Philly Legal Connect

10/16/2026

A trucking company or its insurer may contact you soon after a truck crash—but the caller may be requesting more than basic information.

Before giving a detailed recorded account, signing a release, or authorizing an inspection or vehicle changes, identify who is contacting you, whom they represent, and exactly what they want.

Our newest PhillyLegalConnect Quick Answer explains the practical steps to take.

The Oakes Firm Tom Oakes

A trucking company or insurer contacted you after a crash. Learn how to identify the caller, document the request, and protect important information.

10/15/2026

A truck driver may not be the only person or business whose conduct needs to be investigated after a commercial-vehicle crash.
Depending on the evidence, questions may involve the trucking company, a maintenance provider, a cargo-loading business, a vehicle-parts manufacturer, or another motorist.

Our newest PhillyLegalConnect Quick Answer explains why the name or logo on the truck may not tell the whole story—and what information you should preserve.


The Oakes Firm Tom Oakes

The truck driver may not be the only person or business involved. Learn which companies and other parties may need to be investigated.

10/12/2026

🎃 **Remember Halloween in South Philly in the 1960s?**

Homemade costumes, pillowcases full of candy, neighbors sitting on their front steps, and trick-or-treating after dark!

Tom Oakes shares his memories of growing up in St. Monica's Parish, from Rosewood Street to Shunk Street, when Halloween meant familiar faces, neighborhood friends, and plenty of candy bars.

🍬 **What parish were you from?** Did you carry a pillowcase? And does anyone remember those three-cent lunch bars?

Read Tom's Halloween memories and tell us yours in the comments!

The Oakes Firm Tom Oakes

Remember Halloween in South Philly? Homemade costumes, pillowcases full of candy, parish neighborhoods and three-cent lunch bars. What parish were you from?

10/09/2026

10/09/2026

🚛 My Car Was Totaled After a Truck Crash. Should I Let the Salvage Yard Dispose of It?

Before authorizing disposal, find out whether your damaged vehicle needs inspection or preservation as evidence. Storage charges also matter, so address the decision promptly.

Our latest PhillyLegalConnect Quick Answer explains what to check and which documents to keep.

Read the full article: https://phillylegalconnect.com/car-was-totaled-after-a-truck-crash/

The Oakes Firm Tom Oakes South Philadelphia South Philly String-Band

Before letting a salvage yard dispose of your totaled car, consider inspection needs, possible evidence, and continuing storage charges. Read this PhillyLegalConnect Quick Answer.

10/08/2026

Your car needs repairs, but you’re still treating your injuries. Can you settle the vehicle damage without settling your injury claim?

Often, those claims can be handled separately—but the payment and release deserve a careful review. Don’t assume an offer covers only your car.

Our latest PhillyLegalConnect Quick Answer explains what to check before accepting payment or signing a release.

Read: “Can I Settle My Car Damage Claim Without Settling My Injury Claim?”
https://phillylegalconnect.com/settle-car-damage-without-settling-injury-claim/

The Oakes Firm South Philly Born and Raised Tom Oakes

Ready to settle your vehicle damage while treatment continues? Learn what to check in the payment and release before accepting the offer.

10/08/2026

Your insurance adjuster stopped returning calls. What should you do next?

Repeated voicemails can leave you frustrated—and still waiting for answers. Our latest PhillyLegalConnect Quick Answer explains how to document your contact attempts, request a written update, and reach a claims supervisor while keeping track of important deadlines.

Read: “The Insurance Adjuster Stopped Returning Calls. What Should I Do?”

The Oakes Firm Tom Oakes

Still waiting for an insurance claim update? Learn how to document unanswered calls, follow up in writing, and contact a claims supervisor.

10/07/2026

Already gave a recorded statement to an insurance company—and now you’re worried about something you said?

Giving a statement does not automatically ruin your injury claim. Save the call details, identify any answer that concerns you, and avoid repeated calls offering changing explanations.

Our latest PhillyLegalConnect Quick Answer explains what to preserve and when to seek guidance.

Read: “I Already Gave the Insurance Company a Recorded Statement. Did I Hurt My Claim?”

The Oakes Firm

Already spoke to the insurance company? Learn what to preserve, how to address concerns, and when to seek guidance.

10/06/2026

Hit by a car while walking? Nearby security cameras may have recorded what happened—but footage can be overwritten.

Our latest PhillyLegalConnect Quick Answer explains where to look, what information to gather, and how to ask that video be preserved—even if the owner will not give you a copy.

A preservation request does not guarantee that footage exists or will be released. Acting promptly matters.

Read the Quick Answer below.

The Oakes Firm

Nearby cameras may contain important evidence after a pedestrian accident. Learn where to look and how to request preservation promptly.

09/23/2026

Can I Get a Copy of My Child’s School Bus Accident Report?

Start by asking which organization created the record. The school, bus company, and police may have separate reports—and different procedures for requesting them.

Our latest PhillyLegalConnect Quick Answer explains whom to contact, what information to include, and why you should keep a copy of your written request.

Read the Quick Answer below.

The Oakes Firm Tom Oakes South Philly Born and Raised

A school incident record, bus-company report and police crash report may be different documents. Learn what parents should request.