Allstate Insurance Company says Philadelphia drivers are the among the worst in the United States. The study found that Philadelphia drivers averaged 6.6 years between collisions as compared to the national-average of 10 years between collisions. Allstate's Tracey King slams Philadelphia in her statement, "You know how men are always blaming it on women drivers, and older drivers are always blaming it on younger drivers?" "Well, in Philadelphia, it's everyone."

I am outraged at how this study portrays Philadelphians. As a native of Philadelphia, I am tired of insurance companies dumping on our proud city. Why doesn't Allstate publish the cost they charge for Philadelphia drivers versus the rest of the nation? Why doesn't Allstate publish how much money they make on an annual basis from Philadelphia drivers?

I urge all Philadelphians to purchase insurance from some other insurance company. Don't purchase from Allstate. This way, they will have nothing to complain until they see their profits decrease. Maybe Allstate should look at why there is an entire website (Allstate Insurance Sucks) dedicated to complaints by Allstate past and current customers and why Allstate ranks among the worst when it comes to Bad Faith.

If you have a claim against Allstate Insurance Company, whether it be an auto accident claim, homeowners claim or some other claim, I would be happy to discuss your potential case with you. As a fellow Philadelphian and a partner in a Philadelphia Personal Injury Law Firm, I would be happy to fight to get you the just compensation you deserve.

Last evening In Upper Darby, Delaware County, a Route 113 SEPTA bus accident occurred where the bus struck a man in the Darby Loop located at 9th and Main Streets. It appears the man was in full, unobstructed view of the SEPTA bus driver at the time the accident occurred. Nonetheless, for reasons unknown at this time, the SEPTA bus driver struck and killed the victim, allegedly making contact with the man with both front tires.

SEPTA's spokesman, Richard Maloney, was on the scene and gave a statement that SEPTA investigators "We're told by witnesses, preliminarily, that the victim was talking on his cell phone as he was walking and he turned around to talk to people behind him. Unknowingly he walked right in front of the bus," However, other witnesses told a different story. Thomas Carroll told Fox 29 news, ""He wasn't walking. He was standing there and talking on the phone. And when the bus turned, it hit him, 'BOOM!' He wasn't walking. He was not walking,"

Others on the scene complained about the general driving attitude of SEPTA drivers and the manner in which they operate their vehicles. This is a common complaint I hear weekly from current and perspective clients who are injured in incidents involving a SEPTA bus or a SEPTA trolley. If you are victim of a SEPTA bus or trolley accident, contact our Philadelphia Personal Injury Law Firm for a free consultation.

Related Web Resources:

Fox 29 Video News Report

In Philadelphia, we are used to hearing that SEPTA needs to cut back its bus and trolley service and that SEPTA needs to raise the fares to continue to operate. In the past, SEPTA always cried poor after decades of financial shortfalls. Well, it seems those days are over.

Last summer, a landmark transportation funding law, Act 44, was enacted by the Pennsylvania Legislature. Since that time, SEPTA has found itself swimming in the cash. It is estimated that SEPTA will have a surplus of $130 million by the end of June, 2009. Yet, this surplus does not appear anywhere on SEPTA's budget and SEPTA officials refuse to acknowledge the surplus.

SEPTA's denial of this surplus is more troubling when you consider that our Philadelphia School District is in a position where they need to cut more than 13,000 transit passes to school students in order to save 8 million dollars. While SEPTA sits on their money, Philadelphia families are asked to dip into their pockets again to provide transportation to school students. Oh, and didn't we just have a transit police strike over money? Again, SEPTA considered money over the safety and well being of transit riders. All the while, sitting on $130 million.

Related Web Resources:

The Philadelphia Inquirer: SEPTA Mulls How To Account for $130 million ‘future’ fund

The Bulletin: SEPTA's Surplus Grows Steadily, Quietly

SEPTA Bus and Trolley Accident Lawyers

A teenager was killed at Six Flags by a roller coaster when he entered a restricted area, and disregarded warning signs. According to the news article Teen Decapitated At Six Flags In Georgia, reported on 6abc.com, the teenager may have been trying to retrieve his hat, when he went into the restricted area and was struck by the roller coaster, traveling at 50 m.p.h.

