Philadelphia Injury Attorney Blog

As a Philadelphia car accident and catastrophic injury lawyer who has been representing catastrophically injured victims, and their families, for more then three decades, I worry that internet and television marketing by many lawyers has led to a high number of victims and their families receiving what many would consider to be improper and inadequate legal representation. Many lawyers just look for an “Easy A”. Too many times attorneys hoping to earn a quick and easy referral fee will spend tens of thousands of dollars even hundreds of thousands of dollars a month designing websites or TV advertising that inaccurately portrays their abilities. It is the goal of these attorneys to make perspective clients believe they are hiring experienced attorneys, who have recovered multi-million dollar verdicts, and are amongst the top car accident lawyers, truck accident lawyers, S.U.V. van rollover lawyers, medical malpractice lawyers, and Products liability lawyers in the field.

Lately I have received an alarming number of phone calls from seriously injured car and truck accident victims who were mislead by what I call a “parasite lawyer”. A “parasite lawyer” is a lawyer who oftentimes lacks experience but attempts to conceal this by purchasing “black hat” internet links and creating embellished website content to make prospective clients believe they are hiring an experienced lawyer or law firm to represent their legal interests when in reality they are hiring a lawyer who simply thereafter refers their case to another attorney for a fee. I call this the “Easy A” system whereby an inexperienced attorney, or an attorney who has no interest in representing you or your loved ones, tacks a fee onto your recovery for doing nothing more then referring your case to another attorney. Frequently many of these marketing attorneys operate their websites from out of state and have creative advertising joint and cooperative ventures with other lawyers and law firms creating the illusion that they are something more then they really are. Always pay attention to the disclaimers and small print at the bottom or end of the advertisement as it quickly passes you by.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, truck accident, tractor trailer accident, bus accident, boat accident, S.U.V roll over accident, 15 passenger van rollover accident, amusement park accidents, premise liability accident, slip and fall accident, burned in a fire, bitten or attacked by a dog, the victim of inadequate security, falsely imprisoned, sexually assaulted, injured on a cruise ship, injured on a plane, in a construction accident or injured as a result of a defective product or medical malpractice you may be eligible to recover for your injuries.

As an experienced and highly rated Pennsylvania Super Lawyer with decades of experience, whose law firm has handled and collected hundreds of millions of dollars in recoveries for catastrophically injured victims, and their families, as well as those who have sustained wrongful deaths, I strongly advise that you personally interview the attorney who will be handling your legal case. Do not be afraid to ask for references. Make sure that he or she is regularly available to meet and speak with you about your case as it develops. Make sure your case is not being handed over to a paralegal or newly graduated lawyer who might lack the required experience. Inquire whether or not the lawyer has ever had any disciplinary issues or is even licensed to practice law in your state. Inquire about independent and non biased reviews of your lawyer from third party ranking or rating organization. Check the attorney's ranking on Avvo or the Martindale-Hubble record of standing. Never be afraid to get a second opinion from another lawyer if you don't like what you are hearing or don't feel comfortable as the case develops.

After all you only get one bite at the apple, and the selection of your lawyer may be one of the most important lifetime decisions that you will ever make.
Chance will always favor the prepared mind.

On the last day of a Bahama honeymoon, a tragic parasailing accident took the life of a newly wed wife of Victor Rodriguez, age 22. The 22-year old bride Crystal Rodriguez died after her parasailing harness apparently snapped while she was being towed sending her plunging more than 200 feet into the sea. Both Crystal and her husband were being towed by a speed boat with a parachute billowing behind them when the accident occurred on the final day of their 10 day honeymoon. Her broken hearted husband was wheeled onto a jet on a gurney with oxygen after spending the last five weeks with extensive internal injuries in a hospital in Orlando, Florida.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and their families and as an amusement accident and parasailing accident attorney, accidents like this are always the most hard hitting.

Parasailing has been defined as a sport or recreational activity where one soars while harnessed to a parasail. The words “while harnessed” are the key words. Fortunately more than one can imagine, many people are wrongfully killed or tragically injured due to faulty equipment of the owner or operator or the parasail operation’s negligence. There is very little regulation or oversight of many of the companies that operate parasailing operations and they tend to operate for profit instead of safety.

