Personal Injury Cases - Flager & Yockey, P.C.

Study finds teen girl drivers more distracted than boys

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:09:23 +0000

A new study reveals that teenage girls are more likely than boys to use cell phones and other electronic devices while driving, putting them and others at risk of serious injuries in car accidents.

The study, conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, was based on video footage gathered by researchers at the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center. Texting while driving was the top distraction, followed by eating and drinking, personal grooming and fiddling with the vehicle controls.

As personal injury lawyers in Philadelphia, we at Flager & Yockey, P.C. have represented people injured in car accidents due to distracted driving. It’s heartbreaking to see what victims and families experience due to the negligence of others.

While the new study focuses on teen driving behavior, our accident attorneys in Pennsylvania know that young people are not always to blame for car crashes. We have seen how distracted drivers, young and old, can be responsible for serious car accidents in Philadelphia and elsewhere.

Researchers found that teenage females were nearly 10 percent more likely to become distracted while driving than boys. They were nearly 50 percent more likely to reach for something than boys, and nearly 25 percent more likely to eat or drink while driving than boys.

Boys, however, were about twice as likely as girls to become distracted and look behind them and were also more likely to talk with people outside of the car.

The AAA study also examined how teens act when they have peers in the car vs. how they behave when driving alone. With friends in the car, they are more likely to horse around while driving. When driving alone, the teens were likely to use mobile devices.

It’s important for parents to speak with their teenage drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. Parents or guardians may want to restrict the number of passengers to one, which can cut down on boisterous behavior.

Earlier studies found that texting while driving increases the chance of a car accident by 23 times compared to someone who is not texting. While even experienced drivers should not text behind the wheel, inexperienced drivers like teenagers who send or receive text messages may be at an even higher risk for a serious accident.

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, you should not hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. The experienced attorneys at Flager & Yockey, P.C., can fight hard to protect your legal rights. Call 1-888-470-1099 or visit http://www.flageryockey.com to see how we can help. Flager & Yockey, P.C. is located at One Northbrook Corporate Center, 1210 Northbrook Drive, Ste. 280, Trevose, PA 19053.

Should more restrictions be placed on teenage drivers?

admin — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 21:29:10 +0000

Driving laws for teenagers vary from state to state. New Jersey has two different types of teenage driver’s licenses based on age and experience for drivers under 21 years old. Pennsylvania restricts driving for teenagers under 18 years old, including limiting the hours teens drive.

Such laws may sound strict, but are they tough enough? A recent study advocates nationwide phased-in teen driving rules. If every state had tougher phased-in teen driving laws, an estimated 2,000 traffic fatalities each year nationwide could be prevented, according to a study done by the National Safety Council, which researched the issue for the Allstate Foundation.

An estimated 34 lives in Pennsylvania and 13 lives in New Jersey could be saved every year if every state nationwide adopted tougher phased-in teen driving privileges, according to the Allstate Foundation.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Teenage drivers may have a reputation for being reckless behind the wheel, but is it fair to assume every teenage driver in an accident is at fault? While teenagers can be at fault in an accident, this is not always the case. As personal injury lawyers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we have fought to protect the rights of accidents victims from all walks of life, including teenage clients who were injured due to the reckless actions of others.

In some cases, the teenager is a passenger or a pedestrian who is injured or killed through no fault of his or her own.

If you are a teenager who was seriously injured in an accident, or your teenage son or daughter was injured or died in an accident, a lawyer at Flager & Yockey may be able to help you. Our legal professionals are prepared to conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability. We understand how devastating an accident can be – not only to the victim, but to the parents, the brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles and friends.

Contact a Pennsylvania teen auto accident attorney who fights for justice: Flager & Yockey. Serving clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, our attorneys are dedicated to helping auto accident injury victims, including working with them to decide whether to file a Pennsylvania auto accident lawsuit.

