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Can Bad Habits Lead to Car Accidents?

The latest research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that drivers involved in car accidents know that they are engaging in unsafe behaviors, such as speeding or texting while driving. The AAA Foundation conducts an annual survey related to traffic safety, which is known as the Traffic Safety Culture Index (TSCI). This helps determine bad habits of drivers.

The TSCI reveals a disturbing gap between what drivers perceive as dangerous and how they actually drive. The same survey participants who said that distracted, aggressive, or impaired driving is dangerous, also admitted to engaging in at least one of these behaviors in the past 30 days.

What Are the Results of the TSCI?

Analysis of the TSCI found that drivers who admitted to having bad habits and were in recent crashes were worse than those who had not been in an accident. For example, 50 percent of the drivers who were involved in a recent crash admitted to also talking on a hand-held device while driving in the past month. This is compared to 42 percent of drivers who admitted to cellphone use while driving but were not in a crash.

The disparity is greater when it comes to texting. Of the drivers surveyed, 43 percent who were involved in a crash admitted to texting while driving in the past month, while only 27 percent of drivers not involved in an accident said they text and drive.

The survey also brought to light the fact that 39 percent of participants involved in a recent crash had also run a red light in the past month compared to 30 percent of those not involved in a crash.

Researchers concluded that these drivers were not interested in altering their dangerous driving behaviors, even when it led to accidents.

What Are Common Bad Driving Habits?

Virtually all motor vehicle accidents can be traced back to driver error. Even the best drivers make mistakes, but engaging in the following behaviors increases the chances of an accident:

  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Drunk or drugged driving
  • Drowsy driving
  • Aggressive driving

What Injuries Are Caused in Car Accidents?

An obvious consequence of bad driving behavior is injury, and even death. Injuries sustained in a car accident can range from whiplash, lacerations, and broken bones, to head and neck injuries, spinal cord damage, and amputations.

After initial pain and discomfort, some injuries have lasting effects, such as chronic pain, disfigurement, disabilities, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Long-term health issues can severely impact a person’s quality of life and financial stability.

How Can I Change my Bad Driving Habits?

Changing bad habits in any facet of life can be difficult. However, bad driving behaviors affect everyone on the road, and we all have a responsibility for the safety of other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Practicing the following actions can prevent an accident:

  • Stash your cellphone before you start driving: If your phone is stowed away, you will not be tempted to look at it. If you must use it, safely pull over.
  • Drive sober: Designate a driver, call a taxi or a rideshare service, do whatever it takes to stay off the road if you have been consuming alcohol or drugs of any kind.
  • Drive the speed limit: Leave plenty of time to get to your destination so that you do not have to speed.
  • Get plenty of rest: Fatigue impairs judgement, reaction time, and vision in a way that is similar to alcohol. Do not drive if you feel sleepy.
  • Fasten your seat belt: Everyone in the vehicle should have a seat belt on at all times.

Unfortunately, accidents can still happen, even if you are practicing safe driving. If you are injured in a car accident, it is advisable to contact a lawyer immediately.

Millsboro Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Fight for Injured Car Accident Victims

If you have injuries from a car accident, we can help you. Our Millsboro car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will investigate your case and fight to get the maximum compensation available to you. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Millsboro and Wilmington, Delaware, we represent clients throughout Dover County, New Castle County, and Sussex County.

EPA Awards Grant to Identify Lead in Water

The safety of Delaware’s drinking water is always a concern, especially in schools and child care facilities. As of recently, the citizens of Delaware can rest assured that their water safety is being taken care of. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the Delaware Department of Education $209,000 for lead testing in drinking water. This grant will assist with identifying sources of lead in drinking water in schools and child care buildings to prevent hazardous water contamination.

Protecting children from exposure to lead is the reason why this grant was offered and accepted. The health of our children is always of utmost concern, and we need to protect them from the dangers of lead and other toxic chemicals.

Health Effects of Lead Exposure

Lead is extremely dangerous to human health, even at low exposure levels. Once lead gets into the body, it can accumulate over time and cause chronic health problems. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires the EPA to determine the level of contaminants in water that is acceptable before causing adverse health effects. The EPA has determined that the amount of acceptable lead in water is at zero percent due to its overly toxic qualities.

