Our Blog: Where Law Meets Life

Where does the law meet you in everyday life? Probably in more places than you expect. From hosting your child's graduation party to renewing your auto insurance, our daily lives are filled with legal and safety implications, many we never even consider.
Our blog is here to bring those situations to life, tackling the most common questions and misconceptions we hear related to accidents, injuries, and safety. We also feature our work with local nonprofit partners and share legal news and updates from our law firm. Want to find out where the law meets your life? Read on!

Your family is together at a birthday party when you realize that you don't have any candles for the cake. You say you'll go get some, and your Grandpa says he could use some fresh air and offers to take you to the store. Then your cousin who just got his license says he wants to practice his driving skills and will give you a ride. Who should you go with? According to statistics, one of these drivers is a safer bet.

The scenario: You've spent weeks planning your party – the guest list, the food, and the decorations. You want everyone to have a great time and you make sure that there's plenty for your guests to eat and drink. As the night goes on, the food and alcohol disappear. One by one everyone gathers their things and heads home, car keys in hand. Are you responsible for what happens to your guests after they leave your house?

What kid doesn't experience their fair share of bumps and bruises growing up? It's a part of childhood. However, there are some things from your past that are probably best left behind.

Honda has officially recalled airbags made by the Takata Corporation in all 50 states. These airbags are used in millions of Honda automobiles around the word.

Our law firm has teamed up with Pittsburgh baseball star Josh Harrison to support Blessings in a Backpack. This tremendous organization helps feed local children in need during the weekends when there isn't access to regular school meals.

Just because a toy is sold in a store doesn't mean it's safe, or appropriate, for every child. In fact, there are a few toys that consistently cause the most injuries to kids. Before you hand out gifts this holiday season, you should learn which toys pose the greatest risk to children – you might be surprised to learn what they are.

As the weather worsens and the holiday deep-freeze takes hold, driving can become an especially dangerous activity. Whether it's snowfall, freezing rain, or icy roads, keep these tips in mind when you're out braving the elements.

Four local elementary school students were announced as winners of the Edgar Snyder & Associates My Holiday Wish Coloring Contest. They each won $1,000 for their school and a gift card for themselves, plus their artwork is featured on the law firm’s Holiday card, and they will appear on an Edgar Snyder & Associates billboard in their community.

Our law firm was happy to sponsor the Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group (AMRG) during Pittsburgh's recent Pet Expo. This courageous organization is an all-volunteer, non-profit search and rescue group. They use the keen senses of dogs to help locate people lost or injured in the wilderness or suburban settings.

On November 16, local officers and civilians alike took part in a 5K race that celebrated police officers that put their lives on the line to protect our families and honor those who have fallen in the line of duty.

It's no surprise that some jobs are simply more dangerous than others. Heavy machinery and inclement weather, among many other hazards, plague the workplaces of many dangerous jobs.

Maybe you've heard some before – odd laws that were made long ago but never got wiped from the record books. We'll bet they served a purpose at one point, but the following laws are just plain odd in comparison to today's standards.

Attorneys Jerry Hutton and Christine Zaremski-Young have been named partners at the Pittsburgh-based law firm of Edgar Snyder & Associates. The new partners bring years of experience and diverse backgrounds to the firm’s leadership.

How long before you get your first workers' compensation check? Does it feel like your employer is against you? If you're curious about these questions and more, check out these frustrating facts about workers' compensation

Over 700 elementary school students submitted their illustrations for Edgar Snyder & Associates' 2014 "My Holiday Wish" coloring contest, and they were fantastic! We've been holding our coloring contest for 10 years, and this is always the hardest part – picking our winners.

Many hunters enjoy sighting game from a perched position in the trees. Tree stands can offer great views and clear sightlines, but they also pose some seriously dangerous risks.

As Pennsylvanians, we know that deer are seemingly everywhere from late-September through the winter months. It can't just be coincidence that their presence on our roads increases as hunting season begins. Can it?

After finally earning a license, driving alone for the first time can be a "rough ride" for teenagers. At first, new drivers can be overly-cautious, but as teens start to enjoy their newfound freedom, some start to ignore certain traffic laws and safety practices.

Whether the goal is to avoid a breathalyzer test or get rid of a hangover, some drinkers honor these old wives' tales to keep them out of trouble and feeling fine the morning after. Still, many old wives' tales are just that. Here we test some common alcohol myths.

Attorney Jason Lichtenstein, partner at Edgar Snyder & Associates, has been elected to membership in the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County. Admission into the Academy is by invitation only, requiring a nomination by a current member. Only a limited number of open positions are available each year.