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When severe weather hits Brazos County, Bryan, and College Station, large commercial trucks become particularly hazardous on the roads. While storms increase the risk for all drivers, the size, weight, and limited maneuverability of tractor-trailers make them particularly hazardous. Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group has seen firsthand the devastation caused when storms and trucks collide, and we fight to ensure injured victims get the compensation they deserve.
Weather and Truck Accidents in Texas
Texas consistently ranks at the top nationally for fatal crashes involving large trucks. The weather makes this problem worse. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), about 8–9% of all fatal large truck crashes occur during rainy conditions, with clear weather still accounting for the majority of crashes. While that percentage may sound modest, it translates to hundreds of fatal crashes nationwide each year.
In Texas specifically, the Texas Department of Insurance has reported that more than 10% of all crashes, nearly 60,000 annually, are linked to poor weather conditions. Wet pavement and icy roads are the most common culprits. With commercial trucks traveling daily on major routes like Highway 6 and Highway 21, poor weather can quickly turn a routine drive into a catastrophic wreck.
Why Trucks Are So Dangerous in Storms
Even under perfect driving conditions, 18-wheelers are difficult to control and require long stopping distances. During storms, these risks multiply:
- Reduced visibility: Rain, fog, or sleet can obscure a truck driver’s vision.
- Longer stopping distances: Wet or icy pavement dramatically increases the space needed to stop.
- High winds: Tractor-trailers can act like sails, making them prone to jackknifing or tipping.
- Spray and splash: Trucks throw off water and slush, further reducing visibility for nearby drivers.
According to TxDOT data, wet or icy road surfaces account for the majority of weather-related crashes in Texas. When ice storms strike, trucks can lose traction entirely, leading to pileups involving dozens of vehicles.
Ice Storms in Brazos County: A Hidden Danger
While Texas is better known for heat and humidity, Brazos County is not immune to ice storms. Even light ice accumulation can make bridges and overpasses treacherous. Because of their size and weight, once trucks begin to slide, they can crush smaller vehicles in their path.
Legal Challenges in Truck Accident Claims
Truck accident cases are already complex, but the weather adds another layer of difficulty. Trucking companies often argue that storms were an “Act of God,” claiming crashes were unavoidable. But both Texas law and FMCSA regulations (§392.14) require drivers to use “extreme caution” in hazardous conditions—including reducing speed or even stopping altogether.
That means trucking companies and their drivers can still be held liable if they:
- Fail to reduce speed in poor weather.
- Continue operating during extreme conditions, such as ice storms.
- Neglect to maintain brakes, tires, lights, or wipers.
Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group investigates every detail, from driver logs and maintenance records to weather data and crash reconstruction, to prove that negligence, not just the storm, caused the wreck.
Protecting Yourself on the Road
While you can’t control how truck drivers behave, you can reduce your own risk:
- Increase the following distance behind trucks in wet or icy conditions.
- Avoid passing trucks during storms unless absolutely necessary.
- Stay out of truck blind spots.
- If possible, avoid driving altogether during ice storms.
Even with precautions, accidents still happen. If you are injured, getting legal help quickly can make a major difference in your recovery and your case.
Speak With Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident during a storm in Bryan, College Station, or Brazos County, you need an attorney who understands both the dangers of weather-related crashes and the complexities of trucking litigation.
With decades of experience, Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group has built a reputation for standing up to powerful trucking companies and insurers. We know how to investigate storm-related crashes, prove negligence, and pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Don’t let a trucking company blame the weather for their negligence. Contact Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group today to schedule a consultation and protect your right to recovery.