Exemptions for Asbestos Reporting
In July 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published notice of its intention to adopt new risk-based rules on asbestos. This followed 2016 amendments to the longstanding Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The amendments require the EPA to take specific actions to prioritize, evaluate, and regulate dangerous substances. If the evaluation shows that a substance poses an unreasonable risk of injury to one’s health or the environment due to conditions of use, then the EPA must act to eliminate the risk.
Prior EPA Efforts Failed
The EPA’s record on regulating chemicals under the TSCA prior to the amendments was dismal. The EPA adopted partial restrictions for a dozen out of tens of thousands of known hazardous substances. Regarding asbestos, the EPA spent 10 years developing a rule to regulate it. The rule was overturned by the Federal Court of Appeals in 1991. The EPA failed to propose a single additional restriction on a chemical under the TSCA since that decision.
Chemical Data Reporting Rule
The EPA’s Chemical Data Reporting rule requires manufacturers and importers of hazardous substances to report their manufacturing, processing, and use of these substances to the agency. The EPA relies on this reporting to analyze health and environmental impacts to evaluate risk. The EPA cannot accurately evaluate risk without this information.
The rule regarding asbestos has significant exemptions. Manufacturers and importers will be off the hook for reporting use of naturally occurring substances. The rule also exempts reporting legacy uses of asbestos. This means hazards from exposure to workers who remove asbestos previously applied in buildings does not have to be reported. When uses are not reported, then risks associated with those uses will not be part of the agency’s risk assessment.
Call for Action
A coalition of Attorneys General from 15 states has formed to advocate for the EPA to develop more protective requirements regarding asbestos. The effort is being led by the Attorneys General for California and Massachusetts. Delaware has not yet joined the coalition.
The coalition has petitioned the EPA to eliminate reporting exemptions regarding asbestos. In addition, they are requesting the agency add to the rule’s reporting requirements data from processors of asbestos and data for imported products containing asbestos. The coalition claims the EPA’s approach defeats the purpose of the amendments to the TSCA and argue the approach will prevent the EPA from performing an accurate risk assessment of the health and environmental impacts of exposure to asbestos.
Dangers of Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been mined extensively and used in a variety of products. In its natural form, or when asbestos-containing products are damaged or disposed of, the asbestos becomes airborne. Breathing asbestos has been linked to several fatal health conditions and cancers, including mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos currently causes the death of over 15,000 people a year in the U.S.
Delaware Asbestos Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Those Suffering from Mesothelioma
If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing related health problems, then you may be able to recover for your medical expenses and more. Contact one of our experienced Delaware asbestos lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. for a free consultation. Call 302-656-5445 or complete an online form today. Located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state, including Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Warning Signs of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the heart, lungs, or abdomen. It is an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure and it normally takes decades to develop. Research shows that mesothelioma is more likely to develop in men than in women, and rarely affects people under 45 years of age. It is a leading cause of occupational cancer in the United States. If you have been diagnosed with asbestos-related mesothelioma due to your job, you are eligible for compensation.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is not just one thing, it is a bundle of silicate minerals that have the same fibrous nature. Asbestos fibers are highly toxic and cannot be seen or smelled, which makes it complicated for an individual to know that they are being exposed to it. Asbestos is also resistant to heat, electricity, and chemicals. Once asbestos enters your body, it does not leave and causes continuous cellular damage.
Unlike other forms of cancer, mesothelioma is resistant to chemotherapy. It is one of the most challenging forms of cancer to treat. Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed when it is already in its advanced stages because it tends not to produce any identifiable symptoms in its early stages.
Warning Signs of Mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma are two types of mesothelioma and present different symptoms.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lungs and the symptoms include:
- A dry cough
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Fluid around the lungs
- Back pain
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the abdomen and the symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fluid in the abdomen
- Diarrhea or other changes in bowel habits
Who is at Risk for Developing Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is more likely to affect those exposed to an extremely high concentration of it, or those exposed to it daily. Factory workers, construction workers, and plumbers are at risk for developing the disease. Family members of these workers are also at risk of exposure because asbestos fibers can be carried on clothing.