Most victims who survive parasailing accidents have their lives forever changed due to injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, quadriplegia, paraplegia, or even wrongful death due to a defective product or negligence on behalf of the company providing the parasailing service.

Continue reading "Parasailing Accident During Bahama Honeymoon Results In Death Of Wife And Serious Injuries To a Broken Hearted Husband " »

As an experienced Pennsylvania boating accident attorney, I want to thank Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett who signed into law last week new legislation which will now hold boat operators under the influence to the same penalties as driving a motor vehicle under the influence. The new law treats all vehicles similarly regardless of whether it is an air craft, water craft, or land vehicle. As an attorney who has investigated and prosecuted boating accident cases for over three decades, many times our investigations reveal that alcohol was a contributing factor. Common sense is all that is necessary to understand that sitting in the sun and alcohol is not a good mixture particularly when operating a boat. A boat is less controllable than a car and requiring one’s full facilities to properly and lawfully control and operate. Boats do not have brakes and the ability to stop or slow down quickly in an emergency or accident avoidance maneuver.

Several years ago, Pennsylvania state law reduced blood alcohol levels for operating under the influence to 0.8 down from 0.1 which now applies to boats. The newly signed law also recognizes that operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol will be treated as a second class felony. While many complain that the new law might impinge on the traditional boating and having a few cocktails on the water, this experienced Pennsylvania boating accident attorney has sat with victims and their families who were catastrophically injured or wrongfully killed believes that alcohol and the operation of any motor vehicle or machinery is a potentially deadly combination. If you want a drink, keep it at dockside or in the security of your home.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a boating accident, boating explosion , or any other vehicle accident involving the use of alcohol, our skilled and experienced catastrophic injury lawyers always offer a free confidential, no obligation consultation. For more information, please contact us toll free at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

Since 1979, the skilled boating accident attorneys of Reiff & Bily have been investigating and litigating boating and maritime accident cases. A good portion of these cases involve a catastrophic accident that occurred when the boat operator was intoxicated. Interestingly enough up until recently the Pennsylvania legislature did not address this issue. However, a Bill now sits on Governor Tom Corbett’s desk awaiting his signature which should toughen penalties for boating under the influence. Our hats go off to Rep. Mike Hanna who proposed an amendment to House Bill 78 which would allow prior drunken driving convictions to be factored into a sentencing for a drunken boating conviction. Surprisingly, Pennsylvania’s boating laws are considered pretty tough by national standards which really doesn’t say too much for the rest of the country. As an experienced boating accident attorney and boat skipper for over four decades, I do not think that Pennsylvania’s boating laws are tough enough and lack “teeth” when it comes to enforcement. However, as an experienced boating accident attorney who has dealt with the most catastrophic injuries and deaths that occur as a result of one operating a boat while intoxicated, I always felt there was a need for a tough criminal statute with teeth covering those who kill another while operating a boat while in an intoxicated state. Currently when a DUI accident by motor vehicle results in death, the sentences are significantly greater graded as a third degree rather than a second degree felony.

As Pennsylvania has more than 2,500 lakes and thousands of miles of rivers, intoxicated operation of a vessel is a serious problem. It is almost impossible for the small number of Pennsylvania marine police to enforce these laws, and this experienced boating accident lawyer argues that the stronger the penalty the more it will deter others from operating a boat while intoxicated and make Pennsylvania waterways safer for all.

Continue reading "Experienced Pennsylvania Boating Accident Lawyer Queries Why Someone Convicted Of DUI Operating A Boat Should Face Less Of A Penalty Than Those Behind The Wheel Of A Car When Boat Accident Victims Are Catastrophically Injured and Wrongfully Killed" »

When we send our children to summer camp, we want to always think of the smiles and moments of joy and happiness etched in the minds of our kids. Unfortunately all it takes is a tragic overnight or day camp accident to turn a family’s life into a nightmare. Dreams are lost and hopes are vanished.

