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 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.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Don’t Let Winter Driving Dangers Ruin Your Season

Pennsylvania gets its fair share of snow, sleet, and rain in the winter months, and this often leads to more car accidents. These accidents are often preventable, and it is important to know how to be safe in the winter. Following these tips will also help ensure you are not liable or negligent in any accident that may occur.

If you find yourself in a winter driving accident, contact Freeburn Law for assistance. We have years of experience handling complex car accident cases, and we can keep any accident from ruining your winter season.

Pennsylvania is a Dangerous State for Winter Driving

Money Geek ranks state winter driving dangers based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data and other statistics.

The top 10 worst states for driving in the US in the winter are:

Michigan
Alaska
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Montana
Illinois
Wyoming
Wisconsin
South Dakota
Minnesota

As you can see, Pennsylvania is the fourth most dangerous state to drive in during the winter. It is important to be aware of these statistics and mindful that you don’t become one of them.

How Many Crashes Happen in Pennsylvania During the Winter?

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) compiles statistics each year about the accidents that happen in the state, including driving conditions. According to the 2022 report from PennDOT, there were 8,449 car accidents during snow, sleet, or freezing rain. Of these, 32 accidents were fatal.

Let’s put those numbers in perspective. The NHTSA reports that Pennsylvania has 1% more fatal crashes than the average for the nation. There were also 1,191 fatal accidents in Pennsylvania in 2022, which means that winter road fatalities make up almost 3% of the fatalities for the year, even though these conditions are rare.

Top Winter Driving Tips to Avoid Car Accidents

There are many winter driving tips that will help you avoid car accidents.

1. Drive smoothly and slowly. Sudden and jerky movements of your steering wheel and pedals could easily make your tires lose their traction, regardless of what vehicle you drive. Therefore, you should avoid excessively accelerating, making sharp turns, and slamming your brakes. Instead, be mindful, gentle, and gradual when going through the sleet and snow.
2. Look farther ahead than usual. You should already be looking outward on the road to know what to expect as you drive forward, but you should look even further when driving in winter weather. It is crucial to gauge upcoming road conditions as you go, especially when it is icy.
3. Focus on the direction you want to go when skidding. If your car is skidding in another direction, you should always keep your focus on where you want your car to go and ease your foot off the brake to give your tires a moment to regain traction. This seems counterintuitive, but when you let your peripheral vision cover the direction of your skidding, you are more likely to turn in the direction you want to go.
4. Check your dashboard regularly. If your car issues a stability control warning, it means that your car is beginning to slide from your intended path, and you should ease your acceleration to restore your vehicle’s stability.
5. Get your car serviced. Make sure your defrosters, heaters, and windshield wipers are working, and make sure your tires have sufficient tread depth for the winter weather. You may want to consider all-season radials.
6. Keep a safe distance. Section 3310 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle and Traffic Code states that drivers have a responsibility to maintain a safe following distance sufficient for road conditions. If you fail to keep a safe distance and rear-end a driver, you could be found at fault.

If you follow all of these driving tips, you should be able to avoid most car accidents. You should also have an emergency kit prepared, as well as be ready to take action if you do have an accident.

Central Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorney Here to Help

At Freeburn Law, we are dedicated to keeping our community safe. We provide tips like these to help our clients avoid accidents. However, if you are injured in an accident, we are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at (717) 777-7777 for more information or to schedule your free consultation. Keep our number handy in case you do have an accident over the winter, and call us as soon after the accident as possible. This will ultimately help you keep the accident from ruining your winter.

Most Dangerous Holidays for Driving

Stay Off the Roads During These Dangerous Days

Driving on Pennsylvania’s roadways can be dangerous at any time of the year, but certain holidays present a higher risk for injury or death compared to others. It is important to remember that holidays often bring more drivers on the roads and the potential for more people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The more precautions you take, the safer you and everyone else will be on the road.

At Freeburn Law, we represent individuals who have been injured in accidents throughout Central Pennsylvania. Our lawyers will help you navigate the legal process, including filing a claim to obtain compensation after an accident. If you were injured in a Pennsylvania crash, contact our office at 717-777-7777 to schedule a free case evaluation today.

What Are the Most Dangerous Holidays for Driving in PA?

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), there is normally an increase in the number of crashes on state roadways during the holidays due to a larger volume of traffic. Unfortunately, the periods before and after a holiday can be as dangerous, if not more, compared to the actual holiday.

As reported by the PennDOT, the most dangerous holidays in 2022 were:

Post-Thanksgiving - The post-Thanksgiving holiday period accounted for the largest number of holiday fatalities.
Post-New Year’s - The weekend following New Year’s saw the highest number of crashes (1,606), compared to 515 on New Year’s Day.
Thanksgiving - Thanksgiving had the highest number of crashes on an actual holiday.
Memorial Day - Memorial Day saw the second-highest number of crashes for a holiday in Pennsylvania.
Labor Day - Labor Day had the highest number of accident-related fatalities on an actual holiday.
Pre-Thanksgiving - The period before Thanksgiving saw the second-highest number of crashes on Pennsylvania roadways.

The PennDOT reports that last year, 10% of all holiday accidents and 33% of fatalities during holiday weekends involved alcohol use. The period before Thanksgiving saw the highest number of alcohol-related crashes, while the period after Thanksgiving saw the highest number of alcohol-related fatalities. What Are the Most Dangerous Holidays for Driving in the U.S.?

While the Thanksgiving holiday period tends to be a particularly dangerous and deadly time on Pennsylvania roadways, nationally, the story is slightly different. According to the National Safety Council, Independence Day, or the 4th of July, is the most dangerous time on American roadways.

The Thanksgiving holiday period extending from Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 6:00 pm until Sunday, November 26, 2023, at 11:59 pm, is reportedly the second most deadly holiday to be on the road. The National Safety Council estimates that 507 people could be killed this Thanksgiving. The number is only slightly less than the 514 people who died during this period in 2021 (the most recent year available).

A large number of these fatalities involve alcohol impairment. 36% of fatalities involved alcohol impairment during the Thanksgiving Day holiday period in 2021. Normally, only 31% of fatal traffic accidents involve alcohol use.

Injured in a Pennsylvania Accident? Contact Our Office.

Were you or a loved one injured in a Pennsylvania car accident? Contact our office at 717-777-7777 to schedule a free case evaluation. Our lawyers will work with you to ensure you receive the largest recovery possible. Call now to speak directly with an experienced member of our legal team.