PKP Law Firm

Victims of a car accident are usually injured through the negligent actions of another person or party; these accidents can result in personal injury or wrongful death. In many cases, victims not only suffer physical injury, but also substantial financial and emotional hardship. Our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims and families who have suffered severe injuries or death.

As the nation's highways and roads become more and more congested, car accidents have become a daily tragedy; it is now the #1 cause of death in the United States for people aged 2-33, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Reckless driving while under the influence, and increased distractions, such as talking on cell phones, are often the cause of this. But these careless acts can be compensated through proper legal action because our lawyers understand local laws and can effectively assist clients with their case. We urge prospective clients to contact our lawyers before talking with insurance companies, who may not have your best interests at heart.

Victims of a serious car accident may suffer death, disfigurement, or permanent disability. Many are faced with overwhelming medical bills while trying to cope with severe physical and emotional pain. Our attorneys have attained positive personal injury settlements, awarding damages for medical costs, loss of wages, and pain & suffering.

We will help you determine whether you have a valid claim that can be tried in court. Each claim is unique, in that it is based on the evidence obtained, which we secure and preserve to increase all chances for a successful settlement. Our team of motor vehicle litigators will ensure a strong case in your defense for the following.


	alcohol-related crashes		rollovers
	hit and runs		intersection collisions
	rear end collisions		ATV and recreational vehicle mishaps
	underinsured or uninsured motorists		speeding and reckless drivers

Whether you’ve been involved in an auto, SUV, truck, motorcycle, boating accident, or were just a pedestrian or bicyclist, we know that your loss is significant, and we take it seriously. Our lawyers know of the huge burden that victims and families must bear, and will help you obtain the financial compensation needed to help rebuild lives. If you or your loved one has been injured as a result of someone else's negligence, contact our lawyers today for a free review of your case.

Pedestrian - Related Motor Vehicle Accidents

Statistics reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that nearly 5,000 pedestrians die in motor vehicle related accidents, and more than 78,000 suffer injuries when hit by a car or truck. Likewise, thousands of non-vehicular pedestrian accidents occur annually. Unfortunate circumstances such as poor property maintenance, deteriorating sidewalks, parking lot construction, or other debris on walkways cause, or contribute, to these accidents.

A pedestrian may recover damages for injuries suffered if someone else's negligence caused or contributed to the incident. Negligence is the legal term for the failure to do something that would protect others from foreseeable risks.

The outcome of each case will depend upon careful analysis of the facts, as they relate to other essential elements. When a pedestrian injury occurs, there may be more than one party legally responsible for the accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, those with potential liability include:


	The driver of a vehicle that strikes a pedestrian
	The party responsible for maintaining the sidewalk, roadway or parking lot where the accident occurred
	The pedestrian

The early involvement of one of our personal injury attorneys is the best way to assess and protect any potential legal claim.

Usually, any recovery in a pedestrian negligence case involving a motor vehicle will hinge upon the exact “duty of care” owed by those involved - both drivers and pedestrians must adhere to the laws of the road and exercise reasonable care. In many cases, it may seem obvious who was careless or negligent, but the courts look to a number of factors. A person who negligently operates a vehicle may be required to pay damages for personal and property damage caused by that negligence.

Driver's Duty of Care

Generally, people who operate automobiles must exercise "reasonable care under the circumstances." Any failure to use reasonable care is considered negligence. A few of the most common factors contributing to driver negligence are:


	An inattentive or pre-occupied driver		Failure to observe posted speed limits
	Failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians at marked crosswalks		Disobeying traffic signs or signals
	Failing to signal while turning		Disregarding weather or traffic conditions
	Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Driver's Special Duty of Care to Children

When it comes to children, the law imposes a higher duty of care on drivers. Those aged 5-9 are at the greatest risk of being hit by a motor vehicle because they are of smaller size, less visible, and their conduct is unpredictable. The very presence of children is generally a warning to exercise more care. Thus, a motor vehicle driver must exercise great caution when they know, or should know, that small children are at play in the immediate area. This is especially true when one is driving in the vicinity of a school and residential districts where children are known to play.

Pedestrian's Duty of Care

A pedestrian must exercise reasonable care for his or her own safety. “Contributory” negligence may be assessed against a pedestrian if they failed to exercise such care, and directly contributed to the cause of their own injuries. A few of the most common factors contributing to pedestrian negligence are:


	Pedestrians who ignore the "walk" signal at an intersection		Pedestrians who enter a stream of traffic disrupting its flow
	Pedestrians who fail to use marked cross walks		Pedestrians who "dart" in front of a vehicle

Be aware that those who may be legally responsible for your injuries might try to blame you for the accident, by claiming that your own negligence was the cause of what happened. If you are involved in a pedestrian accident:


	Call police immediately		Do not leave the scene of the accident before help arrives
	Gather names and phone numbers of any witnesses		Do not make any statements to anyone, including drivers and insurers
	Call the attorneys at the law firm of Pasquarella, Kunnel & Pomo as soon as possible

Tractor Trailer Accidents

Every year in the United States, one out of every eight traffic fatalities is caused by a collision with a tractor trailer or large truck. It’s no surprise that most of the deaths and injuries involve the passengers of the vehicles struck by tractor trailers. Such victims, or their survivors, often seek out the legal services of an expert law yerin order to recover the compensation rightfully due to them by law.

