Winter Truck Accidents: Common Causes, Severe Injuries, and Who Is Liable
During the winter months, road conditions become slippery and hard to maneuver. Dangerous driving conditions from rain, sleet, snow, black ice, and heavy winds make driving extremely dangerous. Driving during these months requires taking precautions and staying attentive to reduce the risk of severe or life-threatening vehicle conditions, especially for large commercial trucks. Understanding the safety risks of winter truck accidents is crucial for keeping yourself and others safe.
Why Winter Creates Unique Risks for Commercial Trucks
Large commercial vehicles encounter additional risks and challenges during the winter months as they require longer stopping distances and react differently to braking and steering on slippery roads. These make driving larger commercial vehicles extremely difficult when dealing with ice, sleet, or snow on the roads. The following may make controlling larger commercial vehicles more difficult.
- Reduced traction - When roads become slippery, trucks may begin to slide when braking or turning. These mostly occur on bridges and mountain roads.
- Longer stopping distances - As roads become icy, the distance it takes for trucks to make a complete stop increases significantly. This can cause severe accidents as truck drivers are unable to make sudden, complete stops to prevent collisions.
- Reduced visibility - Poor weather conditions, such as snow and fog, significantly reduce the driver's overall visibility, causing an increase in vehicle collisions.
Common Causes of Winter Truck Accidents
The following are common causes of winter truck accidents.
- Speeding - Poor weather, such as rain or snow, requires drivers to slow down and drive accordingly to prevent severe collisions from occurring. When drivers disregard this rule, they are increasing the chances of injuries for themselves and those around them.
- Failure to use chains - In specific areas, chain control laws require larger commercial vehicles to install tire chains during poor weather conditions. This is to prevent the risk of losing control while driving. Drivers who do not follow this rule are increasing the chances of a collision.
- Improper braking - Drivers who suddenly brake on these icy roads can cause locked wheels and increase the risk of skids.
Types of Injuries Often Seen in Truck Collisions
Injuries from these commercial vehicles are far more severe than those from passenger vehicles, as they are much larger in size. When injuries occur, it is crucial to seek medical attention to decrease the chance of future harm. The following injuries may occur from larger commercial vehicle collisions.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations
- Neck and back injuries
- Burn injuries in fuel-related crashes
- Wrongful death
How Liability May Be Evaluated
Holding the proper parties accountable after a larger vehicle collision has occurred can be more challenging than that of a typical car accident. Documentation, evidence, and vehicle data can play a crucial role in determining liability for the injuries that occurred at the time of the accident. The following are potentially responsible parties when a truck accident occurs.
The Truck Driver
- Drove too fast for the weather conditions
- Failed to adjust braking distance
- Ignored chain requirements
- Drove while fatigued or distracted
The Trucking Company
- Encouraged unrealistic delivery schedules
- Failed to properly train drivers for winter driving
- Did not maintain vehicles adequately
- Pressured drivers to continue operating in unsafe weather
Third-Party Maintenance Contractors Caused
- Brake failures
- Tire issues
- Steering defects
Cargo Loaders Caused
- Instability for the vehicle
- A rollover is to occur
Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
- Defective breaks
- Defective tires
Evidence Often Considered After a Truck Accident
Documentation after a vehicle collision is necessary to help determine what happened at the time of the accident. When safe to do so, taking the proper pictures and recording the necessary information will help with understanding the facts of the case. When a truck accident occurs, technical evidence, including the following, is usually needed to evaluate the circumstances of the events that occurred during the initial incident.
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data showing driving hours
- GPS and route records
- Maintenance and inspection logs
- Weather reports
- Dash camera footage
- Black box (event data recorder) information
- Driver qualification and training records
Practical Steps After a Winter Truck Accident
If a vehicle collision occurs, safety should come first. It is advised to seek the necessary medical attention even when injuries seem minor, as they can worsen over time if left untreated. When possible, individuals can do the following:
- Seek medical care promptly
- Call emergency services
- Document the scene with photographs
- Obtain witness information
- Avoid discussing fault at the scene
- Preserve medical records and receipts
Understanding Your Legal Options
When an individual suffers injuries from poor weather conditions while operating a large commercial vehicle, it is important to seek the proper legal guidance. An experienced professional will help you understand your rights and responsibilities moving forward and allow you to focus on recovering from your injuries. An attorney may review the circumstances of the case and guide you through the potential next steps.
How KAASS LAW Can Help
At KAASS LAW, we understand the challenges that come along with injuries caused by poor weather conditions, especially for larger commercial vehicles. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will help their clients through the legalities of their case and allow them to focus on recovery. Understanding your rights when suffering from these injuries can help you move forward with the legal process. If you or your loved one has suffered from injuries caused by poor weather conditions when operating a larger commercial vehicle, you are not alone. Call KAASS LAW today to discuss your options.