NJ, PA cell phone driving laws strict, but not tough enough?

admin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:28:06 +0000

Pennsylvania and New Jersey have some of strictest texting while driving laws in the country. Pennsylvania recently outlawed texting while driving effective March 8, 2012. New Jersey currently prohibits texting while driving. But that’s not enough, according to the federal agency responsible for investigating auto accidents. The National Transportation Safety Board recently recommended banning the use of cell phones while driving, including hands-free cell phone devices. “It’s about not being engaged at the task at hand,” NTSB chairman Deborah Herman said in a front page New York Times article. “Lives are being lost in the blink of an eye.”

Distracted driving kills and injuries thousands of people each year nationwide. If you or a family member has sustained a serious injury due to someone else’s reckless behavior, take action. Contact a Pennsylvania texting auto accident attorney who fights for justice. Contact Flager & Yockey. Serving clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, our dedicated Pennsylvania texting auto accident lawyers work tirelessly for clients every day in the Philadelphia are. We understand how complicated accidents can be for families. Turn to a Pennsylvania distracted driving attorney who helps people get their lives back on track. Contact Flager & Yockey.

Including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, 35 states ban texting while driving. In addition, nine states prohibit the use of hand-held phones. Even so, auto accidents happen. “You can’t take it back, you can’t have a do over, and you can’t rewind,” Herman said in defense of the NTSB’s support for a total cell phone ban while driving.

Auto accidents killed 1,256 people in Pennsylvania and 583 people in New Jersey in 2009. Thousands more are injured in both states and nationwide every day. Don’t become another statistic. Take back control. Contact an attorney who believes every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Contact Flager & Yockey.

Cost of a motor vehicle fatality soars above $6 million in PA & NJ

admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:37:47 +0000

The number of people who died in motor vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey has declined in recent years. In 2005, a total of 1,616 people died in auto accidents in Pennsylvania and 747 died in New Jersey. In contrast, 1,256 people died in Pennsylvania car crashes in 2009 and 583 died in New Jersey auto accidents that same year, according to recent statistics.

But while the number of fatalities has declined, the financial impact of a fatal auto accident has skyrocketed in both states and nationwide. In 2009, the cost of a single motor vehicle fatality exceeded $6 million nationwide. That figure is 85 percent – or $2.76 million – higher compared to 2005, when the estimated cost of a single motor vehicle fatality was $3.24 million across the country.

Accidents happen fast. But the effects can last a lifetime. What would your family do if you lost a loved in a deadly auto accident? You need a dedicated Pennsylvania fatal auto accident attorney on your side. You need Flager & Yockey. Serving clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, our dedicated fatal car crash attorneys in Pennsylvania work tirelessly every day to help families just like yours. We have handled many tough cases before throughout our careers. This wealth of experience enables our lawyers to knowledgeably tackle each case with a clear understanding of what needs to be done to make sure your family gets the compensation you rightfully deserve. Put your trust in a fatal auto accident lawyer in Pennsylvania who puts people first. Contact Flager & Yockey.

Some insurance companies may give you a hard time after your loved one’s accident. They realize that many people will often settle for far less than they should receive for their accident. They don’t scare us. Contact an attorney comfortable taking on uncooperative insurance companies. Allow us to cut through the red tape so your family can get on with your lives.

Flager & Yockey – driven to succeed, focused on results.

Texting and driving put people at risk in PA and NJ

admin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:41:38 +0000

Texting while driving is legal in Pennsylvania. But that may soon change. State lawmakers have been debating for years over whether to place restrictions on texting and driving. Both sides appear close to resolving the issue and enacting laws prohibiting texting while driving in Pennsylvania. If Pennsylvania does so, it will join 34 other states and the District of Columbia, all of which currently ban texting while driving. New Jersey is one of the 34 states.

Distracted driving kills and injuries thousands of people each year nationwide. If you or a family member has sustained a serious injury due to someone else’s reckless behavior, take action. Contact a Pennsylvania texting accident attorney who fights for justice. Contact Flager & Yockey. Serving clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, our highly skilled Pennsylvania texting accident lawyers work tirelessly for clients every day. We understand how complicated accidents can be for people. Allow us to help you cut through the red tape and get the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact a Pennsylvania distracted driving attorney who puts people first. Contact Flager & Yockey.

