Truck accidents due to bad weather are a serious concern, particularly in Indiana, where unpredictable weather patterns can create dangerous driving conditions. Rain, snow, ice, and high winds significantly increase the risk of accidents, especially for large commercial vehicles that require more control and stopping distance. Understanding the causes of weather-related truck accidents, determining liability, and knowing how to file a claim are crucial for anyone affected.
This guide explains the causes of these accidents, identifies responsible parties and outlines the necessary steps to take following a weather-related truck accident. Whether you’re a truck driver, safety advocate, or legal professional, this article provides the insights you need to navigate these challenging situations. Blackburn Romey is committed to helping individuals understand their legal options and pursue fair compensation.
Bad weather creates challenging conditions for all drivers, but the risks are amplified for trucks due to their size, weight, and limited maneuverability. According to federal regulations, extreme caution in operating a commercial motor vehicle shall be exercised when hazardous conditions, such as those caused by snow, ice, sleet, fog, mist, rain, dust, or smoke, adversely affect visibility or traction. Yet, accidents still happen. Indiana roads, particularly highways like I-69 and I-65, frequently see hazardous conditions during winter storms and heavy rain.
Rain, fog, and snow significantly reduce visibility, making it harder for drivers to see road signs, other vehicles, and lane markings. Trucks struggle with proper braking when combined with slippery roads caused by ice or water, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Key issues include:
In Indiana, sudden snow squalls or icy patches on bridges and overpasses can turn a routine drive into a hazardous situation in seconds. Truck drivers who fail to adjust their speed or braking distance put themselves and others at risk.
High winds frequently contribute to truck accidents due to bad weather, as semi-trucks and trailers have large, flat surfaces that can catch gusts like sails. This increases the risk of vehicles being pushed off course, particularly on open highways and overpasses.
Strong crosswinds can make it difficult for drivers to maintain control, and in severe cases, wind gusts can overturn trailers, blocking roads and leading to multi-vehicle crashes. Trucks carrying light or uneven loads face even greater difficulty maintaining stability and direction, increasing the likelihood of dangerous situations on the road. Certain areas of Indiana, like stretches of I-74 and I-80, are known for strong crosswinds that can quickly destabilize a semi-truck, leading to dangerous situations.
Determining liability in truck accidents due to bad weather is often complex. While hazardous conditions play a role, they don’t absolve parties of responsibility. Liability typically comes down to determining who contributed negligently to the incident.
Truck drivers must exercise extreme caution during hazardous conditions by adjusting speed, increasing following distance, and stopping when driving becomes unsafe. Trucking companies may be held responsible when they or their drivers are negligent during hazardous driving conditions, such as when:
Bad weather plays a role in accidents, but negligence is often a greater factor. Liability can arise when drivers or companies fail to adjust speed in poor visibility, operate vehicles with worn-out tires or brakes, or disregard weather warnings. Even in hazardous conditions, they must prioritize safety and take necessary precautions. Neglecting to adapt to road conditions can result in liability, regardless of the weather.
Being involved in a truck accident due to bad weather requires taking the right steps to protect your rights and seek compensation for your damages.
Proving fault in weather-related crashes requires evidence that negligence played a role, even in challenging conditions. Steps to determine fault include:
The goal is to determine whether the accident was unavoidable due to weather or if negligence contributed to the crash.
Victims of truck accidents due to bad weather may seek compensation for:
Coverage for emergency care, hospital stays, ongoing treatments, rehabilitation, and prescription medications related to the accident.
Reimbursement for wages lost during recovery, including long-term disability, reduced earning capacity, and other financial hardships caused by the accident.
Repair or replacement of your vehicle, personal belongings, and any other property affected by the crash.
Compensation for emotional distress, trauma, physical pain, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life following the crash.
Legal representation can help calculate these damages and negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement, especially when insurers try to reduce payouts by blaming the weather.
A truck accident due to bad weather demands legal assistance. Blackburn Romey provides the support needed to navigate these cases, working to secure proper compensation.
Those involved in a truck accident in Indiana should take action immediately—call us today at (260) 422-4400 to discuss your case.
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.
