Drunk driving accidents can cause significant damage and result in personal injury. In fact, they are responsible for approximately one-third of all US traffic fatalities. If you’re involved in a DUI (driving under the influence) accident, it can lead to various challenges, including criminal charges. That's why you should secure legal representation after such an incident. Here are some critical reasons you need legal representation for DUI-related car accidents. 1. Protecting Your Rights Following a distressing DUI-related accident, you may be in a state of shock. This could cause you to make errors. For instance, you might say things that authorities could later use against you in a criminal case. Enlisting an experienced lawyer's assistance is vital to safeguarding your rights. They will handle your case with professionalism and care. 2. Pursuing Justice Seeking justice is fundamental to any legal process, and DUI-related accidents are no exception. A lawyer is your dedicated ally in pursuing the justice you deserve. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and construct a compelling case on your behalf. Their experience can prove valuable in holding the responsible party accountable for their actions. 3. Navigating Complex Procedures Legal proceedings following a DUI-related car accident can be daunting. There are numerous complex procedures to navigate, from filing the necessary paperwork to negotiating with insurance companies. A lawyer's role is to simplify these procedures for you. They guide you through each step, ensuring you meet deadlines and fulfill requirements without unnecessary stress. 4. Aiding in Recovery In DUI-related car accident cases, there may be options for you to receive immediate payment for certain expenses, including loss of property, replacement of your vehicle, medical and expenses, loss of income, and other potential benefits. Unfortunately, insurance companies go out of their way to avoid required payment to persons hurt in an accident, unless they know you have an advocate on your side. An attorney can work to obtain every available benefit through research and negotiation, at no additional cost to 5. Reducing Mental Stress A DUI-related accident can be emotionally taxing. The uncertainty and anxiety can take a toll on your mental health. Having a lawyer by your side can significantly reduce this mental stress. They provide reassurance, answer your questions, and handle legal complexities. This allows you to focus on your recovery and healing. 6. Maximizing Compensation Accidents often come with medical bills, lost wages, and other financial issues. Recovering these losses could be hard without a lawyer. This is because insurance companies can reduce payments to victims of DUI accidents. They may argue that you were partially at fault or that your injuries were not severe. Lawyers will take the case to court to ensure you receive fair compensation. They will assess the full extent of your losses and also negotiate with insurance companies. When choosing a DUI accident lawyer, it is essential to do your research. The best choice would be a legal firm with a good reputation and experience handling these cases. If you or a loved one is involved in a DUI-related car accident, reach out to Goldleaf Law. Our experienced DUI accident lawyers can help you get fair compensation. Contact us today to get started! Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The information presented here is not legal advice.

Bus accidents present unique challenges in seeking justice and compensation for victims. With multiple parties involved and often severe or fatal injuries, navigating the aftermath of a bus accident might be challenging. At Goldleaf Law PLLC, we’ve come up with an overview of what differentiates bus accidents from other types of accidents and what steps you should take if you have become a victim of one. Compensation Available In Pennsylvania, victims of bus accidents are entitled to seek compensation in the following areas: ● Past and future medical expenses ● Lost wages due to injury-related work absences ● Pain and suffering Parties Involved While car accidents often involve only two parties, a bus accident can encompass a multitude of individuals and entities. These may include the bus driver, the bus company or operator, maintenance and repair companies, and various government agencies responsible for road safety. Please keep in mind that if the accident involves a SEPTA bus, different laws and protections apply in Pennsylvania. Responsibility of the Bus Driver Negligence on the part of the driver, such as speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving, or disregarding traffic laws, can lead to a bus accident. In these cases, legal claims should name the negligent bus driver. Obligations of Bus Companies (Operators) Bus companies must do due diligence in hiring competent drivers and maintaining the quality of their fleet. Failures in these obligations can lead to accidents, holding them liable for the resulting injuries. Additionally, bus operators may be legally accountable for their drivers' negligent behaviors. Role of Maintenance and Repair Companies Bus operators often contract maintenance and repair work to external companies. Inadequate maintenance procedures that overlook potential defects can contribute to accidents. Failures such as missed tire tread separation or brake defects may lead to devastating outcomes. Government Agencies and Roadway Safety Inadequate road construction, design, and maintenance can also contribute to bus accidents. In these cases, the government agency, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, responsible for the roadway's upkeep and safety may be included in the legal claim. Steps to Take After a Bus Accident If you find yourself involved in a bus accident, you should ensure your safety and tend to your injuries. Call 911 if necessary and seek medical attention promptly to document your injuries. You should then notify law enforcement to create an essential police report for insurance and legal purposes. Collecting evidence at the scene, including witness contact information, insurance details, operator or employer information, and photographic evidence, will be helpful in filing legal claims later. A Pennsylvania bus accident attorney will help you understand your rights and initiate a legal claim promptly, as the deadline for filing a claim is shorter for bus accident cases. Attorneys at Goldleaf Law have successfully represented clients in bus accidents and public transportation matters, always including a built-in boilerplate statement that the publications and blog posts are for informational purposes only, not legal advice, and should not be relied upon as such. The attorneys at Goldleaf Law are available for a free conference to consult on whether you have a case. If you are a victim of a bus accident, our attorneys at Goldleaf Law PLLC have experience handling bus accident cases, and we are ready to stand by your side to help you obtain the justice you deserve. We have years of experience serving the residents of Greensburg. Contact us today to get started.

