my state? 

• Am I entitled to spousal support or alimony or will I have to pay?

• How do you ensure you are getting accurate financial information from my spouse?

• What are the tax implications of my financial decisions surrounding the divorce?

Custody & Child Support 

• How are child custody and support determined in my state?

• What are your recommendations for custody and child support based on my circumstances? 

• How can I increase my chances of gaining custody? 

• Will I have to pay child support or will I be entitled to child support? 

Fees & Costs

• Do you charge an hourly rate or a fixed fee?

• If hourly, what is your rate? 

• How much do you require for a retainer?

• What are the rates for the services of paralegals and other professionals in your office?

• Will I be charged for phone calls?

• Do you anticipate additional costs such as hiring a private investigator or other professionals? 

• What can I do to help keep costs down?

Find an Attorney Who Always Puts Your Interests First

Asking these questions can help you get a feel for an attorney’s style and whether they will be a good fit with your personality. Do not hesitate to ask any additional questions you may have as well. Talking with a skilled, compassionate Pennsylvania divorce lawyer can help put your mind at ease and make the process less stressful.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/questions-to-ask-when-looking-for-a-divorce-attorney/

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How Does Domestic Violence Affect Divorce Cases?

Although there are laws in place that are designed to protect victims of domestic violence, millions of Americans still suffer abuse at the hands of loved ones each year. Domestic violence is a factor that is taken into consideration in some divorce cases, but it can be challenging to understand how the law works and how these factors may influence your divorce. Your divorce attorney can explain how domestic violence may affect your case and help you find ways to protect yourself if you are still dealing with a violent or threatening partner. It is also critical to have an attorney represent your interests if you have been accused of domestic violence.

Note: If you are located in the Southeast PA or Northern Delaware, get legal representation from the area's leading divorce attorneys here.

Types of Divorce in PA 

The majority of divorces in Pennsylvania and other states are no-fault, which means that both parties have mutually agreed to separate or one party has waited the required amount of time to divorce without the other party’s consent. Divorce on fault grounds requires one party to show that their spouse committed an act such as abandonment, adultery, cruel and barbarous treatment, bigamy or other acts. Depending on the specific circumstances, physical and mental abuse may be considered cruel and barbarous treatment, so it can have a significant impact on your divorce if you file on fault grounds. 

How Domestic Violence may Affect Division of Marital Property and Alimony

Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state, but this does not mean that assets are always split 50/50. A judge may decide to award a larger share of a marital estate to a spouse who has been a victim of domestic violence, especially if the abuser’s behavior had an impact on the couple’s finances. For example, if an abuser’s actions prevented their spouse from holding a job, the victim may be awarded a larger portion of marital assets. Domestic abuse may also be a factor when determining alimony amounts, particularly if an abused spouse was financially dependent on the other or the abuser caused them financial harm. A spousal support attorney can determine what you may be entitled to and work to ensure you receive a fair settlement and alimony, if applicable. 

Domestic Abuse & Child Custody

In matters surrounding child custody, the court’s priority is the child’s best interest. If it can be shown that one spouse was abusive to another, the abuser is usually less likely to obtain custody of the children, even if the children were unaware of the abuse. If your spouse has been abusive, the court may prohibit overnight visits, require supervised visitation, and order that all exchanges of the children are conducted in a public place like a police station. If the abuse is extreme or your spouse also abused the children, a judge may not allow any visitation at all. If you believe your children are at risk, it is vital to have a good child custody lawyer who is well-versed in the law and who will fight to protect your children’s safety. Your lawyer can also help you file for a Protection from Abuse order (PFA) for you and your children if necessary. 

Settling a Divorce Out of Court

Proof of domestic abuse can also give you leverage if an abusive spouse wants to keep their behavior from coming to light in a courtroom. A skilled Pennsylvania divorce attorney may be able to negotiate an advantageous settlement without ever having to take your case to trial.

How an Attorney Can Help

If you are divorcing an abusive spouse, it is important to have someone to act as your staunch advocate. A seasoned divorce lawyer can assess your case and advise you on the best course of action to stay safe, develop a strategy to hold your spouse accountable, and protect your rights. 

If you are being abused or know someone who needs help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/how-does-domestic-violence-affect-divorce-cases/

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