On June 19, 2011, Andrew Silvershein, 16-years old, of Davie, Florida drowned during a white water rafting trip during his first week at Camp Ramah Daron. As an experienced water accident and camping accident attorney who has also been involved in the camping arena, I recognize that safety should be the number one concern and priority when it involves kids, teens, and summer camps.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Silvershein family, and this tragic accident should cause all summer camps to review safety measures. Unfortunately investigation reveals that Andrew Silvershein was wedged under a rock and was wearing a life jacket and helmet. I too have been an experienced white water rafter and had suffered a similar accident a number of years ago on the Pacuare River in Costa Rica when I was thrown from the boat and swept by the current and snapped my leg to break it between a rock. White water rafting can simply be dangerous under improper conditions and it is essential that summer camps properly train their staff in safety measures and out source to reliable trip providers that follow the safest of protocols.

The drowning drowning, and water submersion accident attorneys
of the Beasley Reiff Law Group
are committed to swimming pool and water safety. Our catastrophic injury and wrongful death
drowning lawyers have been awarded billions of dollars on behalf of victims and their families since 1958. For more information, contact us toll free at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

Earlier this year, a 32-foot fiberglass cabin cruiser boat exploded in Del Ray Beach, Florida killing a man and burning others on board the boat. The explosion took place when one of the individuals was working on the engine after the tank was filled with approximately 50 gallons of gas. Investigators concluded that gas leaks and vapors filled the engine room and I suspect that the engine must have started, igniting the fumes and triggering the explosion after the boaters stopped to refuel the vessel at a marina. The owner of the boat told investigators that after fueling, the smell of gasoline permeated the air after which point one of the victims on the vessel began to look for leaks in the engine compartment and thereafter heard a pop and saw flames. The day after the explosion, state investigators found a burned body in the charred hole of the boat. The headline of the newspaper indicated that the explosion that killed the man was deemed “accidental”.

As an experienced boater for over 50 years who has skippered just about every type of water craft, I also happen to have over three decades of experience as a boating accident lawyerinvestigating and litigating boating accident and boat explosion cases. There is one thing of which I am certain, that boating explosion cases do not happen on their own and always involve a proximate cause whether it be negligence or design or  manufacturing defect.

As an experienced Pennsylvania product liability lawyer who has worked on fuel fed fire legal cases both in the automotive, motorcycle, and boating arena, boat explosion accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries or death. Lately the United States Coast Guard has noticed a dramatic increase in boating fatalities and explosions. Most times injuries and deaths could have been prevented if proper safety procedures were followed.

Continue reading "Investigation Into A Florida Boat Explosion Concludes That Leaking Gas and Vapors In Engine Room Was The Cause - Boating Accident and Explosion Lawyer Weighs In" »

It seems that 2011 is on its way to breaking records for drowning and boating accidents in the Pennsylvania Tri-state area. On the weekend of June 26th, two people died in separate boating accidents in Cecil County, Maryland. The boating deaths represent the 10th and 11th fatality in Maryland this year. According to news sources, the first death occurred at 8:30 Friday night when an individual fell into the water as he attempted to jump from his boat to a pier near the Chesapeake Inn. Two shipmates tried to rescue him but could not.

The other death happened at approximately 3:40 p.m. on Saturday afternoon when a boat capsized on the Elk River. Initial investigation indicates that the boat was rated for three people and 435 lbs. However, there were 4 people in the boat and the conservative estimate noted that the weight exceeded 700 lbs. Interestingly enough as an experienced boater and boating accident attorneys what these drownings have in common with other boating deaths is a lack of appropriate flotation devices and the failure to exercise proper care by overloading the vessels weight requirements.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of these victims and we note that these unfortunate deaths clearly reveal the need to wear flotation devices in and around a boating environment. The boating accident lawyers of Reiff & Bily boating accident lawyers of Reiff & Bily have recently joined forces with the Beasley Firm to create the Beasley Reiff Law Group. Most of our experienced boating accident lawyers are also boating skippers and have handled just about every type of water craft for decades. We always offer a free, no obligation consultation. For more information contact us online at www.reiffandbily.com or toll free at 1-800-421-9595.

More people died in boating accidents in New Jersey last year than the year before. While boating fatalities fell nationally to a record low of 672 from 5.8 deaths per 100,000 registered vessels to 5.4 deaths per 100,000 vessels, these numbers were not translated into a better safety record in New Jersey where fatalities and drownings increased. Two more people died in 2010 than in 2009 in New Jersey due to boating accidents and almost all deaths were related to failure to have adequate flotation devices and failure to wear life jackets.

