Being injured in a motor vehicle accident is a frightening experience everyone wants to avoid. Thus, you likely strive to exercise control over various factors that could theoretically influence your chances of being involved in a collision. For example, you may:

• Obey the rules of the road
• Practice defensive driving
• Strive to minimize how much time you spend driving on busy roads or during busy times of day

These are all smart decisions. However, it’s worth noting that there are various overlooked factors that can contribute to one’s odds of being hurt in an accident.

Vehicle color is one example. Research indicates black cars are more likely to be involved in accidents than white cars or cars of bright colors. This is because black cars are more difficult to spot on the road, particularly in low-light conditions.

Other overlooked factors that may play a role in your chances of being in an accident include:

Interior Lighting

The next time you test drive a car before purchasing it, ask if you can test the interior lighting at night or in low-light conditions.

Some interior lighting is so bright that it becomes distracting. This can make it more difficult for a driver to pay attention to the road at night.

Dark Window Tinting

Window tinting doesn’t just make it difficult for someone to see into a vehicle. If window tinting is particularly dark, it can also make it difficult for a person to see out their car windows. The harder it is to see out a window, the greater the odds an accident will occur.

Radio Controls and Similar Controls

To the best of your ability, you should minimize fiddling with radio knobs and other such controls once your vehicle is in motion. Doing so could distract you from the task at hand.

However, because there may be instances when you feel you do need to use these controls while driving, you should try them out during a test drive. Although this may not be a “make or break” factor in your decision to buy or not to buy a particular vehicle, ideally, you should be able to comfortably use these controls while keeping your eye on the road and being able to quickly move your hand back to the steering wheel if necessary.

Center of Gravity

A vehicle’s center of gravity can play a significant role in its likelihood of being involved in a rollover or similar accident. Consider this when deciding what type of vehicle to purchase. If you have a family, you may feel you need to buy an SUV or similar vehicle with a high center of gravity. If this isn’t a necessity, though, you might instead be more comfortable driving a car with a lower center of gravity.

That said, even if you account for all these factors, it’s still possible to one day be injured in a car accident resulting from factors beyond your control. In Pennsylvania, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation accordingly.

Review your case with a Pittsburgh car accident lawyer at Shenderovich, Shenderovich, & Fishman for more information about your potential legal options. Get started by calling us at 888-98-TWINS(89467) or by contacting us online.

Unless you are a hunter, you may be unaware that deer season is nearly here. This is the time of the year when Pennsylvanians need to use extra caution when navigating the Commonwealth’s roadways—keeping an eye peeled at all times for deer, a common highway peril, to pop up out of nowhere and cause a serious accident.

The Uptick in Deer Movement Across the State

There is a significant uptick in the movement of the state’s deer population in the last three months of the year, so it is quite commonplace for deer to bolt out onto the roadway at the least opportune moment, giving drivers little time to react safely. Historically, more deer-versus-car accidents occur during this time, underscoring the need for added caution among drivers.

Peak Season for Deer-Versus-Car Accidents

Motorists must prepare for and use reasonable care while behind the wheel, and in Pennsylvania, a peak season for deer-versus-auto crashes is definitely upon us. Analyses of animal collision data indicate that crashes are more abundant in October, November, and December throughout the state, reaching their crescendo in November.

Statistics Deer-Related Auto Accidents

According to State Farm, between July 2020 and June of 2021, there were 2.1 million instances of animals and vehicles colliding on the nation’s roadways. During the same time period, there were more than 166,000 animal-related auto insurance claims filed in the state of Pennsylvania, with drivers’ chances of hitting a deer or some other form of wildlife on the Commonwealth’s roads reaching one out of every 54 drivers. That is a big contrast to District Columbia where analysts say fewer than 1,000 animal collisions occurred during the same time period. Pennsylvania was unmatched in the number of animal-involved collisions, although Michigan, Texas, and California held their own.

Serious Deer-Related Crashes

Deer-related car accidents in the Commonwealth are usually the result of a driver swerving to avoid hitting a deer when it unexpectedly enters the roadway. Drivers may end up pulling into the path of oncoming traffic or even crashing into objects such as trees or guardrails, resulting in injuries to themselves, occupants of their vehicles, and drivers and occupants of other cars on the roadway.

Whether you are a driver or occupant in a car that swerves to avoid a deer or a driver or passenger in a car that is hit as a result of a driver losing control when a deer enters the roadway, the injuries sustained can be quite serious.

If a driver is found to be negligent in a deer-versus-car accident, then the driver and his insurer may be held liable for any injuries that result. Some ways that drivers may be seen as negligent in this type of animal-related crash include speeding, driving while texting or otherwise distracted, failing to slow down for deer, and failing to use extra caution on roads where deer crossings are clearly marked.

