Winter in New Jersey is no stranger to snowstorms, and driving alongside large trucks during these icy conditions can be dangerous. Sharing the road with these heavy vehicles requires extra caution, especially when snow and ice complicate visibility and traction. For drivers injured in a truck accident during a snowstorm, knowing how to stay safe and protect your rights is essential. Below is your comprehensive guide to snowstorm safety and what to do if you’re hurt in a truck accident.
Understanding the Risks of Trucks During Snowstorms
Large trucks, such as tractor-trailers, semis, and box trucks, operate differently from smaller vehicles. Their size and weight make stopping distances longer, and their maneuverability is reduced—issues exacerbated by snowy roads. Drivers should be aware of these risks:
Increased Blind Spots
Large trucks already have significant blind spots, but snowstorms can make them worse by obstructing mirrors or cameras. Avoid lingering in these areas, especially when changing lanes.
Jackknifing Risks
Jackknifing happens when a truck’s trailer swings out, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. Snowy and icy conditions make this more likely, and nearby cars are often caught in the path.
Reduced Visibility
Snowstorms often reduce visibility to just a few feet. For truck drivers, this limitation can delay reaction times and make it harder to see smaller vehicles nearby or switching lanes.
By understanding these dangers, NJ drivers can take proactive steps to avoid collisions.
NJ Laws to Know After a Truck Accident in a Snowstorm
In New Jersey, if you’re injured in a truck accident, your ability to recover compensation depends on meeting the serious injury threshold. Under NJ law, you must prove that your injuries qualify as “serious” to step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit.
Serious injuries include:
- Permanent disfigurement
- Loss of a body part
- Significant scarring
- Fractures
- Injuries leading to death
For example, if you sustain a spinal cord injury requiring long-term rehabilitation after a snowstorm truck crash, you may meet this threshold and pursue a truck accident claim with the help of an experienced attorney.
How Snowstorm Truck Accidents Occur
Truck accidents in snowstorms aren’t always caused by slick roads alone. Many involve negligence, which may include:
Driving Too Fast for Conditions
While speeding is dangerous in any weather, truck drivers traveling too fast during snowstorms risk losing control and causing catastrophic injuries.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Uneven or unsecured cargo can make trucks top-heavy. Snowy roads only amplify the chance of rollovers.
Failure to Perform Maintenance
Bald tires, broken lights, or faulty brakes can lead to accidents in bad weather. Trucking companies have a responsibility to maintain their vehicles.
Injured drivers should document these issues after an accident to help strengthen their case.
Preventing Truck Accidents in Snowstorms
While you can’t control how truck drivers operate, you can take steps to protect yourself during a snowstorm:
Keep Extra Distance
Trucks need much more space to stop on icy roads. Maintain at least a six-second gap when following a truck.
Avoid Sudden Braking
Abrupt stops can cause trucks behind you to skid. Instead, ease into braking or slowing down.
Beware of Wide Turns
Large trucks often swing wide to complete turns. During snowstorms, slick roads can make these maneuvers more unpredictable.
Use Snow Tires
Equip your vehicle with snow tires for better grip. While this won’t affect the truck’s performance, it can make avoiding collisions easier.
Common Truck Accident Injuries in NJ Snowstorms
Truck accidents often cause severe injuries due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles. Examples include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Common when passengers hit their heads on dashboards or are ejected from their vehicles. TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive or physical impairments.
- Crush Injuries: Trucks may overturn or collide with vehicles, crushing occupants inside. These injuries often require amputations or extensive reconstructive surgery.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Slips on ice during a collision can lead to vertebrae fractures, causing partial or complete paralysis.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries like these, contacting an experienced truck accident lawyer is critical for recovering the compensation you're seeking.
Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Navigating a truck accident claim after a snowstorm can be complex. Multiple parties—such as the driver, trucking company, and insurers—may be involved, making it challenging to determine liability. A personal injury lawyer experienced in NJ truck accident cases can help:
- Investigate the Accident: A lawyer can examine driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data for evidence of negligence.
- Negotiate With Insurers: Insurers often downplay claims. A lawyer will fight for fair compensation that reflects the true value of your injuries.
- Litigate if Necessary: If settlement negotiations fail, your attorney can file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
Remember, time is of the essence. In New Jersey, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Steps to Take After a Snowstorm Truck Accident in New Jersey
If you’re injured in a snowstorm truck accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and your claim:
- Call 911: Always report the accident to local law enforcement.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, a doctor’s report can link them to the accident.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of your car, the truck, and the road conditions.
- Exchange Information: Collect the truck driver’s name, employer, and insurance details.
- Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer: Early legal guidance ensures critical evidence is preserved.
Injured in a Truck Accident in New Jersey? Contact Corradino & Papa to File a Personal Injury Claim
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a snowstorm truck accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Corradino & Papa is dedicated to protecting the rights of New Jersey residents. Our experienced truck accident lawyers will work tirelessly to fight for the compensation you’re seeking to cover your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
We proudly serve clients in Clifton, East Orange, Glen Ridge, and across New Jersey. Call us today at 973-381-1706 for a free consultation and let us fight for your future.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.