Due to their immense size and weight, commercial trucks are the largest and most dangerous vehicles on the road. It is because of this that they can cause serious accidents caused by negligent driving or poor weather conditions. For example, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), winds over 25 miles per hour can affect a truck driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle. Continue reading below to learn more.
What are Causes of Wind-Related Truck Accidents?
When there are strong winds while driving, it can increase the odds that a truck driver will be involved in or cause an accident.
- High crosswinds: High winds can cause a truck to sway or tip on the road.
- Improperly loaded cargo: If cargo moves in the truck, it can cause the weight to be unevenly distributed, making it hard to navigate the vehicle in high winds.
- Failure to take appropriate action for weather conditions: Truck drivers must be aware of the weather so they know what precautions to implement on the road, such as slowing to a safe speed, pulling over until conditions improve, planning an alternative route, etc.
What Types of Accidents are Caused by Strong Winds?
There are a variety of different kinds of truck accidents that can happen due to high winds, such as:
- Rollover accidents: Strong winds can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle and roll it on its side.
- Underride accidents: If a truck driver steps on the brakes after hitting wind can cause another vehicle closely behind them to crash and slide underneath the truck.
- Jackknife accidents: When a driver hits the brakes too hard, the truck can fold in on itself and form a 90-degree angle.
- Lost load accidents: Improperly loaded cargo can come loose and fall out of the truck onto the road.
What do I do if I am Injured in a Truck Accident?
When a truck accident happens, it can cause devastating injuries to the people who are involved. It is because of this that injured parties may pursue legal action to recover compensation for any damages incurred due to the accident. To do so, they must file a personal injury claim in which they are required to prove negligence directly caused their injuries. Evidence that can be helpful can include medical documentation of the injuries, pictures or video of the scene, witness testimonies, etc.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz has decades of experience representing clients in Howard County and Anne Arundel County, Maryland who have been seriously injured because of someone else’s negligence. Let our firm explore all possible methods of recovering the compensation you are entitled to. Contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz today to discuss your case.