It is very important to be aware of the warning signs of mesothelioma, especially if you have been exposed to asbestos at any point in your life. The earlier you recognize strange symptoms, the earlier you can get to your doctor. As with any type of cancer, the earlier you begin treatment, the better your chances are of survival.
Delaware Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Handle Mesothelioma Cases
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, you have options. Contact a Delaware mesothelioma lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Our experienced lawyers will fight hard to obtain the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, contact us online or by phone at 302-656-5445. Our offices are in Georgetown and Wilmington, Delaware, where we represent clients throughout the state, including Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Hyundai Develops First Multi-Collision Airbag System
Hyundai is developing technology to improve the effectiveness of its existing airbag system. In response to studies that determine that many car accidents involve more than one collision, the Korean car manufacturer has announced its intention to redesign its airbag system to include additional airbag deployment in the event of a secondary crash.
To reduce injuries and fatalities, safety systems installed in cars today include airbags in the steering wheel, to protect drivers, and in the dashboard, to protect passengers. Side-impact airbags have been implemented to provide protection when the force of a crash comes from the side of the vehicle. However, all airbags are deployed upon the initial impact of an accident, thus leaving vehicle occupants unprotected in subsequent impacts.
Data announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that 30 percent of car accidents involve more than one collision. Hyundai took the initiative to investigate ways to address the problem.
Instances of Multi-Collision
A multi-collision car accident is defined as a crash that involves more than one impact. This happens in the case of a pile up, when one car hits the car in front of it and is then hit by the car behind. In a more terrifying instance, it also occurs when a car is rammed off the road into a roadside object, into another vehicle, or into oncoming traffic.
Secondary Safety
Hyundai’s intention is to integrate additional airbag deployments to protect passengers when a car accident becomes a multi-crash incident. The company’s safety experts recognized that its airbag system exhausted all its protection on the initial impact, even though the secondary impact is often more fatal.
Designers were wary of simply redeploying the airbags, so they plan to make the secondary activation more sensitive. The new designs will consider that these impacts may happen in rapid succession, so the airbags will be quick reacting. The system will also account for the position of the car’s occupants. The design will use sensors to activate airbags in the areas that will best protect the driver or passengers.
Innovative Endeavors
Hyundai intends for the new technology to become part of the safety system in future Hyundai and Kia vehicles, but there is no official date for its implementation.
This is not the first time Hyundai has introduced a revolutionary idea to protect the occupants in its vehicles. Back in 2018, the car manufacturer responded to the risks of roll-over accidents by proposing a design involving an airbag tucked into the sunroof of some of its vehicles. Like the sensors envisioned to predict occupant positioning in the multi-collision solution, the sunroof airbag system was designed to detect the vehicle’s upside-down position.
Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Injured Car Accident Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, reach out to the Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our offices are in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, where we represent car accident victims throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Sexual Abuse Lawyers Tackle Title IX Violations
When people reference Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, they often immediately think of gender discrimination in connection with collegiate athletics. However, Title IX does not simply cover the topic of sex discrimination in colleges and universities. In fact, Title IX carries over into practically any educational institution, even elementary schools. Violations of the federal law are not limited to sports-related activities, nor are they relegated to discrimination; they cover sexual abuse, too.
The Connection Between Sexual Abuse and Title IX
As a result of Title IX’s widespread coverage beyond athletics, sexual abuse lawyers may refer to Title IX in some cases involving sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and sexual violence. For instance, if a female elementary school student is sexually abused in a school bound by Title IX laws, her family may seek representation from a lawyer with Title IX familiarity.
Regrettably, many victims and their loved ones are still in the dark about the relationship between Title IX and certain claims of sexual abuse. Hopefully, more press stories will emerge to improve the understanding of Title IX, such as the 14-year-old girl from a southern state who successfully battled a Title IX sexual abuse case.
