Auto/Car Accidents

Every year, thousands of Pennsylvania drivers are injured in car crashes due to drivers' negligence. These accidents often cause major damage to vehicles and the drivers themselves. While many injuries may be obvious–like a broken arm or open wound–crashes can also cause more complex damage.  These hidden injuries go undetected when our bodies’ natural instincts kick in.  After an automobile accident, you may experience a rush of energy that helps you act in the moment. Many people report experiencing increased energy and reduced pain after dangerous situations like car accidents. Epinephrine, a hormone and neurotransmitter, is responsible for this physical reaction. You might know epinephrine more commonly as adrenaline.…Read More

Even the best drivers find themselves in the unfortunate situation of a car accident. On average, drivers will each experience three to four accidents over their lifetime. Accidents aren’t always preventable, and if you find yourself in a crash it pays off to be prepared so you can protect yourself after a car accident. Accidents can be traumatic experiences, and a crash may leave you feeling disoriented and overwhelmed. Making the right decisions in the moments after a crash can be difficult to navigate, but with knowledge and preparation you can learn to get the best possible outcome after a crash.  5 Ways to Protect Yourself After a Car…Read More

Who Is at Fault In a Rear-End Car Accident?  Rear end collisions are typically the fault of the rear end driver. Under Pennsylvania law, drivers are expected to maintain a safe distance and drive at a reasonable speed to prevent rear end collisions. Thus, drivers who rear end the car in front of them are generally responsible for the accident because they should have been maintaining a distance that would allow them to safely stop without hitting the car in front of them. Negligent rear drivers, who might be texting or tailgating, can be found liable for damages or injuries incurred by an accident. Yet, there are a few…Read More

A Resurgence in Pandemic Era Biking has Led to an Increase in Bike Accidents  Across the United States 870,000 workers commute to their workplace via bicycle. In urban areas and cities, young professionals commute to work in relatively high numbers. Cycling has become even more prevalent since public transportation has been threatened by COVID-19. While some cities have opted to make bicycle commuting safer and more enjoyable through designated bike lanes and laws that protect cyclists–not all streets are ideal for biking. The pandemic-related rise in cycling is also reflected by an increase of bicycle accidents. While the total number of bicycle crashes are down due to reduced traffic,…Read More

An article in the Philadelphia Inquirer revealed that Philadelphia's traffic lights are a medley of old and new technology; many of the traffic lights stationed across Philadelphia’s intersections are prone to malfunctions and mechanical breakdowns.  Malfunctioning traffic lights can be dangerous and cause car accidents. While the city has made efforts to repair and synchronize traffic lights across Philadelphia, upgrades are still happening slowly. In 2016, Philadelphia passed legislation that would help drivers avoid traffic violations and tickets for driving through unresponsive traffic lights. The law allows drivers in Pennsylvania to treat a malfunctioning traffic light stop sign. This law comes amidst complaints from drivers that malfunctioning traffic lights…Read More

Yes, personal injury attorney Troy Crichton recently recovered $100,000.00 for a hit and run car accident in Philadelphia. The client  was rear-ended late at night on City line Avenue in Philadelphia and the perpetrator drove off without leaving his/her information. The impact of the accident caused the client to strike her knees on the dashboard. Almost immediately after the accident, the client began to have trouble ambulating and eventually went to the emergency room where she was diagnosed with contusions.  After a few weeks passed, she continued to have trouble walking and followed up with her primary care physician who referred her to an orthopedic consult. She then underwent…Read More

In Pennsylvania, bikes are treated like cars and must follow the same traffic laws as other motor vehicles on the road. Bikes, like cars, must stop at stop lights, signal turns, follow right of way laws, and more. Since COVID-19, biking has become even more popular in Philadelphia and surrounding areas, providing safer alternatives to public transportation and public fitness. With more cyclists than ever on the road, the risk of bicycle accidents caused by cars increases.  Philadelphia is one of the Most Bike-Friendly Cities  In addition to several bike routes and bike storage, Pennsylvania laws protect bikers and cyclists from other motor vehicles more than most states. Motor…Read More

In December 2020, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Graham v. Check, overturned a trial court's decision to instruct the jury on the sudden emergency doctrine in a pedestrian v. car accident case where the plaintiff was struck while lawfully crossing the street within the cross walk. In Graham, the Plaintiff began crossing the street in downtown Pittsburgh, at approximately 6:00 a.m. while wearing dark clothing. The Plaintiff was walking in a marked crosswalk at ordinary walking speed. When the plaintiff was about halfway across the street, the light turned green for oncoming traffic and simultaneously, a vehicle approached the intersection at speed. The driver of the vehicle testified that…Read More

Delaware County, PA Car Accident Settlement Troy Crichton, Esq., Delco lawyer, has secured a $100,000.00 settlement on behalf of a woman injured in a DelCo car accident.   The client was struck on the passenger side of her Toyota Prius by a Ford D-150 which pulled out in front of her while she was stopped in notorious DelCo traffic. Although the Defendant was clearly at fault for not seeing her Toyota Prius as he negligently pulled into traffic, this matter was initially denied by the Defendant's insurance company on the basis of limited tort.  (Click here for a discussion of the types of auto insurance available in DelCo and make…Read More

Pennsylvania v. New Jersey Car Insurance Caveats As a Philadelphia resident, there are times I can get to New Jersey by car faster than I can get to City Hall. Thousands of people cross the Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross, or Walt Witman bridge every day coming into Philadelphia or the surrounding area for work, play, and it’s wonderful history. Similarly, during the summer months it’s very common for Philadelphia to empty out on the weekends as everyone goes “down to shore” to Cape May, Sea Isle, Margate or your favorite South New Jersey shore point. Undoubtedly, living in South Eastern Pennsylvania or New Jersey, you are sure to cross…Read More