The question arises as to whether or not Six Flags would have any liability in this situation. In Pennsylvania, the laws in regard to amusement parks, ball parks, and other recreational areas is that there is an "assumption of the risk" as long as the risk is "common, frequent and expected". However, in the Six Flags situation, the death was not caused by riding the roller coaster, but by the teenager entering a restricted area and being struck by the roller coaster. Under the tort laws, the teenager is considered a trespasser. Because of this, the duty owed by Six Flags would be less, and would only exist if they knew, or should have known, that children are likely to trespass, the condition will result in death or serious injury to the child, the child because of youth does not realize the risk involved, the burden of eliminating the danger is slight compared to the risk involved, and the land owner fails to exercise reasonable care to eliminate the danger.

The laws in regard to premises liability are complex and confusing. If you sustained an injury due to a landowners negligence, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. There are many steps that need to be taken immediately to properly present your case. If you would like a free consultation with our Philadelphia Law Firm, please contact us.

According to the CDC, Fire Deaths are the fifth most common cause of unintentional injury deaths in the United States. On average in the United States, someone dies in a fire about every 162 minutes, and someone is injured every 32 minutes. Most fire deaths occur from smoke inhalation or toxic gases and not from burns. The primary cause of residential fires is carelessness while cooking.

It is important for people to take preventive measures to keep from being a fire statistic.

* Never leave food unattended on a stove.
* Keep cooking areas free of flammable objects (such as, potholders and towels).
* Avoid wearing clothes with long, loose-fitting sleeves when cooking.
* Never smoke in bed or leave burning cigarettes unattended.
* Do not empty smoldering ashes in a trash can, and keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains.
* Never place portable space heaters near flammable materials (such as, drapery).
* Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children.
* Install smoke alarms on every floor of the home and particularly near rooms in which people sleep.
* Test all smoke alarms every month to ensure they work properly.
* Devise a family fire escape plan and practice it every 6 months.
* If possible, install or retrofit fire sprinklers into home

Fire injuries are some of the worst injuries we see as lawyers. Our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Personal Injury Law Firm compassionately represents individuals burned in fires and families of lost loved ones recover against homeowners insurance for deaths occurring from a fire.

Related Web Resources:

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - Public Education

A Philadelphia auto tag business was busted last week for illegally registering hundreds of vehicles in Pennsylvania and the surrounding states. As reported on MyFoxPhilly.com, Cops Bust Huge Illegal Car Registration Ring, Basset Auto Tags stole the identity of thousands of people to register vehicles for people who could not get the vehicles registered legally.

The effects of this illegal registering of vehicles reaches far beyond the stolen identity of people. For example, these individuals do not have to pay parking tickets or pay for EZ-Pass. They can conduct criminal activity and leave accident scenes without being identified. They also do not have insurance, which in turn, spreads the financial burden of uninsured motorists on to the general, insurance paying public.

In light of these trying times, where individuals are committing various frauds which effect you, some precautions should be taken. The simplest and not so financially burdensome precaution is making sure you have uninsured and under-insured motorist coverage on your auto insurance policy. This insurance provides coverage for you, and your family, when the other, responsible vehicle, is not insured or not insured enough. If you have any questions about this coverage, or other insurance coverages, please contact our Philadelphia Law Firm for a free consultation.

A new nationwide study released June 26, 2008 by SAMHSA has revealed that many teens get alcohol from their parents or other adults. According to the study, 40 percent of the underage drinkers got the alcohol from an adult for free. As a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyer, I have seen cases where parents or adults become personally responsible for the negligence and resulting injuries caused by drunken teens. In other words, if you give alcohol to your teenager and he or she ends up harming someone (examples - car accidents, fires, physical violence) then you could be personally responsible for the negligence of the teen. Many times, your homeowners insurance will cover you, assuming you have such insurance.

So, this becomes a two part problem. First, adults who provide alcohol to minors are directly contributing to the underage drinking, in essence enabling the minor to drink by providing the alcohol. Underage drinking and the consequences that accompany this behavior are often catastrophic in nature. Second, adults who provide the alcohol may be held responsible for the actions of the minor. This could be true even if the minor leaves the house and continues to drink before engaging in the harmful act.

