Munley Law Blog

A Comprehensive Guide to Pennsylvania Child Seat Laws

Every parent’s top priority is keeping their children safe on our roadways. Understanding and complying with Pennsylvania car seat laws is vital to protecting your children and avoiding legal penalties.

Over the past few years, Pennsylvania has changed the laws on using child seats to protect our children. In June 2016, legislation was signed into law requiring all children under the age of 8, less than 57 inches tall, or less than 80 pounds, are required to be placed in a car or booster seat as approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s standards. When a child is between the ages of 8 and 13, they do not need to ride in a car seat; however, they are required to sit in the back seat and wear a seat belt across their shoulders, chest, and upper thighs.

At Munley Law, we want everyone to stay safe. […]

What Are the DOT Requirements for Reflective Tape on a Truck?

Have you noticed red and white reflective tape on the trailers of large trucks? Commercial trailers must install reflective tape that conforms to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Trucking companies can guard against rear-end collisions and other accidents by doing so.

Be aware that these requirements may be relevant to you even if you’re not a trucker or otherwise involved in the trucking industry. For example, perhaps you were injured in a truck accident. If the truck didn’t have the proper reflective tape installed, you could potentially highlight this fact when pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other such losses. Discuss your case with our truck accident team at Munley Law for more information.

DOT Reflective Tape Regulations

DOT reflective tape consists of an alternate red-white pattern. You’ve likely noticed this red and white tape on the trailers of large trucks. […]

What Is the Consumer Product Safety Commission?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is a federal regulatory agency that protects consumers by establishing safety standards and taking corrective action when products pose an unreasonable risk to the public.

The CPSC’s rules help protect consumers, but accidents can still happen. If a product injured you, the company may have violated safety regulations.

Compensation may be available in these circumstances. Learn more by contacting our product liability team at Munley Law for a free consultation.

What Is the Consumer Product Safety Commission?

The CPSC was established on October 24, 1972. Its umbrella statute is the Consumer Product Safety Act.

The overall purpose of the CPSC is to minimize injuries and illnesses to consumers resulting from the use of a dangerous consumer product. The CPSC achieves this goal in various ways. […]

Understanding the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of a Truck

Understanding the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of a truck is critical to ensuring that the vehicle operates safely and legally. Vehicle manufacturers determine the GVWR, and this number reflects the maximum weight that the vehicle can safely handle. When a truck is overloaded, and the weight exceeds the GVWR, this puts the truck driver and other drivers on the road in danger and can lead to accidents.

What Is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)?

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is set by the vehicle’s manufacturer and indicates the maximum allowable weight capacity for the vehicle. The GVWR considers the weight of the vehicle, its passengers, cargo, and the fuel tank. Although sometimes used interchangeably, the GVWR differs from other weight measurements, such as the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which is the maximum total combined weight of a truck and its trailer. […]

The Long-Term Impact of a Gas Leak

We might not realize it, but our homes and workplaces are often powered by gas. From water heaters to air conditioning units, clothes dryers, stovetop ranges, and fireplaces, our homes can be full of gas lines. Over half of Pennsylvania homes use natural gas for heating every winter. Even a small leak can have serious consequences on your and your family’s health.

Immediate and Long-Term Health Effects of Gas Exposure

Natural gas leaks pose a host of health risks; the health effects can be particularly severe when you’ve had prolonged exposure. Even low-level exposure to contaminants in natural gas can be dangerous and lead to short and long-term health conditions. Conditions and symptoms you may suffer if you have been exposed to a natural gas leak include:

• Headaches and migraines
• Dizziness
• Chronic fatigue
• Nausea
• Respiratory irritation and asthma
• Cardiovascular conditions, […]