Advocating for Injured Parties

Being injured in a car wreck can be scary and frustrating. Having a seasoned attorney to advise and counsel you throughout the claims process can help. Count on Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, a Pittsburgh, PA car accident attorney firm to help you get the compensation you deserve for accident-related medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other damages. Reach out to us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.

As the weather heats up, more people are getting on the open road for vacations. With this boost in traffic, automobile accident rates soar in the summer. It is not just the increased traffic that increases the dangers. Risks can come from just about any time and anywhere.

It is important to stay alert and remain cautious while driving. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident and needs someone on your side who can make a difference, contact the skilled Pittsburgh distracted driver accident lawyers of Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman P.C.

Here is a list of potential dangers to look out for

1) Sun Glare—All drivers have experienced it at one time or another. You are driving along, make a turn, and are nearly blinded by the sun’s glare. Unfortunately, sun glare is a cause of many accidents. The risk increases at dawn and dusk when the sun is lower. To reduce the risks:

• Keep a pair of clean sunglasses in your vehicle
• Clean your windshield often, both inside and out

2) Increased Rainfall—spring and summer bring rain showers and thunderstorms. All motorists should be aware of aquaplaning or losing control in slick conditions. Motorists should check the weather before traveling and use a GPS system which notes:

• Reported accidents
• Road closures
• Road construction.

3) Summer Breakdowns—Breakdowns can occur at any time, but the summer increases the risk of tire damage and blowouts due to the hot weather and road surfaces. Overheating engines are also problematic in the warmer months. In addition, the increased use of air conditioning in hot conditions increases the possibility of cooling system problems. Has your car checked at the beginning of the season to reduce the chance of a breakdown?

4) Inexperienced Drivers—The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day sees the highest number of accidents involving teenager drivers, usually coinciding with their summer vacations. As you might expect, an increase in inexperienced drivers results in more accidents. Staying alert and aware of other drivers around you is the key to staying safe.

5) Driver Fatigue—As families travel across the country, fatigue goes hand in hand with driving long distances. To reduce the levels of fatigue, take regular breaks where you can stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Do not try to push through exhaustion, pull over in a safe place to rest before continuing.

6) Increased Construction and Road Work—Cities tend to complete significant construction work in warmer weather. This can cause traffic to build up or create long diversions to redirect traffic. The confusing conditions can lead to an increase in collisions. Always look out for signage regarding reduced speed limits, lane closures, and diversions.

When should I contact a lawyer?

It only takes a second of confusion or negligence to change the whole perspective of a vacation. If your plans have changed due to an automobile accident, do not hesitate to contact the Pittsburgh distracted driver accident attorneys of Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman P.C. for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.

Windy, gusty snowstorms don’t just shove snow around; like any other windstorm, debris often gets caught up in the air like rocks, limbs, leaves, and salt. Sometimes you cannot avoid driving during a snowstorm. We get it. You have to get to work, pick up groceries, or shuffle the kids around. Just because there is a winter storm doesn’t mean life stops. Our car accident attorneys in Pittsburgh at Shenderovich Shenderovich & Fishman are here to give you some tips on avoiding the “brake failure” excuse when in an accident.   

Braking in the Snow and Slush 

Experienced drivers know that it is an art to drive in the snow. You can’t push the brake too hard or not at all. More than likely, drivers may know what to do but may not follow safe driving in the snow. Thankfully local news’ severe weather meteorologist visited Pittsburgh’s International Race Complex to test out how to brake in the snow. 

The final verdict is a slow, steady brake is the best course of action. The meteorologist noted that you cannot brake better or faster even though you may have a four-wheel drive. If someone hits you, was it really because of brake failure or their inability to brake in the snow? 

What Happens When Brakes Fail? 

If your brakes fail, here are common behaviors people conduct if their brakes are out. First, they try to pump the brakes. The most common reason brakes fail is due to a lack of brake fluid. Pumping the brakes can help move whatever fluid is left or may be stuck. Second, they downshift. Third, if all else fails, they try to slowly rub their car against a guard rail, curb, or ride on the shoulder. At this point, the driver is beeping their horn and using their hazard lights to alert other drivers. If a driver hit you, were they acting as if their brakes gave out, or is it just an excuse? Did you hear the beep or see their hazards? If not, the accident was more than likely due to driver negligence and not brake failure. 

Brake Failure is Common Excuse for an Accident 

Our Car Accident Attorneys are sincerely protective of our clients. We want everyone to drive safely. However, at the scene of an accident, a driver will blame everything to avoid fault. If another driver hit you, more than likely, it was due to their negligence and not the brakes.  We are here to

• Coverage of all crash-related medical expenses
• Lost income if you cannot work while recovering
• Pain and suffering damages
• Loss of enjoyment of life damages
• Possible punitive damages against a negligent driver

If you were injured in an accident, don’t hesitate—you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.

