Munley Law Blog

What to Do After a Car Accident

After a Car Crash, You Need to Know What to Do

The nation’s leading accident lawyers explain what steps you should take after a collision

There are 6 million roadside collisions in the United States every year. However, despite hearing about car and truck accidents daily, we never think it will be us. As a result, many drivers and pedestrians find themselves unprepared when they suffer a crash. How accident victims react in the seconds, minutes, hours, days, and weeks after their crash creates lasting effects. Doing the right thing or the wrong thing can significantly impact how much compensation you could receive for your injuries. As such, our experienced car and truck crash lawyers explain exactly what to do after a roadside collision.

If you’d like to discuss the specifics of how to handle your accident case, call us today. […]

Determining Fault in an Auto Accident

After a car accident, hold the driver at fault accountable

The nation’s #1 personal injury lawyers explain how to determine who caused an auto collision

A crash can unquestionably change everything. Most people think that it won’t happen to them. However, 6 million drivers and passengers collide every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 3 million of those accident victims suffer serious injuries. Each year, 38,000 die in fatal car, SUV, and truck crashes. In addition to these tragic injuries and deaths, auto collisions are tremendously costly. In fact, the CDC reports that “medical care costs and productivity losses associated with injuries and deaths from motor vehicle crashes exceed $75 billion.” In most causes, determining fault in an auto accident is also the first step towards figuring out who must pay a crash victim’s expenses. However, this can be complicated. […]

What Are Premises Liability Claims?

America’s #1 accident lawyers explain how you can win your premises liability lawsuit

Accidents often happen when we least expect them. They often occur in the places that feel the most comfortable and mundane. People suffer injuries at the grocery store or a close friend’s home. As the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) reports, the leading cause of emergency room visits in the United States is slip and fall accidents. In fact, 8 million Americans (21.3%) seek emergency treatment for a fall each year. As such, the most common accidents are slip and fall accidents. However, they are not the only accidents that occur outside of the home. Accident victims who suffer injuries at a business or property may be able to file premises liability claims to recover their losses.

Premises liability law can be tricky. As such, the nation’s best personal injury lawyers from Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys are here to help. […]

The Impact of COVID-19 on Nursing Home Abuse

“Staggering” reports reveal COVID-19’s horrific impact on nursing home abuse

When we trust a team of experts to care for our loved ones, we expect kindness and competency. However, nursing home abuse–a form of elder abuse that occurs in long-term healthcare facilities–is on the rise. Nursing home abuse may take many forms ranging from physical to financial abuse. Many families already know what it is like to spot signs of neglect while visiting a loved one in a nursing home. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic makes these problems worse. Visitors cannot visit. Problems slip through the cracks. In many instances, the seniors we love died as a result. Thus, in the past few months, the number of  class action and individual wrongful death lawsuits based on negligent elder care increased dramatically. To understand the risks and what it takes to keep your loved one safe, you need to understand the impact of COVID-19 on nursing home abuse. […]

What is Discovery?

Understanding your lawsuit’s discovery phase

If you recently filed a lawsuit, then you likely have questions about how your case will progress. Clients often ask our attorneys about discovery. In fact, most civil plaintiffs and defendants have never heard of the discovery phase of a trial. They have no idea what discovery is. As such, our award-winning personal injury team is here to explain discovery and what you can expect during this phase of litigation.

According to the American Bar Association, discovery is “the formal process of exchanging information between the parties about the witnesses and evidence they’ll present at trial.” In other words, it is a mechanism for obtaining the info and evidence that you need to win your case.

The phases of a civil trial

In order to fully understand the discovery phase, […]

What is Summary Judgment?

Understanding motions for summary judgment…and how to win them

If you sued a defendant for your injuries or other damages, then you can expect certain legal responses and defenses. While every case is unique, some stages of litigation come up in nearly every lawsuit. Summary judgment is one of those phases. Understanding what summary judgment is and how handle it is key to winning big in your case. As a result, our experienced trial lawyers define summary judgment and provide a guide to using this legal step to maximize your compensation payout.

To discuss the details of your lawsuit for FREE, schedule a consultation with an award-winning Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys litigator today.

Motions for summary judgment: what they are and what do they do

In order to fully grasp motions for summary judgment, you must have a basic understanding of how lawsuits work. […]

FMCSA Proposes New Under-21 Commercial Driver Pilot Program

Proposed pilot program would allow 18-20 year old drivers to operate commercial motor vehicles

The nation’s leading accident lawyers weigh in on the under-21 commercial driver program

On September 4, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a new proposal. Under the proposed program, the FMCSA would allow 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). 49 states and the District of Columbia already permit drivers 18-20 with Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL) to operate CMVs in-state. However, the proposed FMCSA program would enable these under-21 drivers to deliver goods across state lines. As of now, the under-21 commercial driver pilot program is still open for public comment and awaiting approval.

