Jeep Recall Notice Received 7 Days After Celebrity's Death

Anton Yelchin, Star Trek Actor, Received Jeep Recall Notice 7 Days After His Death

A recall notice for a Jeep Grand Cherokee was mailed to actor Anton Yelchin seven days after he was killed in a freak roll away accident. Fiat Chrysler recalled more than 800,000 vehicles in April, after receiving hundreds of rollaway complaints.


The shifter in 2014 and 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees operates like a joystick, returning to the same position no matter what gear the vehicle is in. Some drivers have become confused and exited the vehicle while it is still in gear, leading it to roll away.

Yelchin died on June 19 when he was pinned by his vehicle against an entrance post at his Studio City home. The LAPD and Fiat Chrysler are still investigating the death, but it appears that it could be the first fatality related to the rollaway issue.

As of late June, the NHTSA was aware of some 700 complaints regarding the issue, including 266 crashes and 68 injuries.

Vehicle malfunctions are preventable. So are the injuries & fatalities these errors cause. Call our Pennsylvania accident attorneys at 1-800-444-5309 if you or a loved one have been injured, or you have lost a loved one, due to a vehicle recall.

Visit pisanchynlawfirm.com for more information on vehicle malfunction accidents and vehicle recalls.

Summer Travel Tips

During the summer months, families plan summer vacations and travel often, especially "down the shore." It is very important that travelers be very careful during summer vacations.

To help keep you safe this summer driving season, here are a few tips to ensure that your next road trip is a safe one.

1. Check your tires to stay safe and save money. Well-maintained tires provide protection against avoidable breakdowns and crashes, improved vehicle handling, better fuel economy, and increased tire life. Keeping tire pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level increases fuel efficiency by one mile per gallon of gas — something that’s even more important in the summer when gas prices rise. To check if your tires need to be replaced, insert a quarter into the tire’s tread, with Washington’s head toward the tire. If no portion of his head is covered, the tread is below 1/8 of an inch and you should consider replacing your tires.
2. When packing for a trip, don’t exceed your car’s payload capacity. Your owner’s manual has information about the maximum weight of all cargo and passengers your vehicle can safely carry. Before heading out, also double check that you can clearly see out of all your windows.
3. Manage glare and heat. Keep sunglasses handy and use a sun shield beneath your windshield when parked to keep your car’s interior heat down. Never leave a child or a pet unattended in a vehicle. The summer sun can also dehydrate you during long roads trips so always travel with plenty of water.
4. Summer storms — and even sun showers — require extreme caution. Roads become very slippery in the first few minutes of rainfall because the rain mixes with the oil and dirt on the road. It takes about 30 minutes of steady rain to wash the oil and dirt off the road.
5. Share the road. Warm weather means more bicycles and motorcycles on the road and a spike in road work. The AARP Smart Driver curriculum recommends these tips for avoiding collisions:

• Never share lanes with motorcycles, as they also have use of the complete traffic lane.
• Increase your following distance to four seconds or more when behind motorcycles.
• Constantly scan the roadway in front, to the rear, and to the sides of your vehicle for motorcyclists and bicyclists.
• When going through construction zones, use extreme caution, follow all road signs and look out for pedestrians or workers.

If you are involved in an auto accident while visiting Pennsylvania or New Jersey this summer, contact our office right away for legal help. We have a proven track record of successfully representing auto accident victims. 1-800-444-5309, pisanchynlawfirm.com.

Where will you be traveling this summer? Let us know your favorite summertime destinations and your best advice for getting there safely.

Prevent Injuries and Fatalities- Don't Drink and Drive

Parties, picnics and fireworks are just some of the festivities that lead droves of Americans onto our nation’s highways every Fourth of July. Unfortunately, the celebrations too often turn deadly when drinking alcohol leads to drunk driving.

This year, Americans will celebrate the Fourth on a Monday, which means the holiday weekend starts at 6 p.m. Friday, July 1st and ends on Tuesday, July 5th at 5:59 a.m. In 2014, over the Fourth of July holiday (6 p.m. July 3rd to 5:59 a.m. July 7th), 164 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 grams per deciliter or higher. Those preventable deaths make up 41 % of the 397 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the Fourth of July period.

