Salt Lake County receives an average of almost 52 inches of snow annually. Black ice, which forms when snow melts during the day and refreezes overnight, poses a significant danger during the early morning hours. Additionally, the area experiences approximately 126 rainy days each year, during which oil can mix with stormwater to create slippery road conditions.
When driving in bad weather, you might be more careful and diligent. However, inexperienced commercial truckers may struggle with slick or icy roads. If they are in a hurry or fail to adjust their driving to match the conditions, they can cause serious bad weather truck accidents in West Jordan.
If you were injured in a truck accident, our skilled truck wreck attorneys can help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Negligence, the Speed Limit, and Inclement Weather
Negligence occurs when truck drivers violate laws and regulations, leading to accidents with injuries that are reasonably foreseeable. According to 49 Code of Federal Regulations § 392.14, truckers must adjust their driving habits based on weather conditions. If there are hazardous conditions such as black ice, raging storms that reduce visibility, or heavy hail, even driving within the speed limit can be considered negligent behavior.
If a commercial truck driver is negligent, the trucking company can often be held responsible for failing to adequately train its drivers. Additionally, the company may be at fault for pressuring drivers to operate their trucks in poor weather conditions to meet deadlines, despite the legal requirement for drivers to adjust their speed according to the weather or pull over and wait for conditions to improve. If you were injured in a West Jordan truck crash during inclement weather and are worried about how you will pay your medical bills and replace lost wages, our attorneys can help.
We can review your case and determine whether insurance negotiations or litigation is the best way to proceed.
Why Is Black Ice So Dangerous?
Black ice is a thin layer of ice that can be difficult to see, as it often blends in with the dark asphalt or gray cement used for interstate roads. Areas of the road that are shaded, such as those under bridges and in tunnels, are more likely to be covered in black ice. Drivers should check if their windshield wipers and side mirrors are frosted, as this can indicate if black ice is present.
Icy conditions present significant challenges for trucking companies and their drivers. An overloaded truck has a higher center of gravity, which increases the risk of rollovers on black ice. In addition, if the cargo is overweight, the truck may take longer to brake, increasing the likelihood of skidding.
When a truck driver loses control and skids on black ice, it can lead to collisions that not only affect the truck but also endanger other drivers nearby. Other weather-related truck accidents may involve:
- Heavy and sudden rain
- Oil slicks that develop when roads are wet after a storm
- Winter snow drifts that can cause a driver to careen out of control
- Any weather conditions that reduce visibility, such as fog caused by cool nights and warm days
Our West Jordan injury attorneys are skilled negotiators and tenacious litigators who are not afraid to take on corporate trucking companies if you were injured in a bad weather accident.
Legal Insurance Requirement
Interstate commercial trucking insurance is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a critical safety net for both the trucking company and those sharing the road. According to 49 Code of Federal Regulations § 387.9, interstate commercial trucking companies must be insured for at least $750,000 and up to $5 million if they are hauling hazardous cargo. If the injured party in a poor weather semi-truck accident requires additional money due to catastrophic harm and the inability to return to work, our West Jordan lawyers litigate for a just damages award.
Contact a West Jordan Attorney After a Bad Weather Truck Collision
Bad weather truck accidents in West Jordan can result in catastrophic injuries, and even death. If you were involved in a truck crash, know that you are not alone on your legal journey for compensation. Focus on recovering your health while our dedicated attorneys handle insurers and advocate for your rights in court.
Call Kramer Injury Law now and learn how we could help you.
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