Eligible under-21 commercial drivers

The FMCSA‘s proposed pilot program applies to two categories of drivers. […]

Can You Sue Uber for Accident Injuries?

Uber and Lyft crashes: Can rideshare passengers sue?

If you were a passenger in a car or SUV that crashed, you may be wondering if you can sue Uber for your accident injuries. The nation’s #1 crash lawyers explain.

Last year, more than 5 million Uber driver took Americans on 6.9 billion trips. As such, the rideshare app brought in an annual net revenue of 14.1 billion. Lyft finished out the year with 23 million active users and 3.6 billion in revenue. In many ways, these innovative apps positively change how we think about transportation and the gig economy. At the very least, they alter how many of us get from Point A to Point B.

However, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft also contribute to a growing danger in the United States. According to researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), […]

Determining the Settlement Value of Your Accident Case

Figuring out how much your accident case is worth

After suffering injuries from a car, truck, SUV, bus, or pedestrian crash, your life may be very different. While some accident victims can go back to their jobs, many are temporarily or permanently unable to work. Other victims require additional surgeries, rehabs, or treatments. Likewise, some suffer permanent disabilities that will require ongoing treatment for the rest of their lives. Undoubtedly, the pain and suffering that follows a catastrophic crash takes its toll on both the accident victim and their loved ones. Even the simplest tasks and every day chores can suddenly feel overwhelming. Moreover, the costs of all of these changes are often astronomical. Between medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, equipment and home modifications, and replacement services, the bills quickly stack up.

Luckily, there is a way to get some financial help. Filing a claim against the responsible actors can get you compensation to cover these expenses. […]

Pennsylvania Car Insurance Requirements

If you suffer a car crash in Pennsylvania, the right car insurance can make all the difference

Follow these tips from the nation’s leading car and truck accident lawyers

In truth, nobody wants to think that they will ever crash their car. We all think it can’t happen to us. However, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports that there are 6 million motor-vehicle accidents in the United States every year. Of that 6 million crashes, 3 million Americans suffer serious injuries. Over 36,000 drivers and passengers die each year. Pennsylvania drivers must carry car insurance by law. However, choosing the right  auto insurance is a whole separate matter. In the event of a catastrophic automotive crash, the right auto insurance can make all of the difference. To help you choose the type fo car insurance that is right for you, the nation’s #1 crash lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys provide this information about Pennsylvania car insurance requirements. […]

What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

After a hit-and-run accident, take action

The nation’s best personal injury lawyers explain what to do after a hit-and-run automobile crash

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), there are 682,000 hit-and-run accidents in the United States every year. The moments after a serious accident are the most frightening. The crash scene may be chaotic and you may feel confused, stressed, and seriously in pain. Additionally, these feelings will likely be amplified if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident. However, taking a moment to learn how to proceed when the driver who hit you flees the scene of the collision can make a world of difference. Accordingly, our award-winning car and truck crash lawyers  explain what to do and what not to do after a hit-and-run accident.

If you’d like to discuss the details of your accident, schedule a free consultation with a leading personal injury lawyer from Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys today. […]

Avoiding Fall Accidents on Pennsylvania Roads

Don’t become another Pennsylvania crash victim statistic

Avoid fall accidents and collisions with these tips from the nation’s leading car crash lawyers

There is no time quite like autumn in Pennsylvania. The leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. The weather cools. And the smell of wood fireplaces fills the air. However, many Pennsylvanians do not realize that the fall months are among the most dangerous for drivers. In fact, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation‘s (PennDOT) annual Crash Facts & Statistics report, there are more crashes in the fall than any other season. Protect yourself and your family from fall accidents by following these tips from our expert car crash lawyers.

Slow down and be extra careful on leaf-covered roads

As Pennsylvania trees become bare, their leaves fall to the ground and cover the roads and highways. […]

October is Pedestrian Safety Month

Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Observe Pedestrian Safety Month with Safety Reminders

This October, join Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys in celebrating the first annual Pedestrian Safety Month. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a division of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), created Pedestrian Safety Month to increase “awareness about pedestrian safety.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pedestrians face exceptional danger. In fact, the CDC reports that hospital emergency departments treat 137,000 injured pedestrians each year. Additionally, every 88 minutes, an American pedestrian is killed in a traffic accident.

In light of these dangers, the NHTSA’s goal is to remind drivers and walkers that staying safe is a shared responsibility.

At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we understand the dangers that pedestrians face. For that reason, […]

Fatal tractor trailer crash on I-81 in Lackawanna County

A Dickson City man and a Philadelphia woman were killed in a crash with a tractor trailer on I-81 in Moosic, PA at around 11:20 PM Wednesday, October 7, 2020. The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that fire departments from Moosic, Avoca and Taylor responded to the crash scene, along with multiple EMS units. The highway was shut down for hours overnight before reopening around 7AM on Thursday morning. Initial reports say that the tractor-trailer struck the victims’ vehicle while attempting to change lanes; both vehicles then went over an embankment and the car was crushed under the truck. The truck driver was not seriously injured.