Real Cases of Title IX Sexual Abuse Violations
According to reports, a female student attending a middle school told an authority figure at her school that she was being sexually harassed by a boy. The authority figure believed her and then suggested she use herself as bait to see if he would try to assault her in the school restroom. Sadly, the girl complied with the idea to catch the boy, but the authority figure arrived too late to prevent the girl from being sexually violated. This led to the girl being raped in a bathroom stall. To the credit of the plaintiff’s lawyers and the courts, the case was settled between the school board and the plaintiff for $200,000.
In a very different situation, a female middle school student and her parents told the school about various forms of harassment, including inappropriate sexual touching by multiple students. The incidents spanned many weeks and resulted in the student leaving the school. The United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights determined the school was non-compliant under Title IX and requested the school act to make restitution. One such action was to cover any costs incurred by the family as a result of the sexual harassment.
Although there are more Title IX violation reports across the nation, plenty of young victims of sexual abuse in schools do not make the connection. Anyone who has been sexually victimized should contact a sexual abuse lawyer immediately. Lawyers well-versed in sexual violation cases can determine if a situation falls under Title IX, as well as how to proceed.
Georgetown Sexual Abuse Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Victims of Title IX Sexual Abuse
If you or someone you know has been sexually victimized in a private or public educational institution, please contact a Georgetown sexual abuse lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. today. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445. Located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we serve clients from the surrounding areas of Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Delaware Prevents Lead Poisoning
Recently, House Bill 456 made Delaware the first state to ban lead paint on outdoor structures, including water towers, bridges, playground equipment, and roads. Lead poisoning is serious and can have life-long consequences. There is no safe level of exposure and no way to reverse the effects of exposure. Exposure to lead can cause:
- Behavioral and learning disabilities in children
- Kidney damage
- Reproductive issues
- High blood pressure
- Anemia
Anyone violating the ban of lead-based paint on outdoor fixtures in Delaware could face a fine of $10,000 per day of violation. Delaware’s ban on lead-based paint for outdoor structures comes after a two-year campaign initiated by a nurse and an environmentalist. Both women are residents of the state. Although this bill marks great progress, legislatures know there is still more to be done.
Lead Paint Removal
Currently, there are no regulations in place for the removal of pre-existing lead-based paint on outdoor structures. When lead paint is removed, dust and particles enter the air. This places workers, as well as residents, at risk of lead exposure through inhaling or ingesting the particles in the atmosphere.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule protects the public from lead-based paint hazards associated with renovation or removal of lead-based paint indoors and on the outside of homes. Certain safety regulations currently include:
- Removal by certified contractor
- Clearly posted warning signs
- Isolating the area to prevent dust and particles from traveling through the air
- Waste removal regulations
- Dry paint removal machines that include a vacuum attachment
Although this matter is hoped to be resolved sometime in July 2019, for now, Delaware still allows sandblasting to remove lead-based paint from outdoor structures.
Rental Inspections
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the use of lead-based paint for indoor use in 1978. Although pre-existing paint is subject to the stringent EPA regulations mentioned above, there are no mandatory inspections in place to inform renters that their rental home is lead-free.
Childhood Lead Poisoning Detection
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that healthcare agencies develop policies for childhood lead poisoning prevention. The recommendations include the following three prevention areas:
- Primary prevention activities: Reducing risk of lead exposure before a child is born, specifically by avoiding moving into a home with lead-based paint.
- Secondary prevention activities: Screening and reducing the effect of exposure with follow-up care.
- Monitoring activities: Development of systems to monitor children’s levels of exposure, and sources of exposure.
Although House Bill 424 would have allowed for a second childhood lead exposure test at two years old, it was not approved. The state looks to 2019 for further advances in policies regarding risk detection and poisoning prevention.
Delaware Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Victims of Toxic Exposure
If you were exposed to lead-based paint at work or your child was exposed to lead-based paint in your home, contact a Delaware environmental lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Our dedicated attorneys can help obtain the financial resources you need to move forward. Call 302-656-5445 or complete our online form for a free case evaluation. From our offices in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we represent clients in Dover, Newcastle County, and Sussex County.