If you plan to partake in the weekend's festivities PLEASE don't drink and drive! Even if you are not drinking and traveling throughout the holiday weekend be aware of other drivers. If you suspect someone on the road is drinking and driving call your local police department and stay a safe distance away from them.

Here are some other tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday weekend:

• Plan a safe way home BEFORE the fun begins
• Designate a sober driver or use public transportation to get home safely.
• Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app at www.nhtsa.gov/link/saferride/.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local police department.

For more information visit our website or call 1-800-444-5309.

Is it OK to Post on Social Media After an Injury?

How many times did you check your Facebook today? Did you Snapchat your morning coffee? Instagram the long line of traffic during the morning commute? Tweet about last night's game? Social media has become a constant in the lives of many. It's a great way to stay connected, or in our case, to provide our community and clients with valuable information. These sites can be useful and fun but they could also be your worst enemy if you are involved in a personal injury lawsuit.
The rule of thumb when involved in a lawsuit is not to discuss your case with anyone, except your attorney.  This advice holds true for posting information on social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  A seemingly innocent photo or post can have a detrimental effect on your personal injury case, even if it is taken at a pain-free moment or prior to your accident. Anything you post can be misconstrued and could be used against your claim.

You should amend your privacy settings as well, but investigators can find ways into your profiles even if they are private. Private doesn't mean not public.

Most importantly, it is best to refrain yourself, as well as family and friends, from posting anything about your claim on social media at all.  Should you have any questions about an injury you have sustained at the fault of another or about social media in regards to your case, contact our personal injury attorneys via our website, PisanchynLawFirm.com.

Do You Know the Most Common Summertime Injuries?

Happy Summer Solstice! Today marks the longest day of the year and the first official day of Summer.

Did you know Emergency Room visits go up roughly 20% in the Summer months due to common "Summertime injuries?"

Now is a great time to unwind and get outside but it's important to know some basic Summertime injury facts and prevention tips beforehand to make it as enjoyable as possible. 

Lawn mowers: These are the major cause of foot and ankle amputations to children. Do not operate a riding mower when children are present. Do not let your children ride on a mower, even with an adult. Mowers should not be used at dusk or night when it is difficult to see. 

Adults, too, are at risk for mower-related injuries -- far more so than children, because they are the ones operating the devices. In 2011, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 83,000 people were treated in U.S. ERs for lawn mower injuries.

Never wear sandals when mowing a lawn; always be on the lookout for other people, children, rocks and branches; and whether you're pushing or riding, watch out for steep grades.

On the road: Car seats for young children and seat belts for older passengers offer the best protection from injury and death in an accident. 

A sixteen-year-old carrying two friends in the car triples the risk of a crash. Add a third passenger and the risk is increased almost seven-fold. Young drivers should always be aware, free from distraction and carefully monitored and taught the rules of the road.

Bicycles: Some cycling accidents are caused by high speed and user negligence, but it's also important to check the bike each spring to make sure brakes and tires are in good working order. If you have a child, make sure the bike still fits him -- and make sure that the helmet still fits, too.

And while most cycling spills are routine, bicycle-vs.-automobile accidents are also more common in the summer months (that's true for both adults and children). Bicycle riders are required to follow the rules of the road just as automobile operators. Wear reflective gear, always wear a helmet, know the hand signals for turning and be aware of your surroundings when riding on the road.

For pedestrians: Basic advice for pedestrians includes walking on sidewalks, using marked crosswalks, observing traffic signals and watching for turning vehicles. To be more visible to drivers, wear brightly colored clothing during the day and special reflective materials at night.

Pedestrians should be extra cautious about marked crosswalks without signal lights. They may not offer any more protection than an intersection without a crosswalk.

Finally, children younger than 10 should not be allowed to cross the street alone. They are often impulsive and may have difficulty judging speed, spatial relations and distance. 

Bites: Dog bites result in thousands of hospital ER visits every year, and researchers say that children are more likely to be bitten by dogs in the summer months. While adults are more likely to be bitten on arms or legs, children are more likely than adults to be bitten on the head, neck and face. Keeps dogs leashed in public areas and watch children around unfamiliar or unknown animals.

