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Did you know that even if you are a limited tort insured on your automobile policy, a choice of coverage which would normally eliminate your ability to pursue a claim for pain and suffering unless you suffer a very serious injury, IF you happen to be a pedestrian and are hit by a car you are cons...

Many people call me saying they have been in a car accident in an old car for which they did not purchase collision coverage. Usually, the client will say that their insurance agent told them it “isn't worth it” to purchase collision coverage if the car is very old. However, I always ask the clie...

Make application at www.freshstart.org which is an organization in California providing plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures to children under certain circumstances.  An application is on their website and can be submitted online or printed out and mailed or faxed.  This is an amazing o...

There is no such thing as “Full Coverage” under the PA Motor Vehicle Code-don't confuse this term with the term “Full Tort”! Many times a client injured in a car accident will come into my office and tell me that they are fully protected and have “full coverage.” I look at their insurance policy ...

Features of the “limited tort” option are that you basically forfeit your right to sue for pain and suffering, loss of life's pleasures, embarrassment, inconvenience, and all other types of non-economic damages unless you suffer a “serious injury.”  Of course, “serious injury” is an injury which ...

There are numerous things to remember when purchasing your car insurance.  “The Golden Rules” include the following: Never drop a type of coverage unless you actually know what you are giving up. Never eliminate a coverage unless you know exactly how much money you are going to save by doing...

I am sick and tired of seeing insurance companies take advantage of people “before” they have had a chance to speak to an attorney. For years, one major insurance company would encourage claimants to not hire an attorney. Frankly, you may not need an attorney to represent you in your case, depend...

The law does not demand or guarantee compensation for every injury. You must prove that someone else was negligent or careless and that their carelessness caused your injury. If you have suffered an unfortunate accident that is no one else's fault, or, if you fail to sue the correct person or par...

The courts have been revising this definition since 1990 when this option became available. The truth is that it is not clear at all exactly what a serious impairment to a body function is and the definition seems to change from case to case. For that matter, what is a permanent “serious” disfigu...

You entered a so-called “war zone” once you are injured. You are at war, but it is a war that can be won. Insurance companies, and some in the government, have “declared war” on injured people and their attorneys. They wage the war in the media and the propaganda has had a tremendous effect on ju...

If you have been injured by a dog bite, the initial steps you take can make a big difference to the outcome of your case.  We have compiled a list of seven mistakes you could make in order to help you avoid insurance company traps and to receive fair compensation for your injury: 1. Do not wait t...

Here are some tips: A referral from a friend or family member who has already been represented by the attorney and has been highly satisfied with the result is a great source of information. The local Bar Association in your region probably has a lawyer referral service. The lawyers on their...

In Pennsylvania you are given the option of choosing what is called “limited tort” or choosing “full tort” coverage. The insurance companies offer you a small discount on your premium if you choose limited tort. However, they probably never explained to you the consequences of that potentially fa...

How do you find out who in your local community is the best lawyer for your case? I believe that there are certain questions to ask that will lead you to the best person for your case – no matter what kind of claim you have. This selection process may involve some time on your part. However, that...

If you are reasonable and honest with the insurance company you will get a reasonable settlement proposal from them. When you are in an accident and the insurance company asks you for a recorded statement, you must give them a recorded statement or they won't settle with you. The insurance...

Selecting an attorney to represent you is a critical, but challenging task. The decision certainly should not be made on the basis of advertising alone. The Yellow Pages and television are filled with ads, all of which say basically the same thing. You should not hire an attorney based solely upo...

The breed of the dog in and of itself is not enough to establish vicious propensity of the dog.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have done research on the various breeds.  About twenty-five breeds of dogs were involved in 238 fatal dog bites, according to a twenty year study ...

It now appears that victim may have an easier avenue of recovery against a non owner who is caring for the dog at the time of the bite.  Even though a person is not the owner of a vicious dog, he may be liable to others by knowingly keeping a dog on his property after knowledge of its viciousness...

No.  Not right.  This is one of the most common misconceptions in Pennsylvania law regarding dog bites.  I have had seasoned veteran lawyers call to confirm this with me and have had clients come to me after being incorrectly advised by a lawyer that they don't have a case because this was the fi...

Lawyers say that they handle “personal injury cases” or “accident cases” or “wrongful death cases,” but what are these types of cases exactly? A personal injury, automobile accident, or wrongful death case is any type of claim where a person has been injured or killed due to someone else's carel...

I know the arguments the insurance companies will make in your case – and so should you – even before you file your claim. When you were injured you did not realize it, but you had entered a “war zone.” The insurance industry has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to inflame and enrage the pub...

Dog bites can be devastating. Like most people, I view our dogs as part of the family. Our dogs are well socialized. Unfortunately, in our office, we often see the devastating consequences that can result from dog bites. We've seen injuries ranging from scars which our clients will bear on the...

If you can answer “yes” to these six questions, we may be the Pennsylvania personal injury firm for you. 1. Is there visible property damage to your car? 2. Was the accident someone else's fault? 3. Did you get prompt medical attention after the accident? 4. Have you followed the recommended cour...

You need good, solid information before hiring an attorney or dealing with the insurance company. As I will point out later, not every case needs a lawyer! I generally believe, however, that you should have this very important information right now, for free, before you are pressured by an insura...

Seek treatment immediately. The best thing you can do after a dog bite is to seek medical treatment and follow your doctor's orders. Notify authorities. If you have been bitten, contact the police or county dog warden so that the appropriate reports can be made. Also, all bites are required...