10 Reasons to Always Report an Accident to the Police and your Insurance Carrier

Following an accident, it is not uncommon for the other party to admit that they were at fault and ask that you not call the police. They may also ask that you not report the accident to your insurance carrier and promise to pay for your damages out of pocket. Ten reasons why you should never listen to them.

1.) A person who admits fault today may change their story tomorrow.

2.) You are required by law to immediately report an accident to the police by the quickest means possible if it involves any injury to any person or requires any vehicle to be towed. PA C.S. 3746 (a).

3.) You may miss things or fail to obtain critical information in the confusion and shock following an accident.

4.) The police are trained to conduct an independent, objective investigation.

5.) The police will produce an authority crash report.

6.) The crash report will contain information about the parties, vehicles, insurance, and witnesses.

7.) The crash report will provide statements from the parties and witnesses.

8.) A police crash report may be critical to resolving your insurance claims.

9.) You are required by your insurance policy to report the accident to your insurance carrier.

10.) Your failure to report the accident to your insurance carrier may jeopardize your ability to make a claim later if the at-fault party refuses to pay.

Paul Miller’s Law in Pennsylvania: What Drivers Need to Know

Paul Miller’s Law is a new distracted driving law in Pennsylvania named after Paul Miller Jr., a 21-year-old who tragically died in 2010 after a distracted truck driver crashed into his vehicle. This tragic accident inspired lawmakers to take stronger action against distracted driving, a serious problem that causes thousands of accidents and fatalities across Pennsylvania each year.

The law bans the use of hand-held interactive mobile devices while driving, aiming to reduce distractions and improve road safety statewide. Drivers can still use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth calls, voice-activated controls, or mounted GPS devices, but any manual handling of devices while behind the wheel is prohibited.

At Freeburn Law, we can guide you through this new law with ease. By speaking to our personal injury attorneys, you get valuable information from a team that keeps up with local laws and regulations.

What Is Paul Miller’s Law?

Paul Miller’s Law (PA Senate Bill 37) prohibits the use of hand-held interactive mobile devices while driving on Pennsylvania roads. The law aims to reduce distractions caused by handheld phones, tablets, laptops, and similar devices, which contribute to thousands of crashes each year in the state.

Under Paul Miller’s Law:

Drivers may not hold or support an interactive mobile device with any body part.
Dialing beyond a single button press is banned.
Reaching for devices in a way that requires maneuvering out of the normal seated position is prohibited.
The ban applies even while stopped temporarily at traffic lights or in gridlock.

When Did Paul Miller’s Law Go Into Effect?

Paul Miller’s Law became effective statewide on June 5, 2025. Signed into effect by Governor Josh Shapiro in 2024, this law bans the use of hand-held devices while behind the wheel. While drivers are still permitted to use hands-free technology for phone calls, GPS navigation, and listening to music, any non-hands-free use of devices while driving can now result in a ticket.

What Does Paul Miller’s Law Prohibit?

Paul Miller’s Law takes a stance against distracted driving by banning nearly all use of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. This law targets behaviors that divert a driver’s attention from the road, even during brief stops like red lights or slow traffic.

The goal is to eliminate the dangerous multitasking that leads to accidents by prohibiting holding, reaching for, or interacting with phones and similar devices in ways that require hands-on use or cause a driver to lose their proper seating position.

Handheld Device Ban

Holding or touching phones or other interactive devices (including smartphones, tablets, portable computers) while driving.
Texting, emailing, scrolling, or any manual use beyond a single touch.
Reaching for devices in a way that moves the driver's torso out of the seatbelt position.
Use of devices even when the vehicle is stopped at traffic lights or in traffic jams.

Specific Prohibited Actions

Holding or supporting a device with any body part
Dialing beyond a single button press
Reaching for a device that causes driver to move out of seated position

Are There Any Exceptions to Paul Miller’s Law?