As an experienced boating accident and drowning accident lawyer who also deals with swimming and submersion injuries and deaths, we urge all of our readers to take a Coast Guard boating safety course and have their boat inspected to make sure that you are compliant with safety regulations. Of course it goes without saying that one should never operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol and should stay off of vessels where the operator has had one too many. While these statistics refer only to those boats that are legally registered, many other boating accidents involve catastrophic injuries and death on boats that are not registered as well as smaller water craft.

As an experienced boater for over 50 years and as a boating accident attorney who is focused on boating and maritime injuries and drowning accidents, I am constantly amazed that I see people acting unsafely in the water jeopardizing the lives of others and taking risks that may cause catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths. The United States Coast Guard is pushing for federal legislation that would make lifeguard usage mandatory in all adults in New Jersey as currently children under 13 are required to wear life jackets. Nine people have been killed on the water in the 5th Coast Guard District since the Memorial Day weekend.

Continue reading "Local New Jersey Boating Fatalities Increase In 2010 Contrary To A National Trend - Experienced Boating Accident and Drowning Lawyers Weigh In" »

Unfortunately 2011 is shaping up to be a banner year for drownings and boating accidents in New Jersey.

According to news sources a wave kicked up by a passing boat knocked a 25-year old New Jersey resident into Barnegat Bay Sunday night when the wake of one of the vessels slammed into the pleasure boat he was riding in. The sudden impact of the wake caused the driver of the boat to lose control of the vessel and the victim, who was not wearing a life jacket, to be thrown with another man from the rear of the boat into the water. One of the victims suffered a fractured arm. However, the other victim has not been seen and the search has been called off. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of the victim.

The Pennsylvania and New Jersey boating accident lawyers of the Beasley Reiff Law Group understand and are experienced boaters who have skippered just about every type of boat one can imagine and understand just how quickly a pleasant day on the water can quickly turn into a disaster. Many individuals have the apparent misconception that boats are easy and safe to drive and last year boating accident increased over 80%.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating, maritime, and jet ski accident, the Beasley Reiff Law Group boating accident attorneys always offer a free, no obligation consultation. Maritime accidents are often complex and require specialized experience and the boating accident lawyers of the Beasley Reiff Law Group have been awarded billions of dollars since 1958 representing generations of those catastrophically injuredcatastrophic injured or wrongful killed. We have a passion for boating and understand that accidents happen and we also know who to identify and hold accountable. Please contact us online at www.reiffandbily.com or toll free at 1-800-421-9595.

Six men were aboard a 16-foot motor boat when it flipped over after an engine failure resulting in a fatality and other injuries. According to news sources, the accident occurred in the Ocean City Inlet which intersects the Atlantic Ocean and like many other inlets is known for having turbulent waters. Reports indicate that the party on the boat was preparing to lift anchor when the line became ensnared in the boats propeller causing the engine to fail. A strong outgoing tide made the vessel to navigate and the vehicle began to sink and ultimately flip over after several large waves splashed across the stern. None of the six occupants were identified as wearing life jackets as they all went overboard. Five of the six occupants were rescued by the United States Coast Guard. However, after 15 minutes, a 52-year old man who remains unidentified, was found floating in the water about 250 yards from shore. The boat sank and has not been recovered and there is no indication that alcohol or drugs played a part in this boating accident and catastrophe.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the victim's and we wish the survivors a speedy recovery.

As an experienced boating accident attorney who has navigated more than his fair share of rough water inlets as a skipper of may different types of boats and water craft, this story calls to attention the fact that when in turbulent waters in a small boat and for that matter, any size boat, one must take all safety precautions and always wear life jackets, as well as make sure all engines and mechanical systems are operating properly and safely. Most boating deaths and drownings are caused by the failure of victims to wear life preservers or due to the operator's failure to operate the vessel in such a way that it insures the safety of the passengers on board.

Continue reading "Failure Of Boat Engine Leads To Death Of 52-Year Old" »

According to the Coast Guard, nine people have died in the first two weeks of June in the waters of the mid-Atlantic due to boating accidents and a string of drowning accidents. Unfortunately most of the boating deaths could have been avoided due to the fact that some of the fatalities involved in boating accidents were not wearing life jackets. The failure to wear a life jacket resulted in 75% of all boating deaths in 2010 and of those drowning victims, 88% were not wearing life jackets.

