South Williamsport Personal Injury Blog

When most Pennsylvania drivers think of motor vehicle accidents, many imagine an unavoidable series of events that lead to calamity. However, distracted driving is one cause of serious car accidents  that can absolutely be avoided. Distracted driving is generally defined as the practice of driving a motor vehicle while engaged in another activity, typically one that involves the use of a mobile phone or other electronic device. This was the case in a recent story that ended tragically for one man, and forever changed the life of another. 

In Oct. 2017, the driver of a truck that contained a dash cam was traveling on I-81 near Carlisle, Pennsylvania. His vehicle struck a motorcycle being driven by a 56-year-old man, with his sister as a passenger. The driver of the motorcycle was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, while his sister, the second victim, is still attempting to recover from the serious injuries she suffered. 

Occupational asthma is a problem in many workplaces in Pennsylvania, and it is a significant problem because it affects both employees and employers who see the effects on the bottom lines of their companies. Asthma can affect workers in a variety of industries because exposure to a wide range of products and substances can cause it -- or exacerbate an existing condition. Affected workers can develop chest tightness, wheezing, coughing and breath shortness upon exposure to harmful products hours, days or even months after exposure. Fortunately, this disease is covered by the workers' compensation insurance system.

If occupational asthma is not diagnosed, treated and managed promptly, it could become so severe that victims may be unable to work. Some may have to change their occupations to avoid exposure to the irritants or allergens that cause their asthma. Over 250 substances have been identified as work-related asthma hazards, including manufacturing chemicals in paints, wood dust, cleaning agents, flour, grain, mold, latex gloves, insects, plants and animals.

No job is free from the possibility of causing injury to a worker. Due to the risk of being injured on the job, Pennsylvania employers are required to carry workers' compensation coverage for employees. This state-regulated insurance provides financial assistance to an injured worker, or survivors' benefits should the worker suffer a fatal accident while working.

Two Pennsylvania sanitation workers were recently victims of a garbage truck accident. They were heading down a hill on the out-of-control vehicle when the incident occurred. Though the road curves at the bottom of the hill, the garbage truck continued straight. It crashed through some trees and went down an embankment, coming to rest on its side.

Many reasons can account for why one may decide to flee a traffic stop. Prior issues with law enforcement, outstanding warrants or possession of illegal substances are many cited reasons for one deciding to evade law enforcement. Regardless, car accidents are sometimes caused by drivers fleeing from police officers. A resulting collision may end up hurting others in or near the roadway, simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

A 26-year-old man recently pleaded guilty to numerous criminal charges, including homicide by vehicle, fleeing police and aggravated assault. The charges stem from a police chase that took place in western Pennsylvania and took the life of another motorist. The incident began when the man fled a traffic stop.