A recent scientific study revealed some startling information about the effects of texting on a driver’s reaction time. According to the study conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute, drivers react twice as slow while texting. “It is frightening,” the researchers wrote, “to think of how much more poorly our participants may have performed if the driving conditions were more consistent with routine driving.”

Distracted driving accidents happen fast. Knowing what to do afterwards can be confusing. We can help. The dedicated attorneys at Flager & Yockey believe every client deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We’re here to make sure accident victims get the attention they deserve. Contact Flager & Yockey for first-class legal advice. Allow us to help you get your life back on track.

Discover the link between pedestrian accidents and texting in PA & NJ

admin — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:43:51 +0000

Here’s a startling statistic about the link between pedestrian accidents and texting. If you’re texting while crossing the street, you’re four times more likely to be hit by a car than someone who’s not texting. Specifically, you have a 25 percent chance of being hit by a car while crossing the street if you’re texting. If you are not texting, you have a 6 percent chance of being hit by a vehicle, according to scientific study conducted by the Youth Safety Laboratory at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Have you been injured in a pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania? Injured by a driver talking on a cell phone in New Jersey? You need a tough Pennsylvania personal injury attorney who will fight for your rights. You need Flager & Yockey. Serving clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys near Philadelphia thoroughly understand each state’s unique laws concerning texting and pedestrians. We then use this information to help you decide the best course of action in your case. No one deserves to suffer because of someone else’s reckless behavior. Put your trust in a New Jersey personal injury attorney who puts people first. Contact Flager & Yockey.

Pedestrian accidents result in serious injuries – and even death – every day across America. More than 59,000 pedestrians are injured each year in accidents on average nationwide. In 2009, a total of 4,092 pedestrians were killed in U.S. auto accidents, according to the latest statistics compiled by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration.

Serious accidents demand serious attention. Take back control. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact a Pennsylvania attorney who will work tirelessly for you. Contact Flager & Yockey. We’re on your side.

Children safer in cars driven by grandparents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

admin — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:05:26 +0000

News involving drivers over 65 years old used to focus on their high accident rate. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported, “In 1997, older people (over 70 years old) made up 9 percent of the resident population but accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and 17 percent of all pedestrian fatalities.” But a recent study has discovered that older drivers are often the safest drivers. Specifically, children are twice as safe when their grandparents are driving instead of their parents. “What we learned was that grandparents drive very, very cautiously when their grandchildren are on board, making a special effort to drive safely,” Dr. Fred Henretig, who conducted the study, told Time Magazine.

Accidents happen fast. Instantly, your life can change. Your accident could require you to spend weeks in a hospital. You might need physical therapy. Even then, your life might not return to normal because of someone else’s reckless behavior.

Don’t suffer in silence. Take back control. Contact a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney who can help get you back on your feet after your accident. Contact Flager & Yockey. Serving clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys near Philadelphia have dedicated their careers to helping auto accident victims. We know what it takes to win a case. We carefully sort through all the facts others often overlook after an accident. We then use this information to build a rock-solid case with one goal in mind: get you the maximum compensation you rightfully deserve. Put your trust in a New Jersey personal injury attorney who puts people first. Contact Flager & Yockey.

Accident statistics vary for older drivers. The odds of getting in a fatal accident increase noticeably each year for drivers over 75 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control. And yet older drivers are some of the most responsible drivers. An estimated 77 percent of drivers over 65 years old wear their seatbelts compared to 63 percent of drivers 18 to 64 years old. They also have far fewer drunk driving accidents compared to drivers 21 to 64 years old.

Don’t leave your future to chance. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, contact an attorney who means business. Contact Flager & Yockey.

Fatal motor vehicle accidents cost PA, NJ families billions of dollars

admin — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:43:43 +0000

Pennsylvania ranks fifth in the nation for the highest financial impact of fatal motor vehicle crashes, according to a recent study. Each year, such accidents cost residents $1.52 billion. The financial impact on New Jersey families is startling as well: $651 million each year.

