When the weather is bad, auto accidents are more likely to occur, especially when large commercial trucks are on the road. Even so, the weather is never the sole cause of a trucking accident.
If a negligent tractor-trailer operator caused you to suffer injuries in a wreck, consider talking to an Omaha truck accident lawyer. The lawyers at Berry Law can help you file a legal claim after a truck accident involving bad weather in Omaha.
Common Types of Bad Weather Accidents
When truckers drive in the rain, sleet, snow, or ice, there is a higher risk of accidents. However, certain types of crashes happen more frequently in poor weather conditions.
For example, jackknife wrecks are particularly common in snowy and icy conditions. Additionally, icy roads can make it tough to stop, leading to a rear-end truck accident. Intense fog can also make it difficult to see, resulting in more collisions. If you were in any of these types of bad weather accidents, talk to an experienced semi-truck collision lawyer about your claim.
Steps to Take After a Truck Collision in Inclement Weather
If you are not critically injured, your first step after the collision should be to gather the other party’s contact information and take photos of the scene of the accident. It is also important to call the police and report the accident.
If you are in critical medical condition after the crash, the police should arrange for you to be taken to the hospital. In cases such as these, you will not be able to gather much evidence or contact information. Fortunately, a dedicated attorney can gather evidence on your behalf after a bad weather truck accident. After receiving initial medical care, it is vital to continue attending follow-up appointments and follow the doctor’s orders.
Can Dangerous Weather Impact Fault in a Tractor-Trailer Accident Case?
Bad weather can contribute to a crash, but it does not necessarily affect the assignment of fault. A trained commercial truck driver should know to drive slower and take extra caution in inclement weather conditions. This means that if a negligent trucker is unable to execute a timely stop on an icy road and rear-ends you, he or she is still at fault.
There are some situations in which bad weather could diminish the truck operator’s fault. For example, if a trucker was safely controlling his or her vehicle at 20 miles per hour on an icy road, the court may not find him or her liable for failing to stop in time to avoid hitting a speeding driver that ran through a stop sign.
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Evidence Used in Omaha Truck Wreck Cases
In an 18-wheeler accident case involving inclement weather, the defense will likely argue the weather was the sole cause of the accident. This is why it is crucial to work with a lawyer to gather evidence that counters those claims. Common types of evidence include:
- Witness statements
- Photographs and video
- Cell phone records
- Medical records
If necessary, a skilled lawyer may even bring in an accident reconstructionist to determine the exact cause of the wreck.
Seek Legal Counsel After a Truck Accident Involving Bad Weather in Omaha
If you were harmed in a truck accident involving bad weather in Omaha, you should not underestimate the value of your claim. Weather is not an excuse for reckless driving. At Berry Law, we can help you prove the other party or person was at fault. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