Related Web Resources:

SAMHSA - Full Report: Underage Alcohol Report

Find Treatment For Substance Abuse

In our Philadelphia Personal Injury Law Firm, we represent individuals who have sustained traumatic brain injuries from accidents and falls. A traumatic brain injury is usually caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. The effects of a traumatic brain injury may be short lived or long standing. It is estimated that 2% of the United States population have long term or life long need for help with their daily activities due to a TBI. A traumatic brain injury can cause an alteration of the brain which results in functional changes to cognitive thinking, loss of sensation, problems with communication and emotional upset. It is believed that a TBI can cause epilepsy, and increase a persons risk for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

The signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury often go unnoticed and are hard to diagnose. The symptoms do not always occur right away. It can take days or weeks for the symptoms to arise. The injury can occur even if there is no direct blow to the head. Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms can include:

* Headaches or neck pain that do not go away;
* Difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions;
* Slowness in thinking, speaking, acting, or reading;
* Getting lost or easily confused;
* Feeling tired all of the time, having no energy or motivation;
* Mood changes (feeling sad or angry for no reason);
* Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping a lot more or having a hard time sleeping);
* Lightheadedness, dizziness, or loss of balance;
* Urge to vomit (nausea);
* Increased sensitivity to lights, sounds, or distractions;
* Blurred vision or eyes that tire easily;
* Loss of sense of smell or taste; and
* Ringing in the ears.

Related Web Resources:

NINDS: Traumatic Brain Injury Information Page

National Brain Injury Research, Treatment & Training Foundation: Facts about Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Summer began days ago and our Pa. Workers' Compensation Law Firm feels compelled to warn workers of heat related injuries. Heat related work injuries occur from exposure to a hot work environment. Heat related injury symptoms can include fatigue, fainting, exhaustion and heat stroke. In addition to these injuries, many workers are involved in work related accidents due to slippery palms as a result of sweating, fogged up safety glasses, and dizziness. Severe burns can also occur as a direct result of accidental contact with hot surfaces and steam.

Employers should assist in the prevention of heat related injuries by lowering stressful work conditions when the temperature and humidity rises, providing cool rest areas with adequate rest time, providing adequate water stations, and providing training to its employees in how to safely manage conditions in hot weather.

If you or a loved one suffer a heat related work injury, contact the Pennsylvania Personal Injury Law Firm of Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo, for a free Pa. Workers' Compensation Consultation.

A Philadelphia SEPTA Trolley crashed into an SUV on Friday, June 20th. As reported on NBC 10, at least three individuals reported immediate injuries and were taken to the hospital. It certainly may turn out that even more individuals are injured as many people involved in SEPTA accidents experience pain after they leave the accident scene.

NBC 10 has been reported that the SUV driver was making an illegal U-Turn at the intersection. However, under Pennsylvania's Joint and Several Liability Laws, SEPTA could have to pay to compensate the injured individuals. For more information on Joint and Several Liability, see the May 12, 2008 blog post by attorney Jill R. Mezyk.

Our Philadelphia Personal Injury Law Firm regularly represents individuals injured while a passenger on a SEPTA Trolley or SEPTA Bus. For a free consultation contact us by using the contact form above or call 215-545-1870.

According to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), new research shows the deadliest time of year for 15-passenger vans is between June and August. During these months, a rollover accident is 31% more likely than in other months. NHTSA has issued a press release urging operators of 15-passenger vans to drive with caution.

Rollover Accidents are more likely because when 10 or more people ride in a 15-passenger van the total passenger weight raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to shift rearward. As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and handles differently from most commonly driven passenger vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an emergency situation.

My advise is to try to avoid being a passenger in a 15 passenger van. If this cannot be avoided, check the tires to assure proper pressure and tread. Always wear your seat belt. This could save your life in a rollover accident. All cargo should be forward of the rear axle. And make sure the operator is experienced and qualified in operating a large van.

Our Pennsylvania Personal Injury Law Firm is available to answer questions should you or a loved one be involved in a rollover accident.

