When traveling at high speeds, trucks become life-threatening due to their size, weight and momentum. A Truck accident has a greater chance of causing a fatality than other auto accidents.
When you take weather conditions like fog or snow into consideration, 18-wheelers become all the more perilous. With icy roads already a challenge for truckers to overcome, poor visibility can only make things worse.
Effects of Winter on Visibility
Thick fog makes it hard for truck drivers to see ahead or for other vehicles to see the truck. As a result, truck drivers have to be on high alert. Because of the fog, dangerously close objects may not be seen until it is too late, causing severe injuries or death.
It is, therefore, the responsibility of the truck driver to take reasonable precautions when driving his or her vehicle. This includes being attentive on the road at all times, and driving slower than normal to make sure he or she does not hit anything in front.
Further, snowstorms can make things worse by reducing visibility to less than a foot in front of the truck. While snowstorms already have a risky effect on the quality of the roads, they could easily hide everything around the truck from a tractor-trailer driver.
Liability in Truck Accident Claims Caused by Poor Weather
If a truck has been involved in an accident, liability can be determined by understanding who was negligent. Some examples are:
- The truck driver
If the truck driver could not see more than a couple of feet in front of the truck due to wintery conditions, it is his or her duty to either drive reasonably safer or not drive at all. If the driver still engaged in driving aggressively and in a rash, reckless manner, without care for poor sight, and caused a collision as a result, then the driver can be held liable for damages.
- The trucking company
To continue making profits, trucking companies would disregard the weather and make employees drive in poor visibility conditions anyway. Further, pressure to be on time can force truckers to avoid going slow. Thus, if it can be proved that the trucking company was overworking or forcing employees to drive negligently, then they can be held liable in the event of a collision.
How to Avoid Accidents When Visibility is Low in Winter
The following tips can help you reduce the chances of being involved in a Truck Accident, or any accident for that matter:
- Do not drive at all, or wait until visibility improves before you set out to drive.
- Drive slowly and maintain extra space in front of you.
- Stay inside your lane as much as possible.
- Turn on your hazard lights when you drive.
- Avoid sudden accelerating, turning or braking.
- Use wipers and defrosters to improve visibility.
What to do If You Have Been in a Truck Accident
A truck crash can be traumatic, particularly during a foggy or snowy winter. In the event you suffer an accident, these steps can help you:
- Get away from the road. If it is possible, move your car away from oncoming traffic as well.
- Turn on emergency lights and call 911.
- Accept all medical treatment. What might seem like minor injuries could be severe.
- Report the accident to the police and be as detailed as possible.
- Taking pictures might be difficult in the weather, but try to click as many as you can with a camera or smartphone.
- Collect the details of the other drivers involved including their contact and insurance information.
- Call a truck accident lawyer to represent your case and help you get the best possible settlement without being low-balled or denied.
If you have been in a truck accident, you can connect with our lawyers for some free legal advice today. If you have any other questions or thoughts, feel free to leave us a comment.
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