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Weather conditions can significantly influence the likelihood and severity of truck accidents. While poor weather, such as heavy rain, fog, or icy roads, is beyond anyone’s control, truck drivers and trucking companies have a legal obligation to adapt their behavior and practices to minimize risks. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for accidents caused by their negligence.
In Bryan and College Station (Brazos County), Robertson County, Madison County, Grimes County, Burleson County or Washington County, where varying weather conditions are common, understanding how weather impacts truck accident liability can help you protect your rights and pursue compensation if you’re injured. Keep reading this blog for more information from The Payne Law Group.
Common Weather-Related Truck Accidents
Adverse weather conditions increase the risk of certain types of truck accidents, including:
- Jackknife Accidents: Wet or icy roads reduce traction, increasing the chances of a truck’s trailer swinging out of control and forming a jackknife position.
- Rear-End Collisions: Reduced visibility and longer stopping distances during fog, rain, or snow can lead to rear-end collisions, especially if a truck driver is speeding or tailgating.
- Rollovers: Strong winds, especially on open highways, can cause top-heavy trucks to tip over, particularly when drivers fail to adjust for the wind’s force.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Fog, heavy rain, or sleet can obscure visibility, leading to chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles.
Legal Obligations of Truck Drivers During Poor Weather
Truck drivers must take additional precautions to ensure safety during adverse weather. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) require drivers to exercise “extreme caution” when hazardous weather conditions arise. Key obligations include:
- Adjusting Speed: Truck drivers must reduce their speed to match the road and weather conditions, even if it means driving significantly below the speed limit.
- Using Lights and Signals: Proper use of headlights, hazard lights, and turn signals is essential for maintaining visibility.
- Increasing Following Distance: Drivers must leave more space between their trucks and other vehicles to allow for longer stopping distances.
- Stopping Operations if Necessary: If conditions become too dangerous, such as during a severe storm, truck drivers are required to pull over and wait until it is safe to resume driving.
When drivers fail to meet these obligations and an accident occurs, they may be held liable for negligence.
Determining Liability in Weather-Related Truck Accidents
In weather-related truck accidents, liability can be complex. While weather conditions may contribute to an accident, driver negligence is often the root cause. To determine liability, the following factors are typically considered:
- Driver’s Actions: If a truck driver failed to adjust their driving to match the weather conditions, they could be found negligent. For instance, driving too fast on wet roads or ignoring mandatory rest breaks during a storm could make them liable.
- Truck Maintenance: Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles to ensure they operate safely in all conditions. Bald tires, malfunctioning wipers, or faulty brakes can exacerbate weather-related risks and lead to liability.
- Employer Policies: If a trucking company pressured the driver to meet delivery deadlines despite dangerous weather, they could share responsibility for the accident.
- Third-Party Negligence: In some cases, liability may extend to third parties, such as cargo loaders or maintenance providers, if their actions contributed to the accident.
Steps to Take After a Weather-Related Truck Accident
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by poor weather, taking the following steps can help protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the truck, road conditions, weather, and any visible damages or injuries.
- Call the Police: File a police report to create an official record of the accident and any contributing factors, such as weather conditions.
- Gather Witness Information: Collect contact details from anyone who saw the accident occur.
- Consult Scott Scherr: Contact Scott Scherr to evaluate your case and guide you through the claims process.
Compensation for Weather-Related Truck Accidents
Victims of truck accidents caused by weather-related negligence may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: This includes emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work and any future loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged property.
An experienced attorney can help ensure that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies.
How Scott Scherr and The Payne Law Group Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a weather-related truck accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and mounting expenses. Scott Scherr has experience handling truck accident cases in Bryan and College Station (Brazos County), Robertson County, Madison County, Grimes County, Burleson County, and Washington County, including those involving complex weather-related factors.
Our team is committed to holding negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable while helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you in pursuing your claim. We’re here to help you rebuild your life after a devastating accident.