Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C.

Bicycle Accidents

A driver may not see a bicyclist and hit them, or a bicycle accident can happen when space has not been left for both the rider and the motorist. Sharing the road can be difficult because bicycles are small and difficult to see. Bicyclists are often allowed to share the road with cars, but that does not make this arrangement safe.

In 2018, 854 bicyclists were killed, and about two percent of motor vehicle accidents involved bicycles. Bicyclists are often involved in accidents that could be prevented. Passenger car drivers need to look out for bicyclists. At the same time, bicyclists need to be aware of who is on the road. Rural roads or residential surface streets are often deemed safe because people walk on these streets and cars cannot drive very fast. Surface streets and rural roads can be very dangerous because there are often hills or sharp curves that can obscure bicyclists. Bicyclists are also encouraged to wear protective clothing, establish a regular riding or training pattern, and ride on familiar roads.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are about 27 percent more likely to be killed in accidents than passengers in cars. A motorcycle does not have airbags or restraints. A motorcyclist can be hard to see, and motorcycles cannot make emergency turns as safely as cars can.

Motorcyclists are encouraged to slow down, wear a helmet, and avoid large trucks. Passenger car drivers also must be on the lookout for motorcycles because motorcycles might idle between cars that are stuck in traffic or use emergency lanes or the shoulders of the road to pass. Blind spot crashes are common, and that is why both car drivers and motorcyclists must be very careful.

Motorcyclists are most often injured or killed when they are not wearing a helmet, riding in heavy winds, or riding on bad roads. Motorcyclists might also be hit by passenger vehicles that do not see them. A lawyer can support anyone who has been hurt in a motorcycle accident through no fault of their own.

SEPTA Accidents

Accidents involving SEPTA trains and buses are not limited to passengers. Pedestrians and other drivers can be struck by SEPTA buses, or there may be an incident involving a SEPTA train. Many SEPTA accidents involve the lack of safety equipment and seat belts. When passengers are on buses and trains, they do not have anything that will keep them safe. SEPTA is exempt from certain personal injury or liability claims because of local laws. For help with a SEPTA claim, a victim should seek legal counsel.

Pedestrian Accidents

In 2017, there were nearly 6000 pedestrian deaths in America. Pedestrians can be injured when they are crossing the street, when a vehicle rides on the sidewalk, or when they are involved in an accident that somehow reaches their position. It is recommended that pedestrians stay back from the curb, look both ways, and only cross when they have a traffic signal that allows for crossing.

Slip and Fall Accidents

A slip and fall accident often occurs because a particular space was not maintained properly. When someone slips and falls in an office building, public space, or municipal building, the manager or owner of the premises could be liable for the damages. A victim should create a timeline for their day so that they know when they were hurt and how the accident occurred.

Eyewitnesses can explain how the accident occurred. It is important to know if the premises was maintained and if there were signs that indicated any dangerous areas. For example, someone might have slipped on a wet floor when there was no signage, or a victim may have tripped over tiles that were not in good condition. If the victim is not certain how the accident occurred, a lawyer can help.

Back and Neck Injuries

Back and neck injuries often arise from car accidents. Whiplash can cause a lifetime of pain because that discomfort can spread to the shoulders, back, and neck. A worker might have been injured in an accident on the job when they were lifting heavy objects, which can cause severe back and neck injuries.

Some people also experience back and neck pain when they are involved in car accidents because they might have something that is more severe than whiplash. Since this pain can be debilitating, a victim may not be able to work. A victim should seek immediate medical attention after an accident.

Social Security Disability Claims

Social Security disability claims can arise after someone has been injured and they need to use government disability programs. A victim must be aware that there are two different programs. A victim can file for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

SSDI is a program that helps people who have been working for a certain amount of time. This program is tested and paid based on how long the injured person has been working. The number of years the claimant has worked determines how much they can receive because they have been paying payroll taxes into this system.

SSI benefits are designed for people who have pre-existing disabilities and cannot work. In some cases, these people can only work so much, but they are entitled to benefits because they are underemployed.

In most cases, a victim will need to see an administrative law judge (ALJ). The ALJ will conduct a hearing where they ask about the claim, what brought the claim about, and review all documentation for the claim. A lawyer will speak on behalf of the victim.

Workers’ Compensation

When a work accident occurs, a victim should be covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance. The insurance company might deny the claim, or the worker might have been told that they do not qualify. A lawyer will look into the case and ensure that they are covered. Some workers are not covered under Workers’ Compensation, like executives, housekeepers, and independent contractors. Also, there are workers covered under federal laws that address railroad workers, longshoremen, sailors, defense contractors, and overseas contractors.

After hiring a lawyer, a client does not need to interact with their employer regarding the claim. A client should not call the insurance company because the insurance company might record calls or cause problems. A lawyer will address the insurance company and help their client throughout the entire legal process.

Wrongful Death

When a wrongful death occurs, there is a statute of limitations to file a claim in Pennsylvania. A person has two years to pursue a wrongful death case, which begins on the date of the death. A victim should not delay contacting a lawyer. A lawyer needs time to look into the case, gather evidence, and prepare the client for a settlement or trial. A wrongful death claim can be filed on behalf of the estate of the deceased, and the beneficiaries of the lawsuit will be family members who depended on the deceased.