Falls: It's a generic category, but it's also the biggest one -- from jungle gyms, to skateboarding accidents, to bare feet slipping on wet surfaces, to run-of-the-mill face-plants on the concrete, falling onto something hard is the traumatic event most likely to land a kid or an adult in the ER. Seniors are susceptible year-round, while adults climbing ladders are especially at risk in the summer.

Over the past five years, falls have exceeded motor vehicle crashes as the top reason for a trauma hospitalization.

Enjoy the sun, warmth and laid back ease of the Summer and stay safe!

Remember, if you or a loved one has suffered an injury or you've lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, be it an accident, fall, dog bite or property related injury, the Pisanchyn Law Firm can help. Contact us for a free consultation. There is never a fee, we only pay you the money you deserve.

GM Recall Case Settles for $1.9 Million

Pisanchyn Law Firm Fights for Justice Against GM

By TERRIE MORGAN-BESECKER
Published: April 28, 2016

Joan Occulto always suspected a mechanical problem caused the 2007 car crash that killed her grandson, but no one believed her.

The pain of losing Louis McHale, 30, was torture enough for the Dunmore grandmother. He left behind three young sons.

Her pain worsened from the innuendoes and rumors that the crash was her grandson’s fault.
It took nearly eight years, but Mrs. Occulto, 75, said her grandson finally is vindicated as GM agreed Tuesday to approve a claim she and her husband, Frank, 83, filed. Their claim alleged a faulty ignition switch, that unexpectedly shut off his car, impaired the steering and forced him to lose control, caused the crash.

The settlement, negotiated by attorney Michael Pisanchyn of Scranton, comes from a fund GM set up to compensate victims of the defective switch. Terms of the settlement are confidential, but public documents related to the claims process reveal family members will be paid at least $1 million in damages, plus $300,000 for each dependent. That equates to at least $1.9 million for Mr. McHale’s family.

While the money certainly will help the family, it’s not what motivated Mrs. Occulto to pursue the case.

“The money means nothing to me. It can’t bring my grandson back,” she said. “I wanted to clear his name. … It was General Motors’ fault. They took my grandson away from his sons.”

The settlement is among at least three GM reached involving Lackawanna County families in the past two years. In October 2014, GM settled a case filed by Leo and Mary Theresa Ruddy, whose daughter, Kelly Erin Ruddy, was killed in 2010. In June 2105, it settled a case filed by Richard and Laura Miller over the 2014 death of their son, James Miller. Both of those lawsuits were filed by attorney Larry Moran of Lenahan and Dempsey in Scranton.

The claims were among more than 4,000 filed that sought compensation from a special fund GM set up in June 2014 to compensate victims. The fund paid out $594.5 million for 399 claims, including 124 deaths, according to a final report issued in December by attorney Kenneth Feinberg, who administered the fund.

GM acknowledged it knew about problems with the ignition switches in several of its models for at least a decade before it began recalling the vehicles in February 2014.

James Cain, a spokesman for GM, said the company’s settlement of cases does not mean it admits that that the ignition switch failed or was the cause of a particular crash. He noted that, in deciding whether to approve a claim, Mr. Feinberg did not undertake any engineering analysis or consider legal defenses GM had in the cases, including statute of limitations and contributory negligence of the drivers.

“We faced the ignition switch issue with integrity, dignity and clear determination to do the right thing both in the short and long term,” Mr. Cain said in an email Thursday.

In Mr. McHale’s case, he was killed and his passenger, Audrey Evans of Scranton, was injured after he lost control of his 2003 Saturn Ion on Interstate 81 in Kline Twp. on Sept. 9, 2007. The car struck a rock embankment and rolled twice, ejecting both occupants. Mr. McHale left behind three sons, ages 6, 8 and 11 at the time of his death.

Mrs. Occulto said she contacted several law firms shortly after the crash and asked them to look into the case, but all declined. She gave up hope of ever proving a mechanical failure was to blame. Then she got a recall notice at her Elm Street home in July 2014 regarding the ignition switch.
“Then I knew something was wrong with the car,” she said.

Even with the new information, Mrs. Occulto said she still had trouble finding an attorney to take the case.

