Winter roads can quickly become incredibly dangerous and treacherous because of whiteouts, blowing snow, high winds, and icy conditions. One or a combination of any of these can make roads difficult to maneuver. When it comes to tractor-trailer accidents, in fact, one of the main causes is weather conditions. Weather-related circumstances are to blame for approximately one in every four crashes, according to the FHA (Federal Highway Administration). Most of these were winter truck accidents involving ice, snow, and other harsh winter conditions.

Cases can be complex when they involve weather-related circumstances that cause truck accidents. To investigate all the complexities, an attorney must be experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects involved.

Common Winter Truck Accidents And Their Severity

It can be extremely difficult to maneuver a tractor-trailer when slippery road conditions exist. Winter weather conditions are to blame for some of the following truck accidents (which are most commonly reported):

• Rollover accidents
• Underride accidents (when, under the rear of a large tractor-trailer, a passenger vehicle crashes – ending up under the trailer – this is referred to as an underride accident)
• Rear-end collisions
• Head-on collisions
• Jackknifing (very scary and very dangerous)

Why Accidents Happen

Though winter weather conditions may be the cause for some accidents, if truck driver negligence is involved, weather conditions take a backseat. If conditions become too severe, not only is extreme caution required but a driver may actually be required to stop driving, per certain federal regulations. Accidents may become more likely, depending on a trucker’s conduct, when ice and snow are present. A trucker may well be responsible for an accident if they are:

• Improperly loading cargo – A truck can be made unstable by a load that is poorly balanced. This instability can be the cause of rollover or fishtail accidents.
• Unwilling to stop – If conditions become severe, truckers should stop driving. Unfortunately, even in winter conditions, a truck may not stop due to tight deadlines and more.
• Distracted – Talking, texting, or simply being inattentive. This is particularly a problem because it makes accidents even more likely in harsh winter driving conditions.

Injuries Most Commonly Experienced by Trucker-Trailer Drivers

You’ve seen which accidents occur most commonly in winter, but what about the injuries that often go along with the most common accidents? Though there is a wide variety of injuries that can be the result of an accident, the following are the most frequently reported/treated:

• Loss of limbs and impairment
• Paralysis
• Back and neck injuries
• Broken bones

Corradino & Papa Was Involved in Trucker-Trailer Accidents

If you have been injured in an accident that was a direct result of a trucker’s negligence, you need a legal team that has the knowledge and experience required to pursue a successful personal injury claim. Someone who will make sure your rights are completely and totally represented in the best way possible. That’s us! We are Corradino & Papa. We will do everything in our power to help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

If you have been injured, let us do all the legal wrangling while you just worry about getting better.

Fill out our convenient online form to book a free consultation at no obligation to you.