Household Chemicals Linked to Childhood Speech Delays
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics shows a troubling connection between prenatal exposure to common household chemicals and childhood language delays. Around 10 percent of children born to women exposed to chemicals, called phthalates, displayed language delays in their children between the ages of 30 and 37 months.
Delays constituted using 50 words or less. Children displaying more significant delays understood less than 25 words. Speech delays are only one way these chemicals have been shown to impact the developing fetus. The JAMA study adds to a growing body of research that indicates these chemicals are harmful to the developing human brain and therefore should be more strictly regulated.
Phthalates are All Around Us
Phthalates are a group of chemicals designed to make plastic more flexible and durable. They are in everything from children’s toys, to beauty and personal products, to building materials. These chemicals enter the environment and can be found in the air we breathe and food we consume. They are detectable in human blood, breast milk, and even in the amniotic fluid surrounding a growing baby.
Prenatal Exposure
Swedish and American researchers partnered on the study, which followed more than 1300 expectant mothers in both countries. Urine samples taken from the women were tested for phthalates. One hundred percent of the participants in the JAMA study showed traces of phthalates in their bodies.
Researchers identified two types of phthalates that seemed linked to verbal delays: dibutyl phthalate and butyl benzyl phthalate. Mothers with higher levels of these two chemicals had children with discernible speech delays. Researchers say their findings suggest more investigation into the effects of phthalates on humans is warranted. They intend to follow up with the children in three to four years to assess their language development at that time.
Preventing Toxic Exposure to Phthalates
Because these chemicals are virtually all around us, it is not easy for pregnant women to avoid them altogether. To make it even more challenging, many products like textiles and flooring that contain these toxic chemicals do not label their ingredients. To decrease the risk of exposure to phthalates, consumers should look for products that are labeled phthalate-free and avoid foods and drinks that are overly processed. Experts also recommend keeping a tidy house, as phthalates on products and items throughout the home become mixed with household dust.
Wilmington Chemical and Toxic Exposure Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Victims Harmed by Dangerous Chemicals
At Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A., your Wilmington chemical and toxic exposure lawyer works diligently to prove liability for your illness or injuries. We will secure the documentation you need to prove your claim including medical records and evidence of your exposure to these hazardous chemicals. To schedule your free consultation, call 302-656-5445 or contact us online today. With locations in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we proudly represent clients throughout Dover, Sussex County, and New Castle County.
Mesothelioma Medication Concerns
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the organs in the human body. This type of cancer is often found in the lungs, and although there are several different treatments available, for many, a complete recovery is not always possible.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma often take medication for the rest of their lives. Therefore, it is important that those suffering from this disease find the right combination of medications to allow them to live as comfortable as possible. The right combination of medications can help successfully lessen pain, while allowing for the side effects.
Some common side effects of cancer medications include:
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Vertigo and Dizziness
- Constipation
Managing Side Effects
The American Cancer Society cautions patients that discontinuing opioid medication can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, those who feel that they need to make changes in any of their prescribed medications must consult with their doctor or oncology team before doing so.
It may be important to keep in mind that those who require opioid pain medication sometimes find that the side effects lessen over time. However, an oncology team can adjust dosages, discuss personalized ways to mange side effects, and prescribe other medications to lessen side effects.
Additionally, mesothelioma patients should talk to their doctor about dietary and other changes that may help to alleviate medication side effects, including:
- Water intake: Increasing fluids can help to alleviate constipation
- Increased fiber: Fiber rich fruits and vegetables or supplements may help decrease discomfort
- Eating before taking medications: Having a small snack before taking medicine could help with nausea
- Lying down: Resting immediately after taking medication may help with dizziness
Mesothelioma Risks and Prevention
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos occurs naturally in the environment, and as a result this durable, anti-flammable mineral can be found in many everyday products, such as:
- Insulation
- Brakes
- Flooring
- Shingles
When asbestos products are broken down into small dust like particles, those that inhale these particles are at risk for mesothelioma. However, it should be noted that even those who are exposed to asbestos over long periods of time never develop mesothelioma.
