Lehigh County Boy Victim of Pedestrian Accident

Early this June, a six year old boy was hit while trying to cross the street in Lower Macungie Township. Residents have cited the lack of a much-needed traffic light, as well as signs designating the area as a school zone, large reasons why the accident has occurred. Bicyclists also do not seem to be following the rules of the road in that area, leading to unnecessary accidents and confusion.

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are not as uncommon as you might think, especially in the summer when children and their families are spending much more time outside. The warm weather and longer days also lead to an increase in reckless and distracted driving, which can result in many more motor vehicle accidents. If you or a family member has been injured as a result of a pedestrian accident and would like a free consultation with Attorney Stoehr, please contact our law office.

Sharing the Road: Hazards for Summertime Recreation

Recently, two bicyclists in downtown Pittsburgh were struck by an SUV that hit the two men and continued driving. The two Children’s Hospital doctors suffered serious injuries, including a concussion, facial fractures, and a broken leg, hip, shoulder, and arm. This accident is an example of what can happen when bicyclists and vehicles do not share the road in a responsible and safe manner.

As the summer begins and the weather improves, many people will gravitate outside to run, bike, walk, and spend time with their families. Although this can provide an excellent outlet for fun and recreation, it can also lead to potential bicycle and pedestrian accidents. When driving this summer, be alert for pedestrians and bicyclists on the road, especially small children that may not be easily seen. By being alert and considerate and sharing the road, you will avoid serious injuries and complications to those around you. If you plan to bike or run this summer, wear bright colors and make sure that you give appropriate and clear turning signals with your arms so that drivers know when and where you intend to turn.

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

Safe Driving Over Holiday Weekends

A recent news article by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that there were a large number of accidents on Pennsylvania highways over Memorial Day weekend, killing 13 people and injuring 294 others. In addition to the increase in accidents and injuries, there were 357 DUI arrests and 7,934 speeding tickets.

We cannot stress to you enough how important it is to remain safe and alert while driving during periods of increased motor activity, especially summer holiday periods like Memorial Day, 4^th of July, and Labor Day. Motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents can be easily prevented with a few simple, common-sense tips:

1) BE ALERT. Do not drive while fatigued.

2) BE FOCUSED. Do not be distracted by others in the car, do not use your cell phone while driving, and especially do not text while driving.

3) BE DEFENSIVE. While you may be a responsible and respectful driver, this does not mean that everyone you are sharing the road with is also a good driver. Be alert for aggressive drivers, those who frequently switch lanes or swerve, or those who are tailgating others.

4) BE SAFE. Always wear your seatbelt. In 5 of the 13 deaths recorded this weekend, the victim was not wearing their seatbelt. Additionally, do not consume alcohol before driving or get into a car with a driver who has been drinking. 83 of the 808 crashes this weekend involved alcohol.

Douglas V. Stoehr works with clients who have been injured in motor vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents. If you feel that you have been wrongly hurt in an accident, please contact our office for a free consultation. Safe driving and here’s to the start of long-overdue warm weather and a great summer!

Winter is just around the bend....maybe tonight

Heading out for work this morning in the chilly rain after hearing weather forecasts of potential evening snow fall throughout north central Pennsylvania prompts real time thoughts of winter's arrival. When winter arrives, safety concerns abound for which we need to be prepared. Without careful planning and prevention, the winter brings hazards that can catch us off guard and vulnerable to injury. Ice, snow and cold result in road hazards, pedestrian hazards, home hazards and work hazards. Now is the time to learn or refresh our knowledge of ways in which we can protect ourselves to prevent most of the hazards of winter from getting the best of us.

Here are some great internet resources that you can read in order to get ready for what will quickly be upon us- the beautiful, but sometimes treacherous months of winter:

www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/pdf/cold_guide.pdf
and
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp
U.S. Department of Health And Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/winterstorms.html
U.S. Department of Labor

www.kidsource.com/safety/winter.safety.cold.html
Kidsource Online

http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/decwintertips.cfm
American Academy of Pediatrics

These resources discuss winter safety for young and old, at home and away, and at work and at play. Please prepare NOW so that you increase your chances of making it through the winter safely. While we are here at Stoehr & Smith, LLC, to help you when home, work, on the road and on foot accidents cause harm to you and your family, we would first prefer that your safety is protected as much as possible throughout the upcoming winter months.

Wishing you warm and safe travels!

Nat Smith