The ice storms and snow that came early in 2022 in Indiana from the Midwest Snow Storm may have caused many accidents and issues on the roads. If you were able to get out of your house and onto the roads, the likelihood of finding a business open was low, while the potential of getting into an accident was high. The next winter could be no different.
While snow plows provide an important service that can reduce accidents due to snowy roads, these large and heavy vehicles present new risks of crashes and injuries to motorists who are sharing the road. Anyone involved in a snow plow accident should reach out to a truck accident lawyer for help.
Snow plow accidents are more common than you might realize in Indiana, mostly due to the commitment of the Department of Transportation and individual residents and businesses to clear snow and ice using plowing vehicles throughout the winter. Consider the following reported by INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation):
While thousands of state and privately-owned snow plows are necessary to help avoid other winter collisions on the roads, these vehicles can cause serious accidents and injuries themselves. They can hit other cars, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and more.
Understanding the common causes of snow plow accidents can help prevent them and identify who should be liable when accidents and injuries happen due to snow plows. Some of the leading causes include:
Snow plow accidents can result in various injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries victims may sustain in a snow plow accident include:
Determining liability in snow plow accidents can be complicated, as the weather can play a huge role, and multiple parties may be involved. In some cases, the snow plow operator may be held liable for the accident if their negligence or recklessness contributed to the collision.
However, other parties may share the blame, such as the driver of another vehicle or the entity responsible for road maintenance. Consulting an experienced Indiana snow plow accident attorney from Blackburn Romey allows you to assess liability so you know where to turn for compensation.
If you have been injured in a snow plow accident caused by a private snow removal company, you may seek compensation from the company’s insurance coverage. When suing a private snow removal company in Indiana, you must establish negligence by proving the following elements:
A skilled snow plow accident attorney from Blackburn Romey can investigate what happened and present evidence to prove liability for your accident and injuries whenever possible.
When driving near snow plows on the highway, you can follow certain guidelines to protect your safety and the safety of others. While you can never fully avoid accidents, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Remember, highway safety is a collective responsibility, and by following these basic guidelines, you can help prevent snow plow accidents and ensure a safer driving experience for everyone.
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries or even fatalities for those involved. With the growing number of trucks on the road, many more significant and heavier than ever, collisions with snowplows, commercial trucks, and other large vehicles are becoming more common. If you’ve been injured in such an accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the truck driver and their employer.
In a recent year, there were 5,096 fatalities in accidents involving large trucks and buses alone. If you or a loved one has been affected, don’t wait to seek legal help. Our experienced Indiana truck accident attorneys are here to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call 800-FOR-HELP now to schedule a free consultation and get the legal support you need.
Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Tom Blackburn, who has more than 47 years of legal experience, including over 39 years specializing as a personal injury attorney.