Mr. Pisanchyn said the case presented significant challenges, including that the statute of limitations to sue had expired years ago. Mr. McHale’s vehicle also was no longer available, so it would be hard to prove the ignition switch caused the crash. He said he decided to take the case because he strongly believed GM should be held accountable.

“GM clearly knew there was a problem with the ignition switch. They were getting reports of deaths quite often,” he said. “It came down to they put corporate profits over peoples’ lives.”
Mr. Pisanchyn said GM initially rejected Mrs. Occulto’s claim. It reconsidered the decision after attorney Douglas Yazinski consulted with auto safety experts and obtained photos police took of Mr. McHale’s car that showed the airbags did not deploy — a key indicator that the ignition was in the “off” position when the crash occurred.

“The pictures really made a difference in our case. It put GM’s feet to the fire,” Mr. Pisanchyn said.
Mrs. Occulto said she’s thankful the case is resolved. For years, she and her great-grandchildren dealt with rumors about the crash. It’s a relief to have the truth out, she said, but she can’t help but feel bitter toward GM.

“For a 35-cent part, my grandson died,” she said.

Pisanchyn Law Firm Settlement March 22

Family settles fatal motorcycle accident suit for $1.5 million

By Terrie Morgan-Besecker
The Times-Tribune (TNS) 

 

The family of a Scranton man killed when a tractor- trailer struck his motorcycle reached a $1.5 million settlement with the trucking firm.

 

Thomas M. Burke Sr., 65, of Park Drive, Scranton, was riding his 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycle on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Carbon County on Oct. 4, 2013. The driver of a tractor-trailer owned by Lily Transportation Corp. of New Jersey moved into Mr. Burke’s lane and struck his motorcycle, pushing it into a barrier. Mr. Burke was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

Michael Pisanchyn of Scranton, attorney for Mr. Burke’s wife, Lela Mattern-Burke, initially filed suit against the company and the driver, Joh Hatterer, in Philadelphia County Court.

 

The case was later transferred to U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

In a press release, Mr. Pisanchyn said evidence showed Mr. Hatterer, who died while the lawsuit was pending, was previously involved in several collisions and had a long history of driving violations.

A settlement was reached following a meeting with a mediator on March 22. The agreement sets aside $600,000 in attorneys fees to be split evenly between Mr. Pisanchyn’s firm and Jason Provinzano, who represents Mr. Burke’s estate.

 

“The Pisanchyn Law Firm believes that this settlement sends a message to other trucking companies that if they do not follow the rules … putting our community in danger, there will be severe consequences,” the release says.

Why Hire an Accident Lawyer?

Our attorneys hear, on an almost daily basis, "I have insurance, I don't need an attorney," but the truth is, you may not WANT an accident attorney, but you are certainly going to NEED an accident attorney if you want to get the full amount of compensation you deserve after being injured in an accident.

Here are few reasons why you should at least consult with our experienced accident lawyers after being injured an a car crash:

1. It has been proven that personal injury victims obtain far more money once they hire an attorney
2. Our accident injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis which means our representation to you is completely free until we win your case, and even then you won't be paying us out of your own pocket, we'll actually be paying you the money you deserve. 
3. Insurance companies job's are to pay you the least amount possible to settle your claim so even though they may offer a quick settlement, it more often than not is not a fair amount.
4. Insurance companies offer the least amount of money to settle a claim and if that offer is not accepted, they purposely drag out the claim to delay paying their clients the money they deserve.
5. Sixteen percent of adults have experienced financial hardship while waiting for a claim to be settled. Don't let this happen to you!

Another reason to consult with our accident lawyers? Aside from our contingency fee representation, we also offer free consultations and our attorneys are on-call 24/7. We're available when you need us, so why not give us a call?

The sooner you contact our accident attorneys, the sooner we can help you get the compensation you deserve after being injured as a result of someone else's careless driving and mistake. You can reach our attorneys at 1-800-444-5309, or you can email us directly from our website.

Fall in Love With Pisanchyn Law Firm

Don't have a Valentine this year? Don't worry about it! You can be ours!
 