Preventing mesothelioma first starts with discovering if there is a risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure is often prevalent in the construction, ship building, and mining industries. Additionally, it is important to follow all safety regulations in the workplace, including wearing protective clothing and using safety equipment.
Delaware Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Employees Suffering from Mesothelioma
If you would like more information regarding managing mesothelioma medication or you were exposed to asbestos in the workplace, contact a knowledgeable Delaware mesothelioma lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Our lawyers are ready to hear the individual details of your case to determine what types of compensation you and your family are entitled to. For a free initial consultation, call us today at 302-656-5445 or contact us online. Our offices are in Georgetown and Wilmington, Delaware, and we proudly serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Mandatory Shareholder Arbitration in Delaware
A recent ruling in a Delaware Chancery Court case, Sciabucchi v Salzberg, mandates that corporations cannot force shareholders to litigate initial public offering (IPO) fraud claims in federal court through forum selection clauses in their corporate charters. This decision invalidated provisions in the corporate charters of three companies that went public in 2017 that demanded shareholders bring Securities Act lawsuits in federal court.
The implications of the decision go well beyond the forum selection clauses that were addressed. In fact, if this decision is affirmed by the Delaware Supreme Court, it will crush a growing movement to allow corporations to force shareholders to arbitrate their securities fraud claims. The reasoning is this: Corporations can’t regulate federal securities litigation through their charters or bylaws, and even if they attempt to insert mandatory arbitration provisions in contracts with their shareholders, those provisions cannot be enforced.
This ruling draws a firm line between shareholder claims brought under Delaware law that arise out of the stockholder relationship, and federal securities claims. With the former, Delaware corporations can adopt forum selection provisions; with the latter, they can’t. The basis for this is those claims do not arise through internal corporate relationships. Incorporation does not support the application of the chartering state’s law to external claims.
The above reasoning is grounded in precedent. In Boilermakers Local 154 Retirement Fund v. Chevron, from 2013, forum selection clauses that require shareholders to litigate breach-of-duty claims in Delaware Chancery Court were validated. It was emphasized, in fact, that the forum selection clauses were restricted to internal affairs litigation that arose from “the corporation’s business, the conduct of its affairs, and the rights of its stockholders [qua stockholders].” Importantly, this did not include the forum for tort or contract claims against the company.
If the Supreme Court agrees, Delaware corporations will not be able to force mandatory shareholder arbitration of federal securities claims through corporate charters or bylaws, even if the Securities and Exchange Commission does not object.
This decision is a step in allowing investors to protect their substantive rights and avoid forced arbitration.
At Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A., we work tirelessly to fight for your corporate rights. Please call 302-656-5445 to learn more, or contact us online. The firm represents clients in upstate and downstate Delaware from our offices in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware.
Why Asbestos is Dangerous
Exposure to asbestos has been known to cause cancer for decades. All forms of asbestos are fibrous mineral materials that are heat-resistant. Asbestos is also resistant to electricity, chemical corrosion, and possesses insulating properties.
Asbestos has been used extensively as insulation and fire proofing material. During the Industrial Revolution, asbestos was used in steam engines and locomotives. Asbestos was used during World War II for many military applications, including as pipe insulation in naval ships. Asbestos was also used as insulation in manufacturing facilities and in homes for many years.
A number of factors led to a delay in realizing the danger. First, industry leaders in the 1920’s chose to suppress information gathered from medical research about the potential health risks of exposure to asbestos. Second, it usually takes decades after exposure for symptoms to develop.
Who is At Risk of Asbestos Related Disease?
Although skin contact and ingestion can expose a person to risk, the primary route of exposure is through inhalation of particles. Fibers can enter the lungs without causing any overt symptoms. These fibers can pierce the mesothelium, a cell layer that surrounds all internal organs.
The chance of getting an asbestos related illness is dose dependent. Exposure to high concentrations for long periods of time increases the risk of contracting asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma, which is an aggressive form of lung cancer. In the 1960’s asbestos was discovered as being responsible for mesothelioma.