Young children, infants, and fetuses are the most vulnerable to lead and may develop physical and behavioral effects if exposure occurs. A small amount of lead exposure to an adult may not cause too much harm. Lead exposure to a child can induce damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, cause learning disabilities, height impairments, and impair the function of blood cells.

For adults, lead is also harmful and can produce cardiovascular effects, increased blood pressure, hypertension, decreased kidney function, and reproduction problems. Lead exposure can also negatively affect pregnant woman and the growth of the fetus.

Other signs and symptoms of lead exposure:

  • Constipation
  • Slowed body growth
  • Hearing problems
  • Anemia
  • Low appetite
  • Low energy
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Pain in the abdomen

How Does Lead Get Into Drinking Water?

There are many ways that lead can get into our drinking water. The main way is through plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, but lead can also enter drinking water through lead pipes, faucets, and water fixtures. There are a number of factors that can further increase the amount of lead in the water including:

  • Chemistry of the water
  • Types and amounts of minerals in the water
  • Amount of lead the water comes in contact with
  • Temperature of the water
  • Amount of wear and corrosion in the pipes
  • How long the water stays dormant in the pipes

Steps to Take to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

There are two main ways that you can protect lead from getting into your drinking water. The first option is to learn more about where you water comes from. The EPA requires all community water systems to prepare an annual water quality report for their customers by July 1.

After reading up on your water system, have your water tested. Since you are unable to see, taste, or smell lead in water, the most beneficial way to protect yourself is to get your water tested by a certified laboratory.

Delaware Water Contamination Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Clients Harmed by Lead Exposure

Exposure to lead in drinking water is extremely dangerous and fatal if digested in high amounts. Our Delaware water contamination lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. fight for the health and safety of our clients. If you have been exposed to lead, contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free case consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we represent clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.

Ikea Dresser Recall

A recent USA Today article contained Ikea’s history of product safety recalls, which revealed shocking news. According to the article, six children perished over the past 10 years when Ikea dressers fell on them, and the company paid around $96 million in settlements.

The article states that another Ikea dresser was produced later, called the Kullen, which did not conform with furniture industry safety standards that were updated last August. At the time, federal safety regulators stated that the dresser could cause death or serious injury to children. Rather than taking the product off the market immediately, the company continued selling it until December 2. The product recall was not issued until March 2020.

Tipping Hazard

Some dressers pose a threat for tipping over, and federal data shows that on average, one child dies every two weeks. Ikea’s dressers have stood out as being especially dangerous, with nine children dying from dressers tipping over since 1989. In 2016, the company recalled 17.3 million Malm dressers.

One mother, whose son was killed by a Malm dresser that tipped over, claimed that Ikea could have removed the dresser from their website immediately and informed store managers; not doing so put more children at risk.

Types of Defective Product Liability Claims

If a product is defective, a person can pursue a product liability claim. There are three types of product liability claims, which include:

Failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions: This is when a product is missing the appropriate instructions or warnings for product use. This generally applies to products that can be dangerous in ways not easily recognized by users. This could be seen on a child’s toy that does not provide a warning to wear protective goggles.

Defective manufacture: This category includes products that have problems due to errors that occurred while it was being manufactured. It would probably not include an entire inventory.

Defective design: This includes products that have hazardous designs. These defects do not originate in the manufacturing process but occur during the design stage.

Elements of Product Liability Cases

In order to prove liability in these cases, plaintiffs need to prove certain elements; these elements vary by state. It needs to be proven that the victim suffered losses or was injured, that the product is defective, and that the defect was the cause of the injury. It also must be shown that the product was being used as it was intended. If a dresser tipped over because a child was jumping on top of it, this would not likely qualify.

Wilmington Product Liability Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Those Injured by Dangerous Products

Products that pose safety threats should not be sold to consumers. If you were injured by a dangerous product, our knowledgeable Wilmington product liability lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will help. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 to schedule a free consultation about your case. From our offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.

Poison Prevention Week

March 15 to the 21 is National Poison Prevention Week, an opportune time to raise awareness of how accidental poisonings occur and how to prevent them. Each year, poison centers across the United States receive more than 2 million calls, many of which involve poison exposure. Although most non-fatal poisonings happen to children younger than six years old, teenagers and adults are also at risk of poisoning accidents. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent unintentional poisonings and poison-related deaths in people of all ages.