The Federal government requires tractor trailer and other large truck operators to acquire a commercial driver’s license and undergo limited drug and alcohol testing. Tractor trailer accident lawyers often ask for proof of such testing in the course of a lawsuits that focus on fatigue.

New tractor trailer laws implemented by The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in 2003 only allow drivers to drive a certain number of hours in a row after getting a designated stretch of resting time. There are similar rules that apply to short-haul tractor trailer drivers. If the accident lawyer is able to prove that regulations were ignored, driver fatigue can be easily introduced as the probable cause of the accident and compensation claimed for the victim/survivor.

If you have been injured, or a loved one has been killed in an accident involving a tractor trailer, or other large truck, it is important to consider your legal options. Many truckers are employed by large corporations that may put delivery of their goods ahead of your safety - don't pay for the transportation industry's greed.

While most trucking accidents occur at high speeds on the highway, even low-speed trucking accidents can have catastrophic results. At Pasquarella, Kunnel & Pomo, our attorneys help victims of semi-tractor trailer rollovers, 18 wheeler accidents, semi jack-knife accidents, and other trucking accidents. We are experienced in helping families pursue financial recovery following the wrongful death of a loved one. Additionally, we pursue maximum compensation for clients who have suffered serious personal injuries in a truck accident, such as


	Traumatic brain injury		Spinal cord injury
	Loss of a limb or amputation		Severe burns

Our injury attorneys diligently investigate, analyze, and prepare motor vehicle accident claims. We review areas of potential negligence, such as improper loading of tractor trailers, truck maintenance failure, or defective truck parts, in assessing all areas of liability.

At Pasquarella, Kunnel & Pomo, our attorneys are committed to helping motor vehicle accident victims. Our accident injury lawyers have over 85 years of combined legal experience and are devoted exclusively to recovering compensation for injured clients and their families. Contact our personal injury and wrongful death attorneys today - we can provide you with the quality legal counsel you deserve.

Train Accidents

Millions of Americans use trains each day as a cheap, affordable way to get to their destination. However, when they are improperly maintained, or when reckless drivers race across the tracks, a serious accident may occur. Take a look at the following statistics:


	A train derailment or collision occurs every 1½ hours		There are approximately 3,000 train accidents each year
	Approximately 1,000 people will die every year as a result of train accidents		Nearly every 2 weeks, derailments cause chemical spills, leading to the evacuation of locals

Railroad accidents are often caused by collisions with other vehicles of transport, derailment, mechanical failure, inadequate security, dated and improperly maintained tracks, or conductor negligence. Since there are many factors that lead to these accidents, there are many people who can be held responsible for your injury, loss of income, or pain and suffering. While it's the responsibility of the railroad company to maintain the tracks and the train you ride, truck and car drivers also have the responsibility of following laws.

If you've been the victim of a railroad accident, you may be able to collect. We can help you research your case, and file your lawsuit in court. Our lawyers have extensive knowledge regarding the consequences of train accidents, and can help you win the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents comprise 8% of accident-related fatalities each year, despite the fact that their drivers represent only 2% of those on the road. This high percentage is attributed to the lack of safety features such as a roof, airbag, and seatbelts; it’s also due to the lighter weight and build of these vehicles.

A Few Facts

Motorcycles provide little protection in a crash. As a result, approximately 80% of motorcycle accidents end in injury or death, compared with only 20% of automobile accidents. Furthermore, motorcycle accident fatality rates are on the rise with the most recent statistics showing a 55% increase in recent years.

The causes of motorcycle accidents can include a wide range of the following:


	Limited visibility at intersections due to buildings, parked vehicles, shrubbery, etc.		Road hazards such as potholes, oil slicks, puddles, debris, and uneven pavements
	Invisibility of motorcyclists		Motorcycle defects
	Weather

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to gather and save all relevant documentation, in order to ensure that your rights are protected. This includes the contact information of everyone involved in the accident, insurance information, and a copy of the police report. You should also seek medical attention if necessary, and keep a copy of your medical records.

Our experienced attorneys can explain your legal rights; you can speak with them FREE of charge. Call the law firm of Pasquarella, Kunnel & Pomo today for an immediate appointment.

Bus Accidents

Due to increasing congestion on our roadways, commuters are using public transportation more than ever. In accordance with the growing number of people using buses as their main source of transportation, the number of injuries and deaths resulting from bus accidents are rising as well.

Likewise, throughout the U.S., 23.5 million elementary and secondary school children ride school buses twice a day. Many of those school buses do not have restraint systems or seatbelts. Although the majority of the injuries are minor, some are catastrophic.

Bus accidents often result in serious personal injuries or death and are caused by such contributing factors as driver negligence, inadequate security, dangerous roadways, weather conditions, defective products and improper maintenance among others.

