A recent statement from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that better headlight systems on cars could reduce pedestrian accidents. Although there are other factors at play in the recent spike among pedestrian fatalities in accidents with automobiles, headlights were among the major factors. It is important to note that from 2007 to 2016, the number of people fatally injured in automobile crashes fell about 14 percent, but the number of pedestrian fatalities rose 27 percent. The NTSB went[…] Read More
Halloween Safety
Halloween is such a special time of year for children and adults. When Halloween or your town’s designated day for trick-or-treating finally arrives, it is such an exciting event. Parents must also be aware of the safety hazards and concerns that accompany this day. The National Safety Council tracks safety statistics regarding injuries and fatalities related to motor vehicle accidents. Parents should know that on Halloween, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car than[…] Read More
Philadelphia Neighborhoods Tackle Traffic-Related Fatalities
With busy city streets of Philadelphia often come speeding cars and relentless traffic. Bicyclists and pedestrians commonly fight for a safe space on and across the roads, carefully maneuvering from one point to another. Often, cyclists must choose between riding next to zooming cars without so much as a bike lane or riding on sidewalks and swerving around parked vehicles and pedestrians. While you may believe that these populated neighborhoods are the ones most likely to see the greatest number[…] Read More
The Dangers of Winter Slip and Fall Accidents
Several factors combine to form a perfect storm of conditions for slip and fall accidents in the winter season. Some of these conditions, examined in greater detail, include the following: Inclement Weather Slick and icy roads can make it harder for a driver to avoid a collision with a pedestrian. Sleet puddles and ice patches on poorly treated or untreated walkways may also impact the way a pedestrian moves near the road. They may be less likely to pay attention[…] Read More
School Bus Safety Reminders
As summer comes to an end and the school year approaches, approximately 25 million students nationwide will utilize school buses a means of transportation to and from school. School bus safety is an important issue parents should discuss with their children before the beginning of the school year, especially for first time riders. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, school buses are the safest means of transportation for children getting to and from school. Moreover, The National Safety[…] Read More
Pedestrian Accident Study
Pedestrian injuries and fatalities are an unfortunate consequence of auto accidents. Fatalities resulting from pedestrian accidents account for a larger portion of all crashes today than ever before. According to a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 25% of all traffic fatalities in New Jersey are pedestrian fatalities. The nationwide data paints a broader picture in which pedestrians are injured every eight minutes on average. These alarming statistics show no sign of yielding as the study[…] Read More
Important Halloween Safety Tips
The Philadelphia car accident lawyers of Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates would like to share some important information to help parents keep their trick-or-treaters safe this Halloween season. Kids are excited and distracted on Halloween and it is important to discuss safety tips with children of all ages before they set out to celebrate the night of fun filled with trick or treating. These facts and precautions just might save a child from falling victim to a pedestrian accident this[…] Read More
Eschbach Exception- Pedestrians Have Full Tort Status!
At the Philadelphia personal injury law firm of Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates, we represent accident victims. Just because you believe that you may be bound by the Limited Tort threshold does not mean that recovery for pain and suffering is precluded. In L.S. v. David Eschbach,Jr., Inc., 874 A.2d 1150 (Pa. 2005), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that Pennsylvania pedestrians injured by motor vehicles are entitled to full tort status regardless of whether their individual insurance policy elects limited[…] Read More
Elderly Pedestrians at Greater Risk for Death in Motor Vehicle Accident
In the United States, there are approximately 4,000 pedestrians that die as a result of injuries sustained in the 34,000 collision related fatalities that occur each year. Pedestrian deaths account for 13 percent of all traffic related deaths. A recent study analysis conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed significant findings about the elderly population and the danger they face as pedestrians. The researchers reported that elderly pedestrians aged 75 years and older are more than twice[…] Read More