There are specific exceptions under the law to balance safety with practical needs:

Emergency calls to 911 or first responders.
Use of hands-free technology such as Bluetooth, voice-activated controls, mounted GPS devices, or vehicle-integrated systems.
Use of devices when the vehicle is fully parked and off the roadway.

Penalties for Violating Paul Miller’s Law

Paul Miller’s Law treats handheld device use as a primary offense, meaning law enforcement officers can stop drivers solely for this violation. The law strengthens Pennsylvania’s previous texting bans by including a broader range of manual interactions with devices.

First-Year Warnings: From June 5, 2025, to June 5, 2026, drivers caught using handheld devices will receive written warnings only.
Standard Penalties: Starting June 6, 2026, violations become punishable by a $50 fine plus court costs and fees. This allows police to stop drivers solely for this violation.
Serious Violations: Distracted driving causing fatal crashes may lead to criminal charges. Conviction for homicide by vehicle involving distraction can result in up to 5 years in prison.

Why Paul Miller’s Law Matters for Driver Safety

Distracted driving accounts for thousands of crashes, injuries, and fatalities annually in Pennsylvania. By banning hand-held device use while driving, Paul Miller’s Law aims to save lives, reduce crashes, and create safer roads for everyone.

What to Do If A Distracted Driver Injures You

Distracted driving car accidents can leave victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting financial burdens. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in this situation:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety come first.
Document Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, gather witness information, and get a copy of the police report.
Contact an Experienced Attorney: Navigating complex legal processes can be overwhelming. An experienced personal injury attorney can fight on your behalf, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

How Freeburn Law Can Help

At Freeburn Law, we have extensive experience representing victims of distracted driving accidents in Pennsylvania. We will:

Investigate the circumstances of your accident.
Use Paul Miller’s Law and other relevant statutes to strengthen your claim.
Fight for full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

At Freeburn Law, we’ve handled countless cases involving distracted driving and are committed to fighting for victims’ rights. If you or a loved one have fallen victim to distracted driving, know that you don’t have to face it alone. The legal team at Freeburn Law is here to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your distracted driving accident.

Tragic Semi-Truck Crash on Route 283 in Dauphin County

A serious accident involving a tractor-trailer occurred on Route 283 in Dauphin County, causing significant injuries and raising questions about the circumstances leading to the crash. The collision, which happened in Londonderry Township, left five people injured and involved a vehicle fire that trapped two young children inside a car.

Don’t Suffer in Silence—get Your Free Injury Assessment Now by Calling (717) 777-7777!

Overview of the Crash

According to reports, the crash took place around 6:15 p.m. near mile marker 6 on Route 283. A tractor-trailer traveling east veered out of its lane, striking a concrete bridge, crossing the median, and entering the westbound lanes. The semi-truck collided with a Subaru Legacy, spinning it into a head-on collision with a Mercedes-Benz. Tragically, the Subaru caught fire, leading to a harrowing rescue effort.

Passing drivers acted quickly, pulling a 4-year-old and 6-year-old girl, along with 2 women from the burning vehicle. All four were hospitalized, with some sustaining serious injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer, a 42-year-old from Hummelstown, declined medical attention at the scene.

Road Closures and Investigation

The aftermath of the accident closed a portion of Route 283 westbound for several hours, from the Toll House Road on-ramp to the crash site. The cause of the semi-truck’s sudden lane departure remains under investigation. Authorities are examining potential factors, including driver distraction, fatigue, or impairment. Mechanical failures, such as issues with the truck’s brakes or steering, will also be considered in these types of crashes.

The Impact of Semi-Truck Accidents

This tragic event highlights the devastating consequences of large vehicle crashes. When a semi-truck loses control, the risk of severe injuries, vehicle fires, and significant road damage increases dramatically. Investigators are likely reviewing engine control data, driver logs, and vehicle maintenance records to determine if negligence or mechanical failure played a role.