Causes of Unintentional Poisoning

Any substance that causes harm to the body when too much is eaten, injected, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin is considered poisonous. Most poisonings occur in the home due to accidental exposure. Cosmetics and personal care items, household cleaning products, analgesics, and antidepressants are the substances most implicated in poison exposures, according to the National Capital Poison Center. Other causes of unintentional poisoning include:

  • Antifreeze
  • Contaminated water
  • Food
  • Gasoline
  • Lighter fluid
  • Metals
  • Motor oil
  • Over-the-counter medications, which account for most poisonings in pets
  • Paint and paint thinner
  • Pesticides
  • Prescription medications

Poisoning Symptoms

The symptoms of poisoning vary depending on the type and amount of poisonous substance to which one is exposed; other factors that impact poison levels include age, weight, and general state of health. Poisoning symptoms typically include:

  • Burns
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dry mouth or drooling
  • Fainting
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Rash or swollen skin
  • Seizures
  • Shaking
  • Slowed rapid heart rate or breathing rate

If you suspect that you or someone else has been poisoned, dial 911 or call your local poison center immediately and inform them of the substance that was ingested. Acting quickly can mean the difference between life or death.

Preventing Poisoning

This week is a good opportunity for everyone to inspect their homes for any potentially poisonous substances and ensure that they are stored properly. Some tips to prevent unintentional poisonings include:

  • Dispose of expired or unneeded medications.
  • Do not mix chemicals.
  • Do not refer to medicine as candy.
  • Ensure that there is proper ventilation when working with paint thinners, cleaners, and other chemical solutions.
  • Follow the instructions on the label, and do not take more than the recommended dose.
  • Have the poison center phone number readily available in case of an accident.
  • Keep foods and household products separate and in their original containers.
  • Label everything.
  • Store medicines and vitamins on high shelves out of children’s reach.
  • Wear protective clothing when handling cleaners and chemicals.

Compensation for Poisoning

Those who were poisoned due to toxic products may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Available damages in such personal injury, product liability, or toxic tort cases generally include medical expenses, medical monitoring, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages.

Delaware Personal Injury Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Poisoned Victims

If you were poisoned by a toxic substance or material, contact one of our skilled Delaware personal injury lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A today. Our experienced and dedicated legal team will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445. From our offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state, including those in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.

Daylight Saving Time and Rise in Car Accidents

Once again, Delaware residents will be turning their clocks ahead one hour on the second Sunday of March at 2:00 am. Daylight saving time (DST) not only causes disturbed sleep patterns but also a rise in car accidents, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Results of the Study

The study reports that DST is associated with a surge in fatal car crashes. Previous studies have shown a link between DST and increased car accidents, but this study is the largest of its kind with researchers analyzing 732,835 accidents from 1996 to 2017.

Researchers found that the springtime switch leads to negative health and safety impacts, mainly fatal traffic accidents. During the workweek following the switch in spring, fatal car accidents spiked six percent. In 2007, the Energy Policy Act changed DST from the second Sunday in April to the second Sunday in March, the spike moved accordingly. In both instances, the rise in fatal accidents occurred immediately after the beginning of DST, typically during the morning hours.

Also, people who reside in western time zones acquire less sleep due to late sunrise and sunset; in those areas, the spike in fatal accidents was eight percent. It is estimated that 627 people died in car accidents associated with the spring shift. It is predicted that approximately 28 fatal car accidents could be prevented each year if the DST transition was abolished.

Drowsy Driving Accidents

Delaware drivers should be aware of the risks associated with the upcoming DST transition. Just one hour of lost sleep can impair driving performance and lead to drowsy driving accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were 795 deaths that were caused by drowsy driving in 2017. Fatigue combined with driving to work in the dark is an especially dangerous combination; drowsy driving crashes occur most frequently between midnight and 6:00 am.

On the night of the change, be sure to go to bed early and get plenty of sleep. Other drivers may be fatigued, especially commercial drivers, those who work night shifts, and those who work on weekends; therefore, it is important to be extra cautious during the week following the shift.

