News & Blog

May Brings a Focus on Motorcycle Safety

May 6, 2018

May is Motorcycle Safety Month and PennDOT is encouraging riders to register for a free motorcycle safety course through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program. There are programs for new motorcycle riders, as well as returning and experienced riders. Spring can be one of the best times for motorcyclists, but sadly it can also be one of the most dangerous. As a personal injury firm, the attorneys at Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen have seen the damages of motorcycle crashes firsthand. We’ve just come off a cold snowy winter in NEPA and the weather has finally warmed up. Motorcycle riders can’t wait to get out on the open road and feel the wind in their face. It’s important to keep safety top of mind when riding. Motorcyclists are much more likely than passenger car occupants to die or become injured in a serious crash. The NHTSA reported that in 2016, we saw […]

Understanding the difference between a birth injury and a birth defect

February 6, 2018

It’s usually one of the happiest times of a couple’s lives. Expectant parents anxiously preparing and awaiting the birth of a new baby. Tragically, excitement can quickly turn to heartbreak for parents when something goes wrong and an infant is born injured or suffering in some way. It’s an important time to be sure you understand the difference between a birth injury and a birth defect. While this is a confusing time for new parents, filled with a mix of emotions, it is important to determine the cause of your baby’s suffering. Knowing the difference between a birth injury and a birth defect can be very important in determining if there was any medical negligence involved in harm caused to your baby. If there was negligence or a medical error, you may be eligible for compensation for those injuries and for ongoing medical treatment for your newborn. What is a […]

Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen Named in America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators®

January 12, 2018

Daniel J. Distasio and Michael J. Kowalski, partners in Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen personal injury firm in Wilkes-Barre, have been named among the nation’s most esteemed and skilled litigators in high stakes legal matters. They were both among America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® for 2017. Selection to America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® is by invitation only. It is reserved to identify the nation’s most exceptional trial attorneys in high value, high stakes legal matters. To be considered for selection, an attorney must have litigated (for either plaintiff or defendant) a matter (1) with at least $2,000,000 in alleged damages at stake or (2) with the fate of a business worth at least $2,000,000 at stake. These minimum qualifications are required for initial consideration. Thereafter, candidates are carefully screened through comprehensive Qualitative Comparative Analysis. This is based on a broad array of criteria, including the candidate’s professional experience, litigation experience, significant […]

Five tips to stay safe in freezing temps

January 5, 2018

We’re in the midst of a deep freeze in the northeast, with wind chills below zero. These frigid temperatures can be dangerous for many reasons. Freezing temps can cause frostbite and hypothermia to those not properly protected from the weather. Icy driving conditions can wreak havoc on highways and cause auto accidents. Bursting pipes can cause damage to your home. As the temperature dips, carbon monoxide poisoning is also more common. Here are five tips to stay safe in freezing temps and better protect you and your family from the elements this winter. Dress warmly with layers Stay indoors during severe weather conditions if possible. If you do need to venture out, wear a hat, gloves and a scarf or mask to cover your face. Wear several layers to help insulate from the cold. Limit your time outside and be sure you stay warm and dry. Beware of slippery sidewalks […]

The road to ensure driverless vehicles are safe

December 5, 2017

37, 461 people were killed in crashes on U.S. roads in 2016. Because most crashes are caused by human error, many see driverless vehicles as a solution to reduce crashes. Automakers and others are rushing to market with vehicles that have autonomous driving capability. Are they doing enough to ensure driverless vehicles are safe? Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen is an injury law firm that focuses on protecting the victims of car accidents and truck crashes. As such, we are hopeful that when properly tested and regulated, driverless vehicles will help to reduce injuries and fatalities as the result of auto accidents. The key is adequate testing and regulation to ensure safety. Harvard Business Review published a research and computer model conducted by Accenture and the Stevens Institute of Technology. The study indicated that “as many as 23 million fully autonomous vehicles will be traveling U.S. highways by 2035.” Both Tesla and GM introduced new […]

Motor vehicle crash deaths on the rise

October 28, 2017

A motor vehicle crash kills someone every fifteen minutes. The U.S. Department of Transportation released 2016 crash fatality statistics earlier this month. 37,461 people were killed in traffic accidents. This was an increase of 5.6% over 2015 crash fatalities. Motorcyclist fatalities and pedestrian deaths accounted for more than a third of the increase. The 9% increase in pedestrian fatalities was the highest number since 1990. Motorcycle accident deaths rose by 5.1%. Another notable increase was an 8.6 % increase in large truck crash fatalities. Passengers of cars and light trucks accounted for 36% of those killed in auto accidents. Together, they totaled 54% of the overall increase in fatalities. Pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-occupants account for 18% of the crash fatalities. Risky behaviors behind the wheel cause crashes The NHTSA reported that human choices are linked to 94% of serious crashes. This is evidenced in motor vehicle crash fatality increases in […]