Adding to these grim statistics is a report that many beach town resorts, including Delaware beaches, are struggling to fill lifeguard slots. The News Journal of Wilmington reports there are only 19 openings and 9 applicants for lifeguard duty at Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware Seashore Park, and Fenwick Island State Park. Unfortunately part of the problem is due to the low salary of $10.00 per hour.

As an experienced boating accident and drowning accident lawyer, I am very much well aware that the summer season brings its share of tragedies. However most boaters and swimmers must be aware of the dangers and as beach resorts derive a significant portion of their revenue from visitors why not pay a little bit more to hire qualified lifeguards. A survey indicated that nearby municipalities pay only one to two dollars more for lifeguards and have no problem filling the spots. Never skimp on safety.

Continue reading "Nine Deaths By Drowning or Boating Accidents Before Summer Even Starts - Experienced Boating Accident and Drowning Lawyer Weighs In" »

As an experienced boating accident and jet ski accident lawyer, I can almost predict that when Memorial Day rolls around, the newspapers will be full of stories of boating and jet ski accidents. Unfortunately a 31-year old local woman was killed and became Delaware’s first boating fatality of 2011 when the jet ski she was operating collided with another jet ski on Rehoboth Bay.

In a separate accident popular entertainer Sean Kingston crashed his jet ski into a bridge with a passenger on the back and remains hospitalized in critical condition. According to news reports, Mr. Kingston's passenger stated that Kingston was going so fast that he lost control and crashed into a bridge.

As an experienced jet ski accident lawyer and jet ski rider for many years, I am compelled to comment that jet ski riding needs tighter regulations as it is all too easy for anyone to rent a jet ski with little or no training and drive forward at a high rate of speed only to become involved in a catastrophic accident. Jet skis do not have brakes, travel at high speeds, and can maneuver very quickly with an inexperienced and an uneducated rider. Unexpected injuries often come as a surprise. However all too many times fatalities occur.

The Pennsylvania boating accident and jet ski accident lawyers of Reiff & Bily recently joined forces with the Beasley Firm to create the Beasley Reiff Law Group. Our skilled catastrophic injury and wrongful death lawyers have been awarded over $2 billion dollars since 1958. We always offer a free, no obligation consultation. Contact us online at www.reiffandbily.com or toll free at 1-800-421-9595.

As an experienced Pennsylvania boating accident attorney, I recently reviewed a story that took place on a lake in Minnesota when a 27-year old girl and her 30-year old girlfriend were killed in an easily preventable boating accident when a 24-foot lake boat she was operating violently crashed into two boat lifts and hit a tree. According to the investigative report there was evidence of intoxication by the boat operator and alcohol was found on the boat. This story is not so unique and I can personally relate to this story as my father was an innocent passenger on a high performance speed boat operated by a fairly prominent Philadelphian who as it turned out was intoxicated and was involved in a catastrophic accident injuring his passengers. The accident involving my father occurred as a result of the intoxicated boat operator’s negligent operation of the high speed boat where he throttled his boat to a high rate of speed in excess of 60 mph and jumped a high wake of a passing boat causing him to lose control of the boat where everyone onboard, including the intoxicated boat operator, was ejected from the boat resulting in catastrophic and permanent injuries. One thing is for certain - high speed power boats and alcohol never mix and often lead to a deadly combination.

As an experienced boat skipper for a great majority of my lifetime, I have owned and operated sail boats, motor boats, jet skis and recently owned and operated a 36-foot racing speed boat that was capable of reaching 80 mph. I have flown airplanes, driven motorcycles, and driven racing cars, and it is safe for me to state that the high speed motor boat was probably one of the most dangerous vehicles or craft that I have ever operated which I can only describe as moments of pure pleasure punctuated by moments of extreme fear. When you are traveling at a high rate of speed over the waterways hitting a wave the wrong way or hitting submerged object it can cause a catastrophic incident of flip over to occur in just an instant. Operating a high speed boat required my full attention and complete concentration and I am afraid to say, almost more. In fact, I might state that it was so scary that I would dare not consider imbibing in the slightest bit of alcohol or any other substance due to my natural fear factor.

