Suing for a Snowy Semi-Truck Accident in Upstate New York

Adverse weather conditions can make semi-trucks even more dangerous than normal in Upstate New York. Visibility goes down dramatically, and it becomes much more difficult to brake effectively. Semi-trucks already suffer from slow braking distances and blind spots, and snowy conditions can exaggerate these dangers. Unfortunately, some residents of Upstate New York have discovered these dangers the hard way — suffering serious, life-altering injuries after snow semi-truck crashes. But what can you do if you find yourself in this situation? How can you sue for a semi-truck crash?

An Example of a Snowy Semi-Truck Crash in Upstate New York

On January 28th of 2023, it was reported that six people had lost their lives after a box truck collided with a bus on State Route 37 near Louisville. The crash occurred just after 6 AM, and almost 12 riders were on the bus at the time. Along with the six deaths, there were a number of serious injuries reported — including a number of life-threatening injuries.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation as of this writing. However, police admitted that the roads were very snowy at the time of the crash, and this obviously could have played a role.

Truckers Are Legally Required to Stop Driving in Adverse Conditions

The Department of Transport is very clear on this matter: If conditions become too dangerous to drive in, truckers are legally required to pull over and wait for the roads to improve. They can do this without fear of being fired or retaliated against by their employers. In fact, the DoT has strict penalties for any employers that punish truckers in any way for choosing to pull over. Because of this, a trucker who continues to drive despite the clear DoT policy is committing an act of negligence.

Unfortunately, the trucking industry incentivizes rushing and cutting corners. These truckers are paid based on how many journeys they can complete within a certain amount of time. Therefore, it makes sense to drive through snowy conditions and finish hauls without stopping. This approach inevitably leads to a higher number of accidents in snowy conditions.

How Can Truckers Drive Safely in Snow?

Despite the dangers, it is possible to drive safely in light snow. The number one rule is simple: Slow down. The same speed limits do not apply in snowy weather, and you must use your own judgment to determine the best speed. Other guidelines include:

• Give other vehicles more space
• Brake slowly
• Watch for black ice
• Exercise more care on bridges

Where Can I Find a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney in Upstate New York?

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in Upstate New York, look no further than the Stanley Law Offices, LLP. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured victims in the upstate New York area — including those who have been harmed by semi-truck crashes. We know how dangerous these crashes can be — especially in snowy conditions. Book a consultation today, and we can guide you toward compensation for your medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and any other damages you have suffered.

Sources

1. https://www.foxnews.com/us/gruesome-upstate-new-york-crash-between-truck-bus-leaves-least-6-dead
2. https://advanced.edu/blog/winter-truck-driving/

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