Truck Accidents in Bad Weather

April 10, 2018

Truck Accidents

Accidents involving semi-trailer trucks can happen in any weather conditions. However, adverse weather like rain, snow, and fog increase the chances of these extremely dangerous crashes. When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, motorists often suffer extremely serious injuries. Knowing the increased risks of truck accidents in bad weather may help you avoid these collisions and potentially devastating injuries.

Driving Too Fast for Conditions

Truck drivers are expected to obey Louisiana state traffic laws just like any other driver, including speed limits. However, they must also comply with regulations set out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which limits speeds more than posted signs.

Specifically, the FMCSA regulations prohibit a commercial driver from traveling at speeds “too fast for conditions.” “Conditions” refers to either road or weather conditions. The FMCSA gives the following examples of conditions that may require a truck driver to slow down:

Rain
Ice
Snow
Fog or reduced visibility
Curves
Uneven roads
Road work zones
Gravel roads
Intersections
Congested traffic

In those situations, a truck driver cannot simply obey the posted speed limit to comply with the law. For example, the FMCSA generally recommends that drivers reduce their normal speed by one-third on wet roads. Drivers must use their judgment and slow down as conditions require.

Unfortunately, many truck drivers do not recognize how bad weather affects driving a semi-truck. Although these trucks are extremely heavy, especially when loaded, the extra weight does not automatically provide better traction. Truck drivers may also believe they handle their vehicles better than other drivers in adverse conditions, because of their training and experience as professional drivers. For these reasons, commercial drivers often drive too fast for conditions, putting other drivers at risk.

What to Do After a Crash

If a truck driver driving too fast for weather conditions crashes into your car, you will likely be shaken up or even in shock. It can be difficult to know exactly what to do next. First, you should always ensure that you and any other accident victims receive emergency medical attention.

Call 911 and follow the instructions of emergency and medical personnel if they wish to transport you in an ambulance to the hospital. Even if you do not need an ambulance, you should see a medical professional as soon as possible to make sure any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. Some serious injuries may not appear right away after an accident. When you can, you should contact an attorney who knows how to handle complex truck accident cases.

Consult With a New Orleans Truck Accident Attorney for Free Today

At the law office of Egenberg, APLC, we believe that negligent or reckless truck drivers who cause accidents should be held liable for all of the medical bills and other losses of their accident victims. We know that negotiating with insurance companies and bringing claims against trucking companies can be intimidating. We have the skills and resources to do so on your behalf. After a truck accident, please do not wait to contact our office online or call us at 504-229-5700 to discuss your accident for free.