Legal Support for Crash Victims in Dauphin County

If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash like this, you must understand your legal options; call (717) 777-7777. Freeburn Law is here to help residents of Dauphin County, Harrisburg, and surrounding areas pursue justice and compensation. Truck accidents can leave victims facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Our team has the experience to guide you through this challenging time.

Take Action Today

Accidents involving semi-trucks can have life-changing consequences. If you’ve been injured in a crash, don’t wait to get help. Contact Freeburn Law today to discuss your case. We’re dedicated to helping Dauphin County and Harrisburg victims seek the justice they deserve.

Staying Chill Behind the Wheel: Winter Driving Safety Tips

Winter driving and the destinations you have in mind can be a real adventure, but it’s not always the fun kind. When you are behind the wheel in winter, you need to be prepared and drive cautiously as you can face dangerous road conditions, unpredictable weather, and reduced visibility, not to mention all the other drivers around you battling the same conditions. The chilling challenge of driving in winter road conditions can leave you unwilling to travel, but with a few safety tips and some preparedness planning, the cold won’t bother you anyways.

The attorneys at Freeburn Law are well-versed in handling winter road accidents in Pennsylvania. Our team of attorneys are there for you after an accident, fighting for your rightful compensation every step of the way.

Preparing Your Car For the Winter Roads

Before heading out on winter roads, it’s important to ensure your car is ready to handle the new driving conditions. And don’t forget to set your alarm a little extra early so you have time to warm up your car, and you’re not scraping your windshield with a credit card trying to make it to work on time.

Preparing your vehicle:

Check tire pressure and tire tread
Ensure all lights are working
Fill up your windshield wiper fluid
Install heavy-duty windshield wipers
Check your cooling system for any needed tune-ups or repairs

And, just in case you find yourself in an unexpected snowstorm, pack a winter emergency kit with essentials like a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, snacks, and even some cat litter for traction. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your drives safe and cozy!

Keep Calm and Drive Slow

Waking up a little earlier isn’t just about having enough time to defrost your windshield; it allows you a little extra time to get where you are going. Going slow, not rushing, or making any reckless driving decisions is the best way to stay safe on winter roads. Slowing down in winter road conditions provides more traction on icy roads, allows you to maintain some extra space between vehicles, and gives you the time to react if the road suddenly turns into a viral crash scene. Winter driving is all about patience, careful timing, and prioritizing safety over speed.

Caution: Ice

When you realize you are about to drive over a patch of ice or face that heart-stopping moment where you realize you are on ice, it’s critical that you remain calm. Any sudden movement can make the situation worse. If you find yourself in this situation, remember:

Keep the steering wheel steady
Gently ease off the gas pedal
Avoid sudden movements
Do not pump the brakes
If you start to skid slowly and smoothly, steer in the direction you want to go
Focus on regaining control

Driving on ice requires extra vigilance and a heightened focus on accident prevention. Always maintain a generous distance between your car and the one in front of you—on icy roads, it can take much longer to stop. Defensive driving is key—stay alert to other drivers' movements and anticipate possible hazards like sudden stops or icy patches on the road.

Liability in Winter Weather Accidents

Drivers should be well aware of the dangers of driving in winter weather conditions, and the law holds them responsible for accidents. Many people are surprised when they discover they can still be at fault if they cause an accident during a snowstorm where the icy road conditions or winter weather make them lose control. You can’t blame the weather for an accident, but you can hold drivers accountable when it comes to liability.

If you have been involved in a winter-weather car accident, several parties could be liable for your damages. Establishing liability after a winter weather accident can be challenging, and the best way to help with that investigation is by hiring a skilled car accident attorney. Working with an experienced legal team will ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries from all accountable parties and have someone representing your best interests in your claim.

Freeburn: Your Trusted Accident Lawyers

The weather outside is frightful, but working with Freeburn is delightful. We know that experiencing a car accident can be deeply emotional and overwhelming, and your priority should be on recovering and healing. Financial worries should never add to your stress, and that’s why our team is dedicated to fighting for the full and fair compensation you deserve so that you can focus on healing. Freeburn Law is proud to serve clients all over Pennsylvania. Contact us today to let Freeburn fight for you.