Summer is a season of endless possibilities and exciting adventures. However, amidst the carefree ambiance of the great outdoors, there are hidden dangers waiting for us to drop our guard. Continue reading as we take a look at summer safety hazards and how an experienced injury law firm can make all the difference in making a claim. Top 5 Summer Injury Claims Dog Bites As much as we all love dogs, the reality is that dog bites can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from tissue damage to puncture wounds or even broken bones. In Pennsylvania, dog owners are liable for the damage their pets inflict on other people, regardless of whether the dog was previously labeled as dangerous. An injury law firm can help a dog bite victim get fair compensation. However, note that the compensation would only cover medical expenses. Bicycle Accidents Statistics show that accidents involving bicyclists increase in the summer. The most frequent reasons for fatal bike crashes are failure to yield the right of way and poor visibility. In Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to compensation from the driver or their insurance company if the crash was their fault. An expert lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve, such as for pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. Amusement Park Accidents While according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), amusement parks are generally safe, with the chance of being seriously injured being as small as 1 in 15.5 million rides, unfortunately, injuries still happen. The most common injuries are soft tissue injuries; the most frequent causes are falling in, on, off, or against the ride. The Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Safety Advisory Board holds regular meetings to make sure that new rides and attractions adhere to safety standards. In the event of an injury, a person would be entitled to compensation from a ride operator if it is proven that the victim did not knowingly behave in a manner that contributed to the injury. Concert Venue Injuries There are a number of injuries commonly sustained at concert venues that you should be aware of. At some concert venues, conditions such as inadequate security, poor lighting, unsafe equipment, electrocution risks, or exposed wires, as well as the failure of the venue owners to repair any worn-out parts of the property, may cause injuries such as broken bones or gunshot wounds. If you have sustained an injury at a concert venue, seek medical attention immediately and document the incident thoroughly. An experienced attorney will help you file your injury case and sue the venue to get the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Boating Accidents According to the Recreational Boating Statistics report, some of the most common reasons for boating accidents include operator inattention and inexperience, improper lookout, machinery failure, excessive speed, and alcohol use. In order for you to get compensation if you were injured during a boating accident, it is important to prove that your injuries were caused by somebody else’s negligence. Legal representation is important to help you receive compensation for some or all of the following: medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Goldleaf Law specializes in catastrophic personal injuries. Contact us today for a consultation or call 724-838-8600 for immediate assistance. Remember, the value of your case depends on who you hire!

Road accidents involving privately owned vehicles are not the same as those involving commercial trucks. These accidents are often far more severe. They may even cause catastrophic events. For example, you probably heard the news about the collapse of a section of Interstate 95 due to a tanker fire. Keep reading to learn all the legal implications of a truck accident in Pennsylvania. Who Is at Fault? It’s not easy to find out who is at fault in the event of a commercial truck accident—but why? What if the driver tried to stop but the brakes malfunctioned? What if the truck had defective tires? Then the driver wouldn’t be responsible for what happened. The truck manufacturer could be sued. Frequently, commercial trucks are loaded by a company different from the vehicle's owner, which must adhere to strict guidelines defining proper loading procedures. An improperly loaded truck significantly increases the risk of rollovers or jackknifing incidents. Trucking accidents are frequently caused by human error, particularly when drivers disregard the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) requirements. Drivers must take breaks after long periods of driving to avoid drowsiness, slowed reactions, and decreased attention while operating the vehicle. Following these guidelines is critical for maintaining road safety. Course of Action Have you been in a commercial trucking accident? You should do the following before contacting a lawyer who is well-versed in federal and state laws that apply to commercial trucks and drivers in Pennsylvania: In case of serious injuries, you should immediately call an ambulance. Even if you don’t have visible injuries, you should still seek medical attention at the scene and afterward. Some injuries, such as concussions and whiplash, have delayed symptoms. It’s always best to check in with your doctor to be safe. Your next step is to call the police. Remember to get the investigating police officer’s name, badge number, and contact information. If at all possible, we also recommend that you take photos of the accident scene. This evidence might be helpful later on in building a defense strategy. After the accident, an experienced lawyer will help you build your legal case by evaluating the following evidence: repair and maintenance records for the truck; truck driver’s Hours of Service (HOS) logs, which show how many hours the truck driver was driving before the collision; and the truck’s event data recorder (EDR), which stores information about the truck’s location and speed, as well as whether the driver was wearing a seatbelt or applying breaks before the collision. Even though you have two years after the truck accident to file a lawsuit in Pennsylvania, we highly encourage you not to wait, as postponement translates into valuable evidence loss. For example, trucking companies destroy Hours of Service logs every six months. At Goldleaf Law PLLC, we want to help you get the fair compensation you deserve. The value of your case depends on who you hire. Contact us today to preserve your rights.