Bad Weather Truck Accidents
Bad weather conditions can quickly lead to an auto accident, especially when a truck is involved. Large tractor-trailers travel on the Eastern Shore every day, particularly on major roadways like the Lankford Highway. While these truck drivers should be trained on how to safely operate their vehicles in poor weather, some fail to do so.
If you were severely injured in a wreck caused by a negligent trucker, you should seek legal representation from our team at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers right away. Our skilled attorneys have experience handling bad weather truck accidents in Hampton Roads and can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Types of Weather Conditions That Lead to Truck Accidents
Poor weather conditions are a common cause of motor vehicle accidents. This is no less true for semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. These big rigs are hard to control, particularly when heavy rain, ice, or snow reduces traction on the roadway. Other conditions that could increase the likelihood of a truck accident include, but are not limited to:
- Flooding
- Sleet
- Strong winds
- Thick fog
- Adverse lighting conditions
A severe tractor-trailer wreck may result when the trucker does not properly account for the weather. No matter what type of weather conditions were present during your accident, you could pursue a case against the negligent driver and his or her employer to collect monetary compensation.
Consequences of Careless Driving During Bad Weather
Negligence can play a significant part in causing a bad weather truck accident. At high speeds, trucks are prone to rollover accidents. This risk increases when the road is slippery or strong winds are present.
Rollover accidents can cause serious injuries for anyone hit by the truck, which is why drivers must take the appropriate precautions to prevent these types of wrecks. Still, negligent truckers may speed while traveling in inclement weather.
A truck may also “jackknife” as a result of bad weather. This happens when the truck’s cab and the trailer move independently of one another. The two parts of the vehicle fold toward each other like a pocketknife. During this type of accident, the trailer may swing across multiple lanes, hitting other vehicles in its path.
Any careless actions by the truck operator can result in a large-scale collision and catastrophic injuries. If you were involved in this type of accident, you have the right to seek financial compensation from the at-fault party.
Examples of Negligent Truck Maintenance
If a trucking company does not keep its truck in reasonable shape, it may not be prepared for inclement weather. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that trucking companies adequately maintain their fleet in order to prevent accidents and injuries. Failure to keep a truck in good working condition could lead to serious injuries. Improper maintenance may include:
- Failure to change tires when the tread is low
- Failure to repair brakes
- Improper loading or balancing of the trailer’s load
- Failure to check tire pressure
- Use of defective truck parts
- Failure to replace windshield wipers
These types of negligent acts may be grounds for a truck wreck lawsuit in the event of a poor weather accident.
Contact a Bad Weather Truck Accident Attorney on the VA Eastern Shore
The Eastern Shore is right on the coast. Extreme weather conditions are normal, and truck drivers have a responsibility to account for that. If a truck driver’s negligence, or that of his or her employer, is the reason you were injured, you can work with a lawyer to obtain compensation. Contact Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers today to learn more about how our team can help you after a bad weather truck accident in Virginia.
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