A trial recently began for a man who hit and ran at a bicycle accident that killed the biker in 2015.  According to news sources, the accident involved a driver who hit a bicyclist with his passenger-side mirror. The impact caused the biker to be thrown off of his bike.  He then later died of head injuries.  The driver of the car was driving with a suspended/revoked license.  Witnesses say that the driver didn't appear to slow down either during or after the accident.

 
The saddest part is that accidents like this one are completely preventable if we all take some care on our roads.  When you're out at night, whether walking or biking, always remember to wear bright and reflective clothing! Carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp to further increase your visibility.  Signal where you're going so nearby drivers have an idea of where you're headed.  

If you're driving, make sure to give these people their space! Don't follow them or drive near them at a high rate of speed, and share the road.  Obviously, don't do any of these activities drunk or under the influence of any type of drug.  

Attorney Douglas V. Stoehr works with clients who have been injured in pedestrian, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents. If you would like a consultation regarding your potential personal injury claim, please contact our law office at 814-946-4100.

When considering personal injury and premises claims, people think of slipping and falling on properties, unsafe home conditions (like faulty railings), and similar scenarios. However, did you ever consider the impact that setting off fireworks can have on other people?  A story from our home state of Pennsylvania regarding another type of personal injury claim, fireworks injury, was recently highlighted.  Fireworks accidents are more common and more dangerous than you might think! A woman from Reading was recently the topic of a news article as a result of an accident several years ago.  According to the news story, the woman was at a picnic near the 4th of July when she was struck by a firework.  The firework caused damage to her face, and she lost an eye as a result.  Over the years, she's had many surgeries to fix the long-term damage to her face.  The man who set off the firework was sued.  To learn more about fireworks safety and how to avoid injury, please read the original article here.  

No matter what the cause, personal injury accidents can be scary, debilitating, and life-changing.  If you choose to pursue legal action, it is important to obtain an attorney that is skilled in handling such cases.  Attorney Doug Stoehr is an experienced personal injury lawyer who practices in central and western Pennsylvania.  He is very skilled in handling personal injury claims and has successfully obtained settlements for many of his clients.  For more information on his Altoona, PA practice, please call his office at 814-946-4100. 

Many of us know that summer is a big season for teen driving accidents, since students are out of school and on the roads more frequently.  However, did you know what the major causes of teen driving accidents in the summer are? AAA has compiled some data to take a look at this phenomenon, what the causes of accidents are, and how we can help prevent them.  According to their study, the top causes for teen driving accidents in the summer are 1) talking or getting something for someone else in the vehicle, 2) using their cell phones to talk, text, and/or use an app, and 3) attending/looking for something else inside of the vehicle.  

How can we help teens become more responsible drivers?  There are many ways, including modeling good behavior when you are driving, using apps to help teens minimize their use of cell phones while driving (such as rewarding apps for not opening their cell phone while they drive, or apps that lock the phone while the car is in motion), and keeping open lines of communication with your teen about the dangers and risks of driving while distracted. 

It is important to note that if you are involved in a car accident, most states, including Pennsylvania, have at least one section on the incident report dedicated to distracted driving violations.  Fines and charges may increase if you are cited with one of these violations.  Distracted driving is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents on the highway.  If you have been injured as the result of a distracted driver, it might be time to consult an attorney.  Attorney Doug Stoehr is a personal injury lawyer serving western and central Pennsylvania.  Please call his office at 814-946-4100 for more information.

Are you aware of the stress that is placed on your tires when driving in the summer? Although you should always be aware of your tire pressure and regularly check your tires, it's very important in the summer. Many tires blow out as a result of the summer heat, which can pose a danger to your car and other cars traveling on the road with you. Especially when your tires are under-inflated, the hot air can cause internal heat to build up inside the tire, which can lead to a tire blowout. 

Tire blowouts can lead your car to go out of control, endangering the lives of your passengers and other cars on the road.  It is your responsibility as a driver to keep your car in good, safe working order in an effort to minimize harm to everyone on the road.   Car accidents are a very real danger when driving, no matter on the highway or on a secluded country road.  The physical and psychological damage caused by car accidents can be extensive and result in years of medical and professional care.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash that was the fault of another, Attorney Doug Stoehr would be willing to set up a free consultation to discuss a possible legal claim involving your accident.  Attorney Stoehr has experience litigating personal injury claims relating to car crashes, and if you would like to meet with him, please contact our law office at 814-946-4100.