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Bella & Misha

Bella & Misha Photo
Bella & Misha Security & Snuggles

Bio

Bella and Misha, Security and Snuggles

Piscitello Law offices rely upon two skilled and devoted staffers - Bella and Misha - to help us get through each workday with joy and gratitude. They were invaluable to our team during the isolating days of the pandemic and provided many excuses to take walks outdoors.

Bella is an eight-year-old Chow Chow who was born to a wonderful couple in Long Island, New York. Bella has served as Director of Security since her earliest days on our campus. When she was a younger pup, she made it to races and shares the podium with Joey P and Marissa at the West Chester Cross Classics in 2018 (photo below).

A person and person sitting on a wall with a dog AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Misha is our adorable COVID baby and is now five years old.

Currently, Misha devotes most of his time keeping track of the squirrels who plague him throughout the day. Misha is usually up for a belly rub and snuggles. When his shift is over and he’s sleeping, you can hear him snortling like a small piglet.

A black dog standing on a rug outside AI-generated content may be incorrect.

The original Security Detail: Sunny and Luca

Sunny and Luca were the original members of our legal practice and family. These wonderful red Chow Chows also came from Long Island, New York and were raised in the suburbs of Jenkintown, PA. They lived out their golden years in the beautiful city of Philadelphia, reporting for work daily at Piscitello Law offices.

Two dogs sitting on a stone ledge AI-generated content may be incorrect.

What to Do After a Bike Crash

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-372-8768 today!

  • Move to Safety: Get yourself and your bike out of the roadway and into a safe spot.
  • Take Photos: Capture images of the vehicle, license plates, and the intersection where the crash occurred to document the scene.
  • Call Police: Ensure your account of the crash is in the report. Mention any injuries or pain you feel, no matter how minor.
  • Get Medical Attention: If you don't go to the hospital from the scene, visit your primary care doctor or urgent care promptly.
  • Preserve Evidence: Avoid repairs or washing items. Keep your bike and clothing as they are to maintain evidence for your case.
  • Get Driver and Witness Info: Get contact info for anyone who witnessed the crash.
  • Call a Bike Crash Attorney: Avoid speaking to insurers before consulting an attorney. Your words could be used against you.
  • Meet Attorney at Crash Scene: As soon as you are able, make plans to meet your attorney at the crash scene to review details.
  • A car hit me or left the scene of the crash. Do I have a case?
    Yes. If you, or a family member that you live with has auto insurance, it will likely cover these types of cases. Also, if you or a family member do not own a car, there is a state run program that will provide benefits for unidentified vehicle crashes. That plan is called the Assigned Claims Plan.
  • The police report claims the crash is my fault. Does that invalidate my case?
    No. Police officer opinions do not prove fault. Although in many circumstances police cite the wrong individual because they don’t understand the law.
  • The insurance company is being very cooperative. Should I try to handle the case on my own?
    No. You should not attempt to handle the case on your own. The insurance company is being cooperative and nice to you because they are fearful that you will hire an experienced attorney and learn the true value of your case. Remember, the insurance company has a primary obligation to its shareholders and the company’s bottom line. When you hire an attorney to handle your case, the attorney will work towards your best interest. Regardless of how friendly the insurance company appears, make sure you have retained a strong, experienced legal advocate on your side.
  • I crashed when a car buzzed me, but I wasn’t directly hit. Do I still have a case?
    Yes. Direct contact is not necessary to file a claim or a lawsuit.
  • What is Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage and why would I need that?

    This type of coverage, known as UM/UIM, will provide you with protection you need if the person who hits you leaves the scene or has insufficient coverage. For example, many people carry the minimal level of auto insurance allowed by their state’s law. In Pennsylvania, that minimal level of coverage is $15,000.

    If you are injured by a hit and run driver, and your case is worth $100,000, your attorney can make an uninsured claim under your own policy (which is a UM claim). If you are hit by someone with a $15,000 policy limit and your case is worth $100,000, your attorney can secure the additional $85,000 by making a claim under your own policy (which is a UIM claim).

    The most important insurance coverage for a cyclist is to secure UM/UIM insurance. The coverage will cost additional money to your annual auto policy but is well worth the investment.

  • What if I don’t have a car? Should I buy bicycle insurance?
    If you do not own a car or live with someone with a car, we strongly encourage you to research bicycle insurance companies. Below is a list of some insurance companies that you may research, but we are not endorsing any one company listed below. 
  • Do e-bike riders have the same rights as standard bicycle riders?

    Yes, depending on the bike. E-bikes that do not exceed 20 mph unassisted, are 100 pounds in weight or less, and do not contain a motor rated above 750 watts are categorized as a pedal-cycle and are treated the same as a result.
  • I was just in a bike crash. What’s the most important thing to do?
    • Get out of the road: get yourself and your bike out of the roadway to a safe spot.
    • Call Police: ask the police officer to include your version of the crash in the report. Be sure to report any injury or pain you are experiencing, no matter how small.
    • Take photos at Crash Scene: if you are able, take photos of the car that hit you, including license plates, the intersection where the crash occurred and photos of the car itself.
    • Get Driver & Witness Info: collect contact info from any witnesses and/or people who help you at the scene. Take photos of the driver’s license, registration, insurance, and contact info.
    • Get Immediate Medical Attention: if you don’t go to the hospital from the scene, be sure to go to your primary care doctor or clinic (as soon as possible) to document your injuries, even if they appear minor. Have someone take photos of your injuries.
    • Preserve Evidence: Don’t attempt to fix anything or have your bike repaired. Don’t send your bike, helmet, or any other equipment to anyone other than your attorney. Take photos of your equipment, bike, and clothing. Don’t wash or repair your clothing.
    • Call Bike Crash Attorney: don’t communicate with any insurance company before consulting with an attorney. Anything you say to the company can be used against you later.
    • Meet Attorney at Crash Scene: as soon as you are able, make plans to meet your attorney at the crash scene to review details. Alternatively, your attorney can investigate, take photos, videos, and review information with you.
    • Do not speak with Insurance companies: Final reminder to not speak with any insurance companies, or the driver after the crash. Be sure to inform them that any inquiries should be directed to your bike crash attorney.