Wet Roads and Trucking Collisions

Wet roads can increase the risk of hydroplaning, make it more difficult for trucks to stop and significantly increase the risk of collisions. Truckers are expected to operate their vehicle at a speed that is safe for road conditions. This can mean slowing down in Southwest Florida’s often wet and turbulent weather.

If a trucker fails to adjust his speed and driving to accommodate bad weather, an accident can result. Victims of the collision can pursue a claim for compensation if they can prove the trucker was negligent in causing or contributing to a serious or fatal collision. Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, assists accident victims in protecting their rights. Call 800-646-1210 today to speak with a Florida trucking accidents lawyer.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a Large Truck Crash Causation Study. According to the report, weather was the cause of 127 single-vehicle truck crashes. Weather affecting truck operation also caused 114 multi-vehicle crashes.

Slick roads, including low friction road surfaces, was a separate category on the NHTSA report. Slick roads caused an additional 240 single-vehicle crashes involving large trucks, which accounted for one percent of these types of collisions. An additional 950 multi-vehicle collisions occurred because of trucks having problems on slick roads.

Truck drivers must be aware of the risks of bad weather and should adjust their speed accordingly or stay off the roads when it is too hazardous to drive safely. Truck drivers not only need to drive more slowly, but also must be aware of the dangers of hydroplaning; and must leave a longer following distance in between the truck and vehicles in front because wet roads can make braking more difficult.

Yet another risk of wet roads is that trucks will create spray that is dangerous for motorcyclists, pedestrians and even other passenger vehicles. Motorists on the road during rainstorms should be aware of the risks that trucks present when conditions are wet and should leave trucks plenty of space.

While wet roads increase the chances of a collision, a slick road surface is no excuse for a crash. A careful truck driver will safely accommodate poor weather conditions and will be cautious during all operations.

If a truck driver fails to follow safety precautions or is unreasonably negligent in operating his truck during wet weather, the driver may be liable for a resulting collision. Trucking companies that employ drivers may also be held legally responsible if a crash occurs during inclement weather.

Victims of truck accidents may need accident reconstruction experts and eyewitness testimony to help make a case for compensation after a wet weather truck accident. After representing clients in more than 20,000 injury cases, Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, has the experience and skills necessary to help investigate and prove your truck accident claim. We also have a network of outside professionals who can testify in your case.

Your consultation is free with a Southwest Florida trucking accidents lawyer and we do not charge legal fees to represent you unless we recover monetary compensation on your behalf. Call today at 800-646-1210 or visit us online for a free consultation.