Icy weather might affect trucking accidents by causing the truck’s tires to lose traction with the road and slide into other vehicles. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 13% of all reported weather-related car accidents involve icy roads.
When icy weather causes slick, slippery roads, it can increase the force of an impact between a truck and the passenger car it collides with. This might subsequently increase the severity of any injuries suffered by the occupants of both vehicles.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), when large trucks and passenger vehicles collide, the fatal injury rate is significantly higher for the smaller vehicle occupants. While 16% of the fatalities in these types of accidents in 2018 were the occupants of large trucks, 67% were the occupants of the passenger vehicle.
If you were injured or if someone you love was killed in a trucking accident that occurred in icy weather, a truck accident lawyer might be able to help you prepare and file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit for financial compensation.
Drivers have a responsibility to drive safely in all types of weather. Your lawyer may be able to help you determine how icy weather affected your trucking accident and identify the potentially liable party. When you are ready to seek financial compensation for the injuries you sustained, you may want to contact the client intake team at a personal injury law firm near you.
Do Not Wait to Start Preparing Your Personal Injury Lawsuit
Injuries you sustained in a trucking accident might be eligible for compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. If you decide to seek compensation from the at-fault party, your state may limit your right to file your lawsuit. The date the accident occurs may determine the filing deadline.
The loss of a family member in a trucking accident might also entitle certain family members to financial compensation with a wrongful death lawsuit. Similar to a personal injury lawsuit, your state may impose a limitation on the amount of time you have to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The date of your loved one’s death typically determines your filing deadline.
When a truck accident lawyer handles your case, they might be able to help prepare and file your lawsuit in time to comply with the relevant statute of limitations.
Determining the Liable Parties in Your Potential Lawsuit
Proving the cause of your trucking accident may help your lawyer determine the correct at-fault party to pursue for financial recovery. Depending on the cause of the accident, the at-fault party might be:
- The truck driver, if their independent actions caused the accident
- The truck driver’s employer, if their actions caused the accident
- The truck’s manufacturer, if a vehicle flaw caused the accident
You might also have a case against the company that manufactured the truck’s components and parts if they failed to function properly. Inoperable wiper blades, malfunctioning window defoggers, or tires with inadequate tread might all contribute to causing, contributing to, or worsening an icy weather accident.
Your lawyer may request records concerning the truck’s inspection dates and results, mechanical records, and maintenance records to use as evidence in your case.
Your Lawyer May Negotiate with the At-Fault Party
After identifying the at-fault party, your lawyer may file a personal injury claim with their insurance representative. This may allow you to settle your case without going to court.
In general, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, and property damage. You might also receive compensation for your physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering, as well as any chronic or permanent physical disabilities, scarring, or disfigurement.
If you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for funeral costs and other types of wrongful death damages permitted by your state.
Your lawyer may be able to calculate your financial damages and use the resulting figure to negotiate for a settlement offer on your behalf. If the at-fault party’s insurance company does not make you a fair settlement offer, your lawyer can take your case to trial.
Let Our Team Fight for Your Financial Recovery
If you or someone you love was injured in a trucking accident during icy weather, Morelli Law Firm might be able to help you. We understand how icy weather can affect trucking accidents and may be able to establish the responsible party’s negligence in your case.
To discuss your accident and your legal options with a member of our truck accident team, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800. Initial consultations are free.