WHAT IS NEW AT THE TULLY LAW FIRM:
The book that Michael (mostly) and I wrote called “DEATH AND SERIOUS CAR INJURY CASES-GETTING YOU THE MOST MONEY FOR YOUR CLAIM” has been written and published. We wrote the book to simply explain the basic legal concepts involved in death and serious car injury cases. We sincerely hope it helps anyone who reads it whether they use our law firm or not. If you would like a FREE copy of the book please call us at 412-281-8700. Thanks.
THANK YOU ALL:
We wish to gratefully thank everyone who has or does refer us car accident/injury cases. Referrals are what keeps us growing!
WHAT’S NEW IN THE LAW:
Priest/Clergy Abuse Cases Thrown Out of Court:
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently refused to extend the statute of limitation time period for victims of priest/clergy abuse. What the decision means is the Court ruled any victim of clergy abuse had the legal obligation to file a lawsuit within 2 years of the abuse or within 2 years of when the victim became an adult. What do you think of this decision?
MICHAEL’S COMMON SENSE CORNER:
AFTER A SERIOUS COLLISION MAKE SURE TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE SCENE:
If you are involved in a serious motor vehicle accident, one of the most important things you can do is to take photographs. This includes photographs of your vehicle damage, the vehicle that caused the collision, the roadway where the collision occurred, and the final resting place of the vehicles involved. The reason it is so important is because it captures exactly what happened immediately following the collision. Unlike one’s memory, the photographs won’t change and can be used during litigation to prove to the other side exactly what happened on the date of the accident. Another reason is to capture the damage done to both vehicles. Sometimes a client’s vehicle is towed from the scene and totaled and the opportunity to document your vehicle’s damage may be lost. Photographs of your vehicle’s damage can help you win your case. The photographs will usually increase the value of your case.
CLIENT’S IMMIGRATION STATUS NO LONGER DISCOVERABLE DUE TO NEW RULE:
Pennsylvania has adopted a new rule that applies in both civil and criminal cases that states a person’s immigration status is generally not allowed into evidence. There are exceptions to this rule, such as if the person’s immigration status is “essential”, if it is a defense to an action, or to show bias in a witness testifying against the illegal immigrant. The reason for this is to prevent the illegal immigrant from being prejudiced against due to his illegal status, and to prevent intimidation and fear of deportation. The side attempting to introduce evidence of the immigration status of the person has the burden to prove that it is essential to the case.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES’ TOUGH YEAR BUT BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD:
The Pirates are having a rough year as they are projected to lose over 100 games this season. Despite the disappointment, there is reason for optimism as the new general manager has begun retooling the team with high end talent. Our farm system has been rated the 4th best in all of baseball! The future is bright!
COLLEGE FOOTBALL RETURNS:
Penn State, Pitt and West Virginia football returns this September! No matter who your favorite team is, nothing says the beginning of Fall like College Football. Good luck to all our teams!
PROPERTY DAMAGE VS. COLLISION DAMAGE INSURANCE:
What’s the difference between having Property damage vs. Collision damage on your auto policy? The difference is that property damage protection will pay for the other vehicle to be repaired if you cause a motor vehicle accident. Collision damage coverage, on the other hand, protects your own vehicle in case your vehicle is damaged by another driver. Property damage coverage protects the other vehicle, collision damage protects your vehicle in the event you are involved in an accident. It is important to get collision damage insurance on your auto policy to protect yourself and get your vehicle repaired!
JOKE OF THE MONTH:
When you lost something, why is it always in the last place you look?
Because when you find it, you stop looking!
WORD OF THE MONTH:
Capricious. Adjective. Impulsive or unpredictable. The capricious nature of the suspect as he was taken into custody had all the parties present on edge.
CONGRATULATIONS TO: Sue S. who won our $50.00 prize for successfully answering August’s Newsletter question! Great job!
NOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $50.00: How many colors are in a rainbow?
Your friends and attorneys,
Bernard M. Tully and Michael J. Tully
Have a great Fall Season!