Signs of Drowsiness

Signs of drowsiness include frequent yawning or blinking, missing your exit, having difficulty remembering the last few miles you drove, and drifting from your lane. If you feel sleepy, pull over to a safe rest area for a few minutes before continuing your commute. To avoid drowsy driving car accidents, the NHTSA advises drivers to stick to a normal sleeping schedule and get adequate sleep.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Drowsy Driving Accident Victims

If you were injured in a drowsy driving accident, you may be eligible to collect compensation. Drowsy driving is dangerous, so it is crucial to be extra cautious around the DST transition. Our dedicated Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will help you get the compensation you deserve and will hold the responsible party accountable. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 to schedule a free consultation. From our offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we also serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.

Personal Injury Claims

Many people every year are injured in car accidents, work accidents, or by slipping and falling. There are many types of accidental injuries. However, some are more common than others. If you or someone you know has sustained a personal injury, you may be wondering if you are eligible for compensation.

Common Types of Personal Injury Claims

There are several different types of personal injury claims, but the following list contains the most common claims:

  • Slip and fall accidents: Slip and falls happen every day and can cause minor or more severe injuries of the back, head, arms, legs, and neck. These types of injuries can be caused by slippery or uneven floors, loose cords, and dim lighting. Slip and falls can result in serious, long-lasting brain injuries.
  • Car accidents: Car accident claims are the most common personal injury claims within the United States. Car accidents can be caused by many factors, including distracted driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is important to seek legal counsel if you were involved in a car accident because it can be difficult to prove who is responsible for causing the accident.
  • Work injuries: If you were injured on the job, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation. Workers’ Compensation will pay for your medical treatment and missed income. Sustaining an injury while on the job usually occurs due to unsafe working conditions, equipment that has malfunctioned, or insufficient training. If you were injured on the job, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should also report the accident to your supervisor in addition to taking photos of the area and getting statements from anyone who witnessed your accident. You should then seek legal counsel.
  • Product liability: There are many products recalled every year. Malfunctioning products can result in injuries that include poisoning, suffocation, drowning, and falls.
  • Assault: Assault injuries are usually a result of someone deciding to hurt someone else. Assaults are usually intentional which separates these injuries from other personal injuries.
  • Medical Malpractice: Medical malpractice occurs when doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals cause severe injuries to their patients whether it was intentional or not. Examples of medical malpractice include surgical errors, a misdiagnosis, medication errors, and anesthesia errors.

Delaware Personal Injury Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Clients Who Have Sustained a Personal Injury

Personal injuries are common and can happen to anyone. If you have sustained a personal injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Our skilled Delaware personal injury lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and will help get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 to schedule a free consultation today. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we also serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Winter driving presents weather hazards unlike any other season. If you prepare properly and employ good driving practices, you will be able to drive safely during the winter and reduce your risk for a car accident.

Prepare Your Vehicle

It is important to prepare your vehicle before winter weather begins. The following list contains some car preparations for the winter weather:

  • Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s winter driving features, like traction control or anti-lock brakes.
  • Test your battery, which can be affected by low temperatures.
  • Make sure your tires are winter ready. Check tire pressure and tread.
  • Fill wiper reservoirs with de-icing fluid. Replace wiper blades if necessary.
  • Keep the gas tank at least half full will reduce the risk of frozen gas lines.
  • Pack an emergency kit.

Plan Your Trip

Consider weather and road conditions before you leave. Postpone your trip if it seems unsafe to travel. If you must be on the roads, do not rush. Drive slowly in poor weather conditions. If you must drive through remote areas, inform someone about your planned route and planned arrival time.

Winter Driving Advice

The usual advice to use seatbelts, avoid distractions, obey speed limits, and drive sober applies all year long, but winter weather creates season-specific concerns. The following list contains some tips on how to properly drive in winter conditions:

  • Clear snow and ice: Remove snow and ice from your car, including your windows, mirrors, lights, and reflectors.
  • Avoid skids: Do not accelerate or decelerate suddenly.
  • Mind following distance: Increase your following distance between eight to 10 seconds.
  • Be careful on hills: Do not stop on a slippery hill or you risk sliding.
  • Mind bridges and overpasses: These surfaces freeze more quickly.
  • Use headlights for visibility: Headlights help you see and be seen.
  • Avoid using cruise control: You should remain in complete control of your vehicle in winter weather.
  • Do not pass road crews: Snowplows and sand trucks improve the road as they travel, it is best to stay behind these vehicles to ensure the roads are safe.
  • Steer into a skid: When losing traction, do not react by steering away or you risk having to overcorrect when traction returns.
  • Pull over during a whiteout: If you cannot see through a snowstorm, pull over to a safe place.

