Dallas Bad Weather Truck Accidents

Truckers drive at all times of day and night to meet their deadlines. Because they drive far distances for extended periods of time, it is not uncommon for rig drivers to be caught in poor weather.

If you were injured because of a Dallas bad weather truck accident, a skilled lawyer could fight for your rights. A big rig collision attorney could ensure you get the compensation you deserve and hold the responsible party accountable.

What Causes Dallas Bad Weather Trucking Wrecks?

Snow, rain, fog, ice, and other weather conditions can impair drivers from operating their vehicle safely, significantly reduce roadway capacity, and dramatically increase travel times.

If it is raining, then road surfaces are going to be wet and vehicles could hydroplane. If the wind is gusting, that could create problems with controlling steering, especially for larger vehicles and trailers. These crosswinds might cause cars swerve, especially SUVs, vans, high-sided vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles. A truck accident attorney in Dallas could help someone figure out what type of bad weather caused their collision.

Why are Big Rigs Uniquely Affected by Poor Road Conditions?

18-wheelers weigh more than passenger cars and the wind can blow empty box trailers around. If the roads are slick, it takes trucks longer to stop because the driver is trying to control an 80,000-pound piece of equipment.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations that states rig drivers are supposed to use extreme caution if in inclement weather and depending on the conditions, even get off the road entirely.

Damages in Poor Weather-Related Trucking Collisions

Drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles in a responsible manner, so even if icy or wet roads may contribute to the crash, they still must have followed all laws to avoid being held partially accountable.

Injured parties could seek all available economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are tangible losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and future medical costs. Non-economic damages are losses that do not have an exact monetary value such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment in activities, and humiliation.

An attorney in Dallas could help determine which damages someone could seek compensation for in their poor weather 18-wheeler crash.

Fault in Bad Road Condition 18-Wheeler Crashes

Even though nature is the main catalyst in bad weather big rig collisions, drivers have responsibility to operate their vehicles safely, so there is no legitimate excuse for a crash.

Drivers of passenger vehicles should be aware of that big rig operators do not have the option of staying home or rerouting their course during poor weather. Consequently, if a passenger vehicle driver is on the road when a storm is present, there is a high chance they will encounter a large rig. The reality is that it is the duty of all drivers to exercise extreme caution during bad weather.

If difficult driving conditions are combined with sharing the road with truck drivers who have a tough schedule to meet, 18-wheeler collisions are likely to happen. A big rig accident attorney in Dallas could help determine who was at fault for a wreck involving a storm.

Using Evidence to Determine Fault

A skilled legal team could analyze the weather report for the day of the wreck. The police report, in addition to witness testimony, could be used to determine fault in a case like this. It is important for attorneys to add up all crucial evidence that could prove conditions to help the plaintiff’s case.

Contact a Dallas Attorney Familiar with Bad Weather Truck Accidents Today

Dallas bad weather truck accidents are not uncommon because 18-wheeler drivers spend long hours on roadways to meet tight deadlines. If you were injured in a wreck like this, a knowledgeable 18-wheeler collision attorney could fight for your rights and demand compensation for you. Call our office today to learn more about your legal options.