What Is “Demonstrative Evidence” in a Car Accident Injury Claim?

How Demonstrative Evidence Can Help Prove Your Case

If you are injured by another person’s negligence, you may need to prove your case in order to obtain compensation for your damages. In order to prove your case, you will need to rely on different kinds of evidence. One of the most influential types is demonstrative evidence that illustrates the testimony of a witness.

All evidence must be admissible to be used at trial. Without the help of an attorney, you may be hard-pressed to create the evidence that you need to prove liability, your injuries, or other aspects of your case. This is why it is crucial that you choose an experienced and trustworthy attorney to represent you if you are injured in a car accident.

What Are the Types of Evidence?

Evidence is generally classified as either real, testimonial, documentary, or demonstrative. To further understand each type of evidence and how it may apply to your case, it is within your best interest to consult with an attorney.

Types of evidence:

Real evidence is physical evidence that is material to the case. Real evidence is generally something that is tangible and was involved in the accident, such as a piece of the wreckage from a car crash or any other damaged property.
Testimonial evidence is testimony that is provided by a witness. Testimonial evidence can be provided by an eyewitness, a party to the accident, an expert witness, or another person that may have vital information about an issue in the case. In car accident cases, this can be a pedestrian who saw the accident happen, medical staff who treated your injuries immediately after, or law enforcement who responded to the call.
Documentary evidence comes in the form of any documents that are presented during the case. Documentary evidence may include but is not limited to police reports, receipts, and medical bills.
Demonstrative evidence is anything that is used to illustrate witness testimony. It is usually used to clarify testimony that may be confusing or to provide a visual for the jury. You can’t always bring your wrecked vehicle into the courtroom–in fact, it is almost always frowned upon–but you can usually include a photo as demonstrative evidence. You may also share an accident reconstruction model or even x-rays and other medical images regarding your injuries.

Each type of evidence is important and must be shown that it is authentic, material, and not prejudicial. Gathering proper proof, witnesses, and testimonial is one of the most important parts of your trial and can have a major impact on the overall decision in your case.

What Are Examples of Demonstrative Evidence?

Demonstrative evidence can be critical in helping the jury understand anything that may be complex or confusing in your case. It is part of the human condition that we can truly only understand things that we have some basis of experience in. Judges and juries are more likely to comprehend complicated testimony if they have a visual presentation to help bridge any possible experience or knowledge gap.

Examples of demonstrative evidence:

Photos and videos
Slides
Diagrams
Charts and graphs
Models and anatomical replicas
Computer animation
Drawings and illustrations

As with other types of evidence, all demonstrative evidence must be relevant and must be a reasonable representation. Additionally, it cannot be misleading. Demonstrative evidence should be used to inform the jury or explain a fact of the case. In cases with extensive injuries or where there is a question of liability, it can prove critical.

How Can An Attorney Help?

An experienced attorney plays a critical role in helping you choose and present the right evidence for your car accident injury case. By leveraging their legal skills, knowledge of procedural rules, access to experts, and experience in presenting evidence effectively, your attorney can significantly enhance your chances of success in your car accident injury case.

The right attorney will guide you through every step of the process, from evidence collection to courtroom advocacy, ensuring that your rights are protected and your case is presented in the best possible light.

Contact Our Office for a Free Case Evaluation

Were you injured in a car accident? Contact Freeburn Law to learn how we can help. We serve clients all throughout Central Pennsylvania. Call our office today at 717-929-8359 to schedule a free case evaluation.

At Freeburn Law, we put you first. Our legal team has represented thousands of clients and will work hard to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case. Give us a call today to learn more!