Stranded in Winter

If you become stranded due to car trouble or unsafe road conditions, there are a few things to remember:

  • Stay with your car: As long as you can pull over to a safe place, your car will protect you from the elements.
  • Beware of carbon monoxide: Stay warm by running the car’s heater for 10 minutes every hour, make sure the exhaust pipe is free of blockages and crack a window.
  • Do not overexert yourself: You may have to wait a while; it is important to conserve energy and remain calm in this situation.
  • Use flares or other markers: Try your best to be visible to other drivers and rescue crews.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Injured Travelers

If you were injured in a car accident or injured while you were stuck in a winter storm, talk to one of your experienced lawyers today about your options; winter weather conditions make our roads extremely dangerous. Our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will help you obtain compensation for your injuries. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation about your case. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we also serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.

Seven Ways to Prevent Truck Accidents

How to prevent truck accidents? Truckers play an essential role in the American economy. Every day, commercial trucks traverse the roadways and highways of Delaware, transporting merchandise and materials from one place to another. Many trucks on the road, like semis and big rigs, cause drivers to be at risk for a truck accident. However, truck drivers can take several key measures to reduce their likelihood of a collision.

Avoid Driver Distractions

Distracted driving, like cellphone use and fatigued driving, paves the way for problems. Truckers need to reduce their distractions as much as possible, so they can fully focus on the road. A good way to avoid distractions is to put cellphones face-down in silent mode, and only eat when the truck is stopped.

Follow Speed Limits

Truck drivers set the pace of the highway. Car drivers tend to follow suit with truckers, meaning that they follow the truck’s speeds to keep up with traffic. If truck drivers operate cautiously and follow posted speed limits, they set a better example for other motorists. At the same time, they reduce the chance for a collision to occur.

Drive for Changing Conditions

From fog to ice, truckers must contend with temperamental weather conditions. Consequently, they must make sure that their trucks are properly working and ready to handle weather hazards. All truck drivers should read about anticipated weather problems and plan to drive defensively.

Use Turn Signals

It can be tempting for a trucker to not use turn signals, particularly when it seems like no one else is on the road. However, a small vehicle could easily be in a blind spot. Plus, cars can quickly enter roadways through ramps. It is best to always use turn signals, even when you believe no one is on the road.

Let Aggressive Drivers Pass

Truckers who drive long enough will eventually encounter aggressive motorists; it is best to allow them to pass to avoid any incidents. Aggressive drivers are often responsible for accidents on highways. Truck drivers can reduce their risk of getting into an accident by simply moving away from an aggressive driver.

Follow Construction Area Rules

Though every trucker must transfer cargo within a certain time frame, truck drivers should still maintain caution when traversing through construction area zones. Narrow roads, shoulder-less paths, and workers along the side of the road require a trucker’s complete concentration and consideration.

Stay Ahead of Inspections

Instead of waiting for a problem to occur, truckers should carefully and consistently inspect their machinery so that they can repair faults or mechanical errors.

Wilmington Truck Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for All Truck Accident Victims

If you suffered injuries from a truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Our Wilmington truck accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will give you legal guidance about your case. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we also serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, Sussex County, and throughout Delaware.

Construction Workers and Mesothelioma

Those unfamiliar with mesothelioma may have first heard the term on the news or on television commercials years ago. People who are familiar with mesothelioma know that it is directly linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos was a commonly used building material, so construction workers are often affected by its harmful effects.

Brief History on Asbestos

The first person who made the connection between asbestos and cancer was by a German researcher, H.W. Wedler. He found that 20 percent of German asbestos workers developed cancer, including mesothelioma. In 1960, an important study was published in the British Journal of Medicine. The researchers shared information about 33 mesothelioma cases that were found in Cape Province in South Africa, where the residents were exposed to crocidolite asbestos mining.

Even though manufacturing companies were aware of the risks, they kept it from the general public. It was not until the late 1900’s that people began to learn about the dangers of asbestos. Currently in the United States, it is not frequently used in construction, but the risks are still there.

