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Who Is Liable for Truck Accidents Involving Snow or Ice?
During the winter, the roads in Wisconsin and throughout the United States can become very dangerous. Storms may cause snow to accumulate on roads and highways, and cold temperatures may cause ice to form. These conditions can make roads very slick, and drivers will be much more likely to lose control of their vehicles and become involved in collisions. These issues are especially dangerous for large trucks and commercial vehicles, and truck drivers will need to take extra care to drive safely and avoid collisions. When truck accidents occur, victims can work with an attorney to determine who was responsible and take action to recover compensation from the liable parties.
Causes of Winter Truck Accidents
Truck crashes that take place on snow or ice can be deadly. When a massive tractor-trailer truck cannot slow down or stop correctly, it may collide with other vehicles at high speeds, resulting in severe injuries or wrongful death. These accidents may occur because of:
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Truck driver negligence - During winter weather, truck drivers need to be sure to remain aware of potentially dangerous conditions and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that they are driving safely. Unfortunately, issues such as driver fatigue or distracted driving will often cause truck drivers to fail to notice dangerous issues such as black ice. A truck driver may be liable for their failure to follow the correct safety practices, or a trucking company may be held responsible for failing to ensure that drivers were properly trained to drive safely in cold weather conditions.
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Traffic violations - Maintaining a safe speed and following traffic laws is crucial during the winter. However, truck drivers may violate the laws out of carelessness or in an attempt to deliver cargo more quickly. Violations such as speeding or following other vehicles too closely may cause a driver to be unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid colliding with other vehicles.
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Improperly maintained equipment - A truck’s parts may experience significant wear and tear during the winter, and equipment breakdowns may lead to collisions. The failure of a truck’s brakes may make it difficult or impossible to slow down or stop on snowy or icy roads. Worn tires that are not replaced when necessary may affect a truck’s traction, leading to a loss of control or affecting a driver’s ability to slow down properly. A truck driver, trucking company, or equipment installer may be liable for the failure to maintain a truck properly.
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Dangerous roads - While truck drivers and people in other vehicles will need to make adjustments due to snow or ice on roads, there are some situations where a road may be unreasonably dangerous. A government organization may be liable for accidents that occur because of failure to clear snow, spread salt or sand, or repair damaged pavement.
Contact Our Milwaukee, WI Winter Truck Accident Attorneys
At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, we understand the complex factors involved in truck accidents during the winter. Our attorneys can investigate the circumstances surrounding a collision, identify the liable parties, and help victims take action to recover compensation for their injuries and damages. To learn how we can help with these cases, contact our Milwaukee truck accident lawyers today at 414-271-1440.