Fatal motor vehicle accidents wreak havoc on families. You need a determined Pennsylvania auto accident lawyer working for you. You need Flager & Yockey. Serving clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, our experienced car accident attorneys near Philadelphia have dedicated their careers to fighting for justice. Fatal accidents can be extremely complicated. Knowing what to do can be confusing. Count on a Pennsylvania auto accident attorney who can guide you through all the red tape. Contact Flager & Yockey.

In 2008, 1,468 people in Pennsylvania and 590 people in New Jersey died in a motor vehicle accident within 30 days of the crash. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calculated the annual financial impact of fatal motor vehicle crashes in the United States. Each year, fatal accidents cost America $41 billion in medical and work loss costs.

Fatal motor vehicle accidents can be devastating for families. And it’s not just dealing with the heart-breaking loss of a loved one. Insurance companies can often be difficult to deal with after an accident. Let us help take the frustration and mystery out of dealing with big corporations. Contact Flager & Yockey. We’re eager to help you.

Pennsylvania experiences an increase in motorcycle accident deaths

admin — Fri, 20 May 2011 19:27:11 +0000

Unfortunately, the number of motorcycle deaths has increased in Pennsylvania, according to a new report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). The association compared the first nine months of 2009 to the same period in 2010. There were 186 motorcycle fatalities in 2009 and 197 a year later, a 6 percent increase.

While motorcycle deaths are up in Pennsylvania, nationally the number of motorcycle accident fatalities dropped by 2 percent, which was the second straight year of a decline. Motorcycle accident deaths had been steadily increasing the United States for 11 years until two years ago.

At Flager & Yockey, we have represented clients who have been seriously injured in motorcycle accidents or who have lost loved ones. We understand how motorcycle accidents can be devastating to individuals and families. If you or someone you care about was injured or killed, get in touch with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Philadelphia. Our Pennsylvania accident lawyers can discuss your legal rights. You can rely on an experienced Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorney at Flager & Yockey.

The GHSA motorcycle report concerns safety advocates. The number of fatalities nationwide started to climb back up during the last three months of the nine-month documented period. The author of the report noted that more people are riding motorcycles with rising gas prices, which means more accidents are likely. Also, helmet use declined 13 percent between 2009 and 2010, which the GHSA finds “alarming.”

Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries, including head trauma, bone fractures and internal injuries. Depending on the circumstances, a motorcycle fatality may be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.

We have represented clients who are grieving their loved ones who died in motorcycle accidents. We see first-hand how traumatic a motorcycle accident case can be, and we work hard to make sure justice prevails. If you lost a loved one, contact a compassionate motorcycle accident lawyer in Pennsylvania who puts experience and resources to work. Contact Flager & Yockey.

Uninsured motorists put other drivers at risk in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

admin — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:59:44 +0000

What would you do if an uninsured motorist hit your car in Pennsylvania or New Jersey? How would you pay for the damage to your vehicle? What if you were injured? What if your insurance company plays games and holds off paying you for your accident?

Don’t be a victim. Take action. You need a determined auto accident lawyer in Pennsylvania on your side. You need Flager & Yockey. Serving clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, our experienced car accident attorneys near Philadelphia can give you the attention you rightfully deserve. Don’t leave your future to chance. Count on an auto accident attorney in Pennsylvania with years of experience fighting for clients. Contact Flager & Yockey.

Uninsured motorists are everywhere. An estimated 16 percent of drivers have no auto insurance. That figure often rises during tough economic times. Each time the unemployment rate goes up 1 percent, the number of uninsured drivers increases by an estimated 1 percent, according to a recent study.

Car accidents involving uninsured motorists can be complicated. The best way to recover money after an accident with an uninsured motorist involves making a claim against your own uninsured motorist policy. But insurance companies can sometimes be unresponsive.

Don’t let an accident with an uninsured motorist derail your life. Get your life back on track. Contact Flager & Yockey. We’re not afraid of insurance companies and their lawyers. Allow us to put our years of experience and vast resources to work for you.

Dedicated, determined, driven to succeed – Flager & Yockey. We mean business!