Construction Workers at Risk

Florida’s Moffitt Cancer Center listed construction as one of the highest-risk occupations for getting mesothelioma. A study from Italy analyzed 952 mesothelioma cases, and 25 percent of them were construction workers. Even though the use of asbestos declined in the 1980s, construction workers are still at risk for asbestos exposure. Demolition and renovation projects on older buildings can subject these workers to asbestos when the material is exposed to air or even touched by someone’s fingernails.

Asbestos is a strong, durable, fire-resistant material that works effectively for sheetrock, bricks, shingles, sidings, steel beams, cement, and other materials. It is used in commercial and residential buildings and even in household appliances, like toasters. Problems occur when construction workers that are handling asbestos are not protected.

How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma

Since asbestos is flaky and tiny, sharp fibers easily break off and enter the air. It can then contaminate the oxygen that enters the body. The fibers have sharp, pointed edges that can damage sensitive tissue in the body. Three of the most vulnerable areas are the pericardium, the pleura, and the peritoneum; the pericardium lines the heart, the pleura separates the chest and lung cavity, and the peritoneum covers the abdominal cavity.

When asbestos fibers enter one of the three membranes, they can get stuck in the lining and irritate the cells. This can lead to cellular mutation that can form mesothelioma tumors. This process can have a latency period up to 70 years; this is the main reason why construction workers with mesothelioma have difficulties proving that their occupation caused the disease. Early diagnosis techniques have not been perfected, and the cancer is considered uncurable.

Georgetown Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar Offer Trusted Legal Guidance for Construction Workers with Mesothelioma

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other job-related illness, you may be eligible for compensation. Our knowledgeable Georgetown mesothelioma lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar will provide you legal guidance about your case and fight to protect your rights. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington, Delaware, we also serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.

The Dangers of Foggy Windshields

Car windows can become fogged at any time of the year, depending on the weather. When windows become fogged, drivers can experience decreased visibility, which can lead to a car accident. Unfortunately, a recent report claims that fog led to an accident.

A news station recently reported that a high school student was hit by a car when walking to a relative’s home. The driver claimed that their foggy windshield caused the accident. The driver thought there was enough visibility but was mistaken. At the time of the accident, the driver’s children were passengers. The driver had careless driving charges in the past, and the victim’s mother states that there should be more severe penalties. Fortunately, the student was not seriously injured, but the situation could have been much worse.

Causes of Window Fog

Car windshields and windows can fog up when there is moist or humid air inside a vehicle and cold air outside. The windows become cold when they come into contact with the interior air, causing windows to become foggy. Once the windows become warm, the fog will clear.

What else contributes to window fog? Fog can occur if the driver has damp clothing or is holding something hot, like coffee. Inhaling and exhaling can also cause foggy windows. Fog can even happen when air becomes trapped inside the car from the previous day and humidity levels rise. Interestingly, fog can also happen in warm weather. When the the air conditioner is running on warm or humid days, condensation can occur on windows.

Clearing the Fog

The amount of fog depends on how much moisture is in the air, and it can occur on the inside or outside of car windows. It is dangerous to start driving before windows are properly cleared. It fog happens while driving and visibility is reduced, then the driver should pull over safely to fix the problem. Take extra time to clear windows before entering your car. Practicing this safety procedure is vital.

There are several ways to clear condensation. When it is warm outside, fog usually can be found on the outside of windows. Drivers can raise the car’s interior temperature by turning off air conditioning and raising the heat. Turning off the recirculating feature and turning on the windshield wipers will also help.

If outside temperatures are cold, the defroster can be turned on in the vehicle. Lowering the windows will also reduce the car’s interior temperature but can make it cold inside the car. There are also several anti-fog window treatments available for purchase that can help.

Other Defogging Tips

Basic maintenance can also decrease the amount of fog. The intake vents on the outside and base of the windshield should be cleared of ice and snow. Many people will only clear outside windows, but cleaning inside windows will also help eliminate fog.

Delaware Personal Injury Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Injured Victims in All Types of Car Accidents

If you were injured in an accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Our Delaware personal injury lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will help you obtain compensation for your injuries. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation regarding your case. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we also represent clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.