People working in asbestos mines are exposed to elevated levels of asbestos and are at risk. Others at risk include workers in the fields of asbestos product manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction, and electricity generation.
Secondary exposure also puts people at risk. Accordingly, family members of asbestos workers and people living near asbestos mines have also been diagnosed with asbestos related diseases. Further, smoking greatly increases the risk of contracting asbestos related lung disease.
Researchers Finds Answers
Today, researchers are fairly confident that they now understand how asbestos causes mesothelioma. Chronic exposure to asbestos triggers a type of tissue repair that puts the immune system out of balance. The fibers cause damage at the cellular level.
The body’s attempt to heal the wound at this cellular level promotes cell growth and sometimes tumors. The tumors can create a microenvironment where the normal immune system attack of tumors by white blood cells is inhibited.
Potential for Immunotherapy Treatment
There are now clinical trials underway to test whether treatments that block immune system inhibitors, essentially attempting to rebalance the immune system, can succeed in treating mesothelial cancer.
Delaware Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Those Exposed to Asbestos
If you have developed mesothelioma or an asbestos related disease, you should not have to bear the costs of treatment alone. Our firm has handled asbestos cases for years, and we have succeeded in obtaining multimillion-dollar mesothelioma settlements. Contact a Delaware mesothelioma lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. for a free initial consultation by calling 302-656-5445 or completing our online form. Our offices are located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware and we represent clients throughout the State.
Truck Accidents Increase During the Holidays
Spending time with family, attending holiday parties, volunteering, and going to the mall are all part of that favorite time of year: the holiday season. It all starts on Black Friday and runs full force until January 2.
All these festivities and errands lead to increasing amounts of cars and trucks on our roads. Unfortunately, this causes more traffic accidents during the holidays than other times of year.
Cities and neighborhoods are full of all kinds of freight and delivery trucks throughout these months. The Washington Post has reported that the USPS delivers close to 600 million packages, and that FedEx transports around 300 million throughout the holiday season. A corresponding spike in the amount of freight truck crashes shows a higher accident risk, which is around 10 percent.
Dangerous Truck Drivers
The trucking industry has a reputation for encouraging its drivers to work long hours. Without proper rest, serious driver fatigue can occur. During this time of the year, drivers have especially busy schedules, and can end up working more hours than usual.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations state that a driver cannot work more than 70 hours over seven days. Companies and their drivers may not monitor or enforce this law, especially if they are trying to meet delivery deadlines.
Another factor that causes truck accidents is bad weather. Late November and December can be rainy, snowy, and/or windy, and poor driving conditions also contribute to more crashes. If a driver is not well-trained, they can easily lose control of their truck.
Companies may hire extra drivers during the season to keep up with the workload. If they cannot find qualified ones, they may hire those with less experience.
Practice Safe Driving Around Trucks
Even if the weather is fine, it is always smart to decrease speed when driving near a truck. Tailgating them or passing at unsafe speeds is very hazardous. It is easy to get caught up in holiday stress; but aggressive driving around these large vehicles is a recipe for disaster.
These trucks also have large blind spots, which should always be avoided. They are located directly behind and directly in front of the truck, and next to both of the doors of the truck’s cab.
The most important safety recommendation for holiday driving around trucks is to keep a good distance. Driving alongside of one should never be done for more than a few minutes. If the truck driver indicates that the truck is going to move into another lane or merge, they should be given extra room by other drivers.
These trucks also need extra room to stop; if they brake suddenly, they can cause a collision. For example: If there is unexpected debris in the road, it would take a tractor trailer much longer to slow down to avoid a crash. A tailgating, speeding car behind it could easily crash into the back of the truck, causing a serious or even fatal accident.
Wilmington Truck Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Truck Accident Victims
Even the safest drivers can become involved in truck accidents during the busy holiday season. For effective legal representation, truck accident victims can contact a knowledgeable Wilmington truck accident lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Call us at 302-656-5445 for a free evaluation, or complete an online form. We have offices in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, and fight for clients throughout Delaware, including Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.