If you have been injured as the result of a bus accident, or if your child has been injured in a school bus accident, you may be able to file a claim against the bus company to recover for your damages. The bus company, whether public or private, owes you the "utmost duty of care" associated with being a common carrier. This "duty of utmost care" is higher than the negligence duty owed by the bus company to drivers of other vehicles and pedestrians.

Claims for damages against a public or governmental entity are complex and have strict time limitations. The laws are complex and vary greatly dependant upon the circumstances surrounding the accident. You need the advice of an experienced lawyer if you have been involved in a bus accident in any way. For several decades, Pasquarella, Kunnel & Pomo has represented those who have been seriously injured. Through experience and education, our firm will be able to expertly evaluate medical injuries and pursue personal injury claims on behalf of the injured plaintiff.

Premises Liability

Premise liability covers all situations in which you are injured due to negligent conditions on another individual’s property. Some of these include amusement park tragedies, and structural defects in bridges, roofs, decks, elevators, and staircases. They also include slip & fall accidents and construction site injuries.

Slip and Fall Accidents

A slip and fall accident typically involves a situation where a person is injured by slipping, tripping and falling due to a dangerous condition. It can take place anywhere, and can result from bad flooring, wet floors, poorly lighted steps, weather-related conditions, hidden defects, icy patches, accumulation of snow, sidewalk cracks, or potholes.

While many people, including insurance defense lawyers, tend to make light of these accidents, the consequences can be severe. Serious injuries, such as head, brain, or spinal cord injuries, herniated or bulging discs, fractures, broken bones, neck, shoulder, knee or back injuries, and muscle and ligament problems can occur.

The attorneys at PKP law firm handle slip and fall cases that are typically caused by:


	Broken or dangerous stairs/stairwells or landing areas		Dangerous sidewalks (with or without cracks) and potholes
	Defective, inadequate, or inoperative lighting		Failure to warn of hazardous or dangerous conditions
	Failure to correct hazardous or dangerous conditions		Slippery or wet floors
	Tenant slip, trip and fall injuries caused by landlord negligence		Ice and snow on sidewalks or in parking lots
	Oil in a parking lot		Any other slipping/tripping hazard

Construction Site Injuries

Like most American workers, construction industry employees are legally entitled to a workplace free of hazards & foreseeable accidents under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Unfortunately, workplace injury in construction still runs higher than the national average.The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that in 2004, construction had the second highest number of workplace fatalities in the country, and accounted for an above-average number of days lost to illness or injury.

Employers are barred from covering up workplace hazards, or retaliating against an employee who reports such a hazard. While the law does not allow workers to sue their employers while they collect workers' compensation benefits, injured construction employees are more likely to have a case because construction work typically involves multiple contractors.

Claims can be filed on behalf of construction workers, pedestrians, or others involved or injured by:


Electric shock	Collapses	Compressed gas
Welding	Scaffolding falls	Fires
Boilers	Explosions	Backhoes

Swimming Pool Accidents

Often, the improper care of pools and hot tubs can lead to horrible accidents, especially involving children. This can happen in a hotel, commercial water park, residence, or public locale. Owners are required to follow guidelines to properly maintain, cover, fence, place warning signs, and supervise activities among other things, at these bodies of water.

You may be entitled to compensation for ongoing medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, regardless of whether you sustained your injury in a restaurant, grocery store, rented apartment, hotel, private home, or elsewhere. At PKP, we do our best to see that you get the greatest possible compensation possible under the law for your injuries.

Construction Accidents

Construction workers deal with some of the most dangerous working conditions faced by employees in any industry. Injuries can result from errors in judgment, faulty equipment, falls from scaffolds, being struck by falling materials or machinery, defective or unreasonably unsafe equipment, chemical leaks or explosions, electrical accidents, and electrocution.

As experienced construction accident lawyers, we understand how dangerous this line of work is, and are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Many of our clients endured extreme difficulties; through their experience, we know that you may not be able to work to support your family. Let Pasquarella, Kunnel & Pomo handle the litigation because we know you need to concentrate on recuperating, and rebuilding your life. We will constantly be in touch with you to update you on the progress of the case, and to inquire about your well-being, so that we always have updated information vital to your case. You will be advised and consulted every step of the way.

Serious personal injury and wrongful deaths occur in construction accidents more often than people realize. We are experienced in all facets of these accidents, especially in determining the complexity of liabilities when there are many different contractors on a job-site. Whether you are a worker severely injured on the job by a welding rod, nail gun, heavy equipment, chemical leak, explosion, or by falling from a height, or just an innocent passer-by injured in a construction site accident, we understand the complexities of construction laws, and have the experience and expertise to handle your case. Pasquarella, Kunnel & Pomo will get you the maximum reward you are entitled to because we have the legal skill and expertise to win for you.

A complete, thorough site investigation and expert review must be completed before insurance company representatives and careless site inspectors possibly alter the conditions that caused you to be seriously injured. We know what needs to be done immediately to effectively represent your case, and we will do it. Our skill, experience and history of success, along with a multitude of satisfied clients will help you feel confident in putting us to work for you.