When bad weather casts a shadow over Maryland, accidents are bound to happen. Heavy wind and rain can make driving more dangerous, especially for truck drivers. No matter how prepared truckers are for inclement weather, operating large commercial trucks when the roads are slippery is risky and difficult. Moreover, high winds can cause trucks to tip over and lead to catastrophic accidents.
When you are injured in bad weather truck accidents in Prince George’s County, contact a local truck wreck attorney to discuss your legal rights and remedies. Even if bad weather causes a truck collision, the driver and their employer could still be liable for any resulting injuries. Our Maryland firm has years of experience litigating disputes with truck companies and their employees, and we can help you hold negligent truckers responsible.
Liability During Bad Weather Truck Accidents
While most people assume that the ever-unpredictable Mother Nature is at fault in truck accidents due to bad weather, truckers have responsibilities to uphold. They must exercise caution when driving in dangerous conditions. In fact, Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations for transportation mandates truckers to slow down or stop during inclement weather. When a driver error causes a crash during bad weather, the trucker and their employer could still be liable for damages.
When a crash happens during adverse weather, an investigation conducted by a Prince George County legal team can determine if the driver and the truck company failed to act reasonably under the circumstances. For example, it could be negligent for a trucker to speed when roads are slippery or icy. The trucker could also be held liable if they do not maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on the road, use their headlights, or follow other safety precautions. A lawyer can assist survivors and their families with investigating the cause of the crash and gathering evidence to support a claim against a trucker and their employer for negligence.
How Inclement Weather Affects Trucker’s Driving
Auto accidents are unfortunately frequent in Prince George’s County, but driving a commercial truck or tractor-trailer during bad weather is dangerous anywhere. Low visibility and bad road conditions make maneuvering or controlling a large truck difficult. Similarly, high winds could cause a cargo truck to tip over and lead to a serious wreck.
Ice, sleet, and snow reduce trucker visibility and cause slippery roads. Because of the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, drivers need a significant braking distance when driving under these conditions. Moreover, wet roads can lead to hydroplaning. When a truck loses traction, the trucker can quickly lose control of the vehicle and cause a collision with passenger vehicles. These conditions may even lead to jackknife accidents or rollovers.
Handling Truck Accident Lawsuits
After a collision with a commercial truck or tractor-trailer, consult a Maryland personal injury firm. When someone is injured in an accident with a truck, they could seek compensation for their injuries even when bad weather caused the crash. Truck drivers and their employers have complicated insurance plans, and in some cases, the adjusters will dispute liability due to weather conditions. In the event of bad weather truck crashes, an attorney in Prince George’s County can negotiate with the trucker’s insurance on your behalf or file a lawsuit to hold the negligent driver and their employer liable.
Contact Our Firm for Guidance With Bad Weather Truck Wrecks in Prince George’s County
While adverse weather creates risks for any driver, truckers face significant obstacles when operating their vehicles in the rain, snow, or fog. When you or a loved one sustain injuries in bad weather truck accidents in Prince George’s County, you could seek compensation. An experienced attorney can help you settle your claim with the trucker’s insurance or even take the case to court, if necessary. Moreover, if the truck company disputes liability, we can advocate on your behalf to prove their fault.
Contact Price Benowitz as soon as possible to set up an appointment.