At The Pisanchyn Law Firm our Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys, Attorney Michael J. Pisanchyn Jr., Attorney Douglas Yazinski, Attorney Keith J. Figured, Attorney M. Lee Albright, Attorney Andrew Ferguson, and our paralegals and staff pledge, without any equivocation, that should you retain us as your Pennsylvania injury law firm, we will represent you skillfully, compassionately, and most of all, aggressively.
 
Choosing a law firm to help you after suffering an injury is extremely difficult. Commitment is hard, we understand. That's why we offer free consultations! Furthermore, our clients pay no fees until we win their case and even then it is never out of their own pocket; we will only be paying you the money you deserve. We will help you through your difficult time. If we cannot do the job we will refer to you the best person who can. Our attorneys are available to you 24/7 including nights, holidays, and weekends, which is more than any Valentine we've ever had!
 
If you've been injured by the negligence of another, be it an automobile accidents, tractor trailer accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, workers' compensation, social security, or catastrophic injuries, we can help.

Still not sold? Get to know us better!

• Attorney Michael Pisanchyn
• Attorney Douglas Yazinski

Attorney Keith Figured

• 
• Attorney M. Lee Albright

• Attorney Andrew Ferguson

You can also follow us on twitter, facebook, and google+, or give us a call at 1-800-444-5309 with any questions or concerns about your case you may have.

Happy Valentine's Day, from all of us at The Pisanchyn Law Firm

How to Get Compensation for your Pennsylvania Tractor Trailer Accident Injuries

Were you or a loved one injured in a Tractor Trailer accident? If so, it is imperative you contact our Pennsylvania Tractor Trailer Accident attorneys. Our truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the vehicle codes and regulations of these semi's. Truck accidents are handled differently than normal passenger vehicle accidents.

Both State and/or Federal law, depending on if the truck was involved in intrastate or interstate transport may govern trucking accidents. Trucking companies as well as their drivers have to follow many State and Federal regulations to operate a commercial vehicle. Hiring our Pennsylvania trucking accident injury attorneys, who are experienced in tractor trailer accident litigation, is the only way to ensure that all required regulations have been followed, and if they weren't you could receive compensation for your trucking accident injury. Some of the regulations are as followed:

·      Trucking companies are required to follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) regulations concerning equipment and hours of service.

·      Truck drivers are required to maintain a driver's log.

·      Commercial driver's license standards are Federal regulations in place to reduce or prevent truck collisions and resulting injuries and/or deaths. Drivers of certain vehicles are required to obtain a single commercial motor vehicle driver's license.

·      Alcohol of any kind is not permitted in the trailer or the cab of the vehicle unless it is part of a shipment. This includes cough/ cold medications.

·      Federal regulations require commercial trucks to carry certain levels of insurance coverage, depending on the nature of the materials hauled. These regulations protect victims of large truck crashes from truck owners who may not have the financial resources to pay damages out-of-pocket.

The trucking companies pay out a great deal of money for their truck insurance policies due to the high risks and possible damages that could occur in the event of an 18 wheeler collision. Trucking companies begin an investigation into the accident as soon as it happens. If fault is found to be on behalf of the driver or company then the insurance adjusters just as quickly offer an insufficient settlement to compensate the victim for their negligence. These quick offers are a ploy to minimize costs paid out to you, the victim. Don't let this happen to you, if you or a loved have been involved in a tractor trailer accident call our PA trucking accident injury attorneys as soon after the accident as possible.

Our Pennsylvania tractor trailer accident attorneys can help you receive the full amount of compensation deserved for your trucking accident injuries, loss, and traumatic experience. Never agree to any offer made by the trucking company or their insurance adjusters without first consulting legal aid. At The Pisanchyn Law Firm our PA tractor trailer accident attorneys offer free services until we win your truck accident case and even then you will never pay out of pocket; we will only be paying you the money you deserve. Once you hire us as your attorneys we will immediately send out our own investigators to the scene, have them speak with witnesses, and review and report our findings so that you and your interests are fully protected.

The First Snow of the Season..

While driving into work today we sadly saw many accidents, and heard of many more from friends and family that were traveling as well. With today being the first day we've had a significant amount of winter weather in our area, we feel it's a good time to remind everyone of the importance of safe driving in winter weather conditions.