Protecting Children: Pennsylvania’s New School Bus Law and Your Rights

Ensuring the safety of our children is a top priority, especially when it comes to their commute to and from school. Pennsylvania’s updated school bus law, effective in 2024, takes significant steps to protect children by creating safer conditions around school buses. For parents, this law not only aims to prevent car accidents but also empowers families to hold negligent drivers accountable if their actions lead to harm.

At Freeburn Law, we’ll walk you through how the law protects children, the serious risks when drivers fail to stop, and the steps parents can take if their child has been injured in a school bus-related accident.

How the New Law Protects Children

The 2024 update to Pennsylvania’s school bus laws introduces stronger measures to enhance the protection of children. Key changes include:

Expanded Stopping Distance: Drivers must now stop at least 15 feet away from a school bus when its stop arm is extended or its red lights are flashing, up from the previous requirement of 10 feet. This added buffer provides children with more space to safely cross the road.
Automated Enforcement Systems: The law expands the use of automated side stop signal arm cameras to capture violations. These systems record license plates of vehicles that fail to stop, helping authorities hold offenders accountable.

By focusing on prevention through better enforcement and safer stopping guidelines, this law is designed to create a more secure environment for children traveling to and from school.

The Real Impact of Failing to Stop for a School Bus

When drivers disregard a school bus’s stop arm or flashing red lights, the results can be devastating. Children getting on or off a bus are often in a rush and might not anticipate a car that fails to stop. These bus-related accidents often happen in moments of carelessness, but the consequences can have a lasting emotional and physical toll on families and communities.

Parents of injured children face unimaginable stress, from hospital visits to ongoing therapies. It’s not just about the physical recovery but also rebuilding a sense of safety for their children. No parent should have to bear this hardship because of someone else’s negligence.

Common Injuries in School Bus-Related Accidents

Children involved in school bus-related accidents may suffer from a variety of injuries, including but not limited to:

Broken Bones and Fractures: These are common when a child is struck by a car or falls during an accident.
Head Injuries: Even minor impacts can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which may cause long-term cognitive or physical challenges.
Internal Injuries: These injuries, often invisible at first glance, can result from impact forces and may require immediate medical intervention.
Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, children may experience anxiety, PTSD, or emotional distress after an accident.

When these injuries occur, it is crucial for parents to seek immediate medical attention and document the child’s condition thoroughly.

What Parents Should Do After a School Bus-Related Accident

If your child has been injured in a school bus-related accident, it’s essential to act quickly to protect their well-being and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, have your child evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, might not be immediately obvious.
Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident location, the bus, and any involved vehicles. Record details such as the time, weather conditions, and any visible injuries.
Gather Witness Information: Collect contact details from anyone who witnessed the accident, including other parents, drivers, or bystanders.
Retain Records: Save all medical bills, treatment plans, and any communications with schools or law enforcement related to the incident.
Contact an Experienced Attorney: Accidents involving school buses can be legally complex. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence, determine fault, and secure the compensation your family deserves.

Why the New Law Matters for Parents and Children

These updates to Pennsylvania’s school bus laws reflect a commitment to prioritizing children’s safety. By creating a more enforceable system and requiring drivers to give school buses adequate space, this law aims to reduce the number of preventable accidents.

For parents, this law provides some assurance that negligent behavior won’t go unnoticed. It also empowers them to demand accountability and fight for justice if a driver’s failure to stop causes harm to their child.

How Freeburn Law Can Help Families Affected by School Bus Accidents

At Freeburn Law, we understand the pain and uncertainty families experience after a school bus-related accident. Our team is dedicated to helping families protect their rights, hold negligent drivers accountable, and secure the compensation they need for treatment, recovery, and rebuilding their lives.

With years of experience handling school bus and personal injury cases, we have the knowledge to reconstruct accidents, identify fault, and guide families through the legal process. We believe every child deserves to travel safely to and from school, and we won’t rest until we’ve done everything possible to make our communities safer.

If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, don’t wait. Contact Freeburn Law today for a free consultation. Together, we’ll fight to protect your child’s rights and help your family move forward.