News
Mandatory Minimums for PA Driving Under the Influence Mandatory Penalties for First-Offense DUI Convictions: Tier I - General Impairment penalties (Undetermined BAC, .08 to .099% BAC) No prior DUI offenses ungraded misdemeanor up to 6 months probation $300 fine alcohol highway safety school treatment when ordered 1 prior DUI offense ungraded misdemeanor 12 month license suspension 5 days to 6 months jail time $300 to $2,500 fine alcohol highway safety school treatment when ordered 1 year ignition interlock 2 or more prior DUI offenses 2nd degree misdemeanor 12 month license suspension 10 days to 2 years prison $500 to $5,000… Read More
It may go without saying, but car and bus accidents are very common. Across the country, thousands of accidents involving automobiles will occur every year. Sometimes these accidents are caused by government-owned and operated vehicles i.e. busses and public transportation especially in Philadelphia, accidents involving SEPTA busses are common. Unfortunately, suing SEPTA is not straightforward as it may seem and you need an experienced attorney who has experience with these lawsuits. What is Sovereign Immunity? There is an old saying that “You can’t sue the King.” For the most part, this is true. Typically, an individual cannot sue the government… Read More
The Results are in! Troy R. Crichton, Esq. negotiates six figure settlement on behalf of client in North Philadelphia sidewalk trip and fall In 2016, Minor Plaintiff, J.R. was walking with his mother near 5th and Allegheny Streets in the City and County of Philadelphia when his left foot caught on a sidewalk defect causing him to twist and fracture his tibia. In addition to the months of missing school, sports, playing with friends and ambulating with crutches, Minor Plaintiff was also forced to undergo surgery for complications in the healing process. This entire incident not only caused pain and… Read More
Ride sharing has created a new "Grey Area" under the law. In the past few years, user based transportation companies that own ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft have spread across the country from one city to another. In Philadelphia, and even in suburban areas like Bucks County, Chester County and Montgomery County, ride-sharing services have captured a huge market of riders who love the ease and convenience of hailing a ride from their phone. Our lawyers have seen that ride sharing technology comes with it own problems as well. As companies like Uber and Lyft becomes more and more… Read More
The Answer is yes, but the law on the subject is surprisingly complex and depends on many factors. Call (267) 225-3317 for a free consultation with Troy R. Crichton, Esq. Within 15 minutes, Mr. Crichton will be able to weigh the merits of your case and provide insight on whether you have a good chance at financial compensation for your injuries. Premises Liability and Claims Against Bars and Nightclubs A nightclub, similar to other businesses like a hotel or grocery store, can be held legally responsible for injuries occurring on the business's property. Under the theory of "premises liability," a… Read More
David L. Hough’s 1970 era book Proficient Motorcycling is still the best manual for a beginning Motorcyclist and overall motorcycle safety. I dust it off and review it at least once a year. I highly recommend reading it cover to cover. In addition to the basics of riding it has several safety tips and primers on how to deal with obstacles, animals and angry drivers. Throughout the years of riding in an urban environment I’ve also come up with a few tips: 1) When stopped at red lights, I flash my brake lights for visibility. See and be seen. Many… Read More
Whether motorcycle, bicycle, automobile or pedestrian, a hit and run or uninsured accident can be devastating. Try not to let the immediate anger, adrenaline and frustration cloud your senses and remember: Call the police immediately. If someone is injured, request an ambulance. If not, ask the police to come to the scene right away. These days, police officers don't normally go to accident scenes when no one reports injuries and there's no delay in traffic, especially in Philadelphia. Here’s a pro-tip if the driver is uninsured, tell the police that and they will respond: driving without insurance is a crime.… Read More
Cops lie and that’s the truth. VICE Magazine recently covered a story here in Philadelphia regarding Officer Michael Outlaw and his allegations against Clarence Thompson. Attorney Troy Crichton represented Mr. Thompson at his criminal trial and cleared his name, which ultimately resulted in a $125,000 settlement with the City of Philadelphia. On November 27, 2013 in South West Philadelphia, Philadelphia Officer Michael Outlaw accused Clarence Thompson, an 18-year-old African American male of Aggravated Assault, a felony, and Resisting Arrest, a misdemeanor. On the day of trial, Mr. Thompson was offered a plea bargain to resisting arrest as a misdemeanor. Why… Read More
Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence law allows individuals who have been injured in an accident to recover compensation for damages even when they are partially at fault. What does this mean for you? It means if you’ve been injured, you need an experienced Pennsylvania injury attorney in your corner. Any lawyer can win settle a rear-end car accident case for a couple bucks, but it takes an experienced trial lawyer to go to trial AND WIN! Troy R. Crichton has tried hundreds of cases and is not afraid to take your case to the courtroom. If you’re wondering whether you were partially at fault… Read More
In a previous post, we briefly discussed Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. These types of insurance are reservoirs that an insured can tap when they’ve been injured in an accident by someone with too little or no insurance. So if you were injured in a hit and run motorcycle accident or in an accident caused by someone with no insurance, you may be able to recover money from your own insurance company. The main difference between liability coverage and UM/UIM coverage is that since UM/UIM coverage is part of a contractual claim, your insurance company has a duty to… Read More