In winter, road debris might cause trucking accidents for several reasons. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT):
- Winter weather might decrease a truck driver’s range of vision.
- Winter weather might hide debris on the road with snow, sleet, or slush.
- Winter weather might cause debris to fly around and cause unexpected braking.
- Winter weather might cause truck drivers to swerve and lose vehicle control.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 26,000 total accidents caused by slick roads and debris in 2015. Winter weather may include snow, blowing snow, sleet, rain, slush, fog, and black ice. If you were involved in a trucking accident in the winter and believe weather conditions played a role in causing the accident, contact a local personal injury law firm right away.
A personal injury lawyer might be able to help you understand how road debris in winter can cause trucking accidents and the options you may have for financial compensation.
A Trucking Accident May Cause These Economic and Non-Economic Damages
An accident between your passenger car and a large truck may lead to several types of financial damages. Economic damages you might sustain may stem from necessary medical care, forced income loss, required in-home assistance while you recover, and vehicle damage or destruction. These expenses might be valued by calculating your receipts, bills, and estimates.
The non-economic damages that stem from a trucking accident might be more difficult to calculate. Your lawyer may be able to help you assess these costs. Non-economic damages might include physical and emotional pain and suffering, physical disability, and physical disfigurement.
When you are ready to assign a monetary value to your potential compensation package, your lawyer may be able to help ensure none of your eligible recovery options are overlooked, omitted, undervalued, or underpaid.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Advocate for You
On your own, it can be challenging and time-consuming to prepare and file a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault truck driver, trucking company, or equipment manufacturer. The benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer after a trucking accident may include their ability to:
- Understand personal injury laws and their potential impact on your case
- Define liability by determining duty, negligence, cause, and damages
- Assign an accurate financial value to your injuries and related expenses
- Negotiate with the at-fault party or their insurance provider
- Continually update you on your case each step of the way
- Identify and comply with the relevant statute of limitations
Hiring a lawyer to represent you may allow you to spend your time focused on your physical recovery. You might also use this time to help a loved one recover or help your family cope with the loss of a fatally injured loved one. During that time, your legal team can stay focused on your financial recovery.
Comply with Your Local Statute of Limitations
Your lawyer may be able to help you determine the statute of limitations that applies to your potential trucking accident lawsuit. Understanding the filing deadline is an important part of your potential lawsuit’s viability.
The statute of limitations begins at different times, depending on the outcome of the accident. For example, if you or a loved one was injured, the statute of limitations is determined by the date of the collision. However, if a loved one died in the accident, the statute of limitations is determined by the date of their demise.
Attempting to file your lawsuit after the deadline has expired might result in an inability to file your lawsuit or in its immediate dismissal. Your lawyer can help you understand which timeline is relevant to your lawsuit. With sufficient notice, he may also ensure compliance with the statute of limitations on your behalf.
Recover from the Danger of Road Debris in Winter
You might be entitled to financial recovery after a collision with a large truck caused by a dangerous combination of road debris and winter weather. Learn more about how road debris in winter can cause trucking accidents and how you may seek monetary compensation if you were injured. Contact Morelli Law Firm if you or someone you love was injured in a trucking accident caused by hidden or blowing debris in winter weather. Call us at (212) 751-9800 to reach a team member today.