Common Snow Plow Accidents in Indiana

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.

How Common Are Snow Plow Accidents in Indiana?

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):

• INDOT conducts winter operations to remove snow and ice from roads every year.
• They use anti-icing, plowing, and de-icing techniques to keep roads passable.
• INDOT deploys over 1,000 snow plows, along with 2,000 drivers, mechanics, clerks, and managers, to handle winter weather conditions.
• Their goals are to keep roads and bridges open, operate efficiently, and ensure safety and mobility during winter storms.
• Plow drivers are expected to familiarize themselves with road obstacles and special treatment areas to effectively clear snow and maintain safety.
• They also encourage and offer tips for residents and commercial property owners to keep driveways clear of snow.

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.

Common Causes of Snow Plow Accidents

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:

• Poor visibility: Snowstorms and blizzard-like conditions can severely limit a driver’s visibility. Snow plow operators may have difficulties seeing other vehicles and obstacles on the road, increasing the risk of accidents, especially if operators do not slow down or use appropriate caution.
• Slippery road conditions: Snow and ice on the roads can make it challenging for snow plow operators to maintain control of their vehicles. This can result in skidding, sliding, and potentially colliding with other vehicles if they do not drive carefully.
• Distracted driving: Just like any other driver, snow plow operators can be distracted by their phones, radios, or other factors while operating their vehicles. This distraction can lead to accidents if their attention is not fully focused on the road.
• Inexperience: Operating a snow plow requires specific skills and knowledge. Inexperienced or poorly trained snow plow operators may make critical errors that lead to accidents. Companies that allow inexperienced drivers to use snow plows can also be responsible for resulting accidents.

Common Snow Plow Injuries

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:

• Whiplash and neck injuries: Sudden impact can cause the head and neck to jerk forcefully, leading to whiplash and neck injuries. These injuries can be extremely painful and require medical attention.
• Head injuries: In a snow plow accident, victims may experience head injuries due to their head hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects inside the vehicle. Head injuries can include concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Broken bones: The force of a snow plow collision can result in broken bones, particularly in the extremities. Fractured arms, legs, and ribs are common injuries in these accidents.
• Back and spinal cord injuries: The impact of a snow plow accident can cause severe damage to the back and spinal cord. Victims may experience herniated discs, spinal fractures, or even paralysis.

Liability in Snow Plow Accidents

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.

Suing a Private Snow Removal Company for an Accident in Indiana

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:

• Duty of care: The snow removal company owed you a duty of care to perform their services safely and efficiently.
• Breach of duty: The snow removal company failed to meet the required standard of care, either through negligence or recklessness.
• Causation: The snow removal company’s breach of duty directly caused or significantly contributed to the accident.
• Damages: You suffered physical injuries, emotional distress, property damage, or other losses as a result of the accident.

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.

The Dos and Don’ts of Highway Snow Plow Safety

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:

Dos:

• Do give snow plows plenty of space. They are larger and slower than other vehicles, and it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance to avoid collisions.
• Do slow down and drive with caution. Snow plows can create a cloud of snow, reducing visibility. Drive at a safe speed and be prepared for sudden stops or maneuvers.
• Do be patient. Snow plows are working to clear the roads and make them safer for everyone. They may need extra time to clear the snow and ice properly.

Don’ts:

• Don’t pass snow plows unless absolutely necessary. It can be dangerous to pass a snow plow, as it may obstruct your view and potentially kick up debris or snow.
• Don’t tailgate snow plows. It’s important to maintain a safe distance to avoid accidents. Tailgating a snow plow can increase the risk of a collision.
• Don’t drive aggressively around snow plows. Aggressive driving behaviors, such as cutting in front of a snow plow or honking excessively, can distract the operator and potentially lead to an accident.

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 Lead to High Levels of Injury and Fatality for Motor Vehicle Occupants

There are more trucks on the road nowadays than seemingly ever, and they are getting larger and heavier. Whether you are in an accident with a large snow plow or a commercial truck and they are at fault, you could be entitled to damages from the truck driver and their employer.

Large trucks and buses are involved in many accidents, with there having been 5,096 fatalities in accidents involving large trucks and buses in a recent year alone. There were