Icy roads may be part of everyday driving in Indiana winters, but that does not make them any less treacherous. Commercial truck drivers face dangerous weather conditions all of the time. However, large trucks are at a higher risk of skidding and overturning on slippery roads than smaller, lighter vehicles. They also have the unique risk of jackknifing. Federal regulations dictate that truckers reduce their speeds under dangerous conditions, but it is the trucker’s discretion to determine when those conditions are so dangerous.
Unfortunately, the reality of the trucking industry is that truckers face enormous pressure to meet their deadlines. Truckers do not get paid by the hour—they get paid by the mile. The longer it takes them to reach their destination, the less they make per hour, and routinely being late can put their jobs in jeopardy. As a result, many truckers continue to drive when weather conditions are dangerous, which can lead to Merrillville truck accidents involving icy roads. If you have been hurt in a collision, the experienced truck crash attorneys at The Law Offices of David W. Holub could help you explore your remedies.
Bad Weather and Truck Accidents
Bad weather plays a role in about one-fifth of all motor vehicle accidents. Not all of those accidents are due to icy roads—snow, wind, fog, and rain can also contribute to accidents. However, when freezing conditions lead to icy or frozen roads, the risk of a vehicle collision grows dramatically. Freezing conditions can transform roads from traffic ways into ice rinks, sending vehicles slipping and sliding all over the place.
Truckers have no more control over Merrillville’s icy roads than other drives do. However, they can—and should—take precautions to avoid getting into accidents. If they fail to take those precautions and an accident or injury results, then they can be liable for the cost of those injuries.
However, it can be challenging to prove that a trucker was at fault in a weather-related accident. A legal professional could investigate the accident thoroughly by:
- Gathering information about the weather
- Taking photos or videos of the scene
- Investigating accident reports
- Talking to witnesses
A knowledgeable lawyer could use this information to prove liability for the wreck and obtain justice and compensation for the injured party.
What To Do After an Icy Road Truck Wreck
The first thing anyone should do after an icy weather truck wreck in Merrillville is call 911. The risk of injuries to people in the wreck is extensive, and icy roads can make it dangerous to check on other people in the accident without slipping, falling, or risking other injuries. The weather conditions can also make it difficult for people to gather evidence. Calling 911 summons first responders for medical care and police for accident investigation, where they can write an accident report, interview witnesses, and take photographs of the scene.
If possible, individuals should also collect their own evidence at the scene of an accident. However, safety must remain the top priority. Icy road conditions can make it unsafe for someone to collect their own evidence. However, even taking photos or videos from a single location can help capture the conditions at the scene at the time of the accident.
Additionally, talk to the police about what should be in the police report. It is okay to ask the police officers to note the weather conditions in their report to help establish that a wreck was weather-related. That is not always possible, so attorneys can use weather reports and other evidence to establish the prevailing weather conditions.
Talk to an Attorney About Merrillville Truck Accidents Involving Icy Roads
Because bad weather often means out-of-control vehicles, Merrillville truck accidents involving icy roads can result in severe injuries or even death. Getting compensation for those impacted by the wrecks is essential since people often face financial devastation, the inability to work, and a lengthy recovery.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of David W. Holub could help collect evidence, analyze the case, determine liability, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court. Schedule a consultation to learn more about your rights today.