Long-haul truck drivers can average anywhere from 500 to 1,000 miles a day and over 100,000 miles a year. Long haul trucking is already a grueling job, but it can become even more treacherous during the winter months. As long haul truckers make their ways across various parts of the country, they are likely to encounter inclement winter weather including snow, sleet, ice, fog, high winds, or slush.
More than 70 percent of the nation’s roads are located in snowy regions. In order to best prepare for adverse winter weather conditions, long haul truck drivers must remain alert and be ready to face road closures, poor visibility, cargo shifting, and slick pavement. Without the proper precautions, winter road conditions can lead to unnecessary and potentially devastating accidents.
If you are involved in an accident with a long-haul trucker, contact our experienced Houston truck accident attorneys at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. We will fight for your right to compensation after an accident. Call us today at (281) 283-8500.
Winter Related Accidents
Driving in winter conditions can increase the likelihood of being involved in an accident. According to the Federal Highway Administration:
- Approximately 22 percent of motor vehicle crashes each year are weather related.
• Of the nearly 1,259,000 weather-related crashes each year, 24 percent occur on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement and 15 percent take place during snowfall or sleet.
• More than 116,000 people are injured and over 1,300 are killed on snowy, slushy or icy pavement each year in the United States.
• Nearly 900 people die and roughly 76,000 people are injured annually in vehicle crashes during snowfall or sleet.
How Winter Weather Impacts Long-Haul Truckers
While winter can be a hazardous time for any driver, maneuvering an 18 wheeler, tractor trailer, or big rig on snowy or icy roads can be particularly risky. Winter conditions can negatively impact driving in the following ways:
- Reduced visibility
- Reduced pavement friction
- Diminished vehicle maneuverability and difficulty steering
- Obstructed roads
- Slippery road surfaces
- Increased stopping distances
- Increased traffic
- Decreased road capacity
- Decrease truck stability contributing to rollovers
- Additional stress on truck components and equipment
Common Causes of Long-Haul Winter Road Trucking Accidents
Driving a large truck during adverse winter conditions, requires vigilance, additional precautions, and a special set of skills. Some of the most common causes for truck crashes during winter include:
- Driving too fast for the conditions
- Following too closely
- Failing to slow down when approaching curves or surfaces that tend to accumulate ice, such as bridges, overpasses, entrance and exit ramps
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Mechanical or equipment failure
- Inadequate maintenance or inspection
- Driver inexperience
- Braking too hard or too late
- Braking or accelerating too quickly
- Improperly inflated or worn tires
- Using cruise control on slippery surfaces
- Failure to properly plan route
Experienced Legal Representation for Your Truck Accident Case
Long-haul truck drivers are responsible for making sure that they and their vehicles are prepared to face harsh winter weather. When a truck driver or trucking company fails to take the necessary safety precautions, the consequences can be catastrophic.
If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident that you believe was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party, you may be able to receive compensation for the following types of damages under Texas personal injury law, past and future:
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Medical costs
- Loss of earning capacity
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
At The Krist Law Firm, P.C., our Houston personal injury lawyers can help you understand your options for pursuing compensation. Our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys can help guide you every step of the process, including investigating the accident, preserving valuable evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and even taking your case to court if necessary. We are committed to helping truck accident victims obtain the justice they deserve and will fight for the maximum compensation possible for your case.
Call us today at (281) 283-8500 to speak for a consultation with one of our experienced Houston truck accident attorneys.