Additional investigation will determine the exact cause of the crash. The days following a tractor-trailer crash will be critical in collecting and preserving evidence in order to determine if negligence contributed to this tragedy. Most tractor-trailers are equipped with black box data recorders containing all kinds of information about the truck and driver in the moments leading up to the crash. […]

Going on a Labor Day Road Trip?

Considered the season’s last hurrah before autumn sets in, the Labor Day long weekend is almost here.  It’s the perfect time to get one last taste of summer.  Americans will be hitting the road in great numbers.  Now, that some of the COVID-19 restrictions have eased in our area, people are looking forward to reconnecting with family and friends they haven’t seen in a while.   According to Travel Agent Central,  72 percent of traveling Americans prefer to to drive this year.

Labor Day is the 5th Deadliest Holiday

Unfortunately holidays also see an uptick in car crashes resulting in serious injury and death.  Almost 400 people died last year in car accidents during the Labor Day holiday period.  The car has the highest fatality rate per passenger of any major form of transportation. There are over 45,000 injuries that require medical attention from car crashes during the holiday period.   […]

Employees sue companies in public nuisance lawsuits

COVID-19, workplace protections, and public nuisance lawsuits

The coronavirus pandemic has drawn attention to issues related to workplace safety and employee protections.

This week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health issues a new order requiring hospitals to better protect healthcare workers from the coronavirus. Hospitals will be required to provide respirators to staff involved in direct care of COVID-19 patients, replace soiled or damaged respirators on request, require universal masking, and notify staff members who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. They must also provide testing for their workers. These changes come after months during which nurses and other healthcare workers complained of inadequate protections, rationing PPE, and other safety concerns.

Workers suing McDonalds, Amazon test public nuisance theory in workplace safety lawsuits

Employees at McDonalds and Amazon seeking better workplace conditions have taken legal action against their employers. […]

How long does it take to resolve a personal injury case?

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Personal Injury Claim?

One of the most common questions that our clients ask is: how long it will take to settle my personal injury case?  Unfortunately, no lawyer can answer that question for certain because every case is different and it can take time to reach the best outcome possible (if you encounter a lawyer who claims to be able to resolve your case in a fixed time period, that may be a red flag, and worthy of considering a change in representation). And of course, if the insurance company refuses to offer an acceptable settlement, your case may go to trial which will extend the timeline a bit further.

To help you understand what to expect in a personal injury case, our experienced personal injury litigation team at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys explain the timeline of a typical case and the factors that can impact your recovery. […]

Frequently Asked Questions About Sepsis

Sepsis FAQ: I Was Diagnosed with Sepsis–Can I Sue the Hospital?

What is sepsis and is it serious?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sepsis is the body’s extreme inflammatory response to an infection that occurs when harmful germs, bacteria, and toxins enter the blood, skin, lungs, urinary tract, or other tissue and cause an infection. If that infection is not treated, it can spread and cause sepsis.

The CDC classifies sepsis as a life-threatening medical emergency, sometimes resulting in the need for amputation, organ failure, and death.

Sepsis has a remarkably high mortality rate; about 50% of the 1.5 million people who contract it go into septic shock.

What Causes Sepsis?

Any infection can cause sepsis, but the most common types of infections that eventually lead to sepsis are:

• Pneumonia and Other Lung Infections
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Abdominal Infections
• Bloodstream Infections
• Kidney Infections
• Skin Infections

According to the CDC, […]

Cocktails To-Go Approved in Pennsylvania

Cocktails to-go allowed in Pennsylvania, under these conditions…

Pennsylvania has joined many other states around the country in allowing restaurants and bars to serve take-out cocktails.  With bipartisan backing, Governor Tom Wolf signed this temporary measure.  The new law applies to hotels and licensed restaurants and taverns that have lost at least 25% of their average monthly sales as a result of restrictions placed on them during the covid pandemic.  The hope is that this new flexibility will allow restaurants not only to stay in business but to possibly hire back additional employees that may have been furloughed. 

The drinks must be a combination of spirits and mixers and must be made on the premises.  Wine and cocktails made with wine are not included.  

The beverages must be served in sealed containers no smaller than 4 ounces and no larger than 64 ounces.  […]

Pandemic closures linked to bad driving among teens, adults

Coronavirus pandemic-related closures leave some drivers out of practice, encourage recklessness in others

New analysis from AAA suggests that the coronavirus pandemic may have something to do with worsening driving skills, particularly among young people.

Good driving is all about developing good habits, and that takes practice. For a young driver still developing those habits, two or three months without regular practice can stall their progress. That means that when they get behind the wheel again for the first time in months, it’s likely that their skills will be a bit rusty and they’ll be more prone to accidents. This is especially important for parents to remember as many pandemic-related restrictions are lifting just as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers are beginning.

Historically, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the worst time of year for fatal auto accidents involving teen drivers. […]