Although Buffalo summers are warm and pleasant, the winters are known for freezing temperatures, snow, and black ice. Inclement weather can be especially troublesome for truck drivers because if they are overloaded, their high center of gravity makes them more likely to topple or lose control, which makes it more difficult to brake in wet or icy conditions.
Because of their size, truck accidents can result in more catastrophic outcomes than standard auto collisions. Multiple motorists can be seriously injured or killed in one truck wreck. When you are injured in a bad weather truck accident in Buffalo, a skilled attorney from our firm can help you seek compensation from the negligent party.
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Black Ice and Commercial Vehicle Accidents
During Western New York winters, black ice is a common danger. Truck drivers may not notice the thin layer of ice if it blends into the road’s surface. This hard-to-detect danger is more prevalent in shady road areas such as bridges, underpasses, and tunnels, and drivers should assume it is present if ice has formed on wipers, side mirrors, and windshields or if windows are frosted. Some other bad weather that poses a danger on New York’s roads includes:
Roads more slippery from oil during a storm
Sudden and torrential spring storms
Summer fog that reduces visibility
Snowdrifts
All motorists, including commercial truckers, are responsible for driving safely and not placing motorcyclists, pedestrians, bicyclists, or other motor vehicle operators in unnecessary danger. Under 49 Code of Federal Regulations § 392.14, commercial truckers must adjust their behavior for road conditions, slowing down or pulling over if necessary. The courts will not find it a credible defense for drivers to claim they were going the speed limit in inclement weather.
When a motorist sustains injuries because a truck driver fails to adjust their driving for inclement weather conditions, they can pursue compensation from personal injury protection (PIP) plans as well as a third-party claim in some circumstances. An injury claim will provide payments to the injured party for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and a diminished quality of life. A skilled attorney from Richmond Vona, LLC can help injured parties understand their options following a bad weather semi-truck wreck in Buffalo.
Insurance Requirements for Truck Drivers
Trucking companies must carry minimum liability insurance in case their drivers harm others in accidents. Under CFR § 387.9, interstate commercial trucks must be insured for at least $750,000 and up to $5 million if they carry hazardous cargo. Motorists whose injuries and damages exceed insurance caps can rely on our team to help them litigate for suitable compensation after a Buffalo bad weather truck accident.
Let a Buffalo Attorney Help After an Inclement Weather Truck Accident
Buffalo can experience inclement weather almost any time of year. Truck drivers and all other motorists must be even more attentive to the roads when snow and black ice are blanketing them, or a thunderstorm reduces visibility.
When a trucker fails to uphold their duty of care, and you sustain injuries in a bad weather truck accident in Buffalo, we can help you understand what steps to take next and help ensure you get the compensation you need to get back on your feet. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
With over 25 years of combined personal injury experience, our co-founding attorneys, John E. Richmond and Keith R. Vona, have helped injury victims and their family members recover more than $150 million in financial relief.
John E. Richmond
Co-Founding Member
As one of New York’s top personal injury attorneys, John E. Richmond understands that clients come first. With over a decade of experience representing plaintiffs, he knows how to hold negligent corporations and big insurance companies liable.
In his nearly 15 years in practice, Keith has been consistently recognized for his client service and record of results. He has been selected for inclusion in the New York Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list four times (2013 to 2016), an honor reserved for the top up-and-coming attorneys.
