Bidlingmaier & Bidlingmaier

09/01/2026

08/26/2026

08/04/2026

08/03/2026

Proven Success in Trucking Accident Cases & Multimillion-Dollar Settlements | Experienced Trucking Accident Attorney Serving PA & NJ

Attorney Cliff Bidlingmaier is an experienced litigator when it comes to trucking accidents and has secured multimillion-dollar settlements on behalf of his clients in complex personal injury cases. Trucking accident litigation requires extensive investigation and a thorough understanding of both state and federal regulations. When handling these cases, Attorney Bidlingmaier closely examines logbooks, bills of lading, time cards, black box data, delivery receipts, meal receipts, and toll/EZ-Pass documentation to create an accurate timeline of events, including speeds, driving hours, and required rest periods.

The use of trucking industry experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and mechanical engineers is often essential to establish liability. A thorough review of the driver’s history, medical records, and personnel file is also critical to determine whether all requirements for obtaining and maintaining a Commercial Driver’s License were met.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes numerous regulations governing the trucking industry. These include, but are not limited to, Safety Fitness Requirements for commercial drivers (49 C.F.R. Part 385), Hours of Service regulations limiting driving time and requiring mandatory rest periods (49 C.F.R. Part 395), and Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance requirements designed to ensure commercial vehicles are operated safely (49 C.F.R. Part 396).

When dealing with trucking accident cases, experience matters. Attorney Cliff Bidlingmaier has the knowledge, resources, and proven results to investigate these highly technical claims, hold negligent parties accountable, and pursue the maximum compensation available for his clients, including securing multimillion-dollar settlements in serious injury cases.

Serving clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Attorney Cliff Bidlingmaier is committed to protecting the rights of individuals and families who have been injured in trucking accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, contact Bidlingmaier & Bidlingmaier, P.C. today for a FREE consultation at 267.364.5004.

07/28/2026

UPDATE TO PROBATION LAWS IN PENNSYLVANIA
Historically, Pennsylvania had one of the highest numbers of individuals on probation in the nation. Long term probations, and lack of county-to-county review practices left many people in the cycle of court imposed supervision even though they did not violate the terms, paid all fines and costs associated with their probation. Thankfully, this has NOW changed!
The Pennsylvania Legislature enacted Act 44 which allows for the early termination of probation in certain cases became effective during this past summer. We are already seeing positive outcomes with this new law.

For Sentences Imposed AFTER June 11, 2024:
The individual becomes eligible at:
• Halfway through the probation term,
OR
• 2 years for misdemeanors,
OR
• 4 years for felonies,
whichever comes first.

For Sentences Imposed BEFORE June 11, 2024:
Eligibility begins at:
• 2 years for misdemeanors,
• 4 years for felonies,
OR
• June 11, 2025,
whichever is later.

Earning Earlier Eligibility Under Act 44
In addition to time-based eligibility, Act 44 allows individuals to qualify sooner if they demonstrate meaningful progress. This includes:
Education
• GED completion
• High school diploma
• College or trade school completion
Employment & Skills
• Vocational certifications
• Job-readiness or workforce programs
Rehabilitation Factors
• Consistent compliance with probation
• No new arrests
• Stable housing and employment
• Completion of court-ordered programs
• Demonstrated personal growth
Act 44 rewards individuals who take steps to rebuild their lives and reduces unnecessary supervision for those who do not pose a risk to public safety.
________________________________________
Who Is NOT Eligible Under Act 44?
Certain categories of offenses remain excluded from early termination. Individuals convicted of the following generally do not qualify:
• Violent offenses listed under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9714(g)
• Crimes requiring sex-offender registration
• Stalking-related offenses
• Specific domestic-violence crimes
• Cases with unpaid restitution
• Cases where required programs remain incomplete

How Bidlingmaier and Bidlingmaier assists clients with Act 44 Appeals and Reviews
• Reviewing eligibility under Act 44
• Preparing for Probation Review Conferences
• Challenging negative Probation Status Reports
• Presenting evidence of rehabilitation
• Advocating for early termination at formal hearings
• Advising clients on steps they can take to strengthen their case

Bidlingmaier & Bidlingmaier represents individuals in Bucks County and surrounding counties who wish to terminate their probation early pursuant to Act 44. Call our office today for your free consultation at 267.364.5004

07/22/2026

Change in Law affecting those on probation!!
In a nearly unanimous new decision, the PA Supreme Court has held that when a defendant is on probation and absconds, the probation period does not toll. While the opinion is somewhat confusing because it primarily relies on the fact that the DA did not prove any absconding, it also clearly 1) overrules in its entirety Commonwealth v. Ortega, 995 A.2d 879, 885 (Pa. Super. 2010) (holding that absconding extends the probation period); 2) 42 Pa.C.S. 9754’s requirement that says a court shall impose a term of probation “during which the defendant is to be supervised” means,” when read in light of the surrounding statutory context, is that a probationer serves his sentence even if he is unsupervised.”; and 3) There is no textual basis to read probation statutes to extend the probation term for any length that a defendant is delinquent.

In other words, a defendant can ONLY be violated for conduct that occurs during the normal fixed term of their term of probation. The term still expires at the natural expiration of probation! So if a defendant absconds, he can be violated for the absconding which occurs during the probation term, but if after the natural expiration, picks up a new crime, he cannot be violated for the new offense.