Piscitello Law Salutes Our Veterans

November 10, 2020 |

By Piscitello Law

Piscitello Law salutes our Veterans today and sends a personal shout out to our friends and founders of Leashes of Valor (LOV): Captain Jason Haag, Danique Masingill, and Matt Masingill.

Group photo

Leashes of Valor is a non-profit organization based in Virginia with a mission to provide trained service dogs to veterans in need. Last year (pre-pandemic), we held a #PupWalk4LOV at The Navy Yard organized by a volunteer group called #LOVphilly.

The event was a great success; we raised nearly $20,000 through a dog walk held on the historic grounds of The Chapel of Four Chaplains & The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation. We also raised awareness of the epidemic of veteran suicide (we lose 20 veterans a day in this preventable tragedy). Check out this news coverage from 6abc: https://6abc.com/puppies-walk-to-raise-money-for-veterans-service-dogs/5558207/.

Bill Jason Capt Lou

Another outstanding outcome of the event is a critical research collaboration between Jefferson and Leashes of Valor. The Jefferson College of Nursing and the Department of Surgery and LOV have launched a research initiative investigating the use of Service Dogs as an intervention for Veterans with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and TBI (traumatic brain injury).

Family photo

The research pilot study is called The Impact of Service Dogs on Veterans with PTSD/TBI. The Co-Principal Investigators leading the research are:

Jennifer Shiroff, PhD, RN, APN, FNP-BC, Assistant Professor, Jefferson College of Nursing
Jacquelyn O'Rourke-Fulford, MSN, RN, Instructor, Jefferson College of Nursing

To read more about Jefferson’s work, please check out: https://nexus.jefferson.edu/health/canine-chief-compassion-officer-maggie-works-to-improve-mental-health/. Kudos to Gabrielle Santulli (LOVphilly) for her pivotal role in making these connections.

While we were unable to hold another PupWalk4LOV in 2020, we are forever grateful to friends, family, businesses and Jefferson for helping Leashes of Valor save lives, one pup at a time.

#advocacyWorks

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FAQ

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.