Determining Liability for Company Vehicle Accidents Caused by Bad Weather
Of all the different causes of company vehicle accidents, bad weather is one of the most common. Fog, high winds, and heavy rain are just a few types of inclement weather that can contribute to an accident. While bad weather can cause a crash between any types of vehicles, those involving company vehicles are typically much more serious. Amazon trucks, courier trucks, garbage trucks, and tow trucks are much larger than passenger cars. When they are involved in a crash during bad weather, the resulting injuries are typically much more serious.
Truthfully, though, bad weather is rarely the actual cause of an accident. The real cause is a failure to stop, slow down, or pull over until conditions improve. Below, our San Antonio company vehicle accident attorney outlines who may be liable for a crash caused by bad weather.
How Does Bad Weather Increase the Risk of Company Vehicle Accidents?
Poor weather conditions pose a risk to everyone on the roads, but company vehicles are often harder to control. They are much larger and heavier, and drivers require longer stopping distances. For drivers of tractor-trailers, inclement weather conditions can cause the wheels to lose traction, meaning the vehicle may jackknife. Some of the most common risks of driving in bad weather are as follows:
- Rain and wet roads: Heavy rain makes the roads extremely wet in a very short amount of time. This can cause tires to lose their grip, which increases braking distance. Company vehicles can also hydroplane in very wet conditions, particularly when they are traveling at high speeds.
- Fog: Fog severely reduces visibility and company vehicle drivers may not see other vehicles until it is too late. Reduced visibility may also not allow company vehicle drivers to see that other vehicles are slowing down in front of them.
- High winds: Company vehicles such as box trucks often have a higher center of gravity. In high winds, this can make them more susceptible to drift in the lanes of other vehicles or roll over.
Who is At Fault for an Accident Caused by Bad Weather?
Again, accidents are not typically caused by bad weather alone. It is often a driver’s inability to drive safely in it. Company driver vehicles slow down well below posted speed limits in inclement weather conditions. Failing to reduce speed can violate basic safety standards. Drivers of company vehicles must also ensure that they have the skill and expertise to drive safely in bad weather. If they feel they do not, they should not drive until conditions improve. Company vehicle drivers are often reluctant to do this because they are on tight deadlines, but it is critical to protect the public’s safety.
Our Company Vehicle Accident Attorney in San Antonio Can Determine Liability
Determining who is liable for a crash that occurred in bad weather is not easy. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio company vehicle accident attorney can analyze the facts of your case and collect evidence to establish liability and help you pursue full compensation. Call us today at 210-LAW-9999 or fill out our online form to request a consultation and to get the legal help you need.
Source:
ecfr.gov/current/title-46/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-5/subpart-B/section-5.29