In our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Personal Injury Law Firm, we have consulted in Water Related Injuries. These injuries most often occur with private pool drownings. According to the CDC, in 2005, there were 3,582 unintentional drownings in the United States. That equates to nearly 10 per day. In addition to fatal drownings, there are many serious injuries which occur from nonfatal drownings. These include brain damage, long-term disabilities and permanent vegetative conditions.

Drownings are very serious and all possible steps to avoid a drowning should be taken. At most risk are men and children. Men are four times more likely to die from a drowning than woman. And of all child deaths between the ages of 1 and 4, almost 30% died from drowning. Of these child deaths, most occur in residential swimming pools.

Child deaths usually occur due to lack of sufficient barriers and supervision. Most young children who drowned in pools were out of sight less than 5 minutes. Barriers can often prevent children from gaining access to the pool area. Parents should never leave a child alone near any body of water.

Summer time is lots of fun but let's be careful to protect ourselves and our children.

As we approach the Fourth of July, it is a good time to discuss accidents from fireworks. According to the CDC, 60% of injuries from fireworks occur in the month surrounding the July 4th holiday. Of those injured, children 14 years old and younger sustain about 45% of the fireworks related injuries. Most often, injuries are to the hands, face, head, eyes and ears. Firecrackers account for 26% of all injuries, followed by sparklers and rockets at 17% each.

The CDC recommends that fireworks be left to the trained professionals. In 2006, 11 people died of fireworks injuries and an estimated 9,200 were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries.

In addition to physical injury, fireworks are often associated with structural and vehicular fires. These fires resulted in approximately $21 million in property damage in the year 2004.

Injuries and damages from fireworks can lead to homeowner's liability claims. If you or someone you love suffers an injury or physical loss due to the use of fireworks, the Pennsylvania Personal Injury Law Firm of Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo can assist you with your claim.

In 2003, Pennsylvania repealed its law requiring motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. Now, a Pennsylvania study by the University of Pittsburgh has shown a 32 percent increase in motorcycle related head injury deaths and a 42 percent increase in motorcycle related head injury hospitalizations since the repeal of the law.

This study has seemed to reignite the debate over whether Pennsylvania should reconsider its repeal of the helmet law. Reseachers said the findings in the Pennsylvania study mirror studies in other states that show riders are safer when they wear helmets.

Twenty states including New Jersey, New York and Maryland have laws which require all riders to wear helmets.

This is obviously a hot topic for debate. On the one side, the State has an obligation and responsibility to see to it that individuals are safe in activities that they engage. On the other hand, many motorcycle activists claim argue that whether to wear a helmet should be a matter of choice. It is believed that Governer Rendell has no current plans to change the law as is.

In our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Personal Injury Law Firm we represent individuals seriously injured in motorcycle accidents throughout the State of Pennsylvania. For a Free Consultation, contact us by email or call 1-888-807-9675.

Related Web Resources:

Philadelphia Inquirer: Study: Cycle Head Injuries Up Sharply since Pa. Changed Law

York Daily Record: Study: Head Injuries Up Since Pa. Helmet Law's Repeal

As an employee, if you sustain a work injury in Pennsylvania, the PA Workers' Compensation Act gives your employer the right to establish a list of designated health care providers for you to treat with. The injured worker must treat with one or more of the designated providers for 90 days. However, in order for the employer to be afforded this benefit, certain rules and regulations must be followed. These include:

1. The employer must provide a clearly written notice to the employee of the employee's rights and duties.

2. The list must contain at least six medical providers, three of which must be physicians.

3. The employer may not direct the employee to treat with any specific provider on the list.

4. As the injured worker, you have the right to switch from one designated provider to another designated provider on the provided list.

Many employers fail to provide proper lists and/or fail to provide written notice to the employees of the employee's rights and duties. If this should happen to you, as the injured worker, you have the right to treat with any medical provider of your choice.

Also, even if all rules and regulations are followed, after the first 90 days you may treat with any medical provider of your choice.

Our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Law Firm offers free consultations to all injured workers. We would be happy to review your rights with you and offer free advice on your workers' compensation claim.

Related Web Resources:

Pa. Dept of Labor & Industries: Physicians List Defined