Munley Law Blog

Does Driving Slow Cause More Car Accidents?

When an accident occurs, we often think of aggressive drivers or motorists traveling at excessive speeds. But what many don’t realize is that slow drivers can also cause car accidents by disrupting the flow of traffic.

If high or slow speeds were the cause of your motor vehicle accident, Munley Law can help you through the legal process.

Why Slow Driving Can Be Dangerous

Pennsylvania law, mandates that drivers adhere to posted speed limits. The state’s minimum speed limit regulations require motorists to maintain speeds that do not impede the “normal and reasonable movement of traffic.” Nevertheless, reduced speeds are permissible when safety is a concern.

On single-lane roadways where passing is impossible, slow-moving vehicles are required to pull over to the brim or shoulder to allow others to pass.

With these regulations in place, drivers must understand that safety is a concern when slow drivers are on the roadways, […]

Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way?

When you first learned to drive, you may have been told pedestrians have the right of way. While this is generally true, pedestrians don’t always have the right of way. Of course, drivers must always be aware of their surroundings, including looking for pedestrians, but pedestrians must also be aware of traffic lights, crosswalks, and oncoming traffic.

If you were involved in a pedestrian accident and are questioning who has the right of way, Munley Law is here to help.

When Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way?

Under Pennsylvania law, there are a few scenarios where pedestrians always have the right of way. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of drivers and pedestrians to practice safety on the roadways and be mindful before walking into traffic.

Crosswalks Without Signals

If a pedestrian is at an unmarked crosswalk without traffic signals, […]

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Pennsylvania?

Have you ever been driving through a congested area and noticed a motorcyclist weaving in and out of traffic? While many motorcyclists think lane splitting should be common practice, it is currently illegal under Pennsylvania law.

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident and have been lane splitting, or hit a motorcyclist due to lane splitting, it can impact your personal injury claim.

What Is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting, also known as white lining, occurs when a motorcyclist drives between two rows or lanes of traffic. Most commonly, riders split lanes when traffic is moving slowly or at a standstill. Lane splitting can occur on any type of road, including highways or rural roads.

Lane splitting is not the only traffic maneuver you may see a biker make. Other practices include:

• Lane filtering: The rider moves between stopped traffic or slow-moving traffic
• Lane sharing: Multiple motorcyclists share the same lane and ride beside each other in a close formation
• Shoulder surfing: When a rider drives on the shoulder of the road

A University of California, […]

How Long Can Truck Drivers Drive Without Resting?

Studies suggest that 30 to 40 percent of all truck accidents result from driver fatigue. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving contributes to more than 50,000 accidents per year, resulting in serious injury and death.

Knowing how unsafe drowsy driving can be, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has created regulations commercial truck drivers must follow for how many consecutive hours they can be behind the wheel before needing a break.

Hours of Service Rules for Truck Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has created hours of service regulations (HOS) for both property-carrying and passenger-carrying drivers. These rules are meant to protect truck drivers from overwork while also limiting adverse driving conditions for other motor vehicles.

It’s important to understand that drivers do not have set hours like we may have in a 9-to-5 job setting. […]

Why Do Semi-Trucks Have Spikes on Their Wheels?

While driving down the highway, you may notice the semi-trucks beside you have what looks like spikes coming off their tire rims. But what purpose do those spike studs hold, and what happens if you get into an accident with a truck driver and those spikes cause damage?

Munley Law explains the purpose of these lug nut covers and your rights in semi-truck accidents.

What Are Wheel Spikes on Semi Trucks?

Spikes on the wheels of semi-trucks are lug nut covers. They are meant to protect lug nuts from debris and corrosion over time but also have aesthetic appeal.

While wheel spikes look intimidating, they are often made of weaker metals like aluminum alloys and even sometimes plastic. So, if your vehicle came into contact with one, the worst that would happen is a few scratches on your car. […]