The weather channel (weather.com) has a great list of tips for driving in winter weather conditions, we listed the general driving points below for your convenience, however for more tips on what to do if you become victim of winter weather, and to see the full list, click here:

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
8. Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9. Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If you do experience a collision as a result of the weather, please, call us so we can help. Depending on the circumstances of the collision, you or your loved one may be eligible for compensation. A common question most people have after an accident is, do you need an auto accident attorney? This area of law is very complicated; there are exceptions and technicalities that if you do not know the law can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is why it is imperative you consult with an experienced auto accident attorney at The Pisanchyn Law Firm to guide you through your claim. Visit our website for more useful information about this topic or give us a call! 1-800-444-5309

Please, drive safely!

There Are Exceptions to Limited Tort, but Don't Rely on These Alone for Protection

5. Along with serious injury, there are other exceptions to limited tort but relying on these exceptions alone to be compensated for your pain and suffering, in most cases, will not help you.

Sometimes even if you have limited tort you can still be considered full tort under the following scenarios:

1. If you have a serious injury.
2. If you were driving or were a passenger in a commercial vehicle.
3. If the person who caused the accident is accepted into the A.R.D. program or convicted of a D.U.I.
4. The person who caused the collision has a license plate from out of state.
5. You were a pedestrian when struck.

The best way to protect yourself in the event of an accident is to have the right amount of insurance coverage. Having an experienced attorney to help you through your claim will also protect you and your loved ones' interests.

The accident attorneys at The Pisanchyn Law Firm are experienced in handling all accident cases including the above mentioned. Please, call us as soon as you are the victim of another driver's negligence for a free consultation so we can help you.

Exceptions are not Guarantees

4. Insurance companies follow strict legal definitions of what serious injury really is, and even though there is a serious injury exception for limited tort, you still may not get compensation for your pain and suffering.

There are a few instances in which you could still make a claim for pain and suffering if you have limited tort on your policy. One of these exceptions is serious injury. There is a strict legal definition of what serious injury is and even though yours or a loved one's injury is severe, it may not qualify for the exception.

Relying on exceptions such as these is never a good idea as it's impossible to know what may happen if you or a loved one are ever in a severe accident. It's best to know that you are protected regardless of the circumstances and having full coverage, including full tort, can give you that peace of mind.

The accident attorneys at The Pisanchyn Law Firm want to be there for you through every step of your claim to help you get the compensation you deserve. Please call us as soon as you are the victim of another driver's negligence.

The Tort Coverage You Choose Could Affect Your Family, Too

3. Whatever option you choose, full tort or limited tort, it could affect your family, too.

If other family members live in your household and do not have an automobile insurance policy, they are considered to have the tort option the person with insurance has elected. For instance, if you have children and they are involved in an automobile accident, they are considered to the have the same tort option that you have.

The accident attorneys at The Pisanchyn Law Firm want to be there for you through every step of your claim to help you get the compensation you deserve. Please call us as soon as you are the victim of another driver's negligence.

Is Limited Tort Really Less Expensive?

2. People choose limited tort on their policy because it saves them a little money right now, but if you get in a bad accident it won’t save you anything; in fact you could cost you thousands.

Limited tort is often pushed by the insurance companies as being more attractive than full tort because it is less expensive; however, what the insurance company doesn’t tell you is that the savings is minimal and if you or a loved one is injured because of someone else’s negligence you have given up your right to make a claim for pain and suffering except under the few exceptions of limited tort.

What a lot of people don’t realize or think of when setting up their policy is an injury could last for quite some time causing many doctor’s visits, procedures, medications, and possibly even cost you your job if the injury prevents you from performing your duties. These expenses add up quickly and are only covered up to the amount you have selected for your wage loss and/or medical expenses. After those coverage expenses are exhausted any remaining bills or wage loss is no longer the responsibility of your insurance company.

In some cases you can make a claim for pain and suffering to cover these unexpected expenses, but in most cases you can only do this if you have full tort on your policy. This is why it is not only a good idea to have full tort on your policy, but also the reason not having full tort can cost you thousands.

The accident attorneys at The Pisanchyn Law Firm want to be there for you through every step of your claim to help you get the compensation you deserve. Please call us as soon as you are the victim of another driver's negligence.