Continue reading "The Water Is Often A Place For Dreams and Memories To Be Made But Offers Little Or No Forgiveness When There Is An Accident" »

As an experienced boater for over 50 years as well as a Pennsylvania boating and maritime lawyer since 1979, I am always sad to read about easily preventable catastrophic accidents and boating fatalities that occur during the fueling of a power boat.

According to news sources, a woman was killed and six people including a child were injured when a power boat exploded and sank after refueling at an Erie Yacht Club over the weekend. Our hearts thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

As an operator of power boats and as a lawyer who worked on boating docks as a young boy fueling boats, I am very well familiar that when boats are refueling it is important to have proper ventilation and utilize the blower system prior to starting the engine to clear out an accumulation of gas fumes which might be ignited by a spark and cause an explosion. It is essential for boating safety that fumes be totally cleared. According to news sources, the boat was 32-foot mid 1980's Wellcraft.

Unfortunately I have witnessed and investigated similar cases and typically most explosions in the boating industry occur during the fueling process. Last year there were close to 3,000 boat explosions while fueling in the United States and almost always, the consequences are deadly and catastrophic. Potential causes of boat explosions include but are not limited to improper ventilation, not using the blower long enough prior to starting the engine, improper fueling methods, gasoline spillage and overflow, lack of inspection of fuel systems, lack of flammable materials and construction, lack of fire suppression equipment, not grounding the fuel nozzle to the fuel pipe during fueling, and not making sure passengers are off the vessel during refueling. Many times a design defect or a flaw can cause or contribute to a marine fire or boat explosion. Boat electrical systems should be properly maintained to reduce electrical ignition. Sources and bonding ground systems should be used on all boats with fixed electrical systems and all exhaust motors and vents should be properly maintained and installed by boat manufacturers and owners. Almost all boat explosions are preventable. Simply stated, boats do not explode unless someone did something wrong.

Continue reading "Pennsylvania Yacht Club Power Boat Explosion Kills One and Injures Another Six Including A Child" »

Spring season is upon us with warmer weather and many boaters are taking their first boating trip of the season. Unfortunately, I read of a tragedy that occurred when a boat sank in the Chesapeake Bay last week after encountering what was described as “somewhat rough water”. Sources describe that when the boat lost power, it began taking on water when one of the individual’s on the boat went to get life preservers. While this story by no means suggests that anyone is at fault in this particular situation, but unfortunately they were not readily accessible. What it does indicate is that accidents on the water can happen when you least expect it and chance favors the prepared man.

As an avid boater for over 50 years who has captained motor boats, speed boats, jet skis, and sail boats, I am well aware that the U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations state that all boats must be equipped with USCG approved personal flotation devices and how many and what type PFD’s you will need depends on the number of people on the boat, the size of the boat, and the kind of boating done. If a boat is 16 feet or longer, you must have any one of these wearable PFD’s for each person on board. Offshore life jacket type 1 PFD, near shore buoyant vest (Type II PFD ), flotation aid (Type III PFD), special use device (Type V PFD), plus at least one throwable device. For example, if there are four people on a 16 foot boat, you must have at least 5 PFD’s - 4 wearable PFD’s and 1 throwable device. Even if the boat owner or operator did not cause the sinking or tipping or accidental incident on a boat, he or she can be held liable if there is a lack of life preservers or he or she fails to comply with safety regulations and the upkeep and maintenance of the vehicle. Boat owners and operators can be liable for injuries that result from poorly maintained boats, or the absence of life preservers. While a boat owner may have little by way of boating insurance, in many cases damages may also be collected from a home owner.

Unfortunately water-related accidents and boating accidents happen all too frequently. The boating accident lawyers of Reiff & Bily have recently joined forces with the Beasley Firm to create the Beasley Reiff Law Group. Our skilled boating accident lawyers are also longtime boaters and have represented catastrophically injured victims since 1958 and have been awarded over $2 billion dollars for injured victims. Please contact us online at www.beasleyreifflawgroup.com or toll free at 1-800-588-0130.

