McNichol·Byrne·Matlawski, P.C.

Personal InjuryRegarding Automobile Accidents

Posted in: Practice Areas » Personal Injury

Since the inception of McNichol, Byrne & Matlawski, P.C., our attorneys have provided quality representation to clients and helped many individuals and families cope with the aftermath of serious injury and trauma. 

Personal Injury is a legal practice area that focuses on bodily, emotional and mental injuries as opposed to an injury to just property.  Although personal injury litigation can take many forms, the most common types of personal injury claims involve car accidents, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, dog bites and slip and fall cases. 

• Automobile Accidents

The largest percentage of personal injury cases are automobile accidents.  Modern day driver distractions, such as cell phones and oversized billboards, are just a small number of obstacles that safe drivers face on a daily basis in addition to bad road conditions, drunk drivers, crossover accidents, defective auto products, head-on collisions, construction and winter weather.  Statistically, one in three people will get into an automobile accident at some point in their life.  When automobile collisions occur they can have a traumatic impact on a person's life beyond physical bodily injury.  Family breadwinners may find their injury has prevented a return to work causing financial and economic strain.  Physical pain may affect sleep patterns, making one experience mood swings or depression.  The impact of the collision itself may cause a disturbance in one's daily life with unexpected residual side effects such as fear of driving and prevention of favorite recreational activities or past times.  If you have been involved in an automobile accident, chances are that those close to you are suffering as well.  While personal injury litigation cannot undo the damage caused by an automobile accident, it can help alleviate financial constraints associated with an injury and monetarily compensate you for your pain and suffering.

 » See Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Automobile Accidents

• Bicycle Accidents

 Many motorists fail to recognize the rights of cyclists on the roadway.  The Pennsylvania Bicycle Safety Law helps protect cyclists from the dangers created by motorists.  For a motorist to pass a bicyclist, the motorist must allow at least 4 feet between their vehicle and the bicycle.  Under the Law, a motorist is permitted to cross a double yellow line if necessary to give the cyclist 4 feet when passing.  If a cyclist is traveling below the speed limit, they must keep to the right side of the road unless they are making a left turn or traversing a one-way street.  If there is a one travel lane, the cyclist may use any portion of the lane in order to avoid hazards or other dangerous conditions.  Cyclists do not face the same insurance coverage policy issues that motorists face.  Regardless of tort selection, cyclists may recover for pain and suffering.

• Dog Bites

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Humane Society of theUnited Statesthere are over 4 million dog bites a year in theUnited States.  Of those bites, approximately 16 result in death each year.  Dog bite prevention and safety falls on the owner, who is responsible for complying with all state and local restrictions enacted to keep people safe.  When the dog owner breaches this duty and the dog injures you, you may be entitled to recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

• Slip and Fall

While slips, trips, and falls are common occurrences for most people, they can on occasion cause serious injuries.  Don't automatically assume that it is your fault as another person, business or company may be responsible for your injuries.  Business and company owners owe a heightened duty to customers who they invite onto their premise.  They must make the premise safe for the general public.  That means the sidewalks, elevators, parking lots, garages, restrooms, gyms, pools, shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, bars, clubs, work and other public places must provide a safe atmosphere.