Do You Know the Difference?

1. It’s common for us to ask if you have full tort on your insurance policy and many times people will respond with, “I have full coverage.” Full coverage and full tort are not one in the same.

Normally, full coverage means you have all the state required liability options, as well as collision and comprehensive on your policy. While you do have to pick a tort coverage, full or limited, full tort is not required in Pennsylvania. This means if you have all the required liability options, collision, and comprehensive, but selected limited tort, you can not get compensation for pain and suffering.

What does compensation for pain and suffering mean exactly? Sometimes an injury is severe and will last for many months or even years causing you medical treatment for months or years to come. By choosing full tort you can protect yourself in the event of a long lasting injury that is caused by the negligence of another.

As we've mentioned before it's smart to think of 'what if' scenarios when setting up your insurance policy.

The accident attorneys at The Pisanchyn Law Firm want to be there for you through every step of your claim to help you get the compensation you deserve. Please call us as soon as you are the victim of another driver's negligence. For more information on Auto Insurance and to ensure you and your family truly are, "fully covered," visit our website.

Do You Know When Your Insurance Premium Can be Increased?

5. If you're worried your insurance premium will be increased after you report a claim, don't be. The insurance company can only increase your premium for one reason.

An insurance company can only increase your insurance premium based on "risk." If an accident is more than 50% your fault then you are more at "risk" and only then can the insurance company raise your premium. If you are the victim of another driver's negligence your premium can not be increased.

The accident attorneys at The Pisanchyn Law Firm want to be there for you through every step of your claim to help you get the compensation you deserve. Please call us as soon as you are the victim of another driver's negligence. For more information on Auto Insurance and to ensure you and your family truly are, "fully covered," visit our website.

Is Your Monthly Income Protected?

4. If an accident puts you out of work you could lose your monthly income unless you have this optional coverage on your policy.

Wage loss coverage is an option you can put on your insurance policy that will protect you in the event an accident injury prevents you from working. If added onto your policy then your insurance company is required, by law, to pay 80% of your gross income when you cannot return to your job from injuries sustained in the accident.

As we mentioned yesterday, the state minimum coverage doesn't save you anything in the long run and the same is true with wage loss coverage. The least amount of wage loss you can select is 1,000/5,000. This means, for instance, if you are out of work for 5 months, your insurance company will pay up to $1,000 per month for those 5 months. If you are out work for longer than 5 months but only have the minimum selected, you could lose your monthly income until you return to work.

Another way to protect you and your family after an accident is by calling The Pisanchyn Law Firm as soon as you are injured so our experienced injury attorneys can help you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Don't Let This Happen to You

2. Insurance companies take advantage of the fact that most people don't know their initial offers after an accident or injury are low, and get away with it.

Insurance companies will offer you the lowest amount possible to settle your claim. They do this because the less money they pay you the more money they make. This fact is one of the standing points in their business models. Read more about this model here.

Don't let the insurance companies trick you into an insufficient settlement. Call The Pisanchyn Law Firm as soon as you are injured so our experienced injury attorneys can help you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Most People Don't Know...

Here at The Pisanchyn Law Firm we think it's important to educate people on our different areas of practice. Each week we compile a list of important facts that most people don't know, and as a result, could harm them or their claim. As the week goes on we share more information on each fact.

1. 16% of adults are forced by insurance companies into financial difficulty after an injury.

2. Insurance companies take advantage of the fact that most people don't know their initial offers after an accident or injury are low, and get away with it.

3. Everyone with an insurance policy in Pennsylvania has to have Medical Expense Coverage having this as is on your policy may not be enough.

4. If an accident puts you out of work you could lose your monthly income unless you have this optional coverage on your policy.

5. If you're worried your insurance premium will be increased after you report a claim, don't be. The insurance company can only increase your rates for one reason.


Is there a particular practice area you'd like to know more about? Let us know! We are always looking for ways to help our clients, friends, families, and acquaintances and with your feedback we can get you the information you need. Comment on this post, send us a message on Facebook or Twitter, or email us at newsletter@pisanchyn.com with any suggestions or topics you'd like to know more about.