Since Memorial Day, several accidents have resulted in needless death and catastrophic injuries to operators and their guests operating jet skis around America. As an experienced jet ski and watercraft accident attorney who has practiced since 1979, I am amazed that one can go to a rental facility and get on a jet ski with a young child onboard with the apparent misconception that they are safe and easy to drive. How many of these same individuals would go out and rent a motorcycle and put their child on the back without learning how to operate it. I have been boating since I was a young boy and on a family vacation many years ago I almost had my leg amputated in a jet ski accident caused by the negligence of another operator playing “chicken.”

Another incident involved a friend of mine who fractured his hip as a result of a collision with another jet ski. To this day he has a permanent disability. Most jet ski injuries are caused by collisions with other boats, other jet skis, or other objects. Many times over summer weekends there is a good chance that many jet ski operators have had one too many alcoholic beverages to drink prior to operating these complex pieces of equipment. Rider error and over-confidence is the cause of most jet ski injuries and deaths. Unfortunately, most of these catastrophic watercraft accidents involve younger operators.

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania if the maximum speed of a vessel is less 25 mph, the operator is not required to successfully complete a PA Fish and Boat Commission approved boating course. We have found that many businesses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania rent jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners, Tigersharks, and other personal watercraft to individuals who do not possess boating safety educational certificates and frankly are not aware of any of the safety regulations and potential for danger and harm concerning the operation of a personal watercraft. Simply stated, there are many accidents waiting to happen and at high speeds. These often preventable accidents many times result in catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.

If you or a loved one has been involved in personal watercraft, boating, or jet ski accident, please feel free to contact one of our experienced Pennsylvania jet ski and watercraft accident attorneys for a free no obligation consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com. Of course, the best watercraft and boating accident attorneys always offer a free no obligation consultation.

Over the July 4th holiday weekend, a number of people were tragically and catastrophically injured or killed in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey by operating jet skis and boats while under the influence of alcohol.

As an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney with more than 30 years of experience handling boat accident and jet ski accident cases and after having my leg almost amputated in a jet ski accident, I am well aware of the normal dangers of operating watercraft even while in a non-intoxicated state. So far the number of personal injury accidents involving watercraft has increased substantially over last year. Jet skis make up only 3% of all watercraft but account for more than half of the accidents. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has planned a crackdown on under the influence boating violators. The operation of watercraft has its own inherent dangers, and when you add alcohol into the mix, the dangers are multiplied significantly. Most of the catastrophic boating and jet ski death accidents we have investigated have been directly related to DUI or operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission commenced a program to “crack down” on DUI over the July 4th holiday weekend. A total of 62 people died in boating related accidents in Pennsylvania last year.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating, jet ski, or other watercraft accident, please feel free to contact one of our experienced Pennsylvania jet ski accident or boating accident lawyers for a free no obligation consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

A famous Philadelphia tourist attraction duck boat packed with tourists on a steamy July afternoon crashed at approximately 2:30 p.m. sending 37 adults and children into the Delaware River. At the time of this writing two passengers are missing, a 17-year girl and a 19-year old man and marine units are searching the river with sonar equipment. The Coast Guard has recovered 35 individuals. According to witness Talmadge Robinson, the duck boat was stopped on the river when the collision occurred. The witness was sitting ashore when he saw the barge approaching the immobile and disabled duck Boat. There was a loud bang as the duck Boat was literally “a sitting duck”. People were screaming. According to the witness, the tug boat had enough time to avoid the Duck Boat. Many of the children swam to the Camden side, not wearing life jackets, and were rescued by the police. According to witness Norman Sevara, age 41, the duck Boat hit the barge “It hit pretty hard and pulled the boat under. It went straight under.” Eight of the passengers were taken to the hospital for treatment. The striking barge named “The Resource” was owned by K-Sea Transportation and was being pushed by a tug on its port side. The duck boat is operated by “Ride The Ducks” which began operating in Philadelphia in 2003 and operates 15 duck boats in the city and operates about 90 vessels in several cities including Atlanta, Baltimore, Memphis, and Branson, Missouri. “Ride the Ducks” is owned by the Herschend Family Entertainment Company which is located near Atlanta and operates Camden’s Adventure Aquarium, The Dollywood Theme Park, as well as many other water adventure parks. In a 1999 accident another amphibious tour boat The Miss Majestic sank and killed 13 passengers in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this tragic and seemingly preventable accident. We wish all the victims the best for a speedy and complete recovery and will keep them in our prayers.