When we are running errands, picking up our children, and simply getting from one place to the other, we expect the roads to be safe and clear of danger. At the least, we expect everyone to be safe and following the rules of the road. The car accident lawyers at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman want to talk about a recent case here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that ended the life of a driver due to someone’s terrible negligence.

What happened in this Pittsburgh Car Accident?

In October 2020, a 33-year-old man died due to colliding head-on with a Pepsi truck on the Parkway North/Interstate 279 near the North Shore of Pittsburgh. The driver was driving the wrong way down the interstate at a high speed when he crashed into the truck, being killed instantly.

The truck driver, a 62-year-old man, was treated for injuries at a local hospital.

The truck driver was fortunate, but not everyone else is. This driver, though his life ended tragically, could have killed many people by these careless and dangerous actions. A simple wrong turn and being in the wrong place at the wrong time can tragically and irrevocably change someone’s life for the worse.

Careless Drivers Cause Havoc, Tragedy and Heartache

We usually see car accidents on our daily travels and most of them happen on the highway due to high speeds and the number of drivers. Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our Pittsburgh car accident attorneys, find that are many negligent and dangerous drivers on the road and we want to be able to help you through this trying time.

Victims who have experienced a car accident due to someone’s negligence typically deal with:

• Psychological issues caused by the injury
• Loss of mobility
• Disfigurement
• Loss of cognitive skills
• Emotional and physical trauma
• Temporary or permanent family separation
• Loss of time with family and loved ones

We want to help you recover from the damage a car accident has caused you and your loved ones. We want to act quickly on your behalf because the time to act is very narrow. The statute of limitations is two years for a car accident case in Pennsylvania, and that does not leave you much time to get the compensation you deserve. We want to start your investigation immediately to relieve you of the unexpected burdens you are facing.

Please call us for a free consultation on your case.

If you or somebody you love has been the victim of a car accident caused by someone’s negligent and careless actions in the Pittsburgh area, please contact us immediately. We promise to conduct a thorough and full investigation into your claim so we can secure the compensation you need. There is only a two-year window for you to receive the help you deserve. We want you to receive compensation for:

• Lost wages from the victim
• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological care
• Punitive damages

When you need a Pittsburgh car accident lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.

We have all been in this situation before – driving on a local roadway or highway and having to maneuver around a construction zone. Roadway construction is important, and most road construction projects seek to increase efficiency. However, while the construction is ongoing, serious accidents can occur. Here, the attorneys at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman want to discuss what you can do if you have been involved in a construction zone accident. These cases could become complicated, especially when working to determine liability.

Steps to take following a construction zone accident

If you have been involved in a construction zone accident, there are various steps you can take both immediately and in the days following the crash that can help your case.

• Seek medical assistance immediately: The first step you need to take after a construction zone vehicle accident is to seek medical care for any injuries you have sustained.
• Make sure law enforcement is involved: Call 911 and make sure the police come to the scene of the crash so they can perform a preliminary investigation and complete the accident report.
• Gather evidence: Get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the crash. You should use a smartphone or another type of camera to take photographs of any property damage, injuries, causes of the crash, construction zone signage, temporary road markings, and more.
• Contact your insurance carrier: You need to let your insurance carrier know about the crash as soon as possible. You do not have to go into much detail about the incident initially, but they do need to know that the crash occurred.
• Speak to an attorney: You need to consider speaking to a Pittsburgh car accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will help you obtain and preserve any evidence needed to prove liability.

There may be various parties that could be held liable in the aftermath of a construction zone crash. Sometimes, liability will fall onto the drivers involved. However, construction zones are often managed by construction companies, government authorities, contractors, or subcontractors. These other parties may be held liable if they:

• Failed to alert drivers of hazards by using adequate warning signs
• Left equipment in the roadway that could cause a hazardous condition for drivers
• Neglected to properly mark off dangerous areas, such as unexpected rises or falls in the pavement or potholes
• Failed to properly mark off temporary lanes for drivers to follow
• Failed to guide traffic when necessary

Contact an attorney for a free consultation of your case today

If you or somebody you love has been injured in a vehicle accident that happened at a construction zone in or around the Pittsburgh area, seek assistance from an attorney as soon as possible. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our qualified and experienced team will work to investigate every aspect of your case so we can secure the compensation you need. This can include coverage of your medical bills, lost wages, property damage expenses, pain and suffering damages, and more. When you need a Pittsburgh car accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.