Based upon a news report, it appears that the operator of the barge and tug could be at fault and if it is determined that they caused this accident, they could be held liable for injuries and damages caused to the victims. All of the victims and their families would be well advised to consult with an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury and Pennsylvania boating and watercraft accident attorney who could advise them about their legal rights and options. In such cases, accident victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, costs of hospitalization and other related damages. For a free no obligation consultation, please contact one of our experienced attorneys at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com. Our record of success speaks for itself.

According to reports of the United States Coast Guard, there have been 31 recreational boating and paddling deaths this summer in the First Coast Guard District stretching from the coast of Maine to New Jersey, as well as including eastern New York and Lake Champlain. Just this summer there have been 11 boating accidents in Pennsylvania resulting in catastrophic injury or death. Eight motor boats and three personal water crafts accounted for 1/3 of the deaths while the remaining 2/3 occurred on non-motorized vehicles, including canoes, row boats, kayaks and sail boats. Most of the deaths were preventable due to the lack of proper safety equipment including but not limited to life jackets. Many other injuries or deaths were caused by inexperienced operators as well as operators impaired by alcohol. The number of boating accidents has jumped by over 80% this year. Nationally, according to the Coast Guard, there were 4,789 boating accidents which killed 709 and left 3,331 injured and caused $54 million in property damage.

If you or a loved one were injured in a boating or jet ski accident, you would be well advised to seek the services of an experienced boat accident and jet ski accident lawyer who can begin a comprehensive investigation and determine where proper liability rests and recover monetary damages for physical and mental injuries.

Maritime accidents can be complex and require specialized experience. The experienced boat accident and jet ski accident lawyers at Reiff & Bily offer a free no obligation consultation to anyone injured in a jet ski or boating accident. Please contact us at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

It amazes me how many people ride jet skis without any type of instruction when in fact jet skis have been involved in many catastrophic accidents on the water. In fact, jet skis are the second highest ranked type of water craft that has been involved in major boating accidents across the world. Anyone who has ridden the jet ski will tell you that they are extremely responsive and ultra-sensitive to the slightest movement of the handle bar. The same maneuverability in the hands of the untrained or inexperienced operator makes the jet ski prone to waterway accidents particularly when an inexperienced rider panics.

I have witnessed many jet ski accidents as well as have been involved in one myself with my son (where I almost lost my leg) and I am astounded that many rental agencies will casually place an inexperienced rider on a jet ski in a resort area or in a waterway area where there are other boaters traveling, creating obstacles and potential risk of danger and harm for the inexperienced operator. Not only should one be instructed on how to operate the jet ski but one should also be instructed on what to do to survive if a jet ski accident occurs.

Continue reading "Jet Skis Are Not Children’s Toys – In Fact They Are One Of The Most Dangerous Types of Water Craft In Use – Jet Ski Accident Lawyer Speaks Out" »

It’s summertime and inevitably many boat accidents and jet ski accidents will occur. Many individuals will suffer catastrophic injuries or wrongful death as a result of being struck by a watercraft’s propeller. For minimal costs, marine engine manufacturers can place a safety ring around propeller blades. It is estimated that this safety fix would cost approximately $5 to $10 per boat to add. Boating accidents and propeller injuries are foreseeable.

The experienced product liability lawyers at Reiff & Bily believe that boating engine manufacturers have a duty to place safety over profits and have a duty to minimize injury and prevent deaths. Recently, Lawrence Thibault, an expert witness in automobile product liability matters and the owner of Biomechanics Inc., a Pennsylvania consulting firm, told a jury in Florida how lap belts prompted a series of changes that improved safety in the auto industry leading to harness belts, padded dashboards, airbags, side airbags, and other changes. However, the boating industry is not following the auto industry in increasing safety features and is fighting a push to equip boats with inexpensive ring guards.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident or jet ski accident, it is important to have an experienced boating and product liability lawyer evaluate your claim. For a free no obligation consultation, please contact the